UK Horse Racing Tips: Curragh

ABLETAI improved for dropping in trip on his second start, finishing just a head behind the classy Carry The Flag. Although his subsequent effort at Listed level was slightly underwhelming, this Phoenix Stakes-entered colt sets the standard with an official rating of 93. Atlantic Bridge cost 300,000 euro at a breeze-up sale in May and comes from a speedy family, while Bold Commander progressed from his debut when second at Bellewstown and is entitled to have more to offer.
Prediction : 1st Abletai 2nd Atlantic Bridge 3rd Bold Commander

STAR PERFORMER gets the vote on debut for Joseph O'Brien, whose yard remains in excellent form. A 160,000-euro breeze-up purchase for Michael Tabor, the daughter of Sea The Stars has the pedigree and connections to make an immediate impact under Dylan Browne McMonagle. White Sand Beach has had nine starts and an official rating of 81. She continues to knock on the door, including when runner-up at Killarney on Monday, and she is respected, along with stable companion Cape Primrose, who showed promise last year behind Green Carrera but is yet to show that level of form in two outings this year.
Prediction : 1st Star Performer 2nd White Sand Beach 3rd Cape Primrose

IBELIEVEICANFLY has contested two of the strongest maidens run this season and has bumped into two smart fillies. The Frankel filly was favourite on debut but could only manage fourth before chasing home her stable companion Alpha on her second start. That was still a very good run and she should take plenty of beating on this occasion. Alpine Wedding finished behind the selection on debut and, holding Moyglare and Debutante entries, she is expected to come forward from that experience, while the impeccably-bred Sparkles is worth noting for the future.
Prediction : 1st Ibelieveicanfly 2nd Alpine Wedding 3rd Speckles

POWER BLUE ran with plenty of credit when fourth in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot and the drop in class represents a fine opportunity for the Amo colt to get back to winning ways. Audience bounced back to form when runner-up at Leopardstown last time and if he gets an easy time in front, the former Lockinge winner may prove difficult to peg back under Colin Keane. Course legend Big Gossey seeks to gain another success here after a heroic effort most recently and he may prove reliable for place prospects.
Prediction : 1st Power Blue 2nd Audience 3rd Big Gossey

Runner-up over 7f here last month, MALLAVELLY can go one better. Keeping on well close home on that occasion, the Ger Lyons-trained mare should appreciate stepping back up to a mile now. The form of that race has already received a significant boost with the winner going on to land a Listed contest at Killarney earlier in the week. Successful in the corresponding race last year, Pink Oxalis has almost certainly been laid out for a repeat. Despite not coming into this in the same form as 12 months ago, the five-year-old has to be respected. An unexposed three-year-old, Kirkland Sioux also warrants attention in a competitive affair.
Prediction : 1st Mallavelly 2nd Pink Oxalis 3rd Kirkland Sioux

AL RIFFA can make it back-to-back wins in this race. An impressive scorer on his first try at this trip in last year's renewal, the Joseph O'Brien-trained six-year-old went on to land the Irish St Leger over C&D on his next start. Having run with credit in both the Melbourne Cup and Hong Kong Vase after, the son of Wootton Bassett has raced over further this season. Dropping back to this distance should see him hard to beat. Queen Alexandra Stakes winner Illinois rates the main danger. A thorough stayer, the son of Galileo may just be vulnerable to one with a better turn of foot, while Green Impact also has to be of interest stepping up in distance.
Prediction : 1st Al Riffa 2nd Illinois 3rd Green Impact

Highly tried since winning his maiden over the minimum trip here in April, LARS SOLDIER can defy top-weight. With both the second and third horses in that aforementioned contest going on to score next time, the form of that particular contest looks strong. Wesley Joyce takes a valuable 3lb off here and an opening mark of 86 looks fair. Equipped with first-time cheekpieces and with Colin Keane a significant booking, I Ready has to be a leading contender. Gelded since last seen, Seven Nation Army is one that could improve on what he has shown to date. Any market support for the Joseph O'Brien-trained representative should be noted.
Prediction : 1st Lars Soldier 2nd I Ready 3rd Seven Nation Army

Just touched off at Cork on his seasonal debut, ABBOTSFORD can make amends. A twice-raced son of Frankel, the Dermot Weld-trained gelding kept on strongly last time, suggesting that the extra distance will be very much in his favour here. Runner-up at this track last time, the Donnacha O'Brien-trained Numantia should appreciate stepping up in trip. Another to take minor honours on her most recent start, Sakoku shouldn't be far away. Having stepped up considerably on her first run, the Johnny Murtagh-trained filly could still have more to offer.
Prediction : 1st Abbotsford 2nd Numantia 3rd Sakoku