THE IRISH INSIDER

Toby Darby gives his best two bets from Ireland this Sunday as he tackles Irish 1,000 Guineas day, 14:30 CURRAGH Porta Fortuna is rated 7lbs clear on adjusted figures, understandably heads the market. She was remarkably consistent last season, winning with ease on several occasions. However, she now faces race-fit rivals, a wide draw, and potentially softer ground.

Considering those factors, I’d be inclined to side with Jancis at the current prices. She made a promising return in a listed contest earlier this month, pulling clear with the eventual winner. Still lightly raced, she looks open to further improvement this season and represents an appealing each-way proposition. 

Naomi Lapaglia is worth consideration for those seeking value at a bigger price. She’s changed stables over the winter and shaped encouragingly on her reappearance. Arguably, she’s benefited from a “promotion” in training ranks, and if she can build on last season’s efforts, she could run a bold race at double-figure odds.

JANCIS (E/W)

15:05 CURRAGH

White Birch will need to reverse the form with current favourite Los Angeles, who narrowly beat him earlier this month. However, White Birch appeared weak in the market that day, suggesting he may not have been fully tuned up. With that in mind, I can see him replicating last year’s success, when he got the better of Auguste Rodin. 

That said, I’m not dismissing Los Angeles, whose strongest performances have come over 1m4f. Meanwhile, Kalpana was a progressive filly last season and looks destined for big targets later in the year, so it would be no surprise if she isn’t fully wound up for this return.

Rain is forecast, though the extent remains uncertain. Should conditions soften, Royal Rhyme could easily outrun his odds. He ran creditably in the Group 1 Ganay on his reappearance and tends to deliver solid efforts, especially when there’s cut in the ground.

WHITE BIRCH (WIN)

written by Toby Darby