National Stakes for O´Brien?

Despite the defeat of the Aidan O´Brien armada in yesterday´s St. Leger at Doncaster, the stable form remains extremely strong, with a Group One and a Group Two victory, and the star trainer launches a strong challenge for today´s Group One National Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 16.45 CET at the Curragh.

He saddles 5 of the 8 runners, with clear preference for Mastercraftsman, the choice of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh. The colt has won all his 3 starts, all of them over 6 furlongs here, but faces a very dangerous opponent in the Aga Khan´s Arazan (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane), who is also unbeaten and created a very favourable impression when beating a strong field over this CD on heavy ground last time. With similar conditions expected today, he can perhaps win again. Mark Johnston´s Shaweel (Greg Fairley) won the Gimcrack last time, but could well be outclassed here. The ozther group race at the Curragh this afternoon is theSolonaway Stakes over a mile at 15.40. Jessica Harrington´s Jumajulika (Fran Berry) won this last year and will love the tgesting ground, but has a huge weight to carry and may find it hard to concede 10 lbs to the progressive 3yo´s Zulu Chief (O´Brien/ Murtagh) and Kargali (Oxx/ Kinane)

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Freemantle - Nafaath - Zero Point Seven
2.Race: Zulu Chief - Kargali - Jumbajukiba
3.Race: Suailce - Flashy Beau - Muskatsturm
4.Race: Mastercraftsman - Arazan - Shaweel
5.Race: Gleigeal - Cristal Island - Like Magic
6.Race: Lough Mist - Redera - Playdate
7.Race: Luxie - Snap - Lazare
8.Race: El Presidente - Fictional Account - Amarama