16:15 Curragh

Sunday 28 June 2020

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:1516:4517:1517:45

Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 16:17 | Winning time: 1m 11.22s

(1)

All The King's Men²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Rory Cleary| T: L Comer| OR: 101| D

150/1

Won a weak-looking Naas handicap on final start for Aidan O'Brien last term and seemingly out of his depth when beaten 20L in Naas Listed race (5f) this month. Out of his depth once again here.

Form: 58431-0

(2)

Buffer Zone²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Colin Keane| T: G M Lyons| OR: 107| CD

7/1

Impressive winner of valuable C&D handicap last September before blotting his copybook in Ayr Gold Cup. Returned to form with good third in 5f Naas Listed race however and should be vying for a place once more.

Form: 12510-3

(3)

Chessman²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Ronan Whelan| T: R O'Brien| OR: 101

25/1

Sole win came on debut when trained in England but running well in Pattern/Group company. Returned with 5L defeat at Naas (5f, good) this month and every chance he can improve from that. Place claims.

Form: 30793-4

(4)

Gustavus Weston²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Gary Carroll| T: J G Murphy| OR: 106| CD

22/1

Improving sort last term, landing C&D Group 3 in August and not disgraced since, including on seasonal reappearance at Naas (5f) earlier this month. Should come on for that effort and holds claims.

Form: 82014-5

(6)

Make A Challenge⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: James J Doyle| T: D Hogan| OR: 112| CD

11/8

Crack improver throughout the grades last season, landing two C&D successes and tried in Group 1 company. Returned with a bang with easy success in 5f Naas Listed race and should be hard to beat once more. Leading contender.

Form: 2115-61

(9)

Smash Williams^t¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 103| CD

25/1

Rarely wins but has Group 3 and Listed successes next to his name. Hit the frame in 7f Group 3 contest at this track on Irish Guineas weekend and likely to be booked for minor honours once again.

Form: 46270-3

(5)

Speak In Colours^t⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: S M Crosse| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 110| CD

10/3

C&D Group 3 winner last term who rarely disappoints. Wasn't beaten far into fifth in Diamond Jubilee Stakes (6f, good) eight days ago. Quick turnaround is no issue and should go close if running to that level once more.

Form: 136-425

(7)

Forever In Dreams^p1²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Billy Lee| T: A Fogarty| OR: 111| BF| D

6/1

Listed winner who has since been placed in two Group 1's at Ascot last term. Slightly disappointing when 5L sixth on seasonal return at Naas (5f, good to firm) but usually comes on for first effort of season. Not without hope.

Form: 12073-6

(8)

Queen Jo Jo²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Declan McDonogh| T: K A Ryan| OR: 102| D

8/1

British raider. Listed winner over 6f at Nottingham last season and not disgraced since, including when second in 6f Haydock Listed race on return. Usually runs to her mark which entitles her to consideration.

Form: 34/513-2

Forecasts

Make A Challenge (11/8), Speak In Colours (10/3), Forever In Dreams (6/1), Buffer Zone (7/1), Queen Jo Jo (8/1), Gustavus Weston (22/1), Smash Williams (25/1), Chessman (25/1), All The King's Men (150/1)

A below-par looking renewal of this contest in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it looks an optimum opportunity for MAKE A CHALLENGE to strike at this level for the first time. One of the finds of the season last term, the five-year-old looked like there was even more to come when oozing class at Naas last time out, which sees him have the significant measure of his rivals. Plenty could be within a shout of claiming minor honours, but Speak In Colours tends to consistently run up to his level compared to some and has been close to landing Group 1's as recently as last week. The likes of Buffer Zone and Queen Jo Jo also have progressive profiles but face their toughest task to date yet.