UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

Eric Lock should have learned plenty from his debut fourth over 5f at Dundalk last month and the son of Advertise looks sure to improve for this step up in distance. However, the Aidan O'Brien-trained RIGHT AND TRUE could have too much class for these rivals. He ticks plenty of the right boxes on his pedigree and may open his account this afternoon en route to bigger things. Market support for fellow newcomers Elzem and Real Life would also be interesting.
Prediction : 1st Right And True 2nd Eric Lock 3rd Elzem

A winner on the opening day of the season, ARIZONA BLAZE can maintain his unbeaten record for trainer Adrian Murray. The third horse, Monotone, went on to give that particular form a boost when successful at Cork on his next start. With his ability to handle testing conditions not in question, Murray's colt can make it two wins from two under David Egan. Dundalk maiden winner Morning Vietnam looked a very useful prospect when easily going in at the first time of asking, but the Michael O'Callaghan-trained colt faces an altogether different set of conditions here. Whistlejacket, who showed plenty of early speed on his debut over 6f, should appreciate dropping back a furlong now.
Prediction : 1st Arizona Blaze 2nd Morning Vietnam 3rd Whistlejacket

The Aidan O'Brien-trained SAMUEL COLT should appreciate this easier assignment having run really well when runner-up in a Group 3 at Leopardstown on his reappearance. The form of his two-year-old maiden win at this venue last October has been well advertised subsequently. Bright Stripes finished a long way behind Samuel Colt in that aforementioned Leopardstown race but that was almost certainly not his true running. Andy Oliver's colt had some very smart form in decent company as a juvenile, so is worth another chance to prove himself. Norwalk Havoc needs to improve on what he has done to date but the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding won't be easily passed if getting to the front early on.
Prediction : 1st Samuel Colt 2nd Bright Stripes 3rd Norwalk Havoc

Madrid Handicap third SLUICE could prove well treated off just a 1lb higher mark. The runner-up in that Naas contest has won subsequently, while the fourth has been placed in both Listed and Group 3 races. Meeting nothing of that calibre here, Joseph O'Brien's filly can give the weight away. Pepper Noir made a pleasing turf debut when fifth against her elders over course and distance last month. The Gavin Cromwell-trained filly should be suited to a race restricted to her own sex and age group. Glimmerglass catches the eye towards the foot of the weights, as the maiden in which the John Feane-trained filly finished seventh here last back-end has been well franked in recent weeks.
Prediction : 1st Sluice 2nd Pepper Noir 3rd Glimmerglass

Although she would most likely prefer a sounder surface, JUMBLY shaped well enough when runner-up on soft-heavy ground here on her reappearance to suggest she can go one better now. With the benefit of that run under her belt, the Joseph O'Brien-trained filly should strip fitter, while the ground is probably not going to be as stamina-sapping. The Fozzy Stack-trained You Send Me reverts to what is arguably her optimum distance having raced over both 6f and a mile of late. The four-year-old should have no difficulty coping with ground conditions. As well as Jumbly, trainer Joseph O'Brien looks to have a particularly strong hand with Gregarina and Valpolicella also capable of featuring.
Prediction : 1st Jumbly 2nd You Send Me 3rd Gregarina

Epsom Derby third WHITE BIRCH can continue his revival by adding to his recent C&D win. The John Joseph Murphy-trained colt ran below-par in the Irish Derby last July and again failed to show his true form when beaten in Group 3 class at Leopardstown on his final start. However, there was plenty to like about his winning reappearance at this track last month. Elegant Man is a fascinating contender for Adrian Murray on his first start on turf. The four-year-old put up a hugely impressive weight-carrying performance when winning at Newcastle over Easter but has yet to race on grass. The Joseph O'Brien-trained Maxux looks best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st White Birch 2nd Elegant Man 3rd Maxux

C&D winner RACING ROYALTY should have every chance of adding to his win here last October. The Gillian Scott-trained five-year-old travelled well throughout that contest before keeping on strongly once challenged close home. The five-year-old should be all the better for a recent run at Leopardstown where he finished fifth. Secret Magician, who was ahead of Racing Royalty over 6f here last season, has every chance despite being slightly worse off at the revised weights. The Martin Hassett-trained gelding should be approaching peak fitness after two previous starts this term. El Bello, runner-up over this track and trip last month, is another who holds leading claims.
Prediction : 1st Racing Royalty 2nd Secret Magician 3rd El Bello

RATHBRANCHCHURCH ran slightly below par at Navan last time but on his previous fifth over this C&D, the Michael Mulvany-trained gelding has every chance. A high draw tends to prove advantageous on the sprint track here, so having bagged the plum rails stall, Wesley Joyce will be confident. Sevensees has to be of serious interest with Ben Coen taking over in the saddle. The Johnny Murtagh-trained four-year-old went close at Navan last month on just his second handicap run and there could be more to come. Universally is another who can get involved, with Colin Keane a notable booking for the grey sprinter.
Prediction : 1st Rathbranchurch 2nd Sevensees 3rd Universally