Andy Holding picks out his best bets across the Irish Sea this afternoon.
2.25 Curragh
The repositioning of the stalls at today’s venue have resulted in a very different dynamic to most of the straight track races in recent times but hopefully the draw won’t have too big an influence of the chances of RATTLING JEWEL (best price 14-1) at a course he thrives. Apart from one poor run on proper heavy ground, the son of Royal Applause has form figures at the Co Kildare venue that read 31524 so there’s every chance he will outrun his market expectation on his first outing back here since last October. On that day, Nicole McKenna’s inmate managed to finish a very creditable fourth to the rapidly-improving Primo Uno in a smart time, and sure to be all the better for his opening effort this season when undone by the draw at Navan, a decent show is anticipated providing stall 18 is no barrier to success.
2.55 Curragh
No question that all eyes will be on Acapulco here on her first start for Aidan O’Brien since leaving her American base, but despite her obvious claims, the safest option might be to go with recent form, and in the shape of ARDHOOMEY (best price 9-2) and PRIMO UOMO (best price 15-2), they each have enough positives to trouble the favourite if she doesn’t bring her A-game to the party. The former has developed into a genuine Group-class sprinter in recent times and he indicated another good campaign is in the offing with an excellent effort behind subsequent Palace House Stakes runner-up Washington DC at Navan on his seasonal bow. Having shown plenty of smart form over today’s C&D in the past, Ger Lyon’s charge looks set to figure prominently. The latter has also come of age of late and he, too, ran well in the very same race at Navan 20 days ago. Prior to that, Gerard O’Leary’s inmate had posted a big set of figures with a smooth success at Cork and having yet to finish out of the first three in four previous visits to today’s C&D, there’s no reason why he won’t keep those impressive track stats intact.
3.35 Killarney
Lagostovegas could easily prove to be a handicap blot on his first start for Willie Mullins, but there are a couple of solid alternatives against the favourite in the shape of AFTER RAIN (best price 6-1) and LIGHT THAT (best price 13-2) and they are worth playing against the field. The former has run a couple of belting races at the Fairyhouse and Punchestown Festivals recently and a repeat of either performance should see the son of Al Namix on the scene. Indeed, his latest display when fourth to Open Eagle at the latter venue was easily a career-best effort and given that he’s also 1-1 at today’s track, Shay Barry’s gelding has plenty of positives in his direction. The latter also arrives here in great nick and having scored convincingly on the Flat two starts ago, he managed to back that up with a solid second at the Punchestown Festival 19 days ago. Hailing from a stable/jockey combination in unstoppable form, Jessica Harringon’s charge is a must for any shortlist.
