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In addition to the Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas, the Curragh hosts a card of exciting Black Type racing featuring the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes and the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes for the sprinters.
In the 6f Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes (1:55), the two-year-olds have an early season opportunity to record some Black Type. The market is headed by short-priced Noche Magica from the Paddy Twomey yard, who was an easy three-and-three-quarter length winner of a Cork maiden in early April.
Aidan O'Brien is represented by Democracy and His Majesty. Democracy landed a Curragh maiden on heavy ground on debut in comfortable style, but the good ground would be a question mark. His Majesty produced a confident performance to win the Listed First Flier Stakes over five furlongs at the track on debut. His dam Czabo was a Group 3 winner over a mile, so the additional furlong will probably suit.
WIN: HIS MAJESTY
There is plenty of UK-based representatives in the 6f Group 2 Greenlands Stakes (2:30). Charlie Hills' Garrus will be ridden by Ryan Moore and has the advantage of a high draw. He returned to better order with a success in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last start and looks a solid option.
Art Power, trained by Tim Easterby, has an excellent record at the track (2-2) and won the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes over course and distance in September. He will be sharper for his reappearance run at York and can play a major role.
Moss Tucker cannot be dismissed as a former course and distance winner, despite his preference for softer ground. He won the Listed Testimonial Stakes here by an impressive three-and-three-quarter lengths in October on heavy ground and has already won a Naas Listed contest this campaign.
Michael O'Callaghan's Twilight Jet makes his seasonal reappearance, having not been seen since a pair of last-placed finishes in the Group 1 July Cup and the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup. He is far better than those performances would indicate.
WIN: ART POWER
A small but competitive field has gathered for the 1m4f Listed Orby Stakes (3:05). Mashoor is having a first try at this level following a comfortable Cork handicap victory, yet his record over the distance is questionable. Charles Byrnes' Run For Oscar takes a step up into Listed company returning to the flat after a hurdling campaign. He recorded two good handicap wins at the back end of last Flat season and drops significantly in trip.
The vote goes to Ottilien, a proven Listed winner with former trainer David Menusier. She was very disappointing on stable debut for Joseph O'Brien despite starting evens and she is expected to bounce back.
WIN: OTTILIEN
RacingandSports SELECTIONS
RACE 1: UNQUESTIONABLE
RACE 2: HIS MAJESTY
RACE 3: ART POWER
RACE 4: OTTOLIEN
