3:40 Curragh Tips

Diego Velazquez likely needed the run when dropping out tamely in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot but should be more forward now. He was a course and distance winner first time out as a two-year-old, but his other three wins came over a mile and nine furlongs at Leopardstown. He should be too good for the rest of the field.

Had been absent for 7 months when finishing a never nearer 4th in a Group 3 race at Haydock at the end of May. Ran to the same level in a similar contest at York last time, again over 7f. Should be up to this fresh challenge and looks a major player.

California Dreamer is a 3-year-old filly trained by Adrian Murray (5/11 wins with recent runners). She posted a career-high RPR of 111 on her penultimate start at the Curragh, beaten 2.25 lengths by the A P O'Brien-trained Lake Victoria, a five-time Group winner which includes four Group 1 contests. The third, Cercene, 1.75 lengths behind, has since won the Coronation Stakes, a Group 1 at Royal Ascot. Disappointing in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 21st was a setback, but Adrian Murray has his yard in much better form now, illustrated by his Group 2 success with Arizona Blaze by a comfortable 2-length margin at the Curragh yesterday.

Has run well in defeat in good quality, 7-furlong races. Won a listed miler last time out, so has found some form. Yard is in good form too and goes well at the Curragh.

Traditionally strong at Leopardstown and consistent in races over 7f, he'll now tackle a familiar trip at the Curragh under Gerry Carrol. His most recent run saw him finish mid-field at Leopardstown on good ground - hard to fault, as he tends to thrive on sounder going. Having won his last outing over 7f on quicker turf and proven himself resilient. All signs - course form, current ground, fitness, trainer, and jockey - point to a strong showing today.

I'll side with Big Gossey again as it couldn't get going yesterday and was squashed up before coming home in its own time. Loves it here, so a decent each-way shout.

Easy is a 5-year-old mare trained by Andrew Slattery and ridden by Andrew Slattery, and she lines up in stall 7 here. She has had 8 runs overall, with 1 win and 2 places, giving her a 12.5% win rate and 25% place rate. She caught my eye when running on well into second in the Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes last time, having met trouble and coming from off the pace late. Although yet to win at this distance, she has placed over it and goes well on similar ground. Her mark of 102 is a tad high, but I'm willing to back her based on recent form. The race should be run at a decent gallop, which will suit her style, and if she gets the breaks, she has a solid chance and could sneak into the frame again at a good price today.

Ken Condon trained 4yo filly by Night of Thunder. Ran a decent race in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last year (only beaten six lengths there). Maiden winner on first outing this year and weakened about 1 furlong out in decent Listed contest for fillies at Navan last time. Reasonable to try the drop in trip now. This is pretty competitive Group 2 fare but Queen Of Thunder is a bit unexposed still.