A competitive Listed sprint, traditionally attracting quality course specialists and emerging pattern-level contenders. The race is set over the Curragh’s straight six furlongs on good ground, with an even pace forecast. However, Timeform notes that hold-up horses are often at a disadvantage at this trip here, favouring those who can secure a prominent position or track the leaders. Draw bias is not significant, but positioning is likely to be key.


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Leading Contenders

MY MATE ALFIE (120 Timeform) – Rating: 8.5/10
Last year’s winner and multiple Listed scorer, including at this venue. Forgive last run when caught wide in a Group 2 here. Suited by this trip, going, and course. Regular front-runner/prominent racer, so tactical setup suits. Wears blinkers again. Looks well positioned and retains peak form.

BIG GOSSEY (117) – Rating: 7.5/10
Regular Curragh performer and Gladness Stakes winner. Unlucky not to win in the Greenlands Stakes when denied a clear run and finished well. A hold-up horse who needs a clean passage – vulnerable if pace doesn’t collapse. Suited to track and going. Eight-year-old but holding form well.

VESPERTILIO (119) – Rating: 7/10
Consistent mare, fourth in the same Greenlands Stakes. Races midfield to rear; style puts her at risk of needing luck in running. Well suited by 6f on this surface, but not always the strongest finisher when asked.

KING CUAN (111) – Rating: 6.5/10
Promising sort from P. Twomey, a trainer with a strong record with returning types. Lightly raced, easily beat Tango Flare last time. Could bounce, but this is just his second run back. Still unexposed and potentially progressive.

SONGHAI (111p) – Rating: 7/10
One of the more progressive 3yos, put up a big performance to be second in a Listed event at Cork. Proven over the trip and on the ground. Trainer J.P. Murtagh is adept with improving sprinters. Could be well suited by race shape if ridden handily.


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Other Notables

SEATTLE (92p) – Rating: 6/10
€2.2m purchase by Aidan O’Brien. Only two career starts; improved to win a Navan maiden on return. Big class jump here, but clearly promising and progressive. Second start after a long layoff – market will guide.

RUSSET GOLD (117) – Rating: 6/10
Useful British raider from Roger Varian. Was competitive in Group 3 company last year but ran flat after 7 months off on seasonal return. Conditions fine, but may still need another run. Market support would be significant.

NAVASSA ISLAND (110) – Rating: 5.5/10
Capable filly, but usually finds one or two too strong. Best efforts from midfield or further back, which could limit her in this scenario.

EAST HAMPTON (112) – Rating: 6/10
3yo with consistent course form and ran well in a 7f Listed event last time. Not the strongest stayer at that trip; this drop to 6f may help. One to monitor for minor money.

TANGO FLARE (104+) – Rating: 5/10
Has strong course form, but comfortably held by King Cuan last time. More effective in handicaps; likely outclassed here.

EROSANDPSYCHE (110+) – Rating: 5.5/10
Veteran with a history of strong Listed/Group sprints. Was placed on return behind Clarendon House and retains ability. Another hold-up type, who may need things to fall perfectly.


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Timeform Trends & Comments

Timeform Analyst Verdict highlights My Mate Alfie as the most likely winner with a tactically advantageous run expected.

Songhai is noted as a major danger, having posted a strong listed-level effort at Cork.

Big Gossey and Vespertilio both flagged for needing better luck, given their run styles.

Trainer watch: Ger Lyons (My Mate Alfie) and Paddy Twomey (King Cuan, previously Super Sox) are both in form and have targeted this race in the past.

Hold-up caution: Big Gossey, Vespertilio, Erosandpsyche are all talented but require a race to unfold perfectly.

Second run bounce or progression likely from King Cuan and Seattle – market should be watched closely.



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Private Tissue (Fair Odds Estimate)

My Mate Alfie – 3/1

Big Gossey – 11/2

Songhai – 6/1

Vespertilio – 13/2

King Cuan – 8/1

Seattle – 10/1

Russet Gold – 12/1

East Hampton – 16/1

Erosandpsyche – 20/1

Navassa Island – 22/1

Tango Flare – 33/1



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Summary

This is a tightly matched Listed sprint with a handful of proven stakes performers and several unexposed types making their way up the ranks. My Mate Alfie looks the most solid option, returning to ideal conditions and with a tactically sound profile. Songhai is an improving 3yo who could feature prominently if continuing his upward curve. Big Gossey and Vespertilio remain respected but require luck given their late running styles.


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Smart Play

Win – MY MATE ALFIE: Solid record at track, excuses last time, best suited to expected race shape.

Each-Way – SONGHAI: Progressive and tactically versatile, close second in a Listed contest last time, potential to bridge the gap.