UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

Aidan O'Brien holds a strong hand with three colts returning from mid-season breaks. There was a good word for Emperor Of Rome prior to his debut second at Dundalk, but the master trainer also spoke favourably of BATTLE FLEET and his Navan fourth behind the classy Givemethebeatboys was most encouraging. Latin finished behind Star Hunter at Leopardstown back in May but the chief threat to the Ballydoyle trio could come in the shape of Pipsy, who beat all bar the exciting King Cuan at Cork.
Prediction : 1st Battle Fleet 2nd Pipsy 3rd Emperor Of Rome

NO MORE PORTER started his solid season off with a fifth in the Irish Lincolnshire and he has hardly run a bad race all year, furthered by his most recent fourth at Leopardstown. The son of Elzaam is allowed to compete off the same rating and he ought to go very close. The main threat is Fernao, who took his maiden in smooth style at Listowel in June and he tries a first-time visor after a gelding operation. Half Nutz completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st No More Porter 2nd Fernao 3rd Half Nutz

Stromberg may prove popular here after strolling home on his last two starts, but this represents a significant step up in class and he will need to improve again. GROSVENOR SQUARE won his only start despite running green at Galway and, with improvement to come, the half-brother to Irish Derby winner Santiago may come out on top, while stable companions Chief Little Rock and Navy Seal are last-time-out winners too and also warrant respect.
Prediction : 1st Grosvenor Square 2nd Stromberg 3rd Chief Little Rock

SILMANIYA has finished runner-up the last twice and this looks a good opportunity to go one better on this occasion. Johnny Murtagh's charge is on 3lb better terms with The Highway Rat, who finished just half a length in front of the selection at Navan earlier in the month. The top-weight is feared most with this drop in trip likely to bring out some more improvement in the five-year-old, while the consistent Never Shout Never can improve further and go well despite a 3lb rise for his second over 6f here last time.
Prediction : 1st Silmaniya 2nd The Highway Rat 3rd Never Shout Never

CHERRY BLOSSOM was an easy maiden winner over 6f here before going on to fill second place in the Group 2 Lowther at York a month ago. The daughter of No Nay Never may improve for this step up in trip and will be hard to beat if doing so. Guildenstern should not be underestimated having chased home a top-class prospect on his racecourse bow at this venue last month. My Mate Alfie edges out Do It With Style and Storm Miami to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Cherry Blossom 2nd Guildenstern 3rd My Mate Alfie

Martin Hassett rode a winner at Punchestown last week and he has another good mount in this apprentice handicap courtesy of MAGIC CHARM, who was only beaten two lengths into fourth at Naas last time despite traffic problems and racing from 7lb out of the handicap. A drop back to the trip of his only success should help and he is expected go well in first-time blinkers. However, there are no shortage of dangers, most notably recent C&D winner Brewel Hill and Partisan Hero, who can improve again following a confidence-boosting first victory. Morning Approach and Coffeemeanscoffee are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Magic Charm 2nd Partisan Hero 3rd Morning Approach

YOSEMITE VALLEY was pitched into the Anglesey on the back of a promising debut fourth over C&D last year and proved it wasn't tilting at windmills, chasing home brilliant sprinter Little Big Bear. He was then forced to sit out 13 months, and was turned over at short odds on his Navan comeback, but the run should help bring him forward and he can get his career back on track. Vera's Secret shaped like an imminent winner on her Punchestown introduction and is the logical threat, although newcomer Never Cry Never is worth a look.
Prediction : 1st Yosemite Valley 2nd Veras Secret 3rd Never Cry Never

Plenty of unknown quantities here, but it may be best to focus on the experienced runners, starting with FEATHERTOP. Twice raced, she has finished third and second so far and if she finds any further improvement, she may get off the mark. Shrewsbury Road could surprise a few after running on into fifth on his return and, with improvement likely, he can go close. Jupiter Rock and Nostringsattached are a couple more to consider.
Prediction : 1st Feathertop 2nd Shrewsbury Road 3rd Jupiter Rock