Ryan McElligott
2.15 BARRONSTOWN STUD EBF (C&G) MAIDEN 7F
Taj Mahal could be up to make a winning debut. The brother to the top-drawer juvenile and dual Guineas winner Gleneagles (who won this race in 2014) makes notable appeal on pedigree and it is encouraging that all three of his siblings won as two-year-olds. Moritzburg comes here off two creditable runs and he looked like one that would appreciate going 7f when taking third in last month’s Rochestown Stakes. Cascavelle is a half-brother to three smart runners headed by the Group 3 scorer Carla Bianca. He is a newcomer of note, while Noivado could progress on last week’s solid Leopardstown debut.
Selection: TAJ MAHAL
Next best: Moritzburg
2.45 FINLAY VOLVO INTERNATIONAL STAKES (GROUP 3) 1M 1F
On his first run since November 2014, Chemical Charge shaped up nicely on his debut for Ger Lyons when finishing well to secure the runner-up spot behind Portage in the Silver Stakes here three weeks ago. He was beaten just 1l that day and should be better as a result of that run, which makes him the choice over Sir Isaac Newton, who was beaten a further 2¼l into third in the Silver Stakes. Sir Isaac Newton has since won at Ascot and that effort suggested he had stepped forward from his previous run so he warrants the utmost consideration. It will be fascinating to see how the former May Hill Stakes winner Agnes Stewart fares on her first run since finishing second in the 2014 Fillies Mile.
Selection: CHEMICAL CHARGE
Next best: Sir Isaac Newton
3.15 EQUISOFT 25th ANNIVERSARY HANDICAP (60-90) 7F
Granny May is a hopeful choice. She was some way below her best at Gowran Park last time but her previous fifth to Champagne Or Water in a 7f handicap at that track was a decent effort. She has also dropped 3lbs in the ratings since the start of the season and, after just three runs, she is still open to progress. A return to the form of her comeback effort will see her closely involved.
Great Wide Open followed a win at Gowran Park with a third to Wexford Opera in quite a reasonable 7f handicap back at that track last weekend. He has a definite chance. The English import Sea Wolf is of distinct interest on his debut for Ger Lyons while top-weight Have A Nice Day is bidding for his third straight win in this race.
Selection: GRANNY MAY
Next best: Great Wide Open
3.45 GRANGECON STUD STAKES (GROUP 3) 6F
This race does represent a substantial drop in class from last week’s Queen Mary Stakes and Roly Poly might be able to take advantage. After showing plenty of promise on her first two runs, she was a well held eighth behind Lady Aurelia at Ascot.
However, she did make some late progress, which would suggest that a step up to this trip will suit her well. She is chosen ahead of the capable English raider Seafront, whose previous visit to Ireland saw her finish an encouraging third to Cuff in a 6f listed contest at Naas last month. Ellery Lane looked quite useful when winning at Limerick last week and she is worth considering.
Selection: ROLY POLY
Next best: Seafront
4.55 TOTE ROCKINGHAM HANDICAP 5F
Kimberella can make it five wins in six years for the English raiders. A stall one draw is a notable negative but, on the other hand, he comes here off a series of good runs in quality English sprint handicaps. His last run at Musselburgh (where he had compatriot Desert Law 1¼l behind) was a solid one while his previous second in the Dash at Epsom was a cracking effort.
Ostatnia is interesting having bounced back to form to win over this trip at Tipperary last time. Last season she was eighth in this race, but she did appear to progress subsequently and she could easily do better this time. Ardhoomey is only 3lbs higher than when finishing fourth in this race 12 months ago. The top weight should again be thereabouts.
Selection: KIMBERELLA
Next best: Ostatnia
5.25 CORAL.IE CURRAGH CUP (GROUP 2) 1M 6F
A hopeful vote goes to the likeable and progressive Alveena. She is stepping up markedly in grade but there is a lot to like about the manner in which she has progressed in handicaps this year. She has won two of her three starts this term and readily defied a mark of 90 to claim a premier handicap at Cork two weeks ago. There could easily be more to come from her now that she moves up in trip and she is preferred to the Ballydoyle duo. Interestingly, Ryan Moore stays with Landofhopeandglory even though he has 1¾l to find with Sword Fighter when the pair were fourth and first in last week’s Queen’s Vase at Ascot.
Selection: ALVEENA
Next best: Landofhopeandglory
5.55 TROYTOWN GREY ABBEY EQUINE HOSPITAL HANDICAP 1M 2F
Stronger Than Me progressed well at the end of last season when he won twice and was beaten less than 2l into fifth in a premier handicap over 1m 4f at Naas. He is 9lbs higher than when last winning, but ran creditably off this mark at Dundalk last winter and has previously won on his return, which is encouraging. Eddystone Rock was very impressive at Navan last time and he did pick up a 12lbs rise for that triumph but that may not be enough to prevent him playing a leading role. Bottom weight Elusive In Paris has enjoyed a tremendous season already. He ran well in a premier handicap over 1m 4f last time but a return to this trip will suit him well.