There were 273 Races on across 31 meetings. There was 7 races at Ascot first race 13:50, 8 races at Bangor-on-Dee first race 13:35, 8 races at Busan first race 07:00, 8 races at Canberra first race 03:35, 4 races at Canterbury Park first race 01:10, 7 races at Clairefontaine first race 15:17, 15 races at Club Hipico first race 18:00, 7 races at Cologne first race 15:30, 10 races at Colonial Downs first race 20:08, 5 races at Del Mar first race 01:08, 8 races at Down Royal first race 15:15, 9 races at Fairview first race 10:30, 9 races at Gulfstream first race 17:55, 7 races at Haydock first race 13:25, 10 races at Horseshoe Indianapolis first race 19:10, 12 races at Kawasaki first race 07:00, 7 races at Kempton first race 17:55, 7 races at Kilbeggan first race 16:00, 9 races at Las Piedras first race 17:50, 8 races at Les Sables first race 10:45, 10 races at Mornington first race 03:30, 7 races at Mysore first race 09:30, 12 races at Nagoya first race 04:05, 9 races at Remington Park first race 01:28, 9 races at Saint-Cloud first race 12:05, 13 races at San Isidro first race 17:30, 12 races at Sonoda first race 06:30, 11 races at Taif first race 13:00, 8 races at Vincennes first race 17:23, 9 races at Woodbine first race 01:25, 8 races at Wyong first race 03:50, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.
Race 1: 15:15 Down Royal Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden (IRE Incentive Race) IRE 5f
(7) Hi George | | | | | | 2 | Adam Caffrey | Nigel Thomas Slevin | Huge price when well beaten on recent debut over this trip at Navan. |
(2) Raising The Flag | | | | | | 2 | Danny Sheehy | M C Grassick | Showed ability in hot race over 7f at the Curragh on debut; sister is a smart sprinter and yard had 2yo winner over this trip lately. |
(6) Alishba | | | | | | 2 | Ben Coen | J P Murtagh | Showed speed the first day but has failed to beat a rival in two starts over 7f and was huge price last time. |
(9) Tilly's Company | | | | | | 2 | Chris Hayes | J G Coogan | Huge odds so far, much improved on third start when only half a length off Lightning Bear at Cork. |
(4) Merchants Arch | | | | | | 2 | Colin Keane | Ross O'Sullivan | Missed the break when mid-field (beaten around 8l) over 6f at the Curragh; Keane takes over but he'll need to be on the ball over this sharp five. |
(10) Billie Be Quick | | | | | | 2 | Keithen Kennedy | Mrs John Harrington | Was in front of debutant Sharkii when second over C&D in June but held over 6f since and looks up against it; cheekpieces. |
1st (3) Lightning Bear | | | | | | 2 | Wesley Joyce | Jack W Davison | Unfancied but showed up well when third to smart sort over this trip at Cork; headgear fitted and yard does well with sprinters. |
3rd (8) Flash The Cash | | | | | | 2 | Nathan Crosse | Mrs John Harrington | Closely matched with Oxford Rock on unplaced Royal Ascot form; disappointing favourite when tried in cheekpieces at Naas last time and new headgear now fitted. |
4th (5) Sharkii | | | | | | 2 | Gavin Ryan | Diego Dias | Useful form in three starts over 5f; outpaced at halfway when beaten at odds-on latest but second won since and worth another try over this trip. |
2nd (1) Oxford Rock | | | | | | 2 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | 6f stretched her when third to a smart-looking debutant at Naas but good level of form over this trip including at stakes level before then. |
A few with claims and SHARKII, who has shown a consistent level of form over this trip, gets a tentative vote. Cases can be made for Oxford Rock and Flash The Cash on the pick of their form, while Lightning Bear showed plenty of promise on debut at Cork and is another in the mix with headgear now added. [Mark Nunan]
Race 2: 15:50 Down Royal Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden IRE 5f
(1) Sin E Shekells | | | | | | 7 | Siobhan Rutledge | J G Murray | Rank outsider with a lowly mark and cannot be fancied. |
