Johnny Ward: My tips for Irish 1,000 Guineas day at the Curragh

The quality of pedigrees in Irish maidens has been something else of late and that continues today as we conclude the Guineas weekend, live on Racing TV.

I’ve a strong fancy in the Guineas and two in the handicaps. Will Verhoyen show up again after an easy win on Friday night?

Look out for favourable each-way terms on these, including in the Guineas. Despite being favourite, my bet is a cracking each-way bet.

2.10 Curragh: Elanora

She looks a daft price considering the yard form – which is sensational. Going into Saturday, Michael Grassick’s last four runners have produced a facile winner at 17-2, a 10-1 second and a 100-1 third.

Elanora is exceptionally consistent and has lots going for her here. She was 9-4 at Naas last time in a 20-runner field. This is a better race but she should go well.

3.45 Curragh: Tuesday

It’s a well-known plan to send this filly to Epsom so one thing is certain here: with four runners from the stable in the race, they will ensure the pace is very much to play to her strengths. Tactically, connections of the favourite are at an advantage here and she will have no excuses bar meeting traffic.

She has a pedigree to die for and is clearly improving, but I’m not sure she needs much more to win this.

4.20 Curragh: Additional

Colin Keane has only ridden twice for Sarah Lynam and I presume he was hotly in demand for this Premier Handicap.

Though not a serial winner, I thought Additional ran every bit as good as the winner at Naas, whom he tracked, considering he was asleep in the stalls. I imagine Keane will want to hold onto him for a late burst here and he has a decent chance.