8:00 Curragh Tips

Hoping for a drift on my saver bet. Second run in a handicap and he has been ridden with handicaps in mind. Galloping track will suit, and he did show improved form on handicap debut last time. Won't be far away.

Neve Bennett won on Barrogstown Girl three times in 2024 as the mare improved massively throughout the year. She won her first handicap off 51 and her last handicap off 66, which pushed her mark to 72 this year. She has still looked competitive in three races, finishing 5th, 4th, and 2nd last week off 70, and runs off the same mark here.

Been running well recently and looked a shade unlucky not to finish closer than he did at the Curragh last time, running on well after having to wait for an opening. Goes close here with a clearer run.

This selection's best effort to date was a 3rd place finish over the distance of 11.5 furlongs. Racing over 12 furlongs in today's contest, the ground should suit. Keithen Kennedy (2) is in the saddle and has each-way appeal.

Surrey Force is a 4-year-old gelding making a stable debut for Thomas Gibney. He is still a maiden but ran some decent races up to 2m2f when trained in the UK. He is probably one being set aside for a stint hurdling but definitely has the ability to figure in this grade. Thomas Gibney's only other stable debutant at the Curragh was a horse called Magic Chegaga in June 2021 after a 244-day break. Surrey Force has a similar absence to overcome, being off the track for 263 days, but could prove to be a fly in the ointment and surprise many.

A surprisingly effective winner on the flat in France, this 4-year-old made an unexpected victory in an 8-runner novice hurdle at Downpatrick just 12 days ago, finishing strongly. Trainer Martin is in excellent form and often benefits from entering a single runner in a flat meeting, making the 40/1 odds appear great value.

Twice a winner on the flat, including here over 1m2f and the other over 2m2f at Down Royal. Not beaten far when 8th of 15 over 2 miles at Killarney on seasonal return back in May. Should come on for that run and is an each-way player with 5 places.

Folly Beach is a prolific loser with one win in 28. But on a recent seasonal debut run, it was front rank before fading just 2 out and looked that day to be pulling. Wesley Joyce takes over from an apprentice, so we might see a better run. It's a small each way with 5 places here because there seems to be no form with the jockey, trainer, or horse, but it's interesting all the same.