1.45 Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club Irish EBF Juvenile Sprint Stakes (Listed Race) 5f
Just caught close home in a similar grade at Deauville earlier this month, Shamrock Breeze can gain compensation. A consistent filly since making her debut at Cork back in May, the Jack Davison-trained two-year-old registered a first win at Down Royal the following month. Having been placed on her last three runs in listed company, the daughter of Ardad can get her head in front again now.
Treasure Isle finished a long way behind Shamrock Breeze at Tipperary in June but that was almost certainly not his true running. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt shaped much better when fourth in a Group 3 at this track on his most recent start.
SELECTION: SHAMROCK BREEZE
Next Best: Treasure Isle
2.15 FBD Hotels And Resorts Killashee Hotel Handicap 6f
Unlucky in running when fourth at this track last month, Torivega can get back to winning ways. Well drawn on the stand side in this smaller field, the Sheila Lavery-trained four-year-old looks to have plenty in his favour.
It must surely be significant that his trainer declared the son of Lope De Vega for a Group 3 race over course and distance last weekend. Although a late defector, the very fact he was deemed worthy of a run suggests he must be held in high regard.
Greek Flower, who finished two places in front of Torivega last time, has to be a serious contender again. Johnny Feane’s filly has run well on all three starts since returning to action at Down Royal in June.
SELECTION: TORIVEGA
Next Best: Greek Flower
2.50 Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden 6f
Second on his racecourse debut over this course and distance in June, Distant Seas is worth forgiving a below par effort on his next start.
Although only sixth when sent off 3/1 at Naas last month, that run was too bad to be true. Perhaps a return to better ground might see the Michael O’Callaghan-trained colt in a better light.
With an official rating of 72, Billie Be Quick is vulnerable to a newcomer but at the same time, the Jessica Harrington-trained filly has plenty experience which should stand to her in a race such as this.
SELECTION: DISTANT SEAS
Next Best: Billie Be Quick
3.25 Download The New Tote App Nursery Handicap 6f
Runner-up over course and distance last month, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Snapdragon can go one better now.
The No Nay Never colt had previously shaped well when fourth in a decent maiden at Fairyhouse. With the benefit on previous handicap experience, the Ryan Moore-partnered juvenile can open his account at the fifth attempt.
Navan winner Shimmy Jimmy was sent off a strong favourite for that aforementioned Curragh nursery but was beaten a long way in fourth. Given that his previous form has worked out well, the Donnacha O’Brien-trained colt is almost certainly capable of better.
SELECTION: SNAPDRAGON
Next Best: Shimmy Jimmy
4.00 Shoda Market Cafe Royal Whip Stakes (Group 3) 1m 2f
Last year’s St Leger winner Continuous could only manage fifth on his reappearance at Royal Ascot in June but is entitled to come on from that run. Of more obvious concern is the drop back to a mile and two here. If coping with the trip, Aidan O’Brien’s colt is the class horse in the race.
Epsom Oaks fifth Caught U Looking might be better suited to this trip than her main rival. The Noel Meade-trained filly ran very well for a long way before finding no extra in the last furlong. Having previously shaped well when fourth over this distance at Navan in April, the daughter of Harzand could have the pace to get involved.
SELECTION: CONTINUOUS
Next Best: Caught U Looking
4.35 Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial Stakes (Group 3) 1m 6f
Second in the Group 2 Curragh Cup over this course and distance last month, Grosvenor Square can go one better now.
Stepping up to this trip for the first time, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was sent into the lead from the start, building up a big advantage by halfway. Although caught inside the final furlong, he showed enough to suggest that he lasted every yard of the distance.
Absurde won the Ebor Handicap over the trip last year, then enjoyed another big payday when landing the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. Although the Melbourne Cup looks his prime objective, Willie Mullins’ gelding has to be respected here.
SELECTION: GROSVENOR SQUARE
Next Best: Absurde
5.10 Tote.ie Handicap 6f
Gowran Park runner-up Shaaden may finally get her head in front. Formerly trained in Britain, the four-year-old has shown promise on a couple of occasions since joining the Pat Flynn stable last year.
Having run her best race to date when staying on late to take second at the Kilkenny track, it is significant that Seamie Heffernan retains the ride.
Viva Voce stayed on strongly to finish second at Naas on his latest start. A winner over further when trained in the U.K., the seven-year-old should appreciate stepping back up an additional furlong now.
SELECTION: SHAADEN
Next Best: Viva Voce
5.45 Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap 6f
Saturn Seven is ideally drawn here to make a bold bid to add to her win over five furlongs here last season. Previously a winner over seven furlongs at Limerick, the Eddie Lynam-trained filly should be very comfortable racing over this intermediate trip.
Magic Force, who caught the eye staying on inside the final furlong to finish fifth at Tipperary recently should be better suited to the longer distance of this race.
While a middle draw is far from ideal, it does at least give his rider the option of going either side, depending on where the early pace tends to be in the race.
SELECTION: SATURN SEVEN
Next Best: Magic Force
SHARING OPTIONS: