Irish Horseracing Betting: Group and Listed action at the Curragh

005 Irish Racing / Wayne Bailey / 23 August 2008 / Leave a Comment

Wayne Bailey has found some promising betting propositions for today's action at HQ...

In a week of washouts and water logging, we're lucky that the Curragh has thus far survived. The ground will probably be heavy, so make sure your horse is suited before having a bet. It's a fairly busy day with eight races on the card - Let's hope we'll be singing in the rain by the time the meeting ends...


2:00 - Maureen McCormack European Breeders Fund Maiden

This race should come with a warning sign similar to those found on cigarette packs: 'Caution, exposure to this 20 runner maiden may seriously deplete you Betfair balance'.

A huge field, and of the few that have experience, none have shone too brightly. With peace on our Island, there aren't as many guns going around nowadays thankfully, but if one were put to my head, I'd say Palazzone looks about the best. But then again, we haven't seen most of the others run yet.

Advice: Keep your money safely in your account.


2:30 - K & M Timber Ballycullen Stakes (Listed Race)

Course and distance winner Red Moloney has three listed wins under his belt and will handle the ground no problem. His last race at Roscommon in July was pretty disappointing and he had nothing to offer when asked. I'm hoping he was having an off day as he's certainly a better horse than that performance suggests. Ballyhaunis looks promising and may take some place money if he handles the ground.

Advice: Back Red Moloney.


3:05 - Tattersalls Ireland Sale Stakes

A two year old race is next, and a pretty hefty prize of €147,000 to go along with it. This looks like a battle between Jim Bolger's Duaisbhanna and Kevin Prendergast's Heart Of Fire. The problem however, is that we're not too sure if either will act on the ground. It's hard to pick between the two but Heart Of Fire has proven himself in listed company, and just about gets the nod in what looks like a pretty competitive contest.

Advice: Back Heart Of Fire (small stakes).


3:40 - Mongey Communications Handicap

A massive field for this 50-70 handicap, and a good case could be made for five or six of these. It's the type of race where anything can happen, and the only suggestion I'd make here is to lay the market leader(s) if you can get it at a short enough price. In a tricky 24 runner handicap, I'd be happy to take on any horse at [7.0] or less.

Advice: Lay any horse priced [7.0] or less.


4:15 - Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes (Group 2)

Aidan O'Brien has a cracking record in this race, and he's going mob handed again with no less than five of the 11 entries here trained at Ballydoyle. Look no further than Westphalia (NAP), who seems a class apart. Early indications are that he'll go off at a short price, but if you can get [2.0] or higher, it could be the bet of the day.

Advice: Back Westphalia.


4:45 - Loder European Breeders Fund Fillies Race

Have one glance at the card, and you'll soon see it's time for a Kit Kat.

Advice: No Bet.


5:15 - Alfie O'Reilly Handicap

Yet another big field handicap and it's pretty difficult to get these down to a manageable level. In races like these, it's probably best to utilise Betfair's place markets and get yourself four chances of getting paid. Jim Bolger has plans for Tintreach, and he's mentioned a number of times that he'd like to see her get some black type - so I'd be hopeful that she'd be in the frame at least.

Advice: Back Tintreach to place (small stakes).

5:50 - Stephen Quirke Memorial Fillies Maiden

Not a race for big stakes, but surely it's only a matter of time before My Dark Rosaleen loses her maiden tag? She was second to the aforementioned Tintreach last time out at Gowran, and today may be the day. There are plenty of unexposed horses here of course, so I'm playing it safe once again and placing my bet in the place market.

Advice: Back My Dark Rosaleen to be placed.


Elsewhere...

I couldn't sign off without mentioning the mouth-watering battle across the water involving New Approach and Duke Of Marmalade (3:35 Newmarket). My heart says get stuck in to 'The Duke' but my head says just enjoy the race for what it is. I've not decided if I'll have a punt, but I'm sure as hell looking forward to what could be the race of the season. Enjoy!