(7) Somptueuse | | | | | | 3 | Danny Sheehy | M C Grassick | Ran okay on second start but mark of 54 leaves her with loads to find; blinkers. |
(3) Heir Island | | | | | | 3 | Wayne Hassett | T J O'Mara | Cost E23,000 as a yearling; brother to winners Mythical Phoenix (5f; RPR 96) and Vandad (5f inc AW; 81), half-brother to winners Hotel Wren (1m/1m1f inc HK Group 3; 119) and Topa (Spanish 7f 2yo/10.5f); dam unraced sister to 6f winner Harmony Bay; best watched on debut. |
(5) Shelbourne Flyer | | | | | | 3 | Donagh O'Connor | John C McConnell | Cost 40,000gns at the Breeze-Ups last year; half-brother to winners Eclipse Storm (Listed-placed 6f 2yo; RPR 98) and Meydan Rose (6f 2yo; 78); dam 6f winner (85), half-sister to 12.4f/1m6f winner Winds Of Fire; nice page and might have a place shout on debut. |
4th (8) Ukiyo | | | | | | 3 | Adam Caffrey | Patrick Martin | Sent off 100-1 when showing promise over 6f at the Curragh, beaten around 8l when seventh of 17; open to improvement. |
3rd (6) The Poacher Daly | | | | | | 3 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Runner-up in 6f AW handicap during the winter; mark of 65 leaves him with plenty to find but has a place chance in a maiden lacking depth. |
2nd (4) Mint Man | | | | | | 3 | Ben Coen | P J F Murphy | Some useful handicap form over 6f and looks the main threat to likely favourite Betsen given that a filly now rated 79 beat that rival last time. |
1st (2) Betsen | | | | | | 3 | W J Lee | Jack W Davison | Runner-up in stakes race in April and made favourite for another next time when had an excuse (coughing); tried in headgear last twice when beaten in maidens with fast ground possibly not ideal; goes without any aids. |
There are obvious question marks over Listed runner-up BETSEN after his last two performances but he is given another chance to get his head in front. Mint Man looks the main danger and Ukiyo has an each-way shout after showing up well on debut. [Mark Nunan]
Race 3: 16:25 Down Royal Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden (IRE Incentive Race) IRE 7f 27y
(5) Corazon Blanco | | | | | | 2 | Shane B Kelly | J P Murtagh | Shown very little at huge prices in two Curragh maidens so far. |
(17) Esque Elegance | | | | | | 2 | | John C McConnell | Third reserve; only beat one home when 50-1 for her debut. |
(10) Light Conductor | | | | | | 2 | Chris Hayes | E J O'Neill | Coulsty colt; half-brother to winners Country Rose (5f 2yo; RPR 82), I Love Thisgame (Italian 5f-6f 2yo; 82), Naas Sweety (Italian 5f 2yo; 82) and Shovel It On (6f-1m4f including 2yo/AW; 71); dam placed 5f/6f (including AW; 68); yard 0-16 with 2yos last five years. |
(16) Ranting And Raven | | | | | | 2 | | J P Murtagh | Second reserve; well held in a fillies' maiden at Gowran on debut and best watched for now. |
(3) Siyaan | | | | | | 2 | Nathan Crosse | A Oliver | Faded late on in a barrier trial at Leopardstown last week; Siyouni colt whose pedigree suggests he might want a bit further than this. |
(13) Copacabana Sands | | | | | | 2 | Gavin Ryan | Diego Dias | Only 5-1 for her debut at Ayr but took a keen hold and finished last of five; needs to settle better with a hood fitted. |
(14) Temps Leve | | | | | | 2 | Wayne Hassett | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Arizona filly; didn't show much when last home in Naas barrier trial back in May; blend of speed and stamina in pedigree; State Of Joy is yard's first-string. |
(4) Amazing Maisie | | | | | | 2 | Declan McDonogh | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Promise in a fillies' maiden at Gowran on debut but a long way behind some of these at Leopardstown last month and drawn widest here; wears first-time cheekpieces. |
4th (7) Ben Hur | | | | | | 2 | Colin Keane | Noel Meade | Son of Coulsty; cost 13,000euros as a yearling; half-brother to Polish 9.5f winner Singers Star; dam 1m AW winner (including 2yo/Listed placed 1m2f on turf; RPR 93), half-sister to Listed-placed 7f-8.5f winner Clara Peeters; already gelded and likely best watched on debut from wide draw. |
