Curragh Cup 2011

4.10 Curragh

At The Races Curragh Cup (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner €37,500

Pick: Nebula Storm (win)

Address Unknown: Has shown large amounts of talent, his career best having been a second to Midas Touch in the Derrinstown Stud Trial; Safe to say he hasn’t run to that form since, but he’s got to be of interest here having run well since, looking like a class act on her seasonal return.

Admiral Barry: Went forward at a rate of knots last season with big wins in Galway (78) and Curragh (90) handicaps and ran a very respectable race when fifth in the Chester Cup; Has been exposed since however and vulnerable here.

Nebula Storm: Nebula Storm: Rightly unexposed horse (Presumably hard to train with just 4 runs behind him) and career best by some way when all but catching Fame & Glory on his reappearance; Harder to explain poor run last time out but holds heavy ground form and trainer/jockey combination respected here. 

Red Cadeux: Always there or thereabouts when in big handicaps last season, although never winning for variety of reasons; Finally had things fall right for him when running out ready enough winner of Listed handicap but once again unlucky latest; This harder though and others favoured.

Times Up: Resumed progression from last season (when ready winner of November Handicap) when winning big handicap and then when running out a ready winner of a Listed event latest; Looked an improved horse for the trip last time so should go well here.

Zerashan: Fairly successful as 3yo, winning once & placed twice and looked to have more to give when running out a ready winner of good handicap on reappearance but not backed that up since.

Pentersea Elie: Does have three wins but two of those in handicap s and none over more than 10 furlongs, so has to be a doubt about him today over this trip.

Admiral Of The Red: Well beaten on only 2yo start but vastly improved for the step up to middle distances when running out a ready winner of a maiden that has worked out at Leopardstown, looking as if he would stay with ease; Has to be of interest now he’ll be fitter for the run and can go well here, albeit in much tougher contests.

VERDICT: With the withdrawal of Times Up due to rainfall, NEBULA STORM, a heavy ground winner at 2, is forgiven his poor run last time in the hope he repeats his seasonal debut here. Address Unkown & Admiral Of The Red are the main threats.