Dual-purpose star Wicklow Brave out to be king in the Cup

Comer Group International Curragh Cup | Gr2 | 3yo+ |1m6f | ATR

Wicklow Brave, the best dual-purpose horse in training, bids to provide another successful high-end foray on the Flat for champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins.

Beaten just over two lengths in the Belmont Gold Cup last month, the eight-year-old had enjoyed his finest hour prior to that Flat pipe-opener for the season when he produced an electric display from the front under Patrick Mullins to win the Punchestown Champion Hurdle.

Last year's St Leger hero returns to the Curragh for the first time since providing his handler with that first Classic win, and for the first time the gelding will be partnered by Declan McDonogh.

Belgravia and Wisconsin turn out quickly for Aidan O'Brien after both three-year-olds contested the Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.

O'Brien, who has won the last four renewals of this race, said of this year's representatives: "Belgravia ran well when fourth in the Queen's Vase whereas things didn't work out for Wisconsin in the same race. We're running them back quite soon but both seem in good form."

Dermot Weld, who has also done well in this race down the years, is hoping for an improved effort from Forgotten Rules, so long as the forecast rain arrives.

He said: "He's in good form but wouldn't want the ground to dry out too much. Any passing showers would be welcome."

Rekindling should be better suited to the Curragh plains than the contours of Epsom and is a potentially exciting stayer for Joseph O'Brien.

The field is made up by Jim Bolger's Stellar Mass and the sole British raider, the Mick Channon-trainer Elidor.

Channon said: "He's a hard horse to place but I can't get him into any handicaps at the moment. I put him in because I thought he had a squeak. He's a consistent horse but we don't want it too soft."

Corner Group International Curragh Cup, card, form and betting