(12) Smoke Them Out | | | | | | 2 | James Ryan | T G McCourt | Has improved a little with each run and was only beaten 2l at Bellewstown last week but will need further progress to mix it with some of these and he's probably more of a sprint prospect. |
(6) State Of Joy | | | | | | 2 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Stuck to her task okay when fourth in a barrier trial at Leopardstown last week; cost 22,000gns as a yearling; half-sister to three winners inc Mount Ararat (1m1f; RPR 94) and Fumata Bianca (French 8.5f-1m2f); dam unraced sister to 6f 2yo winner Chroussa; should give a good account with barrier trial experience under her belt. |
3rd (11) Gangsta Man | | | | | | 2 | Keithen Kennedy | Kevin Michael Smith | Has shown ability and two solid runs since being gelded but will get better opportunities when returned to handicap company. |
(2) Invincibletomorrow | | | | | | 2 | Gary Carroll | Gavin Cromwell | Took a step forward when fourth in a Leopardstown maiden last month finishing a length behind runner-up Berto Ramirez; will need further progress to reverse that form having had a better trip than his rival; wears first-time cheekpieces. |
2nd (9) Red Scarlet | | | | | | 2 | Ben Coen | R P Cody | Eyecatcher on debut at Gowran and split Berto Ramirez and Invincibletomorrow when third in a Leopardstown maiden last month; should continue to give a good account and might be the pace angle with a handy draw. |
1st (8) Saint Brandon | | | | | | 2 | W J Lee | Miss Natalia Lupini | Built on an encouraging debut at Fairyhouse to finish runner-up in a Galway festival maiden when only caught late and it was another solid run when dropped to 6f at Naas 12 days ago; step back up in trip ought to suit and should be involved again. |
(15) Fivefortwo | | | | | | 2 | | M Halford & T Collins | First reserve; sixth behind some of these at Leopardstown last month; should improve. |
(1) Berto Ramirez | | | | | | 2 | Luke McAteer | David Marnane | Improving with each run and only beaten half a length in a Leopardstown maiden last month with a few of these in behind; didn't get the clearest run and may be able to defy top weight here. |
Having improved with every start, BERTO RAMIREZ could be hard to beat having gone close in a Leopardstown maiden last time out. Invincibletomorrow and Red Scarlet were not far behind the selection and should be in the mix again while Saint Brandon looks likely to improve stepping up in trip. [Phill Anderson]
Race 4: 17:00 Down Royal Grant Thornton Nursery Handicap (Div I) IRE 7f 27y
11th (13) Handmedownmybible | | | | | | 2 | Robert Whearty | Patrick Magee | Well held at big prices in three maidens so far and looks up against it on handicap debut. |
8th (10) Trufonic | | | | | | 2 | Wayne Hassett | P F McEnery | Big prices in three maiden runs, although wasn't beaten far second time out at Cork; could progress for further on handicap debut and workable opening mark, particularly with talented apprentice claiming 5lb. |
10th (12) Altoir Na Greine | | | | | | 2 | Jamie Powell | Noel Meade | Hasn't shown much in three runs over sprint trips so far; gelded since and now tried with first-time blinkers stepping up in trip; bit to prove but check market; off 77 days. |
2nd (9) Midnight Stagger | | | | | | 2 | Nathan Crosse | Jack W Davison | Best of his three runs in maidens was a 6l defeat over 1m at Bellewstown; well held 40-1 shot on handicap debut at the Curragh last month; back up in trip. |
7th (1) Roaming Eyes | | | | | | 2 | Robbie Colgan | Ms Sheila Lavery | Tough ask in the Ballyhane but ran okay when beaten roughly 9l in a Curragh maiden last month; step up in trip might suit but opening mark looks tough. |
(2) Belle Yeux | | | | | | 2 | Luke McAteer | David Marnane | Well held at big prices in a trio of maidens so far and hood now tried for handicap bow; no chances taken by the assessor. |
