UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

SHACKLETON can make it third-time lucky. The Camelot colt has finished runner-up on both outings. He was turned over at a short price at Tipperary but the front two pulled well clear and he can step forward now to open his account. Deetee shaped nicely when fifth in a decent maiden here on his debut last month and he could be a danger. The Masar colt was staying on behind Acapulco Bay and with the benefit of that run under his belt, he can go well. Joseph O'Brien runs two newcomers and Kilcrea Rock would appear the pick of them on jockey bookings.
Prediction : 1st Shackleton 2nd Deetee 3rd Kilcrea Rock

STORM PIECE has bumped into a couple of useful sorts and can get his turn now. He looked set to collect at Punchestown recently before Genealogy picked up late to trump him close home. He had lost out by half a length to Officer in a decent contest over course and distance first time up and can gain a deserved success. The danger looks to be Aftermath, who has also performed well on both starts and is the Ballydoyle main hope with Ryan Moore on board. The Quality Road newcomer Saints N Scholars wears blinkers and the market may prove the best guide to his chances.
Prediction : 1st Storm Piece 2nd Aftermath 3rd Saints N Scholars

HEAVENS GATE should appreciate going another furlong here and can gain her black-type success. When she landed the valuable Ballyhane Stakes at Naas, it was interesting to hear Aidan O'Brien say that she wanted to go seven furlongs. She performed with credit when fourth in the Lowther Stakes at York last month and looks capable of landing this. Barnavara sets the standard off a mark of 104 and is the obvious danger. She has been third behind Bedtime Story on her last couple of outings and is entitled to be a big player. English raider Alla Stella could be suited by dropping back a furlong and is place material.
Prediction : 1st Heavens Gate 2nd Barnavara 3rd Alla Stella

The rain looks like it will come in time for SPYCATCHER. Karl Burke's charge failed to make much impression in the Haydock Sprint Cup last time on good ground. He had taken a Deauville Group 3 contest in testing conditions previously and should be a big player back at this level. My Mate Alfie produced a really good performance to carry a big weight to success in the Bold Lad Handicap on Irish Champions Weekend. He is actually top-rated in this now and handles a bit of cut as well. Go Athletico has been crying out for rain and could be place material.
Prediction : 1st Spycatcher 2nd My Mate Alfie 3rd Go Athletico

Due to go up 14lb following his narrow defeat in a Listowel rated race in mid-week, THE MARTY PARTY is difficult to oppose here off his old rating. Prominent throughout, the Joseph O'Brien-trained colt kept on well, only being caught close home. Provided that this race doesn't come too soon, he looks a seriously well-handicapped horse. Fairyhouse claiming-race winner Moonhall Church also makes a swift return to action but travelled well throughout that contest, scoring with a bit in hand. Off the track since June, Irish Acclamation could be interesting on her return given that she shaped with promise on a couple of occasions prior to her break.
Prediction : 1st The Marty Party 2nd Moonhall Church 3rd Irish Acclamation

Galway Hurdle winner NURBURGRING can land another valuable handicap for trainer Joseph O'Brien. The four-year-old, who went up to a mark of 150 after winning that summer feature, looks nicely treated back on the level. Having caught the eye staying on late over a shorter trip at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend, he should be primed for this assignment. The Gavin Cromwell-trained Sixandahalf is well handicapped under a 7lb penalty following her win at Newmarket last month. A former bumper winner, the filly should appreciate stepping up beyond two miles for the first time on the Flat. Despite a very wide draw, Dawn Rising has to have claims of improving on his third-placed finish from last year.
Prediction : 1st Nurburgring 2nd Sixandahalf 3rd Dawn Rising

Despite being absent since making a winning debut over C&D in March, PROCRASTINATE can maintain his unbeaten record. The Paddy Twomey-trained colt travelled strongly throughout that race, readily beating two horses who have franked the form subsequently. Given that he held an entry in a Listed race at Cork next week, the three-year-old must be pleasing connections. Tokenomics, who looked a progressive gelding prior to finishing mid-division at York last time, should be competitive. He should have no issues dropping back down to 7f having raced over further of late. Elinor Dashwood will need to break on terms, but has every chance of getting involved if doing so.
Prediction : 1st Procrastinate 2nd Tokenomics 3rd Elinor Dashwood

Although somewhat disappointing at Dundalk last time, BARD OF AVON is worth another chance on the basis of his reappearance fourth over C&D on his previous start. The winner of that latter race easily landed a premier handicap on Irish Champions Weekend, while the runner-up won her maiden next time. On the assumption that he is better suited to turf, the Joseph O'Brien-trained colt gets the vote. Navan runner-up Dahab, who boasts an identical official rating to the selection, has to be respected. The Denis Hogan-trained gelding was well supported when finding just one too strong on that occasion. Newcomer John Steinbeck also has to be considered in a contest where the majority of those to have previously raced appear vulnerable.
Prediction : 1st Bard Of Avon 2nd Dahab 3rd John Steinbeck