Paul Callaghan’s Curragh Racing Preview – Saturday 17th April

Racing broadcaster Paul Callaghan previews Saturday’s racing from the Curragh.

2.35 Curragh – Gladness Stakes (Group 3) over 7f
I think Know It All could be the answer from stall 1, for the trainer, jockey combination of Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen.

She finished third behind stable companion Champers Elysees in the Matron Stakes (Group 1) on her final run last season. Know It All was only beaten 3 lengths by the winner on that occasion and overall her form is solid.

It’s never easy for the fillies taking on the boys but I think Know It All can play a leading role in the finish.

3.10 Curragh – Alleged Stakes (Group 3) over 1m 2f
I am a massive Bowerman fan and I’m not going to oppose the Ado McGuinness trained runner, partnered once again by jockey Ronan Whelan.

He won a Group 2 contest in Doha, on his last run back in February and he’s a horse who seems to have improved with time. He has a little to find on ratings with the likes of Broome and Numerian but there could be more to come from Bowerman.

There’s very low mileage on the clock and this is only his career start number 20, which is incredible for a 7-year-old.

Having said that, when you see him, it’s easy to see why connections gave him time to develop physically. He’s fine big, good looking horse with an engine to match.

Don’t expect to see him arrive until late as he is a hold-up performer, who is ideally suited by a strongly run race.

3.45 Curragh – Irish EBF Maiden over 1m 2f
I think Wordsworth, who holds an entry in the Derby, can go one better than racecourse debut when he finished second behind stable companion High Definition on August 22nd. Ryan Moore takes the mount for trainer Aidan O’Brien.

4.15 Curragh – Handicap over 1m
I’ve gone with course and distance winner Fame And Acclaim for trainer Joseph O’Brien and jockey Declan McDonogh.

His last winning mark is 101, his course and distance victory came off 94, so he should be competitive off his current rating of 97.

Ground conditions are in his favour and when you look at his last run in testing conditions when he finished sixth in the Irish Lincoln, he was beaten less than 3 lengths by the winner.

Bet here.