1.50 Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Bold Lad” Sprint Handicap 6f

He may not be arriving into this race in the same form as 12 months ago when third but Mr Wagyu has the benefit of being 8lb lower this time around and should be firmly in the mix. A winner of the Scurry Handicap here last year, he likes the Curragh and British raiders have won five of the nine runnings of this race since what is now the Irish Champions Festival was formed in 2014.

Albasheer, who dead-heated with Summerghand at the York Ebor Festival last time, is another respected overseas challenger with the potential to improve beyond his mark of 98 for Archie Watson. Of the home team, Hurricane Ivor would probably prefer more of an ease in the ground but remains interesting in a first-time visor, while Jon Riggens and Heavenly Power are two proper contenders for Eddie Lynam, who won this race with a 50/1 shot last year.

SELECTION: MR WAGYU

Next best: Albasheer

2.25 Moyglare ‘Jewels’ Blandford Stakes (Group 2) 1m 2f

The absence of top-rated entry Above The Curve from the final declarations means this Group 2 contest is pretty open. Aidan O’Brien supplies four of the 11 runners and the fact Ryan Moore is aboard Jackie Oh means she is of obvious interest. That said, it’s possible she could prefer more of an ease in the ground.

There was no shame in Lumiere Rock finishing second to Jannah Rose at Deauville last time and she brings plenty of smart form to the table, while also showing a liking for the Curragh. At the likely prices, there could be some value in taking an each-way shot with Alanya, who probably ran better than the bare form when third on her first attempt at blacktype company last time and could easily have more improvement to come.

SELECTION: ALANYA

Next best: Lumiere Rock

5.10 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes 6f 63yds

British-trained challengers have won seven of the last nine runnings of this race and it looks as though the visiting party hold strong claims of collecting again this year. It’s interesting to see that Wathan Racing, who have already swooped in this season to buy the likes of Courage Mon Ami, Gregory and Isaac Shelby, privately purchased the Richard Fahey-trained Native American after his hugely impressive debut win at York in May. That form was nothing special and his 106-day absence is off-putting but none of his rivals have looked as promising as he did on that occasion.

Nikki Swango makes some appeal on the basis of meeting quality types like A Lilac Rolla and Kairyu in maidens. Eve Johnson Houghton struck here last year and can be thereabouts again with her pair, Revenue and Mercian Warrior.

SELECTION: NATIVE AMERICAN

Next best: Nikki Swango

5.45 Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Northfields” Handicap 1m 2f

Ado McGuinness’ new recruit Migdam could well show the benefit of his low-key introductory run at Naas and play a lively role under Oisin Murphy. Bought for 60,000gns in July out of Sir Michael Stoute’s yard, he isn’t overly exposed and should be well suited to this 10-furlong test off a likely workable mark.

Johnny Murtagh has won two of the last three runnings of this €150,000 event - and supplied the one-two-three 12 months ago - so the lightly raced Take Heart must be given proper respect under stable jockey Ben Coen. The top two in the weights, red-hot handicapper Coeur D’or and blacktype regular Didn’thavemuchtodo, have the assistance of talented claimers and ought to be in the shake-up too.

SELECTION: MIGDAM

Next best: Take Heart