CURRAGH

3:15 ASCON ROHCON ALLEGED STAKES (LISTED RACE) (4yo+) 1m2f

RED MOLONEY 9-4 ~ Progressive 3yo last season for Kevin Prendergast but the horse flopped on his seasonal reappearance in the Winter Derby. That was disappointing considering the horse had already shown a liking for the all weather at Dundalk. He excelled last year in soft ground so todays conditions should be ideal and he will be fitter for his run at Lingfield. However he has to bounce back from his poor effort last time and he has to concede weight to the whole field. That tempers any enthusiasm and he still has to improve on all known form if he’s to win this competitive Listed event.

ALARAZI 9-1 ~ Lightly raced and unexposed 4yo for John Oxx who ran an eye catching race in the Irish Lincoln last time out. He only had a few horses in behind 2 furlongs out but he stayed on well over a mile to finish 4th. That was his first run for almost a year so there is little doubt he’ll be fitter for it. Last season he made a winning debut in a Curragh maiden when Creachadoir was back in 3rd but he couldn’t confirm form with that rival when stepped up into a Group 3 next time out. However he was far from disgraced in 6th as he was only about a length behind the 2nd Confuchias. He’s been running as if he will improve for the step up in trip and he’s versatile regarding ground so todays conditions look perfect.

BARON DE L’ 9-1 ~ It was 20th time lucky for this In The Wings gelding as he won his first race in an average Curragh handicap. That proved the making of horse and he rattled up a hat-trick including a 25k handicap over course and distance. He deserved the step into Listed company after that handicap win but he couldn’t live with the eventual winner Ezima. He was far from disgraced though finishing a commendable 3rd. This is his first run since October so he’ll probably need the run but he’s likely to be outclassed in this company even if he is as fit as a whistle.

DEAUVILLE VISION 9-1 ~ Ran away with last years Irish Lincoln but this season she made her debut in a Group 3 on the same card. She was forced to concede about a stone to the 3 year olds so she ran a fine race to finish 3rd only 5 lengths behind the first two. This 5yo mare loves soft ground and the softer the better really so whereas the ground isn’t a worry the trip is as he hasn’t really looked like he’s been crying out for 10 furlongs. She probably also needs to improve to win this race as well with the principles having better form in better races but if they fail to fire she will run her race and might pick up the pieces.

MACARTUR 9-1 ~ A Ballydoyle hype horse at the beginning of last season and after failing to justify favoritism in two Group races he was put away. He returned in the Great Voltigeur and ran a much improved performance to finish 3rd. After running a fine race in the St Leger trial he when to Doncaster and finished a close 6th. He might have finished closer but for suffering interference a furlong from home and he looks a stayer to follow this season. Although he won his maiden on testing ground all his best form has come on faster ground and this is his first run since September so he is sure to be better for it. Today might be the day to take him on but he has the best form in the book and he is the one they all have to beat.

ARKADINA 9-1 ~ The David Wachman Danehill colt looked very average in three maidens and needed a drop into handicap company before he showed any worthwhile form. That was a weak race though and he was well beaten by Baby Blue Eyes in a Listed race next time out. This is far tougher and it’s highly likely that he’ll be outclassed on his first run this season.

MOORETOWN LADY 8-12 ~ This 5yo Montjeu mare would prefer faster ground but the class of the oppositions looks the biggest stumbling block. On her only run over course and distance she was outclassed in a Listed event by Ezima. She’ll probably need the run as well so all in all this is a tough task and she is ruled out.

PROFOUND BEAUTY 8-12 ~ Finished 5th in the Irish Oaks behind Peeping Fawn last season but the way she ran suggested that the trip was further than she would prefer. She was travelling well coming to the 2 furlong pole but she couldn’t go with the likes of Light Shift and Peeping Fawn before tiring to finish 5th. That effort though marked her out as a top class filly and dropped in class a little she should be able to pick up a Group race or two. Better ground would probably suit her better but the ground has dried out a little and she ran well enough in far more testing ground in the Irish Oaks. Dermot Weld is in cracking form and if fit enough to do herself justice then she has a great chance.

CONCLUSION

Shortlist includes Alarazi, Macarthur and Profound Beauty.

Alarazi has the advantage over the other two as he has already had a run this season in the Irish Lincoln. Macarthur and Profound Beauty have the form in the book but both are making their seasonal debuts so will be better for the run. On form Macarthur is the one they have to beat but the ground and trip is a slight concern as his improved form at the end of last season was over 1½ miles plus on fast ground. Profound Beauty should be better over this trip than the 1½ miles in the Irish Oaks but she is said to be in need of the run and would prefer better ground. Alarazi needs to improve to win but he has only had 3 career runs all over an inadequate trip. He wasn’t given a hard time in the Irish Lincoln last time out and he should improve on that effort given it was his first for almost a year. He handles the ground and he looks a horse with a bright future.

1pt WIN – ALARAZI @ 7/2

RESULT

ALARAZI 2nd = -1pt