
David Cumming's fancies an outsider today at big odds... Will the form books be torn up?
3.40 CURRAGH
Romanised Minstrel Stakes (Group 2)
EAST HAMPTON - 28/1
EAST HAMPTON looks a lively each-way player in the 3.40 at the Curragh, the Group 2 Romanised Minstrel Stakes. This improving son of Dubawi has been quietly progressive this season for Joseph O'Brien and caught the eye when a close-up fifth over course and distance last time out behind Vespertilio in the Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes. He wasn’t ideally placed in that race but stayed on strongly in the closing stages, suggesting there’s more to come at this level, especially if they go a stronger gallop, which looks likely here.
That run came on similar ground and he had the likes of Chicago Critic and Power Under Me around him at the line, so he's clearly capable of mixing it with genuine Group-level performers. He’s proven at the Curragh, handles the surface well, and crucially has a good draw in stall two which should allow Luke McAteer to settle him just off the pace before unleashing his run late. He’s a versatile type, strong in the latter stages of his races, and there’s a sense he’s yet to hit the ceiling of his potential.
At double-figure odds, he looks overpriced given the strength of his recent form and his upward curve. With the favourites having questions to answer, particularly Diego Velazquez after his Ascot no-show East Hampton rates solid each-way value to hit the frame and possibly even spring a surprise if things fall right.