2:52 Mitsubishi Electric Curragh Irish EBF Curragh Stakes (Listed Race) – 5f – 2yo – €50,000

·

Ground: Good | Draw: 1-7 | Weight: Standard Listed Conditions with Penalties | Race Type: Listed (Open 2yo) | Field Size: 7


Pace Angles & Draw Impact

The presence of Rosie Frith (who made all last time) and Jack The Bachelor (notably speedy) suggests a strong pace is likely, particularly from the middle gates. Given how the Curragh’s 5f track tends to favour those drawn centrally to high when the ground is good, stalls 4–6 may be slightly favoured if the race is run straight.

Draw Bias: Slight edge to middle/high (4–6).
Pace Scenario: Strong early gallop likely, may test stamina at the trip. Potential for closers to feature if the leaders overdo it.


Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers, Interesting Outsiders

Strongest Contenders

Kansas – Proven – 9/10
Ballydoyle colt who won a warm maiden and has hit the frame multiple times in stronger company. Holds collateral form with Jack The Bachelor and Namiid, and despite being beaten by the former last time, he was 8lb wrong at the weights and stuck on well. His sectional profile suggests a horse wanting 6f, but a strongly-run 5f with cover could be ideal. First-time cheekpieces worked at Tipperary. Well drawn. Proven, and tactically versatile.

Ipanema Queen – Promising – 8/10
Ascot Group 3 effort hinted at quality, and runner-up in Listed company last time when not seen to best effect dropping back in trip. Her best form is over 6f, but her debut win at the Curragh was strong, and she is bred to be sharp. A return to this venue on quick ground is a plus, and she remains with upside. Likely played late.

Main Dangers

Jack The Bachelor – Progressive – 8/10
Reversed form with Kansas when winning decisively at Cork, relishing quick conditions and aided by Jack Kearney’s 3lb claim. Quick ground is key, and he’s getting quicker with racing. Stamina a minor question in a strongly-run 5f, but tactically he has pace to race prominently. Drawn ideally to track the likely leaders.

Rosie Frith – Progressive – 7/10
Massive improvement last time out when making all at Cork in a 14-runner maiden. Looked happier over the bare 5f and settled much better. Will face pace pressure here, but comes into this in great nick and cannot be dismissed. Likely to lead.

Interesting Outsiders

Namiid – Exposed – 6/10
Generally consistent but lacks the finishing kick of others here. Beaten twice by Kansas, though posted a solid effort at Down Royal. Doesn’t look to be progressing. Place claims only.

Tertre Rouge – Unexposed – 5/10
Ran green and shaped with ability on debut behind Kansas, Jack The Bachelor and Namiid. Breeze-up profile and strong pedigree suggest improvement is possible. Likely to benefit from a patient ride. Likely one for nurseries or backend maidens, but not without ability.

Whatchadoin – Exposed – 4/10
Fair efforts in huge-field maidens but has already run over trips up to 7.9f and lacks the tactical speed needed here. Doesn’t shape like a 5f Listed-class sprinter. Would surprise.


Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

  • Kansas: 9/10 – Well-suited; proven at track and grade, handles ground and shape.
  • Ipanema Queen: 8/10 – Suited by course and ground; trip slightly sharp, but tactically manageable.
  • Jack The Bachelor: 8/10 – Well-suited by trip, ground and draw; may get pace pressure.
  • Rosie Frith: 7/10 – Improving filly, ideal trip and tactics; faces stronger opposition.
  • Namiid: 6/10 – Consistent but lacks upside; trip and ground OK.
  • Tertre Rouge: 5/10 – May need more time and experience; promising for nurseries.
  • Whatchadoin: 4/10 – Trip likely too sharp; ground OK, but tactically disadvantaged.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.


Each-Way Angles

With 7 runners, each-way terms are limited. However, Rosie Frith could be the value play if priced generously due to her strong front-running win last time.


Private Tissue Estimate (Fair Odds)

  • Kansas – 2/1
  • Ipanema Queen – 3/1
  • Jack The Bachelor – 7/2
  • Rosie Frith – 8/1
  • Namiid – 10/1
  • Tertre Rouge – 16/1
  • Whatchadoin – 20/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary & Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This Listed sprint features a likely strong gallop, which will test balance and pace efficiency. Kansas is the standard setter based on form, but Ipanema Queen may have more scope for progression. Jack The Bachelor is improving, but the Cork result may flatter him given the weight swing. If Rosie Frith gets loose, she’s no forlorn hope.


Smart Play

  • Win Selection: Kansas – sets a solid standard, ideally drawn, stays well, and the form is franked.
  • Each-Way Saver: Rosie Frith – if prices allow, she’s a pace angle with tactical advantages and improving rapidly.

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe