*All times BST
There’s some excellent action in Europe this weekend, with a Classic at the Curragh ably supported by some intriguing Stakes contests and handicaps.
We start with some National Hunt action at Market Rasen this Saturday, where Louis Veron may have got in lightly for his handicap debut in the Summer Handicap Hurdle (14:10) following a couple of wins in Novice hurdles. He represents the all-conquering Dan Skelton yard and they also have the favourite in the Summer Plate Handicap Chase (14:45) in the shape of Kingston Narcissus. He’s far more exposed than his stablemate but is capable of big efforts and there’s not much depth in this race.
At Newbury, the Listed Steventon Stakes (13:55) kicks off the card and provides a good chance for Persica to get back to winning ways. This is a bit weaker than the races he has been contesting and he might have too much class for three-year-olds Oceans Four and Al Zanati.
The Group 3 Hackwood Stakes (15:02) does not look a strong race for the level with the market leaders Soldier’s Tree and Binhareer having contested handicaps last time out at Royal Ascot. They both have plenty more to come still, however, with the former in particular being very lightly-raced.
The highlight on the card is the Weatherbys Super Sprint (15:37), a race for juveniles in which a maximum field of 25 go to post for a wide-open affair. This five-furlong cavalry charge is one of the most unique races in the calendar, with the weight the horse carries determined by their price at the sales.
Over at Newmarket, the Aphrodite Stakes (15:05) sees Revoir head the market but she does not set an insurmountable standard and faces two improving and well-bred Godolphin runners. Both Tribal Queen and Fashion’s Fancy finished third on debut before going onto win on their most recent start, and the similarities don’t end there as the dams of the pair are both siblings to Breeders’ Cup Turf winners in Yibir and Rebel’s Romance. The latter was retired this week after a legendary, globe-trotting career, so a victory for Fashion’s Fancy would be most poignant.
All eyes will be on the Irish Oaks at the Curragh but there are several good races on Saturday’s undercard.
The Sapphire Stakes (15:25) sees distaffers Rosy Affair and Havana Anna face off having both finished fourth in Group 1 races at Royal Ascot last time out. The fast Jakajaro finished a place behind the former in the King Charles III and will look to carry early speed to victory here.
The ten-furlong Meadow Court Stakes (14:15) also features a horse who ran huge in Group 1 company last time, with One Look odds-on to go one better in this Group 3 having finished second over course and distance in the Pretty Polly last time out.
The juveniles also get a chance to shine in the Railway Stakes (16:00), with Confucius looking to bounce back from a defeat at long odds-on last time out in the Anglesey Stakes. Stablemate Carry The Flag is the main market danger, but the race looks weak.
The Curragh Cup (16:25) is the highlight at the track on the Sunday and it looks likely to provide Al Riffa with a chance to return to winning ways. This classy sort didn’t see out the extreme trip in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot but should be much happier at this course and distance, over which he won the Irish St Leger last year.
There’s some fine action in France on Sunday, too, with the highlight being the Prix Robert Papin (12:58). Unfortunately, this Group 2 has attracted just three runners, although the improving Group 3 winner Tokaido and Royal Ascot winner King Of Cloughan do ensure the short field has quality at least.
The Prix de la Pepiniere (13:33) should go the way of Cankoura. The Aga Khan stud’s filly was just touched off in the Grade 1 New York Stakes at Saratoga last time out and faces inferiors here.
Horse To Watch
And the same owners, who are enjoying a fine season, should have more success later on the card with Erdebanli looking the latest potential star in the famous green and red. This son of Caravaggio having won all three starts and should land the Prix Messidor (16:35) en route to Group 1 contests.
Race Of The Weekend
The Irish Oaks (16:35, Saturday) is the clear standout here with Thundering On looking to bounce back to winning ways after a disappointing run here last time out. She looked sensational in the English Oaks and is better than she was able to show in the Pretty Polly, but her best form by a way has come around sharp, left-handed bends and I think she’s one to take on. Earth Shot, Amelia Earhart, Inis Mor and stablemate Johanna Walsh all have strong claims in what looks an above average renewal.
