Unrelenting Joy At The Curragh

Feature race at the Curragh today is the listed Trm Silver Stakes at 15:50, and the race is a fascinating one, insomuch as it allows a comparison of the classic generation against their elders prior to the traditional acid test provided by races like the Eclipse and King George. This is racing on a slightly lower plane, admittedly, but in the shape of horses like Trading Leather, Zand and Lines of Battle, the 3-y-o's hold a strong hand, and it would be a setback if that trio were beaten by more exposed older rivals.

That's also the story that the betting is telling, but the formbook is more circumspect, and while Trading Leather ties in very closely with the best of his generation (just beaten by the Derby second in the Dante before an excellent third in the Irish 2000 Guineas when ridden aggressively), the bare form of those performances leaves him slightly shy of the best of his older rivals. It's understandable why a horse who ran so well in Group 1 company last time should be favourite, but the market has lurched too far in favour of the 3-y-o's, and the front pair alone represent an 4/7 shot in the current market. The wise course of action is to oppose them at current odds, and the one who appeals most among the older horses is Captain Joy.

Tracey Collins charge races in the colours of Herb Stanley, more famous for his association with the top-notch chaser Merry Gale, but he has a smart sort on his hands in the shape of this son of Dark Angel. Best on either polytrack or fast ground, he rattled up a hat-trick at Dundalk on either side of a seasonal break, and finished an excellent staying-on second to Fiesolana in a competitive handicap at this track on Irish Guineas weekend despite a massive weight. He was never competitive when tried over C&D on his previous start, but is well worth another try at this trip. A draw in stall 1 is a big plus, especially as Trading Leather is widest of all, and that should ensure than Captain Joy gets a good pitch in the early stages, while the favourite may see more daylight than is ideal.

I'm also tempted to throw a few pennies each-way at Ansgar in the same race. He was well behind the selection here last time, but was most unlucky to end up where he did, absolutely tanking along on the rail when the early leader tired and fell into his lap, carrying him back to the rear of the field with his jockey powerless to take evasive action. He's still something of an outsider at listed level, but odds of 140 and bigger on Betfair are a massive insult, and he's capable of nabbing a place if getting the run of the race.

Willie Mullins has bigger fish to fry at Auteuil today, but can gain a Flat success courtesy of Levanto in the 16:50. The daughter of Lawman travelled best of all before getting tired on deep ground at Killarney on her return, and the winner of that race has since won off an official mark of 93. Her opening handicap mark of 84 looks extremely fair on that basis, and this polytrack winner will be much happier back on a sound surface. Being out of a half-sister to St Leger winner Rule of Law should mean that the step up to 1½m should suit, for all there is much more speed in the family than that one aspect would imply. Mullins would surely not step her up to this trip unless he felt she had the requisite stamina, and the decision to do so is likely to be vindicated.

Recommendations:

Both at the Curragh

Back Captain Joy @ [16.0] in the 15:50 (NAP)

Back Levanto @ [6.2] in the 16:50 (NB)