15:45 Curragh

Sunday 19 July 2020

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

Holden Plant Rentals Sapphire Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:46 | Winning time: 59.85s

(1)

Make A Challenge^p⁹

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

6/4

Became a crack sprinter last term with hefty rise through the ranks and still improving this season. Got back to winning ways in C&D Listed contest nine days ago. Has to give weight away all-round but is a solid contender.

Form: 15-6161

(5)

Rapid Reaction²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Andrew Slattery| T: J F Grogan| OR: 97| D

33/1

Sometimes found wanting at Listed/Group level but put up career best when 3L second to Make A Challenge in Naas Listed race (5f) in June. Plenty to find to reverse that form in much tougher race however.

Form: 0200-72

(6)

A'Ali¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Colin Keane| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 110| D

1/1

Top juvenile when winning three Group 2 contests. Thrived on return to minimum trip when 1L winner of strong-looking Sandown Group 3 earlier this month. Top claims if replicating that form once again.

Form: 1510-81

(4)

Southern Hills⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 101| D

14/1

Broke his maiden last year in Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot but not as good since in Commonwealth Cup nor when 13L 12th in July Cup (6f) last weekend. Needs to find a revival in form now.

Form: 521-70

(3)

Wheels On Fire^b1⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Billy Lee| T: A Fogarty| OR: 100| D

40/1

Best form came when second to A'Ali in Group 2 last term but not as good this season, including when 6L fifth to Make A Challenge over C&D over a week ago. Makes limited appeal on paper.

Form: 0253-75

(2)

American Lady²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Gary Halpin| T: J A Stack| OR: 92| D

50/1

Highly-tried sort who only has one win to her name but running creditably in defeat, including 3L second behind smart winner at Ayr (5f) last month. This is a considerable step up again however and not sure to repeat that effort.

Form: 69-1442

(7)

Punita Arora¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 100| D

11/1

Two-time winner including on seasonal return when landing Naas Listed contest (5f). Not as good since when 2L fourth at Cork (6f) but some place possibilities on best form.

Form: 53-5184

Forecasts

A'Ali (1/1), Make A Challenge (6/4), Punita Arora (11/1), Southern Hills (14/1), Rapid Reaction (33/1), Wheels On Fire (40/1), American Lady (50/1)

Another Group race which could turn out to be a match between market principles, A'ALI looks set to add another notable race to his CV. He went under the radar after a disappointing seasonal return (viable excuses for that) but showed he retained all of his raw speed at Sandown last time. With getting weight from his nearest rival Make A Challenge, this looks a fine placement by his handlers. Make A Challenge does set the form standard on his victories this and last term but the 3lb penalty might just hinder him, while another chance can be taken with Southern Hills, who hasn't had a fluent preparation for some time and still may be coming back into himself.