UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

CAPE SOUNION showed smart ability on debut and can put that experience to good use. Although the well-bred winner of that Naas race was subsequently well beaten at Group 3 level, the selection arguably shaped with more promise as she missed the break, had to be switched to challenge and finished well. She should improve from that run. Beautify is out of Words, who was a Group 3 winner, and is a half-sister to a Listed winner. Dancing Saxon boasts a smart pedigree, while Paris Carver was a 600,000-dollar breeze-up purchase.
Prediction : 1st Cape Sounion 2nd Beautify 3rd Dancing Saxon

ALBERT EINSTEIN produced a smart effort on his debut recently. From a good family and out of a juvenile Group-placed dam, he was accompanied by his trainer to the start for that Naas introduction and produced a fine performance to wear down the once-raced runner-up. He should continue to progress. Andab is a brother to Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Victoria Road and he too showed high-class potential over C&D earlier this month. He should give the selection a good race. Power Blue wasn't beaten far in Listed company here and also commands attention.
Prediction : 1st Albert Einstein 2nd Andab 3rd Power Blue

Four-time Group 1-winning gem PORTA FORTUNA meets some race-fit rivals on seasonal reappearance but can score. She failed by a neck in the English Guineas last May and while well held at November's Breeders Cup, met significant trouble in-running then. Today's race will tee her up for next month's Royal Ascot hat-trick attempt but she has sufficient ability, and form on softening-ground, to score. Late-comer Vera's Secret is now six but seems to be improving and scooted clear to win at Leopardstown last time. One Look, whose rider Billy Lee is bidding for a fifth consecutive win in this race, also landed a Group 3 recently and is ground-versatile.
Prediction : 1st Porta Fortuna 2nd Veras Secret 3rd One Look

Irish Derby winner LOS ANGELES is the pick amongst some middle-distance heavyweights. His Classic success came between English Derby and Prix de l'Arc third-placings and while he would prefer 1m4f, today's race is a helpful 110 yards further than when beating White Birch earlier this month. Admittedly well-held by Anmaat in October's British Champion Stakes, the selection was hampered then while the race also came 13 days after his fine Arc effort. Anmaat has progressed with racing and relishes soft ground, but needs to produce his best form to win on seasonal reappearance. Last year's winner White Birch should compete, while Kalpana won October's British Champion Fillies & Mares Stakes but now meets males racing over a slightly inadequate distance.
Prediction : 1st Los Angeles 2nd Anmaat 3rd White Birch

Almost certain to have improved from Newmarket, LAKE VICTORIA can reverse form with both Flight and Simmering. Having been slow to come to hand this spring, trainer Aidan O'Brien had expressed doubts about the filly being ready in time for the English Guineas. To her credit, the daughter of Frankel ran a huge race, staying on nicely inside the last furlong to finish sixth. Flight, who outran her odds to chase home the winner at Newmarket, should also be better for that first start of the season. The unexposed Swelter and Newmarket third Simmering are also worthy of consideration.
Prediction : 1st Lake Victoria 2nd Flight 3rd Swelter

Runner-up in a Group 3 at Baden-Baden on her final start as a juvenile, LA GUAPISIMA can defy top-weight. Having her first start for trainer Gavin Cromwell, the French Listed winner sets a high standard in a race of this nature. Her presence at the head of the weights also means that the four towards the bottom are forced to race from out of the handicap. Given her apparent preference for soft ground, any rain that falls will be welcome. Shiota, who landed a competitive handicap at Naas recently, has to be respected despite her subsequent rise. Varshini and Empress Artemis are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st La Guapisima 2nd Shiota 3rd Varshini

A Grade 3 winner over fences at Thurles on his penultimate start, COMMON PRACTICE is undeniably well treated on his return to the Flat. Lightly raced in this sphere in recent years, the Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding can race off 1lb lower than when narrowly denied at the Galway Festival in 2022. Prior to that effort, the son of Gleneagles had won the Apprentice Derby at this track. Given his rate of improvement over jumps subsequently, it is hard to believe that a mark of 81 is beyond him. Killarney runner-up Robbies Rock has to be a serious contender in first-time cheekpieces, while both Molly Hall and Granite Bay deserve consideration.
Prediction : 1st Common Practice 2nd Robbies Rock 3rd Molly Hall

Having caught the eye when finishing second at Naas on her debut last month, MITTENS can open her account. The Jessica Harrington-trained filly lost her position early in the straight before staying on strongly to take minor honours close home. A Munster Oaks entry suggests the daughter of Night Of Thunder has been pleasing connections in the wake of that promising start. A half-sister to a Group 1-placed colt, Gifted has to be respected on her introduction. Aidan O'Brien has struck with a number of similar types in recent weeks. Matrice, who wears first-time cheekpieces, is another who holds claims.
Prediction : 1st Mittens 2nd Gifted 3rd Matrice