2 minutes John O'Keeffe our I wish racing specialist has 3 hot tips from the Curragh today.
1.50 CURRAGH
Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival Handicap
AKECHETA - 7/1
AKECHETA looks ready to strike in the Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival Handicap for Kevin Coleman.
Winless since her maiden success at Tipperary last year, she’s been unlucky with four runner-up finishes. She stayed on strongly over C&D last month and ran a big race at Epsom in a stronger contest, finishing second again.
Back at the Curragh off just 1lb higher and with Seamie Heffernan booked, she should go very close.
2.55 CURRAGH
Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes (Listed Race)
ALAKAZI - 6/1
Currawood is a worthy favourite for the Listed Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes after back-to-back runner-up finishes at this level, including over C&D behind Officer.
However, ALAKAZI, who was third that day, remains unexposed and open to progress after just three starts. Trained by Johnny Murtagh and owned by the Aga Khan, he’s improving quickly and could well reverse the form with Currawoodthis time.
4.10 CURRAGH
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1)
TENNESSEE STUD - 5/1
TENNESSEE STUD faces a tough task from stall 10 trying to reverse Derby form with Lambourn, but at current odds, he's a value play.
He finished well at Epsom against the run of the race, while Lambourn made all. He also beat that rival in last year's Beresford Stakes, and although Lambourn may not have fired in first-time blinkers then, Tennessee Stud has proven he handles the Curragh. He’ll need to break sharper, but he’s capable of running a big race.
