Curragh Preview - 23/05/21

Dermot Weld runner Ezindjan acts on the soft/heavy conditions certain to be on display this Sunday and his colt holds big claims in the Gallinule Stakes.

The son of Lope De Vega, has proven his natural speed winning over 7f before excelling further when upped to 8f, placing last time out in a Group 3 at Leopardstown.

He has continued to stay on strongly in races and the increase in trip to 10f is expected to bring out further progression.

He’s race fit having ran three times already this term and is equipped with current Irish flat champion jockey Colin Keane on board.

Aidan O’Brien is a 9 time winner of the Tattersalls Gold Cup and is chasing his 4th successive win in the race.

Broome has already been highly tried this season but not without rich reward, now on a bid for a four timer.

The son of Australia has been progressing well, winning a listed race on his seasonal reappearance at Naas before subsequently upgrading the last twice with Group 3 and Group 2 victories at Curragh, all over the 10f trip.

He handles the soft ground which is almost a certainty to be on offer on Sunday, boding well for his chances in this affair.

His Group 1 form is respectable, twice finishing 4th behind the likes of Stradivarius & Anthony Van Dyck, although all of his G1 form has come over quicker conditions and within this sphere he will be much the better performer upon testing ground like Sundays.

Ryan Moore is booked on board who you have to presume had a say in the proceedings of which O’Brien runner he had preference for here, certainly with Tiger Moth, whom he has won on before.

Joseph O’Brien is chasing his very first 1000 Guineas win and holds strong claims here through his top prospect, Pretty Gorgeous.

She acts on soft having won a Group 2 (7f) at Curragh as a 2 year old before winning again on soft last time out in the Bet365 Fillies Mile (8f, G1).

The form from the latter of those runs has worked out superbly with numerous runners, such as the likes of British 1000 Guineas winner Mother Earth, Dubai Fountain and Snowfall all going on to score since.

The daughter of Lawman and Lady Gorgeous is a big scopey sort, certain to have improved and grown into her frame during the winter layoff.

She marks her return on the back of a 226 day break, skipping the British 1000 Guineas in preference of returning here. Big chance.

Baby Zeus, formerly with GM Lyons, showed big potential as a 2yo over 8f and was subsequently moved up to middle distances as a 3yo.

His form last season: 4367 is not as bad as first appears with some close finishes in races, however despite this, he has still seen his handicap mark drop to a very attainable rating of 85, and for that, only carries 9 stone on his back in the race.

He has since switched hands to the Willie Mullins yard who is sure to have aided in plenty of progression for the runner during the winter.

The 4yo gelding wears a first time tongue tie for the affair to spark further improvements and is equipped with Irish flat champion jockey, Colin Keane, on board.