UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

MY MATE ALFIE made an excellent start to his career when going down by a neck to The Liffey over C&D, with Mountain Bear back in sixth. That sets a fair standard and he can provide Ger Lyons with a third consecutive victory in this maiden. Kortez Bay offered promise when fourth on his debut, also over track and trip, but the chief threat could come from one of the choicely-bred newcomers, with House Of Aviz, Bennu and Gloucester making particular appeal.
Prediction : 1st My Mate Alfie 2nd House Of Aviz 3rd Bennu

This contest has the potential to throw up some well above-average performers and a tentative vote goes to BETULA. Jessica Harrington won this contest in 2021 with Discoveries, who went on to land the Moyglare, and the daughter of Lope De Vega makes a fair amount of appeal as her dam is a half-sister to Discoveries, as well as star fillies Alpha Centauri and Alpine Star. Aidan O'Brien's pair Opera Singer and Ylang Ylang both command the utmost respect, while others to note include Finsceal Luas, Centuria and She's Quality.
Prediction : 1st Betula 2nd Opera Singer 3rd Ylang Ylang

Navagio looked better than ever when winning in first-time cheekpieces at Limerick recently and he's not taken lightly, despite the handicapper having his say with an 8lb hike. A chance, however, is taken on three-year-old filly NOT EVEN CLOSE. The daughter of Zoustar ran with plenty of encouragement when only weakening inside the final furlong on her handicap debut here last month and a 3lb drop in the ratings looks potentially lenient. Verhoyen, Pandora Lovegood and Midnight Fire are others to note in a competitive contest.
Prediction : 1st Not Even Close 2nd Navagio 3rd Verhoyen

ALMA LIBRE was a good winner over 1m2f at Fairyhouse last time and a repeat of that success would see her take the beating in this contest. Apprentice jockey Danny Sheehy was on board on that day and he retains the ride today. Gradulations has been running consistently this term and she rates as the biggest danger, with this step up in trip likely to suit, while Queen Of Seduction should also be thereabouts.
Prediction : 1st Alma Libre 2nd Gradulations 3rd Queen Of Seduction

Overheer and Court Of Appeal both arrive on the back of a winning performance and should go well in search of a double, but they have no margin for error after going up 7lb and 6lb respectively in the ratings. Conversely, fellow last-start scorer KODIAC PRINCE could still be feasibly treated as a 5lb rise for scoring over 1m at Gowran 12 days still leaves him on a 3lb lower mark than when he won at Naas 10 months ago and he gets the nod to follow up today. Operatic Artist must be respected for Joseph O'Brien after a couple of good efforts in defeat, while Barrys Rock and Dabana are also worth a second look.
Prediction : 1st Kodiac Prince 2nd Overheer 3rd Court Of Appeal

Semblance Of Order has been flying since being beaten just a neck into third behind Tea Olive at Gowran, although the winner that day is just as consistent and they meet on the same terms. They come up against some interesting handicap debutants, though, with Nation's Call and Roman Hands towards the top of that list, but THE FRANCHISE has shown plenty of ability in maiden company and Joseph O'Brien's Siyouni colt could be the best treated.
Prediction : 1st The Franchise 2nd Nations Call 3rd Semblance Of Order

All eyes will be on the well-bred SATURN in this contest, being the first progeny of multiple Group 1 winner Alpha Centauri for the same connections. The selection is by Galileo as well, which bodes well for stamina purposes, and he gets the vote ahead of fellow debutant Ultra Fine, who has some smart relations himself. Jupiter Rock is open to improvement on what he showed on debut at Naas last November, while the same can be said of Kadeen.
Prediction : 1st Saturn 2nd Ultra Fine 3rd Jupiter Rock