The traditional start of the flat season is marked by the prestigious £100,000
The race has 22 runners declared and the warm favourite is the John Gosden trained Taqleed, who is a potential group horse, masquerading as a handicapper. He looks promising, but his current price looks a bit skinny and the value is elsewhere, and most notably those trained by Richard Fahey. The Malten trainer has 5 runners, and there are two notable standouts, the first being last years runner up PRIME EXHIBIT who warmed up nicely for this, finishing 2 lengths third behind Lowther in the Lincoln Trial. He will be receiving 7lb in the weights and Lee Topliss takes a very valuable 5lb off too. Penitent who he finished behind in this last year went on to win and place in Listed Races, and horses down in this race have also come out and ran well, further franking the form. Fahey also trains Brae Hill, Harrison George, Irish Heartbeat and our other selection OUR JOE MAC, who showed a great deal of promise when finishing 13th of 14th in the Irish Lincoln. That was his first race for 183 days and was travelling strongly before fading and tiring at the 2 furlong mark. That run should have him cherry ripe for the day, and both selections look to have very strong each way chances.
There is a good all weather card at
ST NICHOLAS ABBEY makes his anticipated and long awaited return at the Curragh Sunday and he is most definitely one to keep an eye of as Ballydoyle aim to focus on their older horses this season. With the likes of Fame and Glory,
Prime Exhibit and Our Joe Mac – 3.10
Christmas Aria – 5.40 Kempton
St Nicholas Abbey - 4.00 Curragh (Sunday)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner