Curragh Sunday: Happily ever Moore?

Ryan Moore has some tough calls to make at the Curragh, but lets hope it ends happily in the Irish 1000 Guineas

14:25 Tattersalls Gold Cup
Defoe’s only defeat in the last year and a half came in the St Leger, and while this trip is probably a minimum for him, he appeals as a better performer on balance than Cliffs of Moher, and should get the better of his main market rival with underfoot conditions to suit. His win in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket was impressive given that he was blindsided by the runner-up, but ended up winning easily, and that looks a much better effort than Cliffs of Moher’s battling defeat of Success Days in the Mooresbridge Stakes at Naas.

Tip:

Back Defoe to win @ 

15:00 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes
This looks really tough, but a chance is taken on Sarrocchi belatedly living up to her looks and price tag having had excuses for both starts this season. If heavy ground at Leopardstown was unsuitable, then the other extreme at undulating Newmarket looked a horror-show for the daughter of Galileo, and she seemed to hate every second in the 1000 Guineas having attracted some support at big odds. She takes a drop in class, with a tongue tie fitted and should find ten furlongs at the Curragh more to her liking, so rates a value bet in a race lacking an outstanding candidate.

Tip:

Back Sarrocchi @ 

16:10 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas
Clemmie is the star on last year’s showings, but Ryan Moore sticks with Guineas third Happily, and last year’s Moyglare Stud Stakes winner is the percentage call given her stable companion lacks physical scope. Happily kept on well behind Billesdon Brook at Newmarket, and is likely to be a bit sharper for that outing. I’ve long had high hopes for Alpha Centauri, but she’s coming here off the back of a couple of modest efforts, and has something to prove at the highest level now.

Tip:

Back Happily @