Irish Eyes: Go, go, go, Goken!

Our Irish Eyes column previews today’s action from the Curragh and has three big priced selections on the card.

Recommendations

Nap: Goken, 2.50 Renaissance Stakes, the Curragh (11/1)

Next Best: Yucatan, 3.25 Beresford Stakes, the Curragh (8/1)

Each-Way: Hidden Universe, 3.55 Amateur Riders Derby, the Curragh (11/1)

Whilst the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes had attracted a competitive enough field, only one horse in the race has previously won above Group 3 level, namely the triple Group 1 winner Gordon Lord Byron. 

Not only that, but as the only Group 2 winner in the field, he must concede a minimum of 5lbs all around due to the fact that win came at this track (over a furlong longer) as recently as July.  Consequently, he faces a very difficult task at the weights in today’s race. 

Today’s favourite, The Happy Prince, has really hit form recently chasing home Spirit Quartz in a Tipperary Listed event prior to beating today’s rival In Salutem at Navan and then running a career best when just headed at the finish of the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster two weeks ago.  However, the overall inconsistency of his form, coupled with the fact he sports a tongue-tie, suggests he is not one to trust with our hard-earned cash. 

The last eight winners of this race were all trained at home but 10 of the previous 18 renewals fell to UK raiders.  There are three UK runners this time around and two in particular appear to be overpriced and therefore they might be the two to focus on.  Henry Candy’s La Rioja is a top-priced 10/1 and has plenty in her favour.  She receives 10lbs from Gordon Lord Byron today and a return to her favoured soft ground gives her an obvious chance if she settles which she could well do with a faster pace back at six furlongs. 

However, a chance is taken with her compatriot Goken, despite his recent lack of form.  Kevin Ryan has his team in good nick with five winners, five seconds and …

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