Richard Fahey to strike at Curragh

The Irish Oaks is the main event this Saturday afternoon in the racing world. We concentrate on the Scurry handicap which has a nice mix of Irish and English trained sprinters locking horns.

A big field of 21 runners in the “scurry handicap” this year. It’s run over an unusual distance of six and a half furlongs. This trip requires speed and stamina on what a stiff galloping course. Rain is forecast so I think the ground will be on the soft side by tomorrow afternoon. Strike Red looks well drawn high in stall 20 representing Yorkshire trainer Richard Fahey.

A 5yo son of Dark Angel he is progressing with age and ran his best race of the season so far when a half length second to Justanotherbottle at Ripon last month. The handicapper raised him a pound which is fair and he looks well treated. At the backend of last season, Strike Red won a heritage handicap on good to soft ground over six furlongs at York.

Ado McGuinness runs two and preference is for Laugh A Minute who loves cut in the ground. This talented 8yo won here at the Curragh over 5 furlongs on soft/heavy ground at the start of this season when rated 88. He runs off a 3lb higher mark of 91 but 5lb claiming stable jockey Adam Caffrey rides. Adam is great value for his claim with 17 winners already this season to his name.

Last year in this race Laugh a Minute failed to fire but proved he stays by finishing third in the "Ahonoora" Handicap over 7f on soft ground at the Galway Festival. He is drawn low in stall 6 but most likely will be held up and ridden to come home strongly. I feel he has been overlooked in the market and if on song has a big chance at a big price.

Curragh 2:35

0.5 point each way Strike Red 8/1 Skybet 7 places else 8/1 Paddy Power 6 places.

0.5 point each way Laugh A Minute 14/1 Skybet 7 places else 14/1 Paddy Power & Betway, 6 places.

Best of Luck, Nicky