UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

Lil Grey almost landed an upset when second at 25-1 on debut at Leopardstown and must have leading claims if just as effective over this slightly shorter distance. War Leader ran out of steam in the latter stages of that contest but is one of three Ballydoyle inmates who have to be respected, along with newcomers Royal County Down and Year Of The Tiger. However, preference is for ALLIGATOR ALLEY, who was an encouraging fourth over course and distance on debut and the form of that race looks strong.
Prediction : 1st Alligator Alley 2nd Lil Grey 3rd Year Of The Tiger

Aidan O'Brien saddles a trio of runners with Kipling, a brother to dual Group 1 heroine Seventh Heaven, and LOPE Y FERNANDEZ, a half-brother to Group 2 juvenile winner Dark Vision making the most appeal. Preference of the pair goes to the latter, as his pedigree suggests he may be the contender to focus on more in the short term with the former from a family that tend to improve with time and experience. Bright Idea warrants plenty of consideration coming from the family of Attraction, while Galactic Grey can take a step forward from his debut here over 6f last month.
Prediction : 1st Lope Y Fernandez 2nd Kipling 3rd Bright Idea

KING'S VOW has been raised 12lb for a thumping Leopardstown success four weeks ago but, because he shaped like by far the best horse in that race, he may well win again and have more to offer on just his second start over this trip. Micro Manage landed a gamble for Willie Mullins when last seen in October last year and deserves respect on handicap debut, while Yonkers has placed in some good races and deserves to win one of these soon.
Prediction : 1st Kings Vow 2nd Micro Manage 3rd Yonkers

A competitive contest in which Mick Channon's raider DAN'S DREAM is expected to land the spoils. Successful in last year's Fred Darling, she was touched off by a short-head in Group 3 company over 7f here last time, shaping as if this drop back in trip could be ideal. Queen Jo Jo, a recent Listed winner at Nottingham for Kevin Ryan, strengthens the UK's hand further, though the domestic challenge is still expected to be strong and recent Listed winners Lethal Promise and Soffia also merit close consideration.
Prediction : 1st Dans Dream 2nd Queen Jo Jo 3rd Soffia

THE KING caused a bit of a surprise when involved at the business end of a Group 2 here last month ahead of Latrobe and just behind Flag Of Honour and Magical. He could take another step forward for Jessica Harrington. The four-year-old makes marginally greater appeal than Old Glory, who is expected to thrive on his first attempt at this distance. Riven Light might need more rain but is a danger for Willie Mullins.
Prediction : 1st The King 2nd Old Glory 3rd Riven Light

Woody Creek and EMPIRE LINE had a great battle over 6f at Naas last month, with the former just getting up on the line, and that pair could well fight out the finish again. Woody Creek has supplemented that victory with a rated race success, also over 6f, at Cork and she demands respect, but Fozzy Stack's inmate, seventh in Group 3 company latest, will benefit most from the drop in distance and could turn the tables. Navan scorer My Laureate also holds solid claims.
Prediction : 1st Empire Line 2nd Woody Creek 3rd My Laureate

LITTLE CLARINET has produced two eye-catching performances to make the frame over course and distance since rattling the crossbar at Navan in April and remains handicapped to land a telling blow. Paved Paradise was just behind the selection when they met last time and is respected, while Fugacious ran better than the bare result suggested on handicap debut, meeting plenty of traffic problems. Gowran winner Khafaaq, recent placegetter Youceeyouceecee and Miacomet, who was much improved at Cork last time, are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Little Clarinet 2nd Paved Paradise 3rd Khafaaq