Curragh Sunday Preview
The decision to re-route Order Of St George to contest the Irish version of the St Leger instead of the English classic can reap dividends for Ballydoyle at the Curragh on Sunday.
The three-year-old gets a nice pull at the weights from his elders in the showpiece on day two of Irish Champions Weekend and will appreciate the easier ground expected in Kildare.
He has proven very progressive this season and really blossomed when winning the Leger trial at the Curragh last month.
The Galileo colt powered clear of his rivals then in the soft ground having been backed liked defeat was out of the question.
Stable-mate Kingfisher was well held in third then but was said to be in need of the run which wouldn't be unusual for one of the yard's stayers after a mid-season break.
He could get a good bit closer now but Order Of St George is obviously the number one for the yard with Joseph O'Brien getting down to nine stone for the mount.
The rain will also suit Forgotten Rules who could be the big danger and is fancied to turn around Ascot form with Kingfisher.
Connections ran him despite fast ground in the Gold Cup and he just looked to be feeling it at the finish having come with a strong run to lead over a furlong from home.
It looked like a mistake to run him again just ten days later when he was turned over in the Curragh Cup and he's had a nice break since.
Last year's winner Brown Panther hasn't run since May but is smart on his day and can't be discounted while another English raider Agent Murphy looks an improver and could get involved.
There is a strong under-card on day two of Irish Champions Weekend and two cracking Group 1 two-year-old races.
Ballydoyle bids to enhance her reputation in the Moyglare Stud Stakes but may just be vulnerable to a speedy rival over the seven furlongs.
She looks an out-and-out galloper while Tanaza has a lovely turn of foot and may be better over this trip.
Weld has done well with the Aga Khan horses over the last few years and she looks a classy prospect.
The Dubawi filly won nicely on her two starts at Leopardstown and it was interesting to hear connections say then she would appreciate more ease in the ground.
Ballydoyle, the stable, should be on the mark in the National Stakes where Air Force Blue can confirm himself as the top juvenile around.
He was seriously impressive when quickening up to win the Phoenix Stakes here last month and this step up to seven looks like it will suit as he wasn't stopping that day.
Bocca Baciata was another who impressed with the style of her victory at the course last month and can follow up in the Group Two Blandford Stakes.
Maarek has been crying out for soft ground all season and it may finally come in the Flying Five while Miss Elizabeth can land a big pot in the Tattersalls Sales Race.
Selections:
2.00 An Saighdiur Ostatnia
2.35 Bocca Baciata Tapestry
3.05 Maarek Sole Power
3.40 Tanaza (dbl) Ballydoyle
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4.15 Air Force Blue Herald The Dawn
4.50 Order Of St George (nap) Forgotten Rules
5.25 Miss Elizabeth Reckless Endeavour
5.55 Hasanour Archangel Raphael
