Sun 20th Aug 2023
2.00 Curragh (24 runners)
Irish European Breeders Fund Median
Sires Series Maiden
6f 

1. Vestigia (IRE):
   • Total: 453.6
   • Remarks: Ran only once before.
2. Cardinal Zin (IRE):
   • Total: 445.1
   • Remarks: Showed promise in his previous races and may benefit from the extended distance. Competing in a stronger race now.
3. Megarry (IRE):
   • Total: 433.3
   • Remarks: Fared well in previous races but seemed keen in his last race and didn’t sustain his performance. The current race has a shorter distance which might suit him better. Has a potentially favorable draw.
4. Perfect Judgement (IRE):
   • Total: 421.7
   • Remarks: Seems to be a formidable contender given the ratings but lacks race history for a detailed analysis.
5. Transcending Glory (IRE):
   • Total: 416.8
   • Remarks: Has run a couple of times but needs to step up to challenge the top contenders.

Notable Mentions:

• Barley Cove (IRE) has the potential to improve given his performance in previous races despite a slow start. The extra furlong in this race may benefit him.
• Avatar Jet (IRE) has demonstrated some ability in previous races but might be better suited for a nursery.
• Cardinal Zin (IRE) has shown improvement since his debut and can be a dark horse in this race.
• Megarry (IRE) might benefit from the reduced distance in this race and should be watched closely.

Conclusions:

• The race seems quite open, with several horses showing promise in their previous outings.
• Vestigia (IRE) and Cardinal Zin (IRE) seem to be the frontrunners based on the given ratings, but other contenders like Megarry (IRE) and Perfect Judgement (IRE) could spring a surprise.
• It’s important to note that many of these horses lack extensive race history, making predictions more challenging.
• Keeping an eye on the market movements closer to the race start might also give further insights into the potential winners.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
2.30 Curragh (11 runners)
Plusvital Speed Gene Nursery Handicap
6f

1. Jakajaro (IRE)
   • Pros: Dominant in terms of total score, has previously won over C&D, expected to benefit from softer ground conditions.
   • Cons: A significant weight penalty of 15lb may challenge his ability to repeat his success.
2. West Of Wichita (IRE)
   • Pros: Good performance in recent races, adaptable to different ground conditions, fairly handicapped.
   • Cons: While she’s been “touched off” in maidens, there’s no definitive win in recent times to assert her dominance.
3. Sanshiro (IRE)
   • Pros: Despite losing to Jakajaro in a previous match-up, he’s 15lb better off this time around, which levels the playing field. The horse is also comfortable on soft grounds.
   • Cons: While the decision to remove the blinkers might be tactical, it’s uncertain how it’ll impact his performance.

While the data and the notes suggest that Jakajaro and West Of Wichita are likely to be strong contenders based on past performances and adaptability to conditions, Sanshiro comes in as a potential dark horse, especially given the weight advantage he has compared to the previous meeting with Jakajaro.

Sun 20th Aug 2023 3.00 Curragh (13 runners) Bord Na Mona Recycling Handicap 6f

1. Big Gossey (IRE):
   • Pros: Five-time winner, consistent performances in significant sprint handicaps, has competed well in better company this year.
   • Cons: Recent slow start in the Phoenix Sprint could indicate potential inconsistency or off day.
2. Heavenly Power (IRE):
   • Pros: Good track record at this venue (2 wins in 10 visits), faced adversity in last month’s Scurry Handicap but still performed well, prefers rain and could benefit from it.
   • Cons: Dependence on external factors like rain might make the horse’s performance unpredictable in certain conditions.
3. Jon Riggens (IRE):
   • Pros: Has a win on soft ground, and his performance indicates he is a contender.
   • Cons: Recent races show mixed results, and he might be more suited for shorter distances than the upcoming race.

Sun 20th Aug 2023 3.30 Curragh (9 runners) Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club Irish European Breeders Fund Curragh Stakes (Listed) 5f

. Storm Miami (IRE):

• Pros: Highest total rating, adaptable to different ground conditions, and in prime form.
• Cons: Faced a recent defeat in a similar Listed race.

2. Alabama (IRE):

• Pros: Strong total rating, performed well on good ground at significant events like Royal Ascot.
• Cons: The forecasted rain might not be in her favor, given her preference for good ground.

3. Rush Queen (IRE):

• Pros: Consistent performer with recent win at Naas, versatile with ground conditions.
• Cons: This is her first attempt in a stakes race which can be a step-up challenge.