3rd (5) Kitty Bear | | | | | | 2 | Andrew Slattery | Andrew Slattery | Only beaten 5l on debut at Gowran; hasn't progressed in two runs since on more testing ground but may get back on track here tackling handicaps for the first time. |
4th (8) Katie Ross | | | | | | 2 | Chris Hayes | P J F Murphy | Minor promise in maidens but hasn't progressed since the switch to handicap company; needs improvement for the step up in trip and there's hope on the dam's side of her pedigree it will suit. |
(11) Dance For Chester | | | | | | 2 | Wesley Joyce | Michael Mulvany | First start since a gelding procedure when beaten 6l at Navan on handicap debut and shaped like he would appreciate a step up in trip. |
9th (6) Amber Blossom | | | | | | 2 | Ben Coen | J P Murtagh | Hasn't been involved in a trio of maidens so far, although stuck to her task okay at Leopardstown when last seen; may do better now handicapping with workable mark. |
5th (7) Buck Barrow | | | | | | 2 | Gavin Ryan | Mark Fahey | Well held seventh over this trip on debut at the Curragh before finding 5f too sharp; low-key run over 1m at Leopardstown last month; returns to 7f for handicap debut and yard is in form; worth a market check. |
1st (3) The Marty Party | | | | | | 2 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Left his maiden form behind when stepped up to a mile on handicap debut a fortnight ago when caught close to home; only 9-4 for that contest and a 1lb rise is fair; likely to make the running again from the inside stall; drops in trip. |
6th (4) Weegeebear | | | | | | 2 | Colin Keane | G M Lyons | Showed ability in maidens without threatening; first start since a gelding procedure when fourth on handicap debut last month with first-time blinkers (retained); not guaranteed to appreciate the longer trip. |
A few of these could be ahead of their marks, perhaps most notably THE MARTY PARTY who was well found in the market ahead of his handicap debut last time out when narrowly denied and he showed enough speed to suggest this shorter trip could suit. Kitty Bear might appreciate the better ground this time and Amber Blossom shaped okay at Leopardstown last time. [Phill Anderson]
Race 5: 17:30 Down Royal Grant Thornton Nursery Handicap (Div II) IRE 7f 27y
(5) In The Minus | | | | | | 2 | Sean Davis | Sean Davis | Modest maiden form and only beat one home on handicap debut at Sligo latest; pedigree suggests a step up in trip will suit though. |
(13) Udacha | | | | | | 2 | Andrew Slattery | Thomas Gibney | Poor form in maidens and last in a maiden claimer at Navan last week; now tried with tongue-tie. |
(10) Abraham Answer | | | | | | 2 | Danny Sheehy | M C Grassick | Stayed on okay over 5f when beaten 7l at Cork when last seen in July; could go well on handicap debut if he sees out the longer trip. |
(4) Go On Green | | | | | | 2 | Chris Hayes | J G Coogan | Well held in a Gowran maiden on his first try at this trip when last seen; gelded and now tried with first-time cheekpieces on handicap debut; off 82 days. |
2nd (8) Zaraahmando | | | | | | 2 | Cian Horgan | Andrew Slattery | Modest maiden form and well held on handicap debut a fortnight ago when too keen; drop to 7f needs to have dramatic effect. |
(9) Petit Fusee | | | | | | 2 | James Ryan | Patrick Martin | Minor progress on each start in maidens but well held when attempting to make all over this trip at Leopardstown when last seen and others look more likely. |
(11) Your Call | | | | | | 2 | Jamie Powell | Noel Meade | Poor form in trio of maiden starts so far and never involved over 6f at the Curragh last month; first-time blinkers need to have a dramatic effect. |
4th (6) Boutella | | | | | | 2 | Luke McAteer | David Marnane | Minor promise in maidens but failed to progress on handicap debut at the Curragh last month, beaten 10l; first-time cheekpieces need to have dramatic effect stepping up in trip. |
1st (3) Sir Jeremy | | | | | | 2 | Ronan Whelan | Adrian McGuinness | Big prices in three maidens and was beaten 10l over 1m at the Curragh last week; doesn't look well treated on anything he's done so far. |
(12) Allenwood | | | | | | 2 | Nathan Crosse | Jack W Davison | Stayed on okay for a 5l third in a Sligo handicap last month; dropped 2lb and there's a good chance 7f will suit. |
(2) Crystalaire | | | | | | 2 | Ben Coen | J P Murtagh | Well held in three 6f maidens and seems to be on a tough opening mark on what she's achieved so far; wears first-time cheekpieces. |
(7) James The Second | | | | | | 2 | Wesley Joyce | Michael Mulvany | Seven-race maiden; was having his third start in a handicap when beaten 6l at Navan last week; step back up in trip might suit but drawn widest and others preferred. |
3rd (1) Runninsonofagun | | | | | | 2 | Robert Whearty | Anthony Mullins | Off the mark at the fourth attempt in a maiden claimer at Navan last week and showed enough speed for this shorter trip; tough ask in a handicap now but not ruled out. |
Possibly the weaker of the two divisions with the tentative vote going to ALLENWOOD. She stayed on for third at Sligo on handicap debut last month and her pedigree offers hope for improvement at this new distance. Abraham Answer is another potential improver up in trip and maiden claimer winner, Runninsonofagun, can't be ruled out with a handy draw. [Phill Anderson]
Race 6: 18:05 Down Royal Grant Thornton Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap IRE 2m 2f 141y
(12) Rio Doce | | | | | | 4 | Conor Maxwell | John Andrew Kinsella | Modest form including when remote fourth of five in decent 2m1f contest at Killarney; hard to fancy on handicap debut. |
(9) Rain | | | | | | 5 | Nathan Crosse | James M Barcoe | Just the one win, which came for Andre Fabre in the colours of Godolphin two years ago, but consistent in three starts this year and stays well; placed over 1m6f at the Curragh in May and fifth over 2m at the same venue in June; also fifth over 2m at Clonmel on Thursday. |
4th (11) L'Un Deux Trois | | | | | | 8 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Oliver McKiernan | Has won three times at up to 1m5f; into a higher grade here and likely to find a few too good. |
(5) Barnacullia | | | | | | 7 | Wesley Joyce | Michael Mulvany | Dual-purpose 7yo stays well and was fifth in this last year; a bit in-and-out this year but beaten only 3l over a furlong shorter at Bellewstown last week. |
(1) Astar | | | | | | 4 | Keithen Kennedy | D K Weld | Didn't make the cut for the amateur handicap over 2m1f at Galway where she ran well in 1m4f handicap at last year's festival; good comeback over 1m5f at Navan in April and missed 1m7f engagement last month due to quick ground; trainer obviously thinks she'll stay and chance under talented claimer if she can get her toe in. |
(7) Wisdomofhindsight | | | | | | 4 | Ben Coen | A Oliver | Maiden had been running well in handicaps of this standard before finishing second at lower level last time when trying 1m4f for the first time; another 6f to travel here. |
(2) Squire Danagher | | | | | | 4 | W J Lee | A Oliver | Dual AW winner at up to 1m4f but hasn't fared well in two attempts over further than that which has to be a concern over this marathon trip. |
(4) Belgoprince | | | | | | 7 | Colin Keane | Mrs C O'Leary | Useful dual-purpose performer has twice run well hurdling this summer, too free over 2m on AW in between; best Flat form has come at trips up to 1m6f, so stamina is a concern. |
(10) Sceptred Isle | | | | | | 7 | Chris Hayes | G A Kingston | Took her an age to win but 7yo mare on a hat-trick now after winning over 1m7f, in refitted hood, at Leopardstown last time; up in grade and wouldn't want it too quick but has to be respected. |
2nd (13) Charlie Darling | | | | | | 4 | Robert Whearty | Gavin Cromwell | Stays well and won over 2m at Tramore last month; fair run over 1m6f since; up in grade and 3lb wrong. |
