UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

This race usually throws up a good one and a chance can be taken on RUSSIAN EMPEROR, who is out of the outstanding Australian mare Atlantic Jewel. His full-brother Pacific Ocean is a winner over a mile and he can add his name to the roll of honour for this contest. The progressive Jungle Cove is the pick of those with previous race experience and he is an obvious threat. Others to consider are Iberia, Shekhem and Know It All.
Prediction : 1st Russian Emperor 2nd Jungle Cove 3rd Shekhem

WAITINGFORTHEDAY has continued to improve with each start in 2019, despite not getting her head in front, and her recent second to Black Magic Woman, who reopposes, at Gowran suggested the return to a mile would play to her strengths. The aforementioned Black Magic Woman can be competitive as she returns to handicap company after finding the step up to Group 3 level too much at Fairyhouse last Sunday, while Dame Kyteler won in good style at Tipperary 16 days ago and warrants plenty of respect making her debut in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Waitingfortheday 2nd Black Magic Woman 3rd Dame Kyteler

Last year's one-two Intisaab and Ardhoomey warrant respect, particularly the former who is partnered by Frankie Dettori, while Manshood (second) and Smash Williams (seventh) performed well in the Rockingham and merit shortlist inclusion too. Buffer Zone, Gustavus Weston and Ice Cold In Alex also hold solid claims, but CHESSMAN shades the verdict. The five-year-old has responded positively to being gelded, posting four excellent efforts in smart company, and seems sure to mount a bold bid on his handicap return.
Prediction : 1st Chessman 2nd Intisaab 3rd Smash Williams

PISTOLETTO maintained his unbeaten record in workmanlike fashion at Naas in May compared to the manner of his impressive debut at Tipperary the month before. However, he had excuses for that effort, having got upset in the stalls beforehand, and it would be no surprise to see a much better performance from Aidan O'Brien's colt with the extra furlong potentially bringing about further improvement. Stable companion Mount Fuji was outpaced in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot and, on that evidence, will be suited by the step up in distance, while C&D maiden winner Roman Turbo warrants respect going up in class.
Prediction : 1st Pistoletto 2nd Mount Fuji 3rd Roman Turbo

HEY GAMAN took his form to a new level when landing a Group 3 in France for James Tate in May and he can continue on the upwards curve now under Frankie Dettori. This trip looks to suit the four-year-old well and he is narrowly preferred to Queen Anne fourth Romanised. The latter won the Guineas at this venue last year and has to be taken seriously, while Flight Risk could prove best of the remainder for Jim Bolger.
Prediction : 1st Hey Gaman 2nd Romanised 3rd Flight Risk

A cracking renewal in which IRIDESSA is fancied to supplement her impressive victory in the Pretty Polly Stakes. She had Pink Dogwood toiling back in third when improving for the step up to 1m2f that day and, worryingly for her rivals, this extra quarter of a mile could unlock another gear. Pink Dogwood had Fleeting (third), Manuela De Vega (fourth) and Peach Tree (10th) behind when runner-up in the Investec Oaks and she is likely to give another good account, although John Gosden's Star Catcher might pose the bigger threat. The Sea The Stars filly had Fleeting (second) and Peach Tree (10th) in arrears when comfortably landing the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and has clearly been in rude health since, with connections paying 40,000 euros to supplement her for this event.
Prediction : 1st Iridessa 2nd Star Catcher 3rd Pink Dogwood

ROYAL ILLUSION has won her last two on the Flat for Willie Mullins and can continue her recent good form today. She reportedly doesn't do much at home, but looks to save her best for the track and has scored with a bit in hand the last twice. Galeola is also chasing a hat-trick and is ideally suited by some ease in the ground, while Bay Hill won over fences four weeks ago and is respected in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Royal Illusion 2nd Galeola 3rd Bay Hill

MIA MARIA shaped with promise on her racecourse bow when third at Gowran last September to Oaks runner-up Pink Dogwood and, on that performance, Dermot Weld's filly can take the step forward required to get off the mark at the second attempt. Royal Highness' second at Tipperary last month entitles her to be in the reckoning, with the extra half-furlong likely to suit, while Bellakris, New York Ballet and Take Silk are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Mia Maria 2nd Royal Highness 3rd Bellakris