Johnny Ward's Sunday tips at the Curragh: "He has to be hugely respected"
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Sat 12 Sep 2026
Irish racing expert Johnny Ward reveals his three best bets for the action on day two of the Irish Champions Festival at the Curragh, all live on Racing TV.
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4.00 Curragh: Porto Vecchio
The 16-1 on offer here, at the time of writing, is deeply offensive to the legend that is Dermot Weld, for all that his last winner in this race was 24 years ago!
Porto Vecchio is a Frankel colt out of a Dubawi mare who, having reportedly been immature and not galloped on grass before winning a hot Curragh maiden, still looked a very high-class prospect.
A brother to Homeless Songs, who won the Irish 1,000 Guineas for Dermot Weld, he has to be hugely respected back at the Curragh.
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5.10 Curragh: Thundering On
I believe the key to Thundering On's chance here is the rain.
She did not look the star she seemed in the Betfred Oaks when fourth here last time out, but that was still not a bad run at all, and conditions will be much slower here.
With Ryan Moore booked, she's the one to side with at 13-8, and she's open to further progress.
5.45 Curragh: Amadeus Mozart
I loved his run over this distance at Royal Ascot two starts ago and, back at this distance, he should be ready to go well at double-figure odds.
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