Caroline’s Sunday Selections for 19th April 2026

Caroline’s Sunday Selections from The Curragh

Arizona Blaze Standing At The Irish National Stud Irish EBF Race 1.15
Blixen Force
Blixen Force was sent off as favourite in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster the last day, and although third, I do think should come on for that run. I did see some signs of inexperience, but this Persian Force colt overall did a decent job under Rowan Scott, and wasn’t knocked about on that first run under rules. I’d be thinking that Aidan O’Brien is getting his yard into some early season form now we are well into April, but he won’t be rushing through his youngsters, so Carry The Flag, despite the big price tag may be best watched. Robson Aguiar’s What A Girl Wants and Belle Island particularly bred for speed are both on my list, but Blixen Force is the one to follow.

SIS Supporting Irish Racing Handicap 1.50
Stag Night (nb)
I’ll be backing Will McCreery’s Stag Night to be winning this Handicap, with soft ground just right. I was thinking that he had a good enough chance here the last day, but Bhodi Bear, taking a lone course toward the far rail did win well, though Stag Night was good value for second just a couple a short-heads in front of Staysound Susie & Magical Vision. Noble Nation and recent all-weather winner Buddy Batt should make a race of it, but Stag Night is the one I’m looking to score for me!

Visit The Irish National Stud And Gardens Irish EBF Maiden 2.25
Bull Shark (nap)
I do think that Robson Aguiar’s Bull Shark is the one to be on here. Looking at his first run under rules here the last day, he overcame a tardy start to be nearest at the finish behind Jack Foley’s Ruler’s Control and stablemate Force Noir. I do expect him to come on for that experience, and also would hope that David Egan taking up the ride will get something extra, with Aidan O’Brien’s Great Barrier Reef the interesting debutante after being given a mention from his trainer in an early season interview, and being a half-brother to Mill Reef winner Mystery Power, must be on your list. Bull Shark looked to have a bit about him on that first run, and if progressing from there can win this ahead of Great Barrier Reef.

Final Furlong Podcast With 1xBet.ie Handicap 3.00
Alnofoor
Claire O’Connell’s Alnofoor won well at Bellewstown last Sunday, and in this current vein of form, can bring up a hat-trick. I do like that Colin Keane is back on board, as he was at Navan on Alnofoor’s first win of this season, and despite a wide draw, every chance of making it a third win. Art Of Unity wasn’t far behind in third at Bellewstown the last day, so will remain competitive, but Alnofoor can be winning this.

Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Alleged Stakes (Group 3) 3.35
Green Impact
Well, I’m telling yuzz that I’m sticking my neck out here to back Green Impact, who I think will take to this ground. Jessica Harrington’s colt went well for a long way in the Sky Bet York Stakes when we last saw him in July of last year, so I’ll be taking this on trust that he’s ready to go, but with some cut in the ground, Green Impact would be the sort I’d be looking at. Of course, Aidan O’Brien’s Twain was a very well fancied Wootton Bassett colt at two, before picking up an injury, but with a win in the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud must be watched closely. Joseph O’Brien’s Beset won at Naas the last day, so is race-fit, while stablemate Trustyourinstinct shouldn’t be far away, but Green Impact is my pick.

Bermingham Cameras Irish EBF Maiden 4.10
Starman Tom
Very few of these have any racecourse experience, so I’ll take Starman Tom to capitalise on that and win for Kieran Cotter. He went well given a slowish start at Cork on his debut under rules, and maybe this step up to 6 furlongs will bring about the improvement needed. Of the newcomers, Aidan O’Brien’s Cactus might be worth a second look, but I’ll take Starman Tom for the win.