Ireland today

there is good racing at the Curragh today, the second day of the Irish St.Leger fixture. Aidan O´Brien had a day to forget yesterday, and now he saddles Poet (Johnny Murtagh) in a Group Three over a mile at 17.15 CET. Poet has won his last 3 races, but is moving up in grade here and it is doubtful that he can give weight to the smart 3yo Rayeni (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane). Rayeni was a very promising 2yo, but has only run once this season, when runner-up here in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in May. If anywhere near peak form, he should win today, but Zafisio (Roger Curtis/ Graham Gibbons) is an interesting each-way alternative. he was also runner-up in a Guineas - this time the German one- and was well beaten in the French equivalent. The Group Three over 6 furlongs at 15.45 can go to Girouette (Tracy Collins/ Marc Hussey), who won a similar event this CD last time, but Snaefell ((Mike Halford/ Fran Berry) and Newmarket raider Danehill Destiny (William Haggas/ Murtagh) look dangerous. Murtagh also has chances in the listed race for 2yo fillies at 16.15 on David Wachman´s Picture Perfect, 3rd of 21 to Song of my Heart (won here yesterday) on her debut, but we prefer Kevin Prendergast´s Cornakill (Declan McDonogh), from a stable whose juveniles are really firing now. There is also Irish N.H. racing at Listowel, with the usual maximum fields in most races. There are only 11 runners however in the main event, a handicap chase over 2 miles 3 furlongs at 18.25; an interesting runner here is Ruby Walsh´s mount Pearly Jack, who has not run for 2 1/2 years, but on recent form The Phantom Piper (Mouse Morris/ Joe Cullen) and Plaisir d´Estruvel (Arthur Moore/ Paddy Flood) can be preferred.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Xtraxtra - Bewitched - Irish Reel
2. Race: Danehill Destiny - Girouette - Vocalised
3. Race: Picture Perfect - Cornakill - Sense Of Purpose
4. Race: Noble Galileo - Cybersnow - Taralga
5. Race: Rayeni - Poet - Lahaleeb
6. Race: Final Flashback - Hampshire - Sixteen Forty Two
7. Race: Via Con Dios - Worldly Wise - Harriers Call