Group race at the Curragh

Plenty of racing today and the best sport will be on offer in the evening, especially at the Curragh on the first day of the Irish Derby Meeting. The main event is the Group Three International Stakes over 10 furlongs at 20.30 CET, but there is a most disappointing turnout here, with only 4 runners, 3 of them owned by Coolmore. Most Improved (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is the likely favourite here; he won the St. James´s Palace Stakes last year for Brian Meehan but lost form afterwards and is having his first run for the O´Brien´s now. He is also trying this distance for tjhe first time, and although he is clear best on ratings, frankly, we would rather give this race a miss. Rain is expected in several parts of the U.K. today, so punters should be prepared for a change in the going and possible non-runners.

Chester, Newmarket and Newcastle are also preparing for their better class cards tomorrow. At the last-named track, the Gosforth Park Cup, a 5 furlongs handicap, is the main event this evening. This looks really tricky with 15 runners, all distance specialists. Ex-Italian Jiroft (Robert Cowell/ Graham) is difficult to assess, but he won´t find it easy under top weight. We would rather rely on the Easterby´s, with Tim saddling two runners and Mick one; Tim´s Captain Dunne (Duran Fentiman) has not won since landing the Epsom Dash two years ago, but is very well handicapped on that form and we make him our selection. The listed race for fillies at 20.15 looks a Godolphin benefit, as Saeed bin Suroor saddles 3 of the 9 runners; Prussian (Michael Barzalona) could be the best of them.

Godolphin could also be on the scorecard at Newmarket with Mar Mar (William Buick) in the 6 furlongsd race for fillies at 21.05. Half an hour earlier, London Bridge (Jo Hughes/ Ryan Moore) can complete a four-timer in the 1 mile 5 furlongs handicap; he is up 21 lbs for winning his last 3 races, but continues to improve. Last time out he was an easy winner from Broughton (Mark Johnston/ Franny Norton); that one, once the highest priced yearling at the BBAG sale at Baden-Baden, runs 20 minutes later at Chester, and can give the form a boost.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pirita - Terrific - Snow
2. Race: One True Love - Wexford Opera - Dr Funkenstein
3. Race: Illustrate - Speed Dream - Yulong Baoju
4. Race: Leah Claire - Star Power - King Of The Romans
5. Race: Most Improved - Flying The Flag - Aloof
6. Race: Fionnuar - Sacred Dragon - The Fox Tully
7. Race: Wannabe Better - The Vatican - Convocate