Brother Bear out to make it hugs all round for Harrington

4.50 Curragh
Jebel Ali Silver Jubilee Anglesey Stakes (Group 3) | 2yo | 6f 63yds | RTE2/ATR

Jessica Harrington must have been reeling in the 'what might have been' after Brother Bear failed to stay straight in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, but he was still beaten less than a length.

That was a fine effort from the previously unbeaten son of Kodiac, who now has a rating of 106 and looks sure to start favourite for this intriguing juvenile contest.

Harrington said: "We were tempted to go for the Railway straight after Royal Ascot but thought it would be best to give him more time, so we've come here instead.

"He worked during the week and I was very happy with him. Who knows what would have happened if he stayed straight at Royal Ascot, and let's hope he does this time. He'd never done anything like that before, so hopefully it was a one-off."

Aidan O'Brien has won the Anglesey ten times, most recently 12 months ago with Peace Envoy, and he relies on the filly Actress, who was a beaten odds-on favourite on her most recent start at Tipperary.

O'Brien said: "She ran well at Tipperary last time, when she lost out narrowly. We're hoping that going back up to six furlongs might suit."

Commander Grigio had looked a very exciting prospect for Fozzy Stack prior to blotting his copybook in the Railway Stakes, but his trainer has not lost faith.

Stack said: "I don't know why he hung a bit last time and hopefully he'll not do it again. He's a nice colt and has been in good form over the last few weeks."

4.20 Curragh
Tote Scurry Handicap | 3yo+ | 6f 63yds | RTE2/ATR

Five of the 17 runners are based in Britain and you would not get a big price about another valuable Irish sprint going for export.

Nigel Tinker has booked champion jockey Pat Smullen for Normandy Barriere, who was a leading fancy for the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and did not do a lot wrong in taking fourth of 13 in his group but only ninth overall.

Richard Fahey is double-handed with previous course winner George Bowen and Gin In The Inn, who won a Pontefract handicap in May by six lengths. Tony Coyle runs Snap Shots, while the British challenge is completed by Big Time, from the Kevin Ryan stable.

The home challenge is spearheaded by an ex-British trained sprinter too. Celebration was formerly trained by Fahey but has made a bright start to his career in Ireland with Ger Lyons and the step up to six furlongs looks sure to suit, judging by his recent display over the minimum trip at today's venue.