3 minute read

Will this be a re-run of the Epsom version or will there be a surprise?

Firstly thanks to John Magnier there are 8 runners in this race as he wanted to ensure that the punters could get each-ways so he added Il Paradiso to make a squad of 5 Coolmore runners.

That squad includes the Epsom Derby winner and favourite for this, Anthony van Dyck.  Second at Epsom was Madhmoon who is on 5/2 for this and fourth was Broome on 3/1.

Kevin Prendergast trains Madhmoon and Chris Hayes rides.  Anthony van Dyck is by Galileo but he has an Aussie mum in the form of Exceed and Excels daughter Believe'N'Succeed.  We would love to see Broome win as we have been following him right the way through and Broome the town is racing today and will be cheering him on!

The going is expected to be good and the odd shower or two could occur.  The Group races start with the International Stakes G3 over 2000m.  Addeybb was impressive at Ascot and will have Ryan Moore riding for William Haggas.  However 4/5 looks skinny.  We may opt for one of the several runners on 5/1 – Georgeville, from Dermot Weld's yard with Oisin Orr riding.

The Railway Stakes G2 for the 2yos is over 1200 but has only five runners and there is not much between the top three in the market – Siskin 6/4, Monarch of Egypt 2/1 and Fort Myers 3/1.  Not really a betting race.

Friday saw an upset in the Pretty Polly when Joseph O'Brien upstaged his father and brother by having Iridessa win with Wayne Lordan in the saddle.  The win was convincing with a margin of 2 ¼ lengths over Magic Wand and a further 1 ¼ to favourite Pink Dogwood.  Godolphin's Wild Illusion seems to have gone off the boil and finished fourth of the five runners.

The Curragh Cup saw Jim Bolger's Twilight Payment fight out a thrilling finish with Latrobe and get the victory by a neck.  Luke Comer's much travelled Raa Atoll was 2 ¾ lengths back in third with Southern France fourth. 

The Airlie Stud  for the 2yo fillies went to Jessica Harrington's Albigna with Shane Foley riding, who defeated Precious Moments and Peace Charter third.