15:05 Curragh – Saturday 24 May 2025WEATHERBYS IRELAND GREENLANDS STAKES (Group 2, 6f, 4yo+, €72,000)Surface: Turf | Going: Good to firm in places | Runners: 9

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Pace and Draw

  • Pace Forecast: Even overall, with likely contributors including Storm Boy (9), Grand Grey (3), and My Mate Alfie (2) expected to race prominently.
  • Draw Bias: Not significant on current going at this 6f trip on the straight course at the Curragh, especially with an even gallop anticipated.

Strongest Contenders

STORM BOY (AUS)Adjusted Rating: 128
A high-class Australian sprinter making his debut for Aidan O’Brien. Last seen running creditably in The Everest (G1) and brings the best peak Timeform figure. Proven at 6f/7f, acts on soft, and holds entries for better races. Returns from a 217-day break—market vibes crucial.
Rating: 9/10

MY MATE ALFIE (IRE)Adjusted Rating: 129
Course specialist with four wins in 2024 including two Group-level events. Solid reappearance at Naas behind Two Stars (5f). Expected to be sharper now back at 6f. Curragh record and trainer form notable positives.
Rating: 8.5/10

LETHAL LEVIAdjusted Rating: 126
Impressive in Ayr Gold Cup and confirmed form in G3 company at Newmarket last time. Regular front-runner who stays 7f but has tactical pace for 6f. Comes here fit and in form, a major player if pace isn’t overly contested.
Rating: 8/10


Main Dangers

GRAND GREY (IRE)Adjusted Rating: 123+
Formerly trained in Italy, made a striking UK debut when 2nd in the Abernant, finishing well. May still have more to offer and was doing his best work late that day. Likely to be held up, and fast ground should suit.
Rating: 7.5/10

IBERIAN (IRE)Adjusted Rating: 122
Lightly-raced colt whose return second at Doncaster (Listed) reads well. Hung badly that day, but retains significant potential. Tends to need cover and may be suited by a patient ride. Worth monitoring in the market.
Rating: 7/10

JAMES’S DELIGHT (IRE)Adjusted Rating: 123
Proven in big-field handicaps and took a Listed win at Deauville last season. Hasn’t repeated that in two runs this year and may be slightly below the required Group 2 standard. Still, Oisin Murphy is booked again.
Rating: 6.5/10


Interesting Outsiders

BIG GOSSEY (IRE)Adjusted Rating: 122
Track specialist and spring performer who landed the G3 Gladness here in March. Last two runs underwhelming, but return to 6f and this venue are both positives. Could bounce back if strong pace materialises.
Rating: 6.5/10

EASY (IRE)Adjusted Rating: 120
Lightly raced but returning from a 338-day layoff. Ran well in Listed company last year but hard to assess off such a break. Watch the betting for signs of intent.
Rating: 5.5/10

VESPERTILIO (FR)Adjusted Rating: 120
Held in Group races at 7f/1m, now dropped back in trip. Has run well in Listed company at 6f and 7f, but might need a strongly-run race to be fully effective.
Rating: 5.5/10


Trends & Notes

  • Past Winners: UK-based trainers (Hills, Easterby, Palmer) have a good recent record. Charles Hills won this in 2024 and runs Iberian.
  • Trainer Form:
    • Aidan O’Brien has a 21% strike rate at the Curragh since 2021.
    • G. M. Lyons is in flying form and his runner My Mate Alfie is a course lover.
  • Watch For:
    • Storm Boy returning off a long absence. If strong in the betting, he’s clearly expected to win.
    • Easy and Grand Grey are other long layoff cases to monitor pre-race.

Marks Out of 10

HorseAdjustedMark
Storm Boy (AUS)1289
My Mate Alfie (IRE)1298.5
Lethal Levi1268
Grand Grey (IRE)123+7.5
Iberian (IRE)1227
James’s Delight1236.5
Big Gossey (IRE)1226.5
Vespertilio (FR)1205.5
Easy (IRE)1205.5

Each-Way Angles (9 runners)

  • LETHAL LEVI: Solid ratings, fit and running well. Handles the track and trip.
  • GRAND GREY: Interesting closer with strong prep run in the UK.

Tissue Estimate

HorseTissue Price
Storm Boy (AUS)11/4
My Mate Alfie7/2
Lethal Levi6/1
Grand Grey13/2
Iberian8/1
James’s Delight12/1
Big Gossey14/1
Vespertilio20/1
Easy25/1

Summary:
This shapes as a strong Group 2 sprint, with Storm Boy the standout on ratings and form, though his 217-day layoff means betting moves are worth watching. My Mate Alfie and Lethal Levi arrive race-fit and dangerous, while Grand Grey adds intrigue as an improver. The draw looks neutral, and with an even pace forecast, class and sharpness should tell.

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