The feature staying contest on Sunday’s Curragh card sees a select field of eight line up for the Group 2 Curragh Cup over 1m6f, a race that often serves as an important stepping stone towards the Irish St Leger. With conditions expected to be good to firm, proven stamina and tactical speed are likely to be at a premium.

Last year’s winner Al Riffa returns to defend his crown and sets the standard on form. Joseph O’Brien’s versatile six-year-old has enjoyed success at the highest level throughout his career and arrives after another solid campaign in elite company. His fourth in the Ascot Gold Cup followed a strong third in a Group 1 at Longchamp, suggesting he remains as effective as ever. Back at the Curragh, over his optimum trip and on his preferred ground, he looks the horse they all have to beat.

Aidan O’Brien saddles the chief challenger in Illinois, who bounced back to winning form in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot. Runner-up in last year’s Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup, he possesses proven staying credentials but has occasionally mixed excellent performances with below-par efforts. If reproducing his best form, he rates the biggest threat to the favourite.

The value angle could lie with Tennessee Stud, another representing Joseph O’Brien. A Group 1-winning juvenile who developed into a high-class middle-distance performer last season, he produced a career-best when landing the Prix Chaudenay over an extended 1m7f. His return campaign has yet to catch fire, but this race presents an ideal opportunity to rediscover that level, and he looks overpriced if able to return to his peak.

The progressive Floresta arrives in excellent heart after capturing a Group 3 at Fairyhouse and continues to improve with experience over staying trips. Receiving the mares’ allowance, she has solid each-way credentials and could easily bridge the gap to the established Group performers.

Trustyourinstinct has been admirably consistent throughout the season and should once again give a good account, although he may find one or two possessing greater class. Happy Pharoah also enters calculations after an encouraging second behind the exciting Scandinavia and could outrun generous odds if building on that effort.

The biggest question surrounds Green Impact, whose class is not in doubt but whose stamina for a true-run mile and six furlongs remains unproven. Dallas Star completes the field but faces a significant rise in class and will need a dramatic improvement to feature.

With no obvious confirmed front-runner, the race may develop into a tactical affair where positioning is crucial before the sprint begins turning for home. That scenario should suit proven Group performers with the ability to quicken off an even pace.

Verdict

Al Riffa boasts the strongest overall profile and, returning to the scene of last year’s dominant victory, is taken to successfully defend his title. Illinois rates the obvious danger, while Tennessee Stud appeals as the value play and Floresta can continue her progression by filling the minor honours.

Predicted 1-2-3

1. Al Riffa
2. Illinois
3. Tennessee Stud