tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden and weakened from 4f out
always behind
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden from 4f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, 5th 5f out, ridden in 4th from 2 1/2f out, kept on one paced
tracked leaders, 3rd 5f out, ridden in 2nd 3f out, dropped to 3rd over 1f out, no extra
tracked leaders, ridden in 3rd 3f out, soon no extra
mid-division, 6th 5f out, ridden and no impression from 3f out
in rear, no impression from 5f out
led, ridden along 5f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace without troubling easy winner
mid-division, 7th 5f out, 4th travelling strongly 3f out, led on bridle inside final furlong, not extended
The forecast on Saturday for the Curragh is vile and and that certainly sets a poser for punters with the possibility of very soft ground on Sunday afternoon. The English-trained duo SARISKA and Midday dominate the betting - little shock considering they fought out the finish to the Epsom equivalent and offer a level of form considerably higher than those fillies from the home contingent. Michael Bell has always had a very high opinion of Sariska and she proved him correct this season with wins in the Musidora Stakes at York before triumphing at Epsom last month. She travelled strongly that day under Jamie Spencer and then showed plenty of resolution to fight off a renewed challenge from Midday and prevail by a head. In a perfect world, Bell would prefer decent ground for Sariska but she is a daughter of Pivotal - who do handle easy conditions - and she was impressive on debut last Novermber at Newmarket when the ground was on the slow side. She has the form, proven she can battle and her class can get her through although ground conditions maybe less than ideal. Midday did nothing wrong in defeat at Epsom and she was nicely clear of third-placed High Heeled. Her trainer Henry Cecil is also hopeful that Midday will handle the going and on Epsom form there is very little between her and Sariska. But she has had seven career runs to the selection's four and you would just think that her Epsom conqueror would have the scope to confirm the placings. John Oxx holds the best hopes of a home victory with Beauty O'Gwaun - she is unbeaten in two starts and a promising prospect but will need to take another step up from her win in a Group 3 in May. Stablemate Roses For The Lady has not really gone on from a maiden win at Leopardstown in March having been well fancied for the Cheshire Oaks and a Group 3 at Cork last time. She was beaten in the latter event by Grace O'Malley and although Dermot Weld's inmate is respected, she still has quite a bit to find to trouble Sariska and Midday. Ballydoyle's Roman Empress needs to improve the best part of two stone on official ratings as well so the logical choice is to stick with Sariska to make it back-to-back Classics.
Beauty O' Gwaun (IRE) 13-8fav (8-9) Raced in 6th, headway straight, challenged under pressure and gained slight lead over 1f out, strongly pressed and stayed on well final furlong, just in front at line, won at Naas 1m 2f fll stks G3 gd in May beating Festival Princess (9-9) by hd, 9 ran.
Belle Chose (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway in 3rd 3f out, challenged 2f out, ridden to lead 1 1/2f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Wexford 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-65 beating Ravati (9-7) by 2l, 14 ran.
Chirkova (USA) 33-1 (8-12) Soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra and weakened, 10th of 11, 19l behind Grand Ducal (9-1) at Curragh 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 hvy in May.
Grace O'Malley (IRE) 15-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, 5th approaching straight, soon not clear run until led 1 1/2f out, strongly pressed and stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Cork 1m 4f fll stks G3 gd in Jun beating Tanoura (8-10) by shd, 11 ran.
Midday 5-1 (9-0) In touch, 5th straight, good headway 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, driven and stayed on gamely throughout final furlong, just held, 2nd of 10, hd behind Sariska (9-0) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Oh Goodness Me 8-1 (9-0) Pulled hard, tracked leader, led over 8f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 10, 22l behind Sariska (9-0) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Roman Empress (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Held up in 6th, ridden and dropped to rear 3f out, no impression, 6th of 7, 7l behind Dar Re Mi (9-9) at Curragh 1m 2f Fillies Group 1 (3yo+) gd in Jun.
Rory Anna (IRE) 66-1 (8-9) Dwelt, towards rear, no extra and eased from over 1f out, 9th of 11, 35l behind Grace O'malley (8-9) at Cork 1m 4f fll stks G3 gd in Jun.
Roses For The Lady (IRE) 11-4fav (8-9) Prominent, 2nd into straight, in front over 2f out, headed and kept on same pace from 1 1/2f out, 5th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Grace O'malley (8-9) at Cork 1m 4f fll stks G3 gd in Jun.
Sariska 9-4fav (9-0) Held up towards rear, 6th straight, good headway to track leader and went left 3f out, led over 2f out, driven and edged right over 1f out, stayed on gamely and held on well near finish, won at Epsom Downs 1m 4f 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun beating Midday (9-0) by hd, 10 ran.
Destined For Fame (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, dropped to rear 3f out, ridden and no impression, kept on one pace straight, 7th of 9, 19l behind Sunwise (9-5) at Leopardstown 1m 4f 3yo mdn gd in Jun.
