BIG RACE PREVIEW: A Group 1 from The Curragh on Sunday is a rematch between Go Bears Go and Castle Star

Like so much of the horse racing this weekend, the outcome of this race will likely be influenced by the weather and the going conditions. In truth it doesn’t look like the strongest Group 1 ever run however the top two in the market (Go Bears Go and Castle Star) both look like proper horses and it looks to be a straight shoot-out between the pair.

They met six weeks ago over course and distance in the Group 2 Railway Stakes and Go Bears Go won well from Castle Star on that occasion. He was much better positioned throughout the race and when given the office by Rossa Ryan just over a furlong out, the result was never in doubt and he ran out a good winner by 1¼ lengths. He also ran to a Racing Preview speed figure of 75 and at the time that was the best speed figure awarded to a two year old this season. Therefore the clock very much backed up the visual impression created by Go Bears Go.

In contrast Castle Star was ridden from way off the pace and whilst he scythed through the field from two furlongs out, he could never get to grips with the winner whilst also hanging slightly right in the closing stages which put paid to any chance that he may have had. He will likely be ridden more prominently here and also any easing of the ground may increase his chances as he has shown that he can handle slow ground when winning the Marble Hill Stakes here in May.

Zempf finished a 2¾ length fourth in the Railway Stakes where he was doing his best work late on. Although he ran well on only his second ever racecourse appearance there is no obvious reason to suggest that he can reverse the form whilst the other English trained runner in the field Ebro River brings solid form to the table but he would need to improve significantly if he is to beat Go Bears Go based on what we have seen so far.

And so in summary it does look to be somewhat of a match between the top two in the betting. On genuine good ground then Go Bears Go would be a confident selection and whilst he is still the selection, the chances of Castle Star will surely increase if there is any significant easing in conditions.

Suggestion: Go Bears Go

Alternative: Castle Star (particularly on softer ground)