Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: Jean a strong fancy at the Curragh

Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: Jean a strong fancy at the Curragh

By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
How great was it to see racegoers back at the Curragh on Saturday, with an epic renewal of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and a suitably classy undercard thrilling those lucky enough to be in attendance.
And there’s more Group One action at the Irish venue on Sunday, live on Racing TV, and it’s a big day for Santa Barbara, who has no excuses as she bids to live up to the hype in the feature race, the Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes (3.40pm).
I have three selections for you on Sunday, including a strong fancy in the Airlie Stud Stakes (2.00pm).
She is surely the good thing of the day. She ran a blinder in the Queen Mary 11 days ago and was not beaten far after travelling well plus fared best of those held up.
She won her maiden on debut at the Currgah in April, despite running green, and six furlongs will be an issue.
She should win, given how much of a flop Yet was at Royal Ascot.
This horse was trained by Michael Halford, who would not be associated with sprinters, yet reached a mark of 100 prior to dropping to 90 before joining David Barron, who has found the perfect race for his charge here.
He was clearly unlucky not to win at Musselburgh last time out having met traffic problems, and British sprinters are generally plenty appealing in Ireland. The stiff five furlongs here should also suit.
Joseph O'Brien has the likely favourite here in Emporio, but it is clear his charge is grossly flattered by his mark of 100 and he looks worth taking on.
Stablemate Saran is a half-sister to six winners, including Hitchens and Tanzeel. She was very sluggish early on at Tipperary on debut but made nice late headway, and there should be plenty more to come.
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