John O’Riordan

1.30 IRISH TIMES IRISH EBF (C&G) MAIDEN 1M

Christopher Robin made a pleasing racecourse debut at Leopardstown earlier this month when chasing home an odds-on stable companion. He wasn’t unduly knocked about in the closing stages once it became clear he wasn’t going to overhaul the winner. With the benefit of that experience under his belt, he should prove difficult to beat in this opening contest.

Port Lions makes his fourth start this afternoon so should be more streetwise than the majority of his opponents. He lost little in defeat when just touched off at Roscommon last time, although the bare form of that race would not be good enough now. It is certainly a slight cause for concern that connections reach for the blinkers so early in his career.

Selection: CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

Next best: Port Lions

2.00 FLAME OF TARA IRISH EBF STAKES (GROUP 3) 1M

Ballet Shoes should prove difficult to beat now as she bids for a hat-trick, following on from a recent listed race success at Tipperary. The daughter of Galileo had previously won her maiden over this course and distance. In what, on paper at least, doesn’t look the strongest of contests for the grade, she is given a confident vote.

Bye Bye Baby, a stablemate of the selection, caught the eye on her recent debut when staying on late. As with many from the O’Brien yard, she will have learned plenty from that introduction so it would not be a shock if she left that form well behind. Despite her lack of experience, the filly looks an unexposed type who could make her presence felt.

Selection: BALLET SHOES

Next best: Bye Bye Baby

2.35 PLUSVITAL ROUND TOWER STAKES (GROUP 3) 6F

Landshark created a big impression on his recent debut at Leopardstown, quickening up in style after meeting trouble in running a furlong out. The Harrington colt will almost certainly be better over farther in time but deserves to take his chance in a contest such as this one. He should have the early pace to go with the leaders and there is no doubt that he possesses a potent turn of foot.

US Navy Flag sets a decent standard so will put it up to the others. The Ballydoyle runner has had his limitations exposed at the very highest level but takes a slight drop in class now. His previous experience could prove crucial against a field of lightly raced rivals who may not yet be battle hardened.

Selection: LANDSHARK

Next best: US Navy Flag

3.10 DUBLIN COACH HANDICAP 6F

Rattling Jewel seems to come to life at this track where he has gained all three career wins on turf. The Nicole McKenna trained five-year-old is a tough, prominent racer who finds plenty for pressure. Twice a winner here earlier in the season, he did little wrong when beaten in premier handicaps on his last two starts. Ideally positioned in stall 13 this afternoon, he can bag the rail and make it a fourth Curragh success.

Master Speaker doesn’t win very often, as his record of two from 51 indicates. However, he loves it at the Curragh, where he often flashes home late after meeting trouble in running. Killian Leonard has been in fantastic form in recent weeks so his 5lb-claim could prove a real benefit to the veteran sprinter.

Selection: RATTLING JEWEL

Next Best: Master Speaker

3.45 SNOW FAIRY FILLIES STAKES (GROUP 3) 1M1F

Making Light could be capable of fulfilling her undoubted potential now that the Weld stable has resumed winning ways. The Moyglare Stud-owned filly was an impressive winner of the Killavullen Stakes at Leopardstown last season and was on many peoples ante-post betting slips for the 1000 Guineas after that. However, given her stable’s slow start to the new campaign, she never got the chance to run in a classic. Her latest start at Gowran indicated that she was on the way back, so a big run can be anticipated.

Rain Goddess is a proven Group 1 performer, having twice finished second in top-level contests at this track. Aidan O’Brien’s filly will appreciate the drop in class here so has to be a leading candidate for honours. Ryan Moore has selected her ahead of a trio of other stable runners so the hint should be taken.

Selection: MAKING LIGHT

Next best: Rain Goddess

4.20 TOTE IRISH CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE (PREMIER HANDICAP)1M

Dream Walker ran on strongly to be nearest at the finish in last seasons renewal, having been a Galway victor on his previous outing. The UK raider arrives here with a similar profile and, from only 1lb higher in the weights, he can go close. The Ellison yard does particularly well with its runners in this country, so provided the inside draw doesn’t prove a hindrance, Dream Walker can add to his recent success.

So You Thought lacks the big race experience of many of this field but has an intriguing profile nonetheless. The Weld runner just sneaks in at the foot of the weights and wears first-time blinkers. With a stablemate carrying top-weight, the weights are kept down, suggesting that this race may have been a target for some time.

Tribal Path is a real tough, consistent performer who seldom runs a bad race. After a real battling performance at Galway the seven-year-old was just touched off dropped to 6f at Leopardstown on his most recent outing. The extra two furlongs will play to his strengths now, although connections would have been hoping for softer conditions.

Hibou was badly hampered in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile at Galway but recovered momentum to finish second. The form of that race has already worked out well, so a big run from the Scottish runner can be anticipated once again.

Tony The Gent is a course and distance winner who was successful here last month. He was noted making some late headway at Galway last time but could never get competitive in a rough race. It would be no great shock to see him put in a better performance now although he may just be a shade high in the handicap.

Selection: DREAM WALKER

Next best: So You Thought

4.55 TIPPERARY CRYSTAL “ROSE”LADIES INVITATIONAL HANDICAP 1M4F

Emily Square has been in good form under both codes over the summer months and should be able to gain a well deserved success now. Runner-up twice in her last three starts, the Bushranger mare has the assistance of Evanna McCutcheon in the saddle. In a race where only a handful of the riders are known to Irish racegoers the safest option would be to side with the tried and trust.

Highland Fling looks potentially well handicapped on the level, having improved over hurdles of late. Gavin Cromwell’s gelding won twice in Britain earlier in the season and has continued in good heart since returning home. The horse’s rider has also been in winning form in recent weeks so the pair have to be realistic contenders now.

Selection: EMILY SQUARE

Next best: Highland Fling

5.30 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF PREMIER NURSERY HANDICAP 7F

Warm The Voice really caught the eye on his racecourse debut at Leopardstown, before backing that up with a taking success at Galway last time. Brendan Duke’s colt is arguably better than a handicapper but has been allocated a mark of 89, which certainly proves enticing for connections. It would be disappointing if he wasn’t able to see off this bunch given his scope for further improvement.

Bond Street is a rare nursery runner for Ballydoyle, although the stable do well in this sphere.

He finished just behind Medal Of Honour here last month but has a solid chance now. Ryan Moore stays around to take the ride; possibly a further indication that the horse is expected to go close.

Selection: WARM THE VOICE

Next best: Bond Street