Greenlands Stakes 2010

3.10 Curragh
Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (group 3) (3YO plus)
Winner €43,875

Picks: Alfred Nobel (win) , Kitty Kiernan (e/w)

Snaefell: Thoroughly consistent sprinter who’s best efforts include a win at this level in the Phoenix, Woodlands, and Bud Light sprint stakes; Won minor event at Cork and Group 3 here in 2009 but hasn’t given impression he will run to that form today.

Jimmy Styles: Made up into a smart performer at handicapping level last season, winning Ayr Gold Cup but only fifth next time out at Ascot and will need to be at very best to deny race fit rivals at this level.

Luisant: One of many who made up into a smart performer and has shown himself to be as good as or even better in 2 starts of 5f this season; Will love the longer trip but has to step up a bit and not proven of ground this fast.

Markab: Incredibly solid last season, finishing fourth in Wokingham and Stewards’ Cup; He did have a couple of below par efforts last season but his Group3 fifth ,made him look a stakes performer in waiting with improvement; Impressed on return and likely to take high rank.

Rain Delayed: Hard to know whether he actually improved from last season’s form when landing listed race last time, seeing as he got a very good ride and had an advantage that day; Whether or not that is the case, likely to figure prominently here.

Six Of Hearts: Admirable but faces tough task in Group 3 events alone, let alone ones as fiercely contested at this.

Invincible Ash: Probably has a big day in him and run last time is best forgotten (got no cover at all on slow side off track) but not in this kind of event.

Alfred Nobel: Wins in Phoenix and Railway Stakes make him the form horse in this field and there was an element of class about the manner in which he collared Air Chief Marshal; He does have valid excuses for very single run since and although excuses will be wearing thin, he will be much better for the run last time, the ground should suit and this distance is probably perfect.

Air Chief Marshal: Made Alfred Nobel work very hard in the Phoenix Stakes last year and while not winning after that, he maintained his form at least; Will need more on first start since October but not one to be totally discounted.
Kitty Kiernan: Made a promising debut at Nass just over a year ago when beating Lille Langtry impressively; Made not have progressed as much as expected but this trip and ground should be fine and is a big price for in form yard.

Velvet Flicker: Found some improvement to get better of Lusiant (reopposes today today) on her seasonal debut; Must be given fair chance on that even though she got run of things and Luisant will like this trip a lot more.

VERDICT: It’s hard to think of a more fiercely contested race. ALFRED NOBEL is the pick based on the fact he has a good chance and is a fair price, with KITTEY KIERNAN being given a second look at a big price for an in – from yard.