(8) Leading Lion | | | | | | 4 | Declan McDonogh | Gordon Elliott | Unexposed on the Flat where he's raced solely on AW and hasn't gone further than 1m4f; showed early promise for the Gosdens, not much in two Dundalk starts for this yard; easy winner of 2m4f handicap hurdle last week but he raced keenly then. |
3rd (3) Zoffanien | | | | | | 7 | Adam Caffrey | Terence O'Brien | Useful hurdler has run two solid races off this mark since joining this yard; placed over 2m at Galway and good fourth in much higher grade over 1m6f at Killarney a fortnight ago; on recent evidence, likely to stay this far. |
1st (6) Happy Jacky | | | | | | 10 | Ronan Whelan | Mark Fahey | Been in fine form over hurdles this summer including pair of wins over 3m; ran well in decent 2m Flat maiden at Tramore last month and has to be considered given that he's in much better heart than when well beaten on Flat handicap debut (2m1f) last summer. |
The longest race of the Flat calendar in Ireland and this test of stamina might just suit RAIN who ran well in a two-miler at the Curragh on Derby weekend. However, she was fifth (not beaten far) over that trip at Clonmel on Thursday and if she doesn't show up here, the likes of Zoffanien, Barnacullia and Happy Jacky are strong stayers who would all come into calculations with preference for the former who ran well in a higher grade at Killarney last time. Leading Lion was keen when winning easily over hurdles last week and might find this a bit far. [Mark Nunan]
Race 7: 18:40 Down Royal Children's Heartbeat Trust Apprentice Handicap IRE 1m 2f 145y
(10) Marvellous Lady | | | | | | 3 | Kyle Faulkner | E D Delany | Modest form since showing promise on debut last year; takes big step up in trip and hard to fancy but half-sister did win over this far. |
(3) Bringsty | | | | | | 6 | Sorcha Woods | Noel C Kelly | Quiet in maiden hurdles for new yard this year; couple of wins over 1m1f last term and stays this far; three months off. |
(4) Lady Arwen | | | | | | 5 | Cian Horgan | Conor O'Dwyer | Three wins over 7f/1m; struggling this year but fair seventh at Galway; up in trip and may not get home. |
(8) Wajaaha | | | | | | 9 | Rory Mulligan | Patrick J McKenna | Sequence of placed efforts on AW last year; poor on Flat before good second over hurdles at Galway. |
2nd (9) Tartaraghan | | | | | | 3 | Cian Fahy | John C McConnell | Has run in more claimers than handicaps this year; placed three times in claiming company, including when third to French Company over this trip at Sligo last month, and only beaten 2l in 1m1f handicap last weekend. |
1st (5) Bright N Shine | | | | | | 4 | Robyn Donaghue-Leahy | Terence O'Brien | AW winner over this trip last November and has been placed over 1m4f; hard to fancy on this year's form since returning from a layoff; had a spin over hurdles last time. |
3rd (1) French Company | | | | | | 6 | Sam Coen | J G Coogan | Decent strike-rate and followed up Sligo claimer win with fine handicap third in higher grade at the Curragh; rider is only starting off but was good in pony racing and is bred for the job. |
(2) Arch Enemy | | | | | | 5 | Jack Cleary | Patrick Magee | Likeable mare has run well lots of times since latest win which was over 1m last summer; running-on second over 1m1f at Leopardstown last month and looks a leading contender. |
4th (7) Avatar Jet | | | | | | 3 | Julian Pietropaolo | Mark Fahey | Won over 1m in July and fourth over 7f last time; first try over this far and half-brother won over 1m3f. |
(6) Explorers Way | | | | | | 5 | Keithen Kennedy | Patrick Martin | Four-time AW winner in Britain; first turf win came over C&D on quick ground in June and two creditable placed efforts since; big player. |
A course and distance winner in June, EXPLORERS WAY (nap) has lost little caste in defeat since and can get back to winning ways. French Company, back down in grade after a fine run at the Curragh, looks a big threat and Leopardstown runner-up Arch Enemy is another major player. [Mark Nunan]
