19:55 Curragh — Staying Test May Expose Poetic Sound

The 19:55 at the Curragh is a deep staying handicap over 2m½f, bringing together progressive Flat stayers, dual-purpose types and several veterans with back-class. The official going is good, with light rain forecast, and that detail matters because a few of these would prefer more ease.

Poetic Sound arrives as the recent course winner after staying on well over 1m6f here, but this is a different test. He is up 8lb, racing from a career-high mark, and his previous efforts around this trip have not been convincing. He is respected, but looks vulnerable if the market overreacts to the latest win.

The more interesting angle is the form of the Curragh 1m6f handicap won by Poetic Sound. Kilmeaden and Delta both shaped as though this extra distance could suit. Kilmeaden finished strongly from off the pace to take third, while Delta was also staying on late in fourth and now gets cheekpieces. Both remain credible improvers at the trip.

Too Bossy For Us is another major player. Willie Mullins has a strong recent record in the race and this horse was runner-up in last year’s renewal off a 1lb higher mark. His latest Flat run behind Poetic Sound was underwhelming, but returning to this trip and good ground gives him a realistic chance to bounce back.

Ballyadam adds intrigue after bolting up on his Flat handicap debut at Listowel. He is 9lb higher in a stronger race, so this asks a bigger question, but he is lightly raced in this sphere and should not be dismissed. Stablemate-style dual-purpose profiles often improve quickly once switched to staying Flat handicaps.

Of the bigger prices, Highwind could step forward now returning to a longer trip, while Reverend Hubert is worth tracking after likely needing his comeback run. The Shunter has the class but probably wants softer ground, and Carthusian, Hatim and Robbies Rock have enough to prove.

The likely race shape is not obvious, with no guaranteed strong pace. That could make tactical position important and may slightly help those able to race handily, such as Poetic Sound and Ballyadam. Even so, the best long-term staying profiles belong to Delta and Kilmeaden.

Verdict: Delta makes most appeal as the likely improver, with Kilmeaden close behind. Too Bossy For Us is solid if the market allows, while Poetic Sound looks opposable at short odds.

Fair odds: Delta 9/2, Kilmeaden 5/1, Too Bossy For Us 6/1, Ballyadam 11/2.