Flat Racing - Sunday 25th May

[Blazing Bailey]

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[Blazing Bailey]

Re: Flat Racing - Sunday 25th May Curragh 2.15 - Srucahan 14/1 & Whimsical 25/1 (1/2 stake) Srucahan is a very interesting runner given his form on slower surfaces earlier this year, placing twice and winning once over C&D. 5f on good ground was never going to be right for him last time out so back to this trip and on soft or worse he has a great chance and given his come from behind style, Hughesie is the perfect man to have on board. Whimsical is more of a left field selection, albeit for the same trainer. Back in 2012 when he was with Richard Hannon Snr he ran really well on soft and heavy ground (over 7f), both times coming from behind. in 2013 he ran twice, once a non stayer on the AW over 8f and then being hampered over 7f at Goodwood but still running respectably. If his new trainer has been able to freshen him up and get him ready for this race (no reason why he wouldnt given the pot on offer) then he could be a live outsider. I think a stiff 6f will be ok as long as they go hard enough. Curragh 3.55 - Al Thakira (initially got 12's now 9's) I think this is a bit of a weak race in truth with almost half of them so far not achieving an RPR of over 100. With that in mind it might not take an awful amount of winning and Al Thakira's Newmarket G2 win is probably the best form on offer so far on a softer surface. Since then she has flopped on firm ground in America, gone close at Newbury in the Fred Darling before flopping again in France where being held up in a slow and messy race whilst also being hampered as the race got going at the 2f pole. I get the feeling that these conditions will be ideal with a galloping track, softer ground and what will probably be a decent enough draw. Hughesy is also on board this one and again he appeals as the right jockey to get the best out of this filly.