Suedois and Mobsta bidding to bag the prize for Britain

3.35 Curragh
Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | RTE2/ATR

This contest has been a benefit for British trainers in the last decade with six of the last eight winners coming from across the water, and the prospect of another victory for the raiding party became more likely after Aidan O'Brien's odds-on favourite Acapulco was declared a non-runner on the morning of the race.

Mick Channon sent over Mobsta to plunder the prize 12 months ago and aims to repeat the feat, while the other visitor is Suedois from the David O'Meara stable who, with a mark of 114, is officially the highest-rated horse in the world.

New territory

There is a doubt regarding the trip for Blue De Vega. He has never raced over such a short trip – both his wins have come over seven furlongs and he even tried ten furlongs last June at Royal Ascot when disappointing in the Tercentenary Stakes.

What they say

Willie McCreery, trainer of Downforce
We're literally praying for rain and if it doesn't arrive he'll not run. His options are limited with his current mark. Hopefully the rain that's forecast will come early and there is plenty of it.

Tom Hogan, trainer of Gordon Lord Byron
He'll think he's running loose as he gets to carry less than 10st, which rarely happens. He doesn't have his penalty here and, given he had one at Leopardstown last time, I was very happy with his run. If he keeps picking up prize-money we'll be happy. The ground should be ideal for him.

Mick Channon, trainer of Mobsta
He ran a cracking race in the Duke of York last week and he's in very good form. If the ground is right he should run well.

Jason Kelly, assistant to David O'Meara, trainer of Suedois
He's in good form and he's taken a step forward for his run at York last week. It's a small field and one of his better opportunities. He hasn't won for us but most of his runs have been in Group 1 and if ever a horse deserved to get his head in front it's him.

Joe Murphy, trainer of Only Mine
She's a Group 3 and a Listed winner so this was the obvious place to go. It's been a while since her run at Cork and this is a step up from that, but it will be nice to see what she's made of. She's fit and well.