Conclusion:

Based on the above analysis, the top 3 contenders would be:

1. Storm Miami (IRE) – She boasts the highest rating, is in prime form, and can handle varying ground conditions.
2. Alabama (IRE) – Despite the potential issue with the rain, her overall form and strong performance at events like Royal Ascot makes her a top contender.
3. Rush Queen (IRE) – With her recent form and adaptability to any ground conditions, she’s a horse that shouldn’t be overlooked. The only concern would be how she manages the step up to a stakes race.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
4.05 Curragh (7 runners)
Fitzdares Royal Whip Stakes (Group 3)
1m2f 

1. Goldana (IRE)
   • Pros: Impressive past performances, especially in heavy ground. High overall rating.
   • Cons: Doesn’t seem to perform as well on quicker grounds.
2. Unless (USA)
   • Pros: Recent Listed win and adaptable to soft ground. Good overall ratings, especially from the stable.
   • Cons: Not many, seems in form.
3. Knight To King (IRE)
   • Pros: Showed potential in previous races and still might have more to offer. Described as “still unexposed.”
   • Cons: Limited race history, so it’s hard to predict consistency.

In conclusion, if the ground remains soft or if there’s rain, Goldana might have a strong advantage. Unless (USA) seems to be in form and would likely be a strong contender. Knight To King has the potential to surprise, given its unexposed nature.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
4.35 Curragh (5 runners)
Comer Group International Irish
St Leger Trial Stakes (Group 3)
1m6f

1. Library (IRE)
   • Pros: Highest overall rating, consistent performance in previous races, strong team backing.
   • Cons: Recent taxing race in bad conditions, previous defeat by Shamida.
2. Shamida (IRE)
   • Pros: Progressive nature, undefeated in her starts, clear potential for longer races. Skipped a recent race, likely to be in good shape.
   • Cons: Limited race history, so unpredictability remains.
3. Okita Soushi (IRE)
   • Pros: Previous gutsy performances, ability to handle long distances.
   • Cons: Vulnerable to softer grounds, previous poor performance on yielding ground.

In conclusion, Library’s overall consistency makes him a strong contender, while Shamida’s progressive nature and strategic race choices make her an exciting prospect. Okita Soushi’s performance will hinge on the ground condition, but his gutsy nature can’t be discounted.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
5.05 Curragh (19 runners)
OShaughnessy Distilling Company Handicap
6f

Midnight Fire (IRE)

• Pros:
  • High total score indicating consistent performance.
  • Three-time C&D winner, suggesting the horse knows the course and distance well.
  • Last outing over the C&D was commendable.
• Cons:
  • The odds aren’t the highest, which means there might be stronger contenders in the field.

2. Teddy Boy (IRE)

• Pros:
  • Second-highest score indicating good form.
  • Recent win at Naas on soft ground.
  • The jockey seems to be a good fit, suggesting potential synergy.
• Cons:
  • The draw could have been better, which might position him at a disadvantage at the start of the race.
  • A 5lb higher weight might affect his performance compared to his last outing.

3. The Organiser

• Pros:
  • Strong performance as a 2yo.
  • Recent performance at C&D is notable.
  • The rider’s claim could provide an advantage in the race.
• Cons:
  • Drawn much higher which could be a positional disadvantage.
  • The odds are not the lowest, suggesting other potential strong contenders in the race.

Sun 20th Aug 2023 5.35 Curragh (20 runners) Sheehy Motors CUPRA Apprentice Handicap (47-70) 1m

1. Everylittlestep (IRE)
   • Pros: Recent form has been outstanding with three consecutive wins, showcasing the horse is in peak condition.
   • Cons: Has to carry a 7lb penalty, which could be a slight disadvantage.
2. Rock Etoile (IRE)
   • Pros: Has previously shown good form in spring, performing well at distances like this one. The horse has had decent results on softer ground and is returning to its optimum distance.
   • Cons: It’s been a while since its spring victories, so it’s crucial to gauge if the horse is still in that peak form.
3. Akmaam (FR)
   • Pros: Has a recent win and has been running well on turf since then.
   • Cons: There might be others in the race better handicapped, suggesting he might not be the best value for his current odds.

In conclusion, while Everylittlestep seems the obvious choice due to recent form, horse racing often throws up surprises. Rock Etoile’s return to its favourable distance and Akmaam’s consistency make them both serious contenders.