Koby’s, Caroline’s & Marie-Francoise’s Sunday Selections for 24th May 2026
Koby’s, Caroline’s & Marie-Francoise’s Sunday Selections from Sha Tin, The Curragh & ParisLongchamp
Sha Tin
The Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (Group 1) 09.05
Romantic Warrior
Yo kids! Koby here, and believe me what a treat have we got for you on Saturday night. As the season at Sha Tin is in the final act, there’s some unfinished business to get to. And you know what that is? I’m sure you do, it’s Romantic Warrior going for the Triple Crown….and man…..it’s going to be immense!! But you know what, this ain’t no pushover guys, cos you got those Japanese raiders Deep Monster and Rousham Park here for the glory, and last year’s Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat too for more than just the crumbs. Yeah what a race, and it’s Deep Monster that is gonna be the one that James McDonald will be watching. Like a hawk, man!! My read? – James gets Romantic Warrior just to keep track of Deep Monster inside of him from Gate 2, and he can sit on Deep Monster’s shoulder and keep Joao Moreira guessing where he is, until he can smell him coming through!! That’s my one-two kids, cos that’s gonna be the only way to make money outta this contest, but JC’s favourite Romantic Warrior is winning this, and the Triple Crown. AWESOME!!!
The Curragh
Kilkea Castle Marble Hill Stakes (Group 3) 2.15
Great Barrier Reef
The choice of Ryan Moore and the choice of the Ballydoyle pair over Carry The Flag, Great Barrier Reef would be expected to win this. I have to say that the debut run the last day could not have been any more impressive, forging 6 lengths clear of the second, with my fancy Bull Shark never making a race of it in third. Of course, that was on soft ground, so a bit to prove on that point, but this No Nay Never colt should be fine on quicker ground. Robson Aguiar’s Blackbeard colt Edward Thatch also looked very smart at Cork the last day, and should also be in the mix. From the same yard, Immortal Guard looked one to have loads of improvement in him, so completes my list, but I do think Great Barrier Reef is winning this.
Lanwades Stud Stakes (Group 2) 3.20
City Of Memphis
Well, I gave you City Of Memphis for the Mutamakina Stakes at Leopardstown the last day, and I must keep faith with her here. And I’ll add to that to say that there has been no trainer in better form that Paddy Twomey just now, and I do think that this Sioux Nation filly can have even more to come on faster ground, so I’m only aware that she needs to see this mile trip out, though fifth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last year gives me confidence for that. Of course, Will McCreery’s Jancis has to be given respect, winning the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket, but seemed to need that 9 furlong trip to see off Cathedral, so may find it all happening a little bit on the quick side here on a fast Curragh track. The same could be said of Paddy Twomey’s One Look, who has Group One form, so I’ll back City Of Memphis for the Lanwades.
Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1) 3.55
Minnie Hauk (nb)
It’s not really going to be a surprise to see me back Minnie Hauk for the Gold Cup, but you cannot fault her credentials. She was the outstanding filly over middle distance trips last year, winning the Oaks, the Yorkshire Oaks and the Irish Oaks, a rare treble that will stand up to scrutiny for many years to come, sitting in company with the likes of Enable and Snowfall. Back to business this season in the Mooresbridge, she still showed plenty of toe to reel in Edward Hamilton, who made a brave bid from the front under Wayne Lordan, and must be fully tuned after that to take more Group One honours this season. Saddadd and Almaqam are class opponents, but the turn of foot that Minnie Hauk showed the last day leaves me in no doubt, the most exciting filly to follow this year along with Daryz over these sort of trips, in my opinion.
Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas (Group 1) 4.30
True Love
Jaysella and myself felt fully justified when True Love won the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket three weeks back, and there’s no way we’re going to get over 8/1 on her this time! For that Classic, Ryan Moore had chosen Precise, leaving Wayne Lordan to get the dream ride on True Love, but it’s all change now as the stable number one rider goes for the British/Irish 1,000 Guineas double on True Love. And I do think that’s going to happen, with the ground in her favour and possibly the nearest rival after stablemate Precise being Charlie Appleby’s Abashiri, who has something to find from the Newmarket race. Richard Hughes’ America Queen is an interesting outsider for each way punters, but I do think that True Love is winning this.
ParisLongchamp
Prix Hocquart (Group 3) 1.33
Varandir
Oh yes, for the Prix Hocquart I will be on Henri-Francis Graffard’s Varandir, who was very very good at Lyon-Parilly last month. He did go well away from the field non? over that 2,400 metre distance, with that race already in his bags, I think you say? from the 400 metre pole, and he must be too good for Amy Murphy’s Jabracadabra. I think that Chamali will try to win this from the front, but that could be very nice for Varandir, who can wait until his time from the 800 metre pole. Oui, Varandi to make use of Chamali to set a pace, and make a third win for Henri-Francis Graffard.
Prix Corrida (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) 2.50
Sunly (nap)
Bon, so Sunly is going to win the Prix Corrida, and I am very happy to say that. I have already seen her win the Prix Allez France at Saint-Cloud this month, so she must be ready to win once more in this grade, and with nothing more than Aventure to be making the pressure, I can see this race is between these two. D’accord, Aventure was in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last October, so is a very very good filly, but it is Sunly that is the one that is the less known after just the five starts, so maybe still has the potential, non? Oui, Sunly is my best selection for Sunday at PareeLongchamp, and I believe she will beat Aventure.
