Our Saturday selections just missed the mark—but not for lack of trying. Arabian Dusk and Big Gossey arguably had the race for the taking, and Never Let Go, despite strong market support, couldn’t quite get there either. Still, the each-way returns at 28/1, 20/1, and 33/1 softened the blow. Cheers Again got boxed in at a crucial stage, the underfoot conditions went against Presence, and narrow fourth-place finishes from Electric Storm and Rashabar made for a particularly frustrating afternoon.
Despite the near misses, most of our picks were right in the thick of it, suggesting our form radar is working well. We regroup and go again Sunday with betting tips for the 2025 Curragh 1000 Guineas meeting.
1.55 – Marble Hill Stakes (Group 3)
Power Blue looks a value play at 16/1 in this Group 3 sprint for juveniles. He won a 5f maiden here in March on soft ground and backed that up with a solid second to Lady Iman in Listed company back on this course, that time on good ground.
Since then, Lady Iman has franked the form with a Group 3 win at Naas. Power Blue, with experience at this level, faces some intriguing but less proven types like Albert Einstein and Andab—both winners on debut but taking a big step up. At these odds, the proven stakes performer appeals each-way.
2025 Curragh 1000 Guineas Tip: Power Blue e/w @ 16/1
2.30 – Lanwades Stud Stakes (Group 2)
Porta Fortuna is the standout on ratings and brings top-class form to the table, particularly from her Falmouth Stakes effort last summer. If she runs to that level again, she’ll take some stopping. However, any significant softening of the ground could level the playing field.
Naomi Lapaglia might be the one to take advantage if conditions turn testing. Purchased for 475,000 Guineas, this daughter of Awtaad consistently ran well in stakes races for Richard Spencer. On her debut for Ger Lyons, she finished a close third in the G3 Park Express over today’s course and distance, behind One Look and Ecstatic.
Given that Lyons’ runners often come on for their first outing while Paddy Twomey’s charge was likely more forward that day, she could reverse form. She still has it to do to beat Porta Fortuna, but if the favourite underperforms on softened ground, Naomi Lapaglia could be there to pounce. Each-way at 10/1 is fair.
2025 Curragh 1000 Guineas Tip: Naomi Lapaglia e/w @ 10/1
3.05 – Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1)
The British raiders made their presence felt on Saturday, and Royal Rhyme looks an appealing each-way option for this Group 1 at 14/1. A winner of five races, including a 1m2f Group 3 at Sandown on soft ground, he struggled on quicker surfaces but bounced back with a fine third in the Champion Stakes at Ascot behind Anmaat.
His reappearance in the Group 1 Prix Ganay at Longchamp was encouraging; despite pulling early, he stayed on well to finish just over two lengths behind the winner, Sosie.
White Birch sets a high standard here, but the rest of the field looks fairly evenly matched. With preferred ground and a decent prep under his belt, Royal Rhyme is a solid each-way play—especially if more rain falls overnight.
2025 Curragh 1000 Guineas Tip: Royal Rhyme e/w @ 14/1
3.40 – Irish 1000 Guineas (Group 1)
We’re already on Cercene for this and she’s drifted to an eye-catching 50/1 in places—tempting enough to have another go. As highlighted in my earlier preview, I believe Tamam Desert is another filly with huge untapped potential.
By Sea The Moon and out of a dam closely related to Ribblesdale winner Banimpire, she’s bred to be classy. Despite a midfield finish on debut, she showed real promise and did well to win at Galway next time, still showing clear signs of inexperience.
Her seasonal debut came in a 10.5f Group 3 at Naas, where Shane Foley seemed to give her an ‘educational’ spin—reminiscent of the prep ride Romanised received before causing a major upset in the 2000 Guineas.
Dropping back to a mile may actually suit her. Cercene remains the primary pick, but Tamam Desert’s profile is intriguing enough to justify a small each-way wager at massive odds of 150/1. Let’s hope one or both can sneak into the frame.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com