A strong pace is forecast, which could impact runners who need settling (Royal Rhyme, Ghostwriter), while likely playing into the hands of hold-up finishers with a turn of foot like White Birch. Over this extended 10f trip at the Curragh, races tend to favour strong stayers, and tactical awareness will be crucial given the depth of the field.


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Strongest Contenders

White Birch (TFR 137) – 10/10
Won this race last year and returned with a neck second to Los Angeles in the Mooresbridge. Progressed rapidly in 2024, landing three Curragh Group races including this. Proven on any going, stays 1½m, and clearly thrives on this track. Timeform top-rated and wears a tongue tie again.

Los Angeles (TFR 130) – 9/10
Irish Derby winner and third in the Arc. Made a winning return over C&D in the Mooresbridge, just holding White Birch. Has further scope, stays well, and is trained by Aidan O’Brien, who has won this race four times in the last ten years. Strong claims again.

Anmaat (TFR 134) – 9/10
Champion Stakes winner at Ascot last October, missed spring targets but resumes here. Proven at the top level, handles soft or firm, and is battle-hardened. Comes off a 218-day layoff, so fitness is a factor, but Owen Burrows’ solo runners have shown a healthy profit trend.


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Main Dangers

Kalpana (TFR 131) – 8/10
Rising filly who ended last season with a Group 1 win in the Fillies’ & Mares’ Stakes at Ascot. Versatile and progressive, she’s the unknown quantity at this level against the colts, but gets weight and travels well. Off since October, but trainer in excellent form.

Ghostwriter (TFR 128) – 7/10
Group 2 placed behind City Of Troy and Economics, and not far off in the Dubai Turf latest. Talented, but can be a touch one-paced under pressure in Group 1s. Will need to settle and find more late.


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Interesting Outsiders

Royal Rhyme (TFR 127) – 6/10
Solid Group 3/Group 2 performer, third in the Prix Ganay on return. Tongue tied again, consistent type but may find a few too strong in the closing stages at this level.

Continuous (TFR 122) – 5/10
Yorkshire Cup fifth last week and below best in Meydan and Karrachi before that. Talented but form has regressed since Irish Derby second and St Leger win in 2023. Blinkers on again.

Kalpana and Anmaat both return from breaks over 200 days, so market support will be a useful indicator. The same applies to Deepone, who has had 413 days off since his 2yo campaign.


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Trainer Trends

Aidan O’Brien: 4 wins in last 10 years (saddles Los Angeles and Continuous)

White Birch is the reigning champion and has multiple C&D wins

Owen Burrows has a level stakes profit at flat meetings when sending just one runner

Watch the market for Anmaat, Kalpana, and Deepone for signs of readiness



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Runner Ratings (out of 10)

Horse Trainer Timeform Rating Mark /10

White Birch J.J. Murphy 137 10
Los Angeles A.P. O’Brien 130 9
Anmaat Owen Burrows 134 9
Kalpana A. Balding 131 8
Ghostwriter Clive Cox 128 7
Royal Rhyme K.R. Burke 127 6
Continuous A.P. O’Brien 122 5
Deepone P. Twomey 116 4
Crypto Force Adrian Murray 116 3



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Tissue Estimate (100% Market)

White Birch – 9/4

Los Angeles – 5/2

Anmaat – 4/1

Kalpana – 6/1

Ghostwriter – 10/1

Royal Rhyme – 16/1

Continuous – 33/1

Deepone – 66/1

Crypto Force – 100/1



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Summary:
This is a high-quality renewal with several proven Group 1 horses. White Birch has a potent C&D record and comes out top on adjusted figures, but Los Angeles beat him last time and remains open to more improvement. Anmaat is a serious player if ready off a layoff, while Kalpana brings a different profile as a rapidly-improving filly. Tactical positioning and race fitness could prove decisive. Market support for those returning (notably Anmaat and Kalpana) is worth watching closely.