CAN you really afford to miss the second day of the Irish Champions Festival at the Curragh? Four Group 1s take up half of an eight-race card and just under a quarter of the total number of Group 1 races on the Irish flat racing calendar.

The stars of tomorrow and the stars of now. Two-year-old colts and two-year-old fillies. Speedsters and stayers. There is something for everyone in that lot, and every chance you’ll enjoy it all.

The purists will be all about the juveniles. The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes. As ever, Aidan O’Brien holds the key to both, but this year more than most as the Ballydoyle chief arguably has as exciting a team of juveniles as ever.

Leading that cohort is City Of Troy who was simply superb in spreadeagling the Group 2 Superlative Stakes on Newmarket’s July course. Indeed, the form of that effort has already been boosted by the second, Haatem, who scored a Group 2 of his own at Goodwood, so Aidan O’Brien’s son of Justify could be special.

In the Moyglare, it could all be about Ylang Ylang, the 1.5 million guineas purchase aiming to make it three out of three. The daughter of Frankel won first time out at Leopardstown before adding the Silver Flash Stakes to her resumé in fine style. Just like her stablemate, her form has been significantly boosted by the horse she beat, Vespertilio, who was a smart winner of the Debutante Stakes, the race that often provides the most solid stepping stone to this contest.

That filly, trained by Willie McCreery, needs respecting for her second match-up with Ylang Ylang, while plenty will be positive about a step up to seven furlongs for the Albany winner Porta Fortuna.

Highfield Princess was a real class act for John Quinn in the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Flying Five Stakes 12 months ago and she looks set to defend her title for the Tipperary native trainer in the Group 1.

The six-year-old mare, who was sportingly put back into training this season, has only scored once, in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, but has mostly held her form well at Group 1 level in Britain and that makes her the one to beat in an Irish sprint.

Indeed, her compatriots are rated her biggest dangers - the King’s Stand winner Bradsell, who was one place behind her when third in the Nunthorpe and Art Power, who simply loves it at the Curragh and could bid to make it five from five.

News that champion stayer Kyprios could return in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger was a big boost to the race. He was given a scare by the William Haggas-trained Hamish in the race last season and the runner-up is back again, with connections of that gelding surely fancying their chances to go one better after a season that has already yielded three Group 3 wins from three starts.

Day 2 – The Curragh – The day’s racecard

1.50 Irish Stallion Farms Bold Lad Ebf Premier Handicap

2.25 Moyglare Jewels Blandford Stakes (Group 2)

2.55 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Flying Five (Group 1)

3.25 Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1)

4.00 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group 1)

4.35 Comer Group International St Leger (Group 1)

5.05 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Stakes

5.40 Irish Stallion Farms Northfields Ebf Premier Handicap

Curragh Thoroughbred Trails

WANT to enhance your day’s racing at the Curragh next Sunday and make it an unforgettable experience for you and your guest? There are three guided tours departing from the Curragh Racecourse at 9.30am and the only problem you will have is deciding which one to join.

1. Sea The Stars Tour - SOLD OUT

Visit world champion racehorse and leading international sire Sea The Stars in the company of his former trainer, John Oxx. On this visit to the the Aga Khan’s Giltown Stud you will hear John talk about the attributes that made Sea The Stars so special.

2. Ted Walsh Curragh Training Grounds Tour

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join racing legend and trainer Ted Walsh on a tour of the Curragh training grounds before racing. Ted has spent his entire career as a trainer and a record-breaking amateur jockey using the Curragh training grounds and he has a lifetime of experience of the facilities and stories to share about what makes the Curragh such a unique and wonderful place to train.

3. Rangers Lodge Racing Stables Trail

A special trail for younger racegoers to enjoy, in the company of a parent or guardian, with a behind the scenes tour of Richard Brabazon’s Rangers Lodge Racing Stables. Young racegoers will learn all about life in a racing stable, from the first education of young racehorses, through to retirement from racing and careers in other equestrian activities.

Book: irishchampionsfestival.ie (click on ‘Premium Experiences’)

Parade of Champions to feature Tiger Roll

STAGED in association with Treo Eile, and sponsored by Moyglare Stud, this parade of nine famous racehorses will happen at various intervals during Sunday’s racing. Among the stars on show will be dual Aintree Grand National winner Tiger Roll and triple Gold Cup winner Sizing John.

Style to the fore

THE most stylish racegoer at the Curragh on Sunday will walk away with an 18k white gold and diamond pendant valued at €5,000 from Weir & Sons. They will also receive a luxury two-night stay for two in a Castle Room at Kilkea Castle, Co Kildare, complete with breakfast, dinner, golf, spa treatments, and a bottle of Moet Impérial Brut.

Moyglare kids zone

AS always, Moyglare Stud and the Curragh make a special effort to ensure that children enjoy their day at the Curragh. The Moyglare Kids Zone will be filled with a large variety of free activities, from face painters and magicians to a pet farm, arts and crafts. Remember there is free raceday admission for children under 18 when accompanied by an adult.

Music all day long

THE Newbridge Gospel Choir, Artane Kids Band and Nite Train will perform at the Curragh next Sunday.