Sunday 25th May
By SP2A Analysis
The Curragh 4.50 - Handicap - class 6 - 22 run - Good (Showers)
A field where many come from a season over jumps, a few of the more Flat Turf types come off extended breaks and a few unexposed ones step up in trip from 12 furlongs.
I fear the cromwell trained Robbies Rock at the head of the market but wouldn't be busting a gut to back him at 6/1, JP O'Brien runs a couple who have been running well over the Jumps and whilst Common Practice has been Chasing and get a nice draw here, of the pair, I prefer NATURALLY NIMBLE who is fit from hurdling, was progressive on the Flat before that and who has a mark of 82 on the Flat that may not be the ceiling of its ability. A draw in 17 to overcome, but the winner of the race last year did just that!
I want to TRACK both Morse, who really needs softer ground but who will be well handicapped when getting it and The Mediator who could also be very well handicapped on the Flat forwards after today and hope they don't exceed expectations for the summer, too soon!
One who steps up in trip by 2 furlongs and who just missed out on a nomination is Ozark Daze and if this does get the extended trip it will go very close. If you want one like Soaring Monarch yesterday at very big Odds, then a small each way on CURIOUS BRIDE, at 50-66/1 a horse who had 3 wins last season and whose last winning mark was 69, may find 76 a bit high initially, but at 50/1 well worth a small poke.
With NATURALLY NIMBE my clear top rated, I will have each way punts too, in preference order on SIGN FROM ABOVE , who should be able to cut all the corners from stall 1 and get a nice position a horse who has been over Jumps, back on the Flat and some seriously strong Flat form last season and anything over 20/1 looks great value, NOT JUST ANY EAGLE who was impressive at shorter last time and who may get some nice cover from stall 2 and attack in to the Straight and finally DARK OAK who is fit and has some decent solid form and speed figures. (Sean)
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TRACKERS
Fontwell 3.33 - Quite The Getaway (noted last time strong e/w punt)
Fontwell 4.43 - Gorcombe Moonshine (noted but in a bit deep here - wait for better options)
Standing Fontwell Course expert jockey Marc Goldstein has a boot of 4 rides today and worth a peek for a crafty small unit L15 each way
2.23 Ballintara
3.33 Captain Howse
4.08 What's My Line
4.43 Millies Mite