Safecracker

Safecracker ran another big race in the Ragusa Handicap at The Curragh on Sunday. Winner of the race last year off a handicap rating of 97, he was racing off a 4lb higher mark here, and he almost got there again, staying on strongly on the far side off a moderate pace to get up for second place, just a neck behind the winner Star Harbour.

It was a fine run by Johnny Murtagh’s horse, making his ground off a moderate pace. His finishing speed was over 110% of his overall speed. He is a hugely likeable horse who seems to keep his best performances for The Curragh, so he will always be of interest there. He stays a mile and a half well, but he is equally adept off a strong pace over 10 furlongs. The Northfields Handicap back at The Curragh on Irish Champions’ Weekend, a race in which he was the middle element of a Johnny Murtagh 1-2-3 two years ago, would be an ideal target now.

The Curragh, 30^th June 2024