Racing Curragh previewThe Devon-based trainer Nerys Dutfield may not have the profile of some of her cross-channel colleagues at the Curragh this weekend but Spirit Of Chester might just change that situation with victory in tonight's Goffs Challenge.
The €76,700 first prize would be no mean consolation for Spirit Of Chester, who didn't get the clearest of runs when runner-up to Jewel In The Sand in a Listed race at Royal Ascot last week.
This evening she is part of a seven-strong British challenge that also includes another Ascot runner-up, Tournedos, as well as Miss Malone, who will be ridden by Michael Kinane.
Tournedos looks like starting favourite but Spirit Of Chester's effort was a big improvement on her Newbury debut and she may be a filly who is rapidly improving.
The ex-David Wachman-trained Nepro, winner of both his starts, at Fairyhouse and Down Royal, is an interesting contender for Eddie Creighton, who runs here prior to transferring the horse to Spain.
The first "Derby" of the weekend festival is the Apprentice Derby, where another improver in Silver Silence looks the most likely answer.
This Japanese-bred took a while to get on top of Floscula at Naas but he has a quarter-mile farther to travel here and Floscula has boosted the form since with a win at Gowran.
Brian Boru debuted here two years ago in the seven-furlong maiden and it will be interesting to see how his stable companion Scandinavia does now after a defeat at Tipperary last time.
Aidan O'Brien's horse will have his work cut out anyway against King Of Tory, who ran Amsterdam to half a length and should relish the extra furlong.
