Irish racing today

The best racing in Britain and Ireland today is at the Curragh, where 3 group races are run. The Tetrarch Stakes over 7 furlongs at 15.45 CET has 7 runners, but looks very open. Perhaps Aznavour (John Oxx/ Fran Berry), an easy winner only 8 days ago on his debut, can make the step up to this grade. Mark Johnston, who has runners all over today, send Hacienda (Royston Ffrench), who is also moving up in grade after winning two minor events in England and that one could be the danger. Aidan O´Brien, for whom the season has hardly gone to plan so far, saddles 3 runners in the Athasi Stakes, also over 7 furlongs at 16.15, and Famous (Johnny Murtagh) coud take this for the Ballydoyle stable, while their Fame and Glory, despite his flop first time out this season, looks virtually unbeatable in the Mooresbridge Stakes over 10 furlongs at 17.15.

There are also two N.H. meetings in Ireland today, both with huge fields. The best event is the 2 3/4 mile hurdles race at 16.20 at Down Royal, in which Rigour Back Bob (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) can follow up his recent Punchestown success by defeating Gordon Elliott`s Perth winner Meath All Star (Jason Maguire). Elliott and Maguire can gain compensation by winning the beginners chase at 17.20 with Jessica´s Dream. At Limerick, Dolly Hall (Willie Burke / Paul Townend) can take the mares beginners chase at 17.00, in which she meets much lesser opposition than was the case last time at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting.