William Hill ambassador Jane Mangan looks ahead to racing from the Curragh, Leopardstown and Downpatrick this weekend.
Curragh, Saturday
I really like Layfayette in the Alleged Stakes (2.55pm). I’m fancying the course and surface specialist here, rather than the best horse in the race, who I think is White Birch. Layfayette won the race two years ago, is the pick of top jockey Colin Keane, and will be one of the very few horses happy on the ground at the Curragh on Saturday.
Leopardstown, Sunday
Atlantic Coast is my pick in the Group 3 Red Rocks Stakes (2.20pm). He’s a course and distance winner on similarly heavy ground and will love the falling rain. His form behind Diego Velazquez on Irish Champions Weekend is very solid and I think he could have a big season for Joseph O’Brien. I expect him to get off to the best possible start on Sunday.
Downpatrick, Sunday
In the beginners’ chase (4.58pm) I’m drawn to Purse Price. Jack Kennedy needs winners, and he needs to get them soon ahead of Punchestown if he’s going to be crowned champion jockey. Purse Price has some eye-catching form, and now going chasing, I think she can take this drop down in class in her stride.