18:08
Leopardstown
Odds correct as of 9:46am 22nd Jul
We have six meetings to look forward to across Britain and Ireland on Thursday, with both Flat and jumps action on offer. Some of the day’s more intriguing angles include Aidan O’Brien’s record in the feature races at Leopardstown, ante-post selections for King George and the York Stakes on Saturday and an eye-catching jockey and trainer combination to follow. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Leopardstown hosts two juvenile Group 3s on Thursday evening and Aidan O’Brien has a formidable recent record in both, winning seven of the last 10 renewals of each. It’s no surprise that he’s represented once again and Ryan Moore is taking the trip over to ride.
Alpha finished second on debut over course and distance but made no mistake when going one better in impressive style at the Curragh next time. She looked potentially special that day and no one would be shocked if she developed into one of the leading fillies in this division.
Aix La Chapelle was well fancied for the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot but he was withdrawn in the end. He was a comfortable winner of a maiden on debut last month and the form has been boosted by stablemate Giant Sequoia, who won well on his next start. There should be plenty more to come.
Damysus is clearly a smart four-year-old but he doesn’t quite have the pace to compete in the top races over a mile. An impressive winner of a Group 3 over 1m1f at Newmarket on seasonal debut, the step back up in trip will suit and he ran well when second in the Dante over course and distance last season.
Goliath got the better of subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking when winning this race two years ago and he looks a little overpriced on that form. Third in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, he’s better than that, so don’t rule out another big run here.
William Buick and John & Thady Gosden have a 50 per cent strike-rate when combining at Doncaster and they join forces with Interstate on Thursday. He was second by a neck when last seen in November and should be winning races before long. The son of Palace Pier appears to have every chance here.