Russian Emperor

(A.P. O’Brien)

Curragh July 20th

A son of Galileo and the brilliant Australian racemare Atlantic Jewel, this colt shaped up very nicely to finish a two-length third to stablemate Iberia at the Curragh last weekend. This is traditionally a strong maiden and it would come as no surprise if this colt had a future at quite a high level given the manner in which he finished out his race over the last furlong.

Insane Bolt

(J.P. Murtagh)

Ballinrobe July 22nd

This dependable type has already won this season but his form would suggest that he can be placed to further advantage. He has finished no worse than fifth in five handicap outings, and his latest effort saw him chase home the much improved Ideal Pal over nine furlongs at Ballinrobe on Monday evening. A similar handicap should be able to fall his way before long.

Ballyegan Hero

(J.J. Walsh)

Ballinrobe July 23rd

It is two years since this gelding recorded his last win, which came in a highly competitive Galway Festival handicap, but he showed signs of working his way back to form this week. On his first outing for almost three months he finished a close sixth to Dorans River in a two-and-three-quarter-mile handicap. This was an improvement on what he had shown lately, and if he can progress further from this there is every reason to believe that he can be placed to advantage.

Danielles Diamond

(B. Nolan)

Naas July 24th

This Zebedee gelding was sent off at 100/1 for his debut at Naas on Wednesday evening and turned in an effort of considerable promise to be just over four lengths into fourth by Vitalogy. The second and third both had smart form to their name already and this gelding looked as though he would improve substantially for the experience, which marks him as a likely maiden winner for the second half of the season.

City Hall

(J.P. O’Brien)

Limerick July 25th

He has run well on his three handicap outings to date and his latest second to Bye Bye O Bye represented a very respectable display against an in-form rival. He may well creep up another pound or two in the weights following this effort, but he is definitely capable of making his mark before too long.