July 20 / 16.15 Curragh

16.15

Good

Comer Group International Curragh Cup (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £76956.52
  • 1m 6f 0y
  • 10 runners
RTE2
View Course
Comer Group International Curragh Cup (Group 2)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

15/8 (Won)

  • Win: £2.63
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 49-115 BF

Last run: 64 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Well-travelled 4yo of late, recording big-money wins from off the pace at Riyadh (1m7f) and Meydan (2m) earlier in the year before disappointing favourite in Yorkshire Cup in May, not picking up once asked; had a break since and remains a leading contender on best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(10)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Tower Of London

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

dwelt start, towards rear, headway but 15 lengths down 2f out, went second but 8 lengths down inside final furlong, shaken up and ran on well to lead towards finish, cosily

15/8

5th

1

(3)

17th May 2024

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Tower Of London

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

dwelt start, raced in last, headway on outer 3f out, weakened over 1f out

11/8

5th

1

(3)

17th May 2024

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Tower Of London

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Progressed well as 3yo, culminating in his St Leger fourth; made a storming start to 2024 with big-money wins from off the pace at Riyadh (1m7f) and Meydan (2m) so he has the class to go well despite 3lb penalty.

11/8

16/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 131-37

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to Irish Derby winner Santiago finished seventh of 8 in same event last month, having helped set the pace; similar role likely here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(3)

14th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 115y

Class 1

15:40 Doncaster

Grosvenor Square

9st 3lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: A P O’Brien

Did well in the mud as a 2yo and has come good again with seriously committed front-running rides over 1m6f at the Curragh (good) on last two outings; had a huge lead turning for home in both, cut down by a very smart older stablemate in Group 2 on first occasion but thoroughly dominating at 1-2 in a Group 3 four weeks ago; that makes him a serious player on form and the others should not bank on him faltering if he again sets up a big lead.

5/1

1st

5

(1)

17th Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Grosvenor Square

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

made all, soon clear, 10 lengths ahead before halfway

5/4

2nd

11

(7)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Grosvenor Square

8st 13lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: A P O’Brien

led, soon clear, 10 lengths ahead halfway, 20 lengths ahead 3f out, reduced lead over 1f out, headed towards finish

16/1

3rd
7 (3)
Vauban

5/2

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 110-24 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Classy 2m hurdler and very smart stayer on the Flat, returning with Yorkshire Cup second (keen) in May before non-staying fourth in 2m4f Ascot Gold Cup; back to more suitable trip here and major contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

15th Sep 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:45 Curragh

Vauban

9st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

held up in rear, headway 2f out, ran on and went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner

11/2

1st

7

(4)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 1

14:25 York

Vauban

9st 5lb

J: William Buick

T: W P Mullins

Attentions concentrated on the Flat since his runaway handicap win at Royal Ascot last June; has not quite lived up to that dazzling display, this term running respectably in the Yorkshire Cup here and the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, seemingly stretched by 2m4f (good to firm) in the latter, before a lesser show at the Curragh five weeks ago; big player if back at his peak.

3/1

3rd

7

(3)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Vauban

9st 11lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W P Mullins

midfield, headway and chased clear leader 3f out, 8 lengths down when lost second inside final furlong, kept on

5/2

Form: 215/47 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Group 3 Leger Trial winner over C&D two years ago; little has been seen of him since; okay comeback run here in April but ran no sort of race at Roscommon (slowly away) on latest; recent effort concerning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(2)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Raise You

9st 11lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

dwelt start, towards rear, headway over 1f out, ran on and went fourth inside final furlong, never on terms

12/1

7th

4

(6)

2nd Jul 2024

Good

1m 4f 20y

19:50 Roscommon

Raise You

9st 11lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

dwelt start, in rear

7/4

Form: 41-422

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Showed considerable improvement last year, winning 1m4f Naas Listed and good efforts last two starts this term on decent ground, just touched off in Limerick Listed and staying-on second in Group 3 Stanerra Stakes at Fairyhouse over this trip; bit to find on ratings but trip/ground to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(3)

16th Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:22 Cork

Dancing Tango

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Not the easiest to place, hence a modest strike-rate for one of her ability; excellent seconds in Listed/Group 3 races and she's faced tougher tasks the last twice, not running at all badly last time at Glorious Goodwood (Group 2); can be involved.

5/1

5th

2

(2)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Dancing Tango

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Her only runs on good to firm were in 2022; close second this season in Ireland on good ground in 1m4f Listed race and to Grateful in 1m6f Group 3; ran respectably in Group 2 latest; usually runs with credit but several others in this seem established at a higher level.

