Curragh Cup Preview: Key Contenders to Watch Day one of Juddmonte Irish Oaks weekend at the Curragh is the home of the Curragh Cup, one of most keenly contested Group 2s on the Flat at the famous County Kildare venue. Run over the staying 1m6f distance, the Curragh Cup typically goes to an Aidan O'Brien-trained runner as Ballydoyle have won this contest eight times since 2013 - although only three favourites have won in that time. A field of nine have been declared for Saturday's race and our expert has picked out a pair to follow. Curragh Cup Tips Selection: Shackleton Next Best: Al Riffa AK BETS Offer If you already have an AK BETS account, check out more of the best betting sites and online casinos Ballydoyle runner to leave the shackles off this time Shackleton failed to land a blow behind stablemate Lambourn in the Irish Derby here at the Curragh when last seen, but the promise of a stiffer test of stamina and a drop in grade should ensure he has every chance of success under Ryan Moore. Trained by the masterful Aidan O'Brien who has won this race eight times since 2013, the fact Moore has opted to ride this boy over stablemate Queenstown would signify that this is the stable's best hope of success. Shackleton won a maiden around here over 1m1f last year and hasn't won since, but he ran a cracker at Royal Ascot when fourth behind Carmers in the Queen's Vase over 1m6f. He led for much of the way on the day, and once headed turning for home, he still battled on gamely and was beaten only around a length at the finish, so it is quite evident that he stays really well. This is Shackleton's second try at this trip so he's still unexposed as a staying type and perhaps he can finally make his mark at this level today, for all Al Riffa will be hard enough to beat. The classy Al Riffa will give his running once again The obvious danger is Joseph O'Brien's Al Riffa, who comes here on the back an excellent second behind Rebel's Romance in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. Last year's German Derby winner fell short in Group 1 company at Longchamp twice since, but his latest run gives him every chance. Al Riffa has run in Group 2 company three times and although he came up short each time, he is a high-class horse and commands maximum respect. Any other contenders? Don't rule out a big run from Dermot Weld's Harbour Wind, with the red-hot Chris Hayes in the saddle. Hayes sees his opportunity to win the jockeys' championship this year and is riding with huge confidence at present. This horse was only seventh in the Ragusa handicap here over 1m4f last time, but the dual Listed winner stays all day and he will relish this sort of test. He does have a bit to find though.
