Curragh 7.15

SEAN - Curragh 7.15 Ebor Handicap - 1 mile 6 furlongs - 16 run - Going Good

 

A fair mix in here and although the race is nowhere near the UK equivalent in stature nor prize money it's still a decent pot to aim for.

 

Earl Of Tyrone is an uneasy favourite for me, upped in trip after a facile Bellewstown Maiden win with an 8lbs penalty, I just don't think it represents any kind of value. It's harder to knock a Willie Mullins horse ridden by Ryan Moore and the price reflects that combinations combined prowess on Micro Manage but the sum parts of known Flat form just don't add up to the price and although both can weave their magic, I'm happy to look elsewhere.

 

Dame Rapide is definitely in formwins off 68 and 79 over Course and Distance, now up to a mark of 92 and really asking a lot to climb up again and I think it'll make a bold bid but I think a race too far for this one. No Say Ever if also fit and in form, but it's more exposed than some and another I visualise running well but not quite well enough. Shanroe won this last year off a mark of 94, went on to run very well in the York equivalent after than, she makes seasonal debut, up 7lbs, I'm convinced the run will have her in better form and I have a hunch the plan is to aim at York again in 2022 for the UK equivalent and to may be take in some more mainland races on the way.

 

At the bigger priced end of the market, Moon Daisy for Donncha O'Brien was a progressive 3 year old last year, 6lbs above it's win mark and I could see this outrunning the Odds if you fancy it for the £2 exchange win and place bet (apparently you can now back £1 win / place on Betfair too). I'm really taken too by Joseph's (O'Brien) BENAUD, it ran very well at Royal Ascot last year, it had a run to get rid of the cobwebs and could still have some scope to progress. I can't ignore it at the price. Distant Chimes was well worth a look and seems to be regaining some of its earlier UK promise after nearly 3 years off and could run a big race.

 

In terms of the handicap there is close collateral form between 3 horses from whom I'm convinced the winner will emerge: POWERFUL AGGIE, YAFORDADOE and Phoenix Cowboy look solid candidates at the trip and off their marks. On a literal reading of form Gavin Cromwells YAFORDADOE is best handicapped, it has to conclusively prove it gets this trip but I'm comfortable that won't be an excuse and this canny Yard may have placed the horse well. POWERFUL AGGIE has been more highly tried in 2 runs this year and failed to cut the mustard, but that will ensure fitness and back in calmer waters does look a good price based on 2021 handicap form. I reluctantly leave out Phoenix Cowboy and but for BENAUD's potential it would have been an investment so can be the reserve.