20/1

5th

8

(9)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Dancing Tango

9st 8lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

midfield, some headway 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reach leaders

12/1

6th
9 (6)
Shamida

13/2

Form: 31117- CD

Last run: 294 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Progressed well last year, three wins included Group 3 successes at both Leopardstown and here in Leger Trial on good; easier ground probably against her when below best in Group 1 Prix de Royallieu final start; belated seasonal return but quite possibly has more to offer back on good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(1)

16th Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:22 Cork

Shamida

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

in touch with leaders, headway and challenging over 2f out, led and ridden from under 2f out, stayed on

4/1

6th

9

(6)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Shamida

9st 8lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

midfield, headway from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never on terms

13/2

1st

5

(2)

20th Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Shamida

8st 13lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

dwelt start, raced in last and took keen hold early, went third after 4f, went second going easily under 3f out, soon challenging, led over 1f out, ridden when faced challenge inside final furlong, kept on well towards finish

100/30

OUR TIP

25/1

Form: 1331-2 D

Last run: 84 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner up to 1m6f, including a premier handicap last year; twice out of depth over hurdles in the Spring, in between good second in Navan handicap; plenty on at the weights here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

22nd Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:40 Navan

Eastern Legend

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J S Bolger

Three-time Flat winner with strong credentials for a maiden hurdle success; second in a C&D maiden in December and also runner-up in 2m3f maiden at Naas; held his own when third to Romeo Coolio (Supreme Novices' third) in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in December, unseated four out in Grade 1 at DRF; can end a long jumps-race drought for Jim Bolger.

11/8

2

2nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:40 Leopardstown

Eastern Legend

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J S Bolger

prominent, led after 1st, not fluent 3rd, headed and pressed leader before 4th, lost second but prominent after 4th, bad mistake and unseated 4 out

66/1

2

2nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:40 Leopardstown

Eastern Legend

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: J S Bolger

prominent, led after 1st, not fluent 3rd, headed and pressed leader before 4th, lost second but prominent after 4th, bad mistake and unseated 4 out

66/1

Form: 82/461

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Was gaining only second career win when winning Leopardstown amateur riders contest nine days ago; often highly tried in valuable staying contests, running well in 2m Group 2 event in Germany but this looks way beyond him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(1)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Seattle Creek

9st 11lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Luke W Comer

midfield

66/1

1st

7

(3)

11th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 7f 0y

20:30 Leopardstown

Seattle Creek

11st 5lb

T: Luke Comer

briefly led, pressed leader after 1f

10/1

4th

4

(5)

14th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Seattle Creek

9st 7lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Luke Comer

Won a 1m4f maiden here two years ago; out of his depth against top stays in Pattern races later that year; appreciated the drop in class when a good second in a 1m4f handicap here 14 months ago; long absence to overcome.

9/2

Form: 12-635 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Maiden winner here last year improved for step up in trip when third in 1m5f Navan Listed in May and better again when fifth in Ascot handicap under prominent ride; can be keen and tried in a visor here upped further in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(11)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Gasper De Lemos

8st 13lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

chased clear leader, clear with one other halfway

20/1

5th

2

(17)

20th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:05 Ascot

Gasper De Lemos

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: A P O’Brien

Unraced on firmer than good; rather put in his place in a Group 3 on final 2yo start and two Listed races this season, but he rallied well when a close third to Birdman (Wednesday's Queen's Vase third) over 1m5f at Navan last time and perhaps could have done with setting a stronger pace; top trainer (runs four) won this in 2019 and has had two runners on the premises since.

25/1

3rd

2

(4)

18th May 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 5f 0y

15:40 Navan

Gasper De Lemos

9st 5lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

set steady pace, increased tempo under 3f out, soon faced challenge, headed and lost two places under 2f out, kept on

13/8

Form: 8500D6/ D

Last run: 967 days

W: 9st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Three-time AW winner in Britain; fourth in this race in 2021, hasn't been seen since November that year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(5)

20th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Aircraft Carrier

9st 11lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Luke W Comer

prominent behind clear leader, weakened 4f out

100/1

Non-runners

Crypto Force, Kinesiology

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €12.60
Straight Forecast €15.47
Trifecta €43.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tower Of London

The Irish Sun:

Shamida

POSTDATA:

Vauban

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Tower Of London

TOPSPEED:

Tower Of London