Curragh 16:15 - w/o Pierre Royal

oddschecker Verdict

HARDY WARRIOR was a smart juvenile and ran well in a recent Listed race. Runner-up to Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini last September before finishing fourth in a Group 1, the Pinatubo colt ran well in a Galway handicap in July and was a fast-finishing third at Killarney last week. He should continue to progress and will be fine on softening ground. Pierre Royal finished second in that Galway race, with Irish Lincolnshire winner Ribee in fifth, and both are capable handicappers. Manton Bay is hindered by a 7lb penalty for a recent success, while stablemate Slieve Binnian would prefer a sound surface. Popular top-weight Big Gossey has had another excellent year, but has never won at a mile.

Prediction: 1st Hardy Warrior, 2nd Pierre Royal, 3rd Ribee