Race 8: 19:10 Down Royal Grant Thornton Handicap IRE 1m 4f 187y
(6) Cruiscin Lan | | | | | | 4 | James Ryan | P J Rothwell | Went close at Limerick last summer but lost his way more recently and shown nothing in two runs for this yard; well treated but looks risky. |
(13) Carrickfinn | | | | | | 5 | Patrick McGettigan | Shane Gallagher | Eight-race maiden who hasn't threatened so far and has an 11-month absence to defy on yard debut. |
2nd (15) Ballinahulla | | | | | | 3 | Robert Whearty | Conor David Maxwell | First reserve; 0-5 and shown very little so far. |
(3) Pretty Soldier | | | | | | 7 | Adam Caffrey | Wayne Swindle | Distant third over C&D last season; tailed off over timber when last seen in 2023 and probably best watched on yard debut after an absence. |
(10) Wild Shot | | | | | | 10 | Donagh O'Connor | John C McConnell | Veteran who hit the frame in a claiming hurdle at Bellewstown last week but previous Flat form this season wasn't particularly encouraging and drawn wide here. |
(14) Waystar | | | | | | 3 | Nathan Crosse | John C McConnell | Career best when fourth (beaten 3l) at Roscommon when last seen in May; runner-up and third from that race have won since and she could go well if ready after 109-day break. |
(8) Lord Park | | | | | | 7 | Siobhan Rutledge | John C McConnell | Sole win in 32 starts came in a Sligo maiden in 2021; minor signs he's down to a workable mark in a couple of fifth-place finishes in last two runs but others look more appealing. |
(1) Beautiful Chaos | | | | | | 6 | Shane Markey | Ross O'Sullivan | No wins since her Killarney maiden success in 2022 but went close twice last year; hasn't threatened in three runs this time around but down to a good mark and the step back up in trip will suit. |
(12) Bigz Belief | | | | | | 7 | Chris Hayes | Matthew J Smith | 1-23 on the Flat and last win came in 2021 but was a bit of an eyecatcher when staying on for fourth at Tipperary on Sunday; each-way player. |
(2) Sir Allen | | | | | | 5 | Andrew Slattery | Andrew Slattery | No wins on the Flat since 2021 and tailed off on last month's hurdle return; didn't threaten in three runs on the Flat towards the end of last year and questions to answer at present; wears first-time cheekpieces. |
(7) Honrado | | | | | | 3 | Colin Keane | Cian Hughes | Not beaten far in a couple of 1m4f runs in Britain for Michael Bell this year; doesn't look particularly well treated on his yard debut and he's drawn wide; wears first-time tongue-tie and blinkers. |
(11) Albion Princess | | | | | | 5 | Robbie Colgan | Donal Kinsella | Hinted at a revival at Dundalk last month and shaped like she would appreciate the step back up to this sort of trip; long losing run but can't be dismissed from basement mark. |
4th (9) Figurehead | | | | | | 7 | Jack Cleary | Michael G Cleary | 29-race maiden; best recent form is over 2m but ran okay when fourth of 15 in a 1m4f Roscommon handicap last month; on a good mark if he can build on that. |
1st (5) Enquire Within | | | | | | 8 | Wesley Joyce | F G Hand | 1-32 but was only narrowly denied over 1m6f at Navan last week (half a length in front of Red Secret) and met a bit of trouble in running; 2lb higher now but likely to be involved again. |
3rd (4) Red Secret | | | | | | 8 | Gary Carroll | Kevin Michael Smith | No wins since he was trained by Ed Dunlop back in 2021 but signs he's ready to score again in two runs this summer including when half a length behind Enquire Within at Navan last week; not sure to appreciate this shorter trip though. |
Not many of these arrive in good form and ENQUIRE WITHIN could be the one to take advantage. She was only narrowly denied from 2lb lower at Navan last week despite meeting a bit of trouble in running and may be able to gain compensation here. Red Secret wasn't far behind the selection at Navan and could go well again while Bigz Belief was an eyecatcher at Tipperary on Sunday. [Phill Anderson]