Harrington's Red Label out to put dent in Ballydoyle's record

2.50 Curragh
Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes | Gr 3 | 3yo | 1m2f | RTE1/ATR

This has been pretty simple to solve of late. Aidan O'Brien has won it ten times since 2004, so many punters will think it best to stick with the Ballydoyle battalion.

However, there are three to choose from and picking between the trio is not so straightforward.

Ryan Moore is on Homesman, suggesting he is the number one. But he has his quirks and was very wayward when winning his maiden narrowly at Limerick last month and had to survive a lengthy stewards' inquiry. Since then he has been put in his place by Irishcorrespondent, but there is no shame in that.

Finn McCool, with a mark of 97, is officially rated 4lb better than Homesman, but jockey bookings tell us O'Brien believes the handicapper is wrong.

Finn McCool (Donnacha O'Brien) working after racing at Leopardstown last monthCredit: Patrick McCann

Utah was last seen in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Chantilly in October, where he trailed in last of the seven runners behind National Defense. He returns from a 238-day absence here.

But the Ballydoyle-based contingent might have it all to do to beat the 105-rated Red Label, who made a winning start to life with Jessica Harrington at Gowran Park late last month having spent last season with Luca Cumani.

There was no more impressive maiden winner than Act Of Valour, though. He produced a relentless galloping display to score at Roscommon over this trip and it was a display that suggested there is a lot more to come.

New pairing look to Angel

Fozzy Stack has made a bright start to his training career and his new link-up with Chris Hayes has worked very well. The pair have teamed up on 31 occasions this season and have been successful seven times. Angel Island is their representative here.

What they say

Michael O'Callaghan, trainer of Act Of Valour
He's a lovely horse and the trip definitely suits him. He deserves his chance to step up to this sort of grade. I'd say Red Label is the one we have to beat, but we've always liked our fella and Pat [Smullen] was keen for us to run him here and to ride him as well.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Homesman, Finn McCool and Utah
Homesman is lazy and that's why we're trying blinkers instead of a visor or cheekpieces this time. We think the step up in trip should suit. Finn McCool ran quite well over further at Navan last time and we don't think dropping back in trip will inconvenience him. Utah, unlike the other two, hasn't had a run this year. The trip should suit and we're hoping he runs well and improves from the race.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Red Label
The rain won't worry me and he's in great form, so we're hoping for the best.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Angel Island
She came out of Killarney very well and will appreciate the step up in trip. She won't mind the rain that's fallen either.

Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes, card and form