On day two of the Irish Champions Festival on Sunday 15th September, there's four Group 1 races headlining an eight-race card, and the highlight is the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger.
The famous Group 1 is routinely one of Europe's most prized races and this year carries a purse that totals €594,000 as the field of eight go in search of Irish St. Leger glory over 1m6f at the Curragh.
Adrian Wall provides his analysis on the big race as well putting up some other selections on day two of the Irish Champions Festival, where they race from 1.50-5.55 with the Irish St. Leger itself due off at 4.45.
4.45 – Comer Group International Irish St. Leger
Six-time Group 1 winner and winner of this contest in 2022, Kyprios heads the market and Ballydoyle's star stayer will once again be partnered by Ryan Moore.
The son of Galileo has been back to his brilliant best this year, winning on all four starts including victories in the Ascot Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup when last seen.
A worthy favourite, there is however plenty of reason to take him on at current prices. He saw off Hamish in this two years ago but had to work hard to do so, and last year he was well beaten in it by Eldar Eldarov. There is a chance he doesn't perform to his fullest at the Curragh and there's a couple of horses in here who will serve it right up to him.
Giavelletto is without doubt the biggest threat to Ballydoyle's success. Marco Botti's son of Mastercraftsman has tried his hand at this level twice in the past without success, but he looks a transformed horse this year, bolting up in the Yorkshire Cup before producing a stellar performance when winning the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket in July.
Kyprios would rather be chasing down a horse in front of him instead of having to worry about something coming from rear. He idles once he hits the front and there's no doubt Oisin Murphy will be waiting in Ryan Moore's wings once they turn into the long straight at the Curragh.
The Willie Mullins-trained Vauban is another with a chance off the back of his narrow Lonsdale Cup victory but he might find this too much of a test.
Selection: Giavelletto
Next Best: Kyprios
Bet On The Irish Champions Festival
1.50 - Irish Stallion Farms EBF Bold Lad Sprint Handicap (6f)
A huge field of 26 runners are set to go to post for the opening 6f handicap and there's a case to be made for at least half of the field.
We have narrowed it down to two hopefuls and the first of those is Daniel McLoughlin's Bold Optimist, who would have every chance if he could bounce back to form.
The son of Gleneagles ran on strongly in the closing stages when landing a 5f handicap at this track last month, doing his best work at the finish, and he also has proven winning form over 6f at Dundalk which is a stiff track so the step up in trip will hold no fears.
Wayne Hassett is excellent value for his 5lb claim so he's effectively running off a 2lb lower mark here which gives him a chance.
One of the main dangers could be Ado McGuinness' Apache Outlaw, one of two in here for the Dooleys.
The son of Churchill just failed when trying to reel in Heavenly Power over course and distance last month and although he's 2lb higher now, he's still nicely treated on the pick of his peak form.
Selection: Bold Optimist
Next Best: Apache Outlaw
2.25 - Moyglare ''Jewels'' Blandford Stakes (Group 2, 1m2f)
Joseph O'Brien's Lumiere Rock won this last year but the Saxon Warrior filly has been nowhere near that level this year and is probably best watched on this occasion.
Three-year-olds have a phenomenal record in the contest and our pin has fallen on Dermot Weld's Elizabeth Jane, with Limerick native Chris Hayes in the saddle.
The Dubawi filly beat a strong field in fine style on debut over 1m at Leopardstown last October on heavy ground. She needed the run when down the field at Naas on her return in June, but she did great late work when fourth behind You Got To Me in the Irish Oaks last time and if the ground isn't too quick she won't have to improve much on that to win this.
Trainer Paddy Twomey has a ridiculous strike-rate, hovering around the 30 per cent most seasons, and his Purple Lily is the main danger. She finished just ahead of Elizabeth Jane when third in the Irish Oaks and it could turn into a right battle between the pair in the closing stages.
Selection: Elizabeth Jane
Next Best: Purple Lily
4.10 - Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes
Charlie Appleby has a good recent record in this contest, sending Quorto (2018), Pinatubo (2019) and Native Trail (2021) across to land the spoils.
Aomori City seemed to relish to step up to this trip when producing his best effort to date when landing the Vintage Stakes last time and William Buick's mount could take another giant leap forward.
The unbeaten Henri Matisse looks very short on what he has achieved to date and he was given plenty to think about when landing a moderate Group 2 over course and distance last time.
With that in mind, he looks no value at the prices and a chance is taken on recent French Group 3 scorer Cowardofthecounty chasing home the sole Godolphin representative.
Selection: Aomori City
Next Best: Cowardofthecounty
