Horse racing tips: Predictions for every Group race at the Curragh on Saturday

THERE'S an exciting eight-race card to look forward to at the Curragh this Saturday.

Clearly, the Irish Oaks takes centre-stage as Emily Upjohn looks to become a Classic winner after her misfortune at Epsom.

However, with a further two Group races to enjoy as well as a several competitive handicaps, this is far more than a one-race card.

Here, we give you the lowdown and some predictions as to how the three Group races on the card might shake out.

2.03 - Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Anglesey Stakes (Group 3)

There was a huge amount to like about the way Little Big Bear went through his race in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot.

He was never stronger than at the finish, lending credence to the theory we might se even more of him now stepping up in trip.

He'll likely go off favourite and deservedly so but there may be one in here who can really give him something to think about.

Slan Abhaile oozed class when making a winning debut at the Curragh in June and makes her second start here.

She powered through the race that day, overcoming a slow start to beat a decent yardstick comfortably.

If there's one in here to trouble Little |Big Bear, it could be Ger Lyons's charge.

Selection - Slan Abhaile

3.10 - Barberstown Castle Sapphire Stakes (Group 2)

This looks an interesting proposition, with several promising three-year-olds and a couple of old-timers to boot.

New York City has not been since May but will need to show more than he did in defeat against Twilight Jet last time to be competitive here.

Geocentric is a promising sprinter for Ger Lyons and he could certainly go well after taking a Listed race at Cork last month.

Last Crusader and Equilateral are not without chances of registering a success for Britain but Castle Star may just be the answer.

Not seen since finishing second in the Middle Park to Perfect Power last autumn, he now returns to action for Fozzy Stack.

His Newmarket second was over 6f but he showed plenty of speed a two-year-old last season and he might just hold the class edge here.

Selection - Castle Star

3.45 Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1) 

Aidan O'Brien has won this race six times and saddles a strong hand again this year.

Toy perhaps hadn't shown enough yet to be considered a legitimate candidate - that was before Ryan Moore picked her to ride.

Clearly there is more to come but perhaps Moore's selection says more about the chances of O'Brien's other two - History and Emily Dickenson.

The former looks exposed, while Emily Dickenson retains potential but couldn't get her head in front at Leopardstown last time after disappointing at Lingfield.

Magical Lagoon is intriguing after her win at Royal Ascot but she will have to take a big step forward to match red-hot favourite Emily Upjohn.

She was unlucky at Epsom after slow start put her on the backfoot ealry before being narrowly beaten by Tuesday.

On another day, she would already be a Classic winner but she now has the opportunity to right that wrong.

She has the form in the book and there's plenty of scope for improvement - she should win.

Selection - Emily Upjohn

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