Irish Angle: Johnny Ward's three bets at The Curragh on Wednesday

Flat fans have a treat on Wednesday with a midweek Curragh card and, if handicaps are your thing, there is plenty to be excited about. The maidens are tricky, though it will be fascinating to see if the mare Pink Dogwood can finally get going with her stock, Giant Sequoia (by Frankel), a fascinating runner in the 5.40 under Ryan Moore.

Owner Patrick O'Brien comes from a famous family and is perhaps not your average 21-year-old but he will be buzzing to have a potential winner at the Curragh and this son of Bated Breath is hard to oppose. The dam handled heavy well and he seemed to too when running a very nice race on debut here, so the rain is no concern on paper. It was quite a strong handicap he won at Down Royal and that was a hell of a performance given his inexperience.

Desperately unlucky at Sligo when favourite on Irish debut, despite the trip looking sharp, but that may be the difference in winning and not winning this €50,000 affair. Declan McDonogh rides and the yard could hardly be in better shape. Lots to like.

I remember tipping this horse to win a race five years ago, but I cannot remember what race. His win record (4-43) is nothing special and suggests he was probably beaten that day but he needs things to fall right and it is harder to think of a more suitable jockey than Billy Lee, who has never ridden him before. 

The more rain the better. His wins were off 79, 81 or 87, three of them at the Curragh, and he is down to 71 despite a fine run last time. Lady Mary Heath is well worth a saver and/or forecast inclusion.