Weekend Racing Preview: Curragh Maidens, Phoenix Stakes Showdown, and Kilbeggan Highlights Maidens to Watch The 2:50 pm maiden at the Curragh is a highlight on the card, featuring three exceptionally well-bred fillies. Ballet Slippers (Dubawi x Magical) is expected to go off as the favourite. By Dubawi and out of the multiple Group 1-winning Magical, it’s no surprise to see her the pick of the Ballydoyle pair for Ryan Moore, especially with a solid debut effort over this course and distance under her belt. She should take a big step forward. Falling Snow (Justify x Winter), out of the top-class Winter and sired by U.S. Triple Crown winner Justify, made a positive impression winning a Dundalk barrier trial. Despite her racetrack inexperience, she’s well-prepped and could put it up to the favourite. Tea Rose (Frankel x Marsha) Sired by the legendary Frankel and out of the brilliant sprinter Marsha, who won the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes, Tea Rose may be second string of the Ballydoyle representatives on this occasion, but is bred for big things. Phoenix Sprint Stakes The Phoenix Sprint Stakes has drawn an intriguing mix of older sprinters and up-and-coming talents. Kind Of Blue from James Fanshawe’s yard certainly catches the eye, especially given the record of UK-trained horses at the Curragh this season. His run in Group 1 company at Royal Ascot, fourth in the Commonwealth Cup, shows he’s capable of mixing it at the highest level, and his progressive profile suggests there’s more to come. However, Moss Tucker is a proven performer on this track and won this race last year. His front-running style could be a plus as there may not be a lot of pace to the race. The weather could also play a crucial role as softening ground would further boost his chances of a repeat success. Phoenix Stakes In the main event, Whistlejacket has already shown he’s capable of stepping out of the shadow of his illustrious sibling, Little Big Bear. He bounced back from a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot to win the Kingdom Of Bahrain July Stakes at Newmarket in impressive style. A reproduction of that form will make him tough to beat. Babouche, representing the Juddmonte team, is likely to be his main rival. Her victory over Camille Pissaro in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes here last month was a strong performance. Nonetheless, Whistlejacket’s proven ability at this level might just give him the edge. Handicaps Lucky Out, trained by Tom Mullins, was a ready winner at the Galway Festival, suggesting she's a filly on the rise. Despite a 6lb hike, she looks capable of further improvement. With the Champion Jockey Colin Keane aboard, she could prove a class above her rivals. The light-hearted remark from her connections after the Galway success, "She might just have a future," reflects the regard they hold her in. Looking away from the Flat action, Kilbeggan hosts an interesting National Hunt card on Saturday evening Kilbeggan Ones To Watch Rarely do horses switch between Royal Ascot and Kilbeggan within a few months, but Charles Byrnes has found an intriguing opportunity for Run For Oscar in the 6:30 pm. Winless since his triumph in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket nearly two years ago, this drop in class could be just what he needs to return to the winners' circle. Meanwhile, Ceanndana has been a revelation for the Hows Your Father Syndicate, on the summer jumps circuit. After taking a beginners' chase at Tramore, he switched back to hurdles to win at Kilbeggan last time. With his trainer Ross O'Sullivan in red-hot form, boasting a 50% National Hunt strike rate over the past 21 days, Ceanndana looks poised to complete the hat-trick in the 7:00 pm race.
