UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

A fascinating contest which, as usual, features most of the top yards and the market should provide some significant clues as to the chances of those hitting the track for the first time. Ballydoyle newcomer St Kitts holds an entry in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes and may hold the edge over stablemate Victoria Road, despite the latter looking likely to step up from his debut fourth at Roscommon last month. However, the most appealing candidate is SPIRIT GENIE, who posted strong form when runner-up behind the useful Pearling Path on his debut at Fairyhouse and should have even more to offer. The well-bred Yosemite Valley and Ger Lyon's filly Slan Abhaile, both debutants, are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Spirit Genie 2nd St Kitts 3rd Yosemite Valley

A difficult race to call but it is noted that Jamie Spencer keeps the ride on Aspen Grove, who ran well enough on her debut here to suggest she is capable of winning a race. Dower House and Sandy Creek both look the part on paper and are not easily overlooked, but NEVER ENDING STORY could be the one. Beaten less than a length on her debut here over a furlong shorter, she has the experience edge over most and, with nominal improvement, she might prove hard to beat for a yard whose two-year-olds are dominating this season.
Prediction : 1st Never Ending Story 2nd Aspen Grove 3rd Dower House

All In The Mind, National Gallery and Bobby K all managed to get their heads in front last time and must enter calculations here, while the consistent Mutasarref can show up well despite the burden of top-weight. However, ICE COLD IN ALEX has been creeping down the ratings despite posting some solid efforts in defeat and now finds himself back on the same mark as when winning this contest 12 months ago. With Joey Sheridan aboard once more, he could complete the double.
Prediction : 1st Ice Cold In Alex 2nd All In The Mind 3rd National Gallery

Given that Wordsworth was a beaten favourite for the eighth time in his 12-race career when failing to stay the mammoth trip in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot last week, he appears worth taking on once again. Joseph O'Brien's former Melbourne Cup runner-up MASTER OF REALITY is preferred following an encouraging comeback when fourth over an inadequate 1m4f at the Curragh (a race-fit Wordsworth third), a blowout which very much suggested that he would be teed up for a better performance next time. His seemingly revitalised stablemate Gear Up and proven stayer Camorra are also capable of playing leading roles.
Prediction : 1st Master Of Reality 2nd Camorra 3rd Gear Up

This could go the way of GLOBAL ENERGY, who is very unexposed at this trip. His best effort came over 1m 3f, where he stayed on to win by a length and a half, and the nature of that win suggests a trip increase could spark further improvement. Dammit must be feared given he won over this distance earlier in the year and he has previous form on good ground. Others to note are Common Practice and Auckland.
Prediction : 1st Global Energy 2nd Dammit 3rd Common Practice

A good second on her handicap debut in the Ulster Oaks last Saturday, CORKY remains open to improvement and, for her in-form yard, she could be the answer. Dermot Weld's charge Grappa Nonino has a strong middle-distance pedigree and therefore makes plenty of appeal stepping up from 1m, while the hat-trick seeking Dunum must feature prominently in calculations despite an 8lb rise in the weights. The shortlist is completed by Barrys Rock, Corballis Flyer and Mr Rango.
Prediction : 1st Corky 2nd Grappa Nonino 3rd Dunum

The Joseph O'Brien stable can do little wrong at present and they could have a promising stayer on their hands in the shape of MONTY'S WAY. A comfortable winner on his seasonal return at Killarney last month, the four-year-old is open to more improvement and the return to better ground ought to suit. Similar comments apply to easy Down Royal winner Dancila and Kazakdaria, who have yet to run over this trip. Last year's winner Dalton Highway must be respected, despite a 9lb higher mark, while the capable Maze Runner and The Jam Man are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Montys Way 2nd Maze Runner 3rd Kazakdaria