The Ballydoyle team's domination at the top level this season has understandably grabbed the headlines but Dermot Weld and champion jockey Pat Smullen can hit back with a vengeance at the Curragh this afternoon.

Muakaad represents the partnership in the Group Two Goffs International Stakes but slight preference is for Distant Music, the champion European juvenile of 1999, who came back to form last autumn with a third to Kalanisi and Montjeu in Newmarket's Champion Stakes.

Nevertheless, a clash with Ballydoyle in the opener can set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The unlucky Windsor Castle Stakes runner-up, Steaming Home, can use her experience to beat the newcomer Venus De Milo while in the last the one time Oaks entry, Ballerine, should appreciate the lesser task in the maiden.

In between, Weld gives another course and distance start to Mutakarrim in the mile and a half handicap. The Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned horse got very upset before his start on Derby day but still managed to run a blinding race between Khetaam and Citizen Edward.

It shouldn't be such a sticky day this time and if Mutakarrim, despite a 4lb rating hike, does stay cool he can reverse that form, with the Ulster Harp Derby dead-heater Masilia providing a real threat. The ground could also be the key to the Roscommon winner Madamaa recovering successfully from a disappointing last effort in the mile and a quarter fillies handicap.

The Anglesey Stakes can go to the unbeaten Norfolk Stakes winner Johannesburg.