British raiders look to extend their dominance in the Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes this Saturday, as Kalpana lines up for Andrew Balding in a field of seven high-class fillies. The British-trained runner will be ridden by Colin Keane following a fine third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month at the same venue.

Trainer Andrew Balding was upbeat, saying: “She is a very high-class filly. While we think she might be even better over further, a mile and a quarter should suit her well – especially if the ground stays good.”

International Challenge

The French-trained Survie, a Group 2 winner, joins Kalpana as part of the international challenge. She will be ridden by Stéphane Pasquier for Nicolas Clément and Flo Hermans.

Irish Contenders

• Whirl – Aidan O’Brien’s narrow Oaks runner-up represents strong claims.
• Wemighttakedlongway – Joseph O’Brien’s filly bids to follow in the footsteps of Iridessa (2019) and Thundering Nights (2021).
• Magical Hope – Trained by 2022 winner Paddy Twomey.
• Jancis – Willie McCreery’s charge will be partnered by Ben Coen.
• Higher Leaves – Represents Henry de Bromhead and Shane Foley.

More Group Action on the Card

Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes: Six juveniles line up, including Ger Lyons’ Lady Iman (chasing a four-timer) and Aidan O’Brien’s Beautify, with Ryan Moore booked.

Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes: Elizabeth Jane runs for Dermot Weld with Chris Hayes aboard.

Group 3 Anglesey Stakes: Flushing Meadows heads a quality field that includes Stop The Nation and debut winner Suzie Songs.

Ladies Derby & Handicaps

• Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby: Jody Townend (Tatateo) and Hannah Smullen (Desert Friend) feature.
• Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Handicap: Recent winner Cold Hearted aims to follow up for Jessica Harrington.

Full Race Schedule – Saturday

• 1.15pm – Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden
• …
• 5.15pm – Keadeen Hotel Irish EBF Maiden

Pretty Polly Stakes – Odds (Paddy Power)

• 6/4 – Whirl
• 9/4 – Kalpana
• 6 – Wemighttakedlongway
• 7 – Higher Leaves
• 12 – Jancis
• 14 – Survie
• 20 – Magical Hope

Going Update

Straight course: Good to firm in places
Round course: Good
Stalls: Centre for all sprint races

Admission & Bundles

• Saturday General Admission: €30 online / €35 on the day
• Sunday Premium Admission: €150 (Winning Line Lounge access)
• Derby Bundles: From €33 – includes admission, €5 bet, food voucher, racecard, afterparty access

Transport & Parking

Free shuttle buses from Newbridge & Kildare
Free parking at the Curragh Racecourse

Where to Watch

• Racing TV – Full coverage
• TG4 & RTÉ – Selected races live on Saturday and Sunday

Entertainment

• Friday – The Classic Beatles (afterparty)
• Sunday – The Whistlin’ Donkey’s (afterparty)

For tickets, discounts and more: curragh.ie/tickets

The post Kalpana Returns to Curragh for Pretty Polly Stakes – Saturday Feature Preview appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Match Preview

The Group 1 encounter in the GAA Gaelic football championship features Derry facing Armagh. Both teams have experienced contrasting starts to their campaigns, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. This would be a disastrous loss for Derry after such a great start to the season.

Live scores for Armagh v Derry 

Previous Encounters

Derry and Armagh last met in the championship in the 2023 Ulster final, which Derry won on penalties after extra-time. This game adds another chapter to their storied rivalry.

Championship Journey So Far

Derry

• Donegal 4-11 Derry 0-17 (Ulster quarter-final)
• Galway 2-14 Derry 0-15 (All-Ireland round robin)

Derry have struggled in their championship journey so far, suffering defeats to Donegal and Galway.

Top Scorers for Derry

• S McGuigan: 0-8 (0-4 frees)
• E Doherty: 0-5
• L Murray: 0-4
• B Rogers: 0-3
• P Cassidy: 0-3 (0-1 mark)

Armagh

• Armagh 3-11 Fermanagh 0-9 (Ulster quarter-final)
• Armagh 0-13 Down 2-6 (Ulster semi-final)
• Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 aet: Donegal won on penalties (Ulster final)
• Armagh 0-16 Westmeath 0-11 (All-Ireland round robin)

Armagh have had a more balanced journey, with a notable victory over Westmeath in their first All-Ireland round robin game.

Top Scorers for Armagh

• R Grugan: 0-12 (0-8 frees)
• C Turbitt: 1-8 (0-2 frees)
• S Campbell: 1-4
• A Nugent: 0-6
• R O’Neill: 0-5 (0-1 free, 0-1 mark)

Recent Championship Meetings

• 2023: Derry 1-15 Armagh 0-18 aet – Derry won on penalties (Ulster final)
• 2020: Armagh 0-17 Derry 0-15 (Ulster quarter-final)
• 2011: Derry 3-14 Armagh 1-11 (Ulster semi-final)
• 2010: Armagh 1-10 Derry 1-7 (Ulster preliminary round)
• 2007: Derry 0-10 Armagh 0-9 (All-Ireland qualifiers – R1)

Key Insights

• This will be Armagh’s fifth game in the championship. They conceded two goals against Down but none against Fermanagh, Donegal, or Westmeath.
• Derry are having their third outing, having lost to Donegal and Galway by six and five points respectively.

Group 1 Table

Team News for Armagh v Derry

Derry: Odhran Lynch; Conor McCluskey, Chrissy McKaigue, Diarmuid Baker; Conor Doherty, Eoin McEvoy, Emmett Bradley; Conor Glass, Brendan Rogers; Ethan Doherty, Ciarán McFaul, Paul Cassidy; Niall Toner, Shane McGuigan, Lachlan Murray.

Subs: Ryan Scullion, Martin Bradley, Declan Cassidy, Mark Doherty, Shea Downey, Ruairi Forbes, Donncha Gilmore, Danny McDermott, Cahir McMonagle, Cormac Murphy, Eunan Mulholland.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Barry McCambridge, Aaron McKay, Peter McGrane; Joe McElroy, Ciarán Mackin, Aidan Forker; Rian O’Neill, Ben Crealey; Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan, Tiernan Kelly; Oisín Conaty, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Connaire Mackin, Greg McCabe, Niall Grimley, Paddy Burns, Jason Duffy, Oisín O’Neill, Shane McPartlan, Aidan Nugent, Ross McQuillan, Jarly Óg Burns.

Betting

Armagh 13/8 Derry 4/7 Draw 8/1

Conclusion

The upcoming match between Derry and Armagh is poised to be a crucial encounter in Group 1. Armagh will be looking to continue their strong form, while Derry will be eager to bounce back from their recent setbacks. Fans can expect a highly competitive game as both teams vie for important points in the championship. Expect Derry another close encounter maybe the draw at 8/1

The post Armagh v Derry : Preview, Stats, Team News & Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.