There were 230 Races on across 29 meetings. There was 8 races at Assiniboia Downs first race 01:30, 8 races at Auteuil first race 12:55, 8 races at Beverley first race 13:40, 1 races at Club Hipico first race 01:00, 10 races at Concepcion first race 17:38, 7 races at Fairmount Park first race 19:00, 9 races at Finger Lakes first race 18:00, 8 races at Fontwell first race 13:20, 7 races at Fort Erie first race 20:00, 12 races at Funabashi first race 06:45, 3 races at Gavea first race 01:00, 9 races at Horseshoe Indianapolis first race 19:10, 6 races at Kolkata first race 09:45, 7 races at Leeton first race 04:55, 7 races at Listowel first race 14:00, 7 races at Louisiana Downs first race 22:05, 12 races at Mizusawa first race 03:50, 12 races at Mombetsu first race 06:35 Monbetsu, 8 races at Mountaineer first race 01:15, 9 races at Newcastle first race 16:10, 9 races at Philadelphia first race 17:40, 8 races at Presque Isle Downs first race 20:00, 8 races at Swan Hill first race 04:30, 8 races at Thistledown first race 17:50, 8 races at Vaal first race 11:30, 8 races at Vichy first race 10:51, 8 races at Vincennes first race 15:35, 8 races at Warwick first race 13:47, 7 races at Yeppoon first race 04:07, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.
Race 1: 14:00 Listowel Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden IRE 7f 15y
(5)  Parkside Prince | | |  | | | 2 | Cian Horgan | Andrew Slattery | Beaten 13l and 21l in his two runs, the latest a sales race at the Curragh; limited appeal. |
(8)  Trubshaw | | | | | | 2 | Shane Foley | Henry De Bromhead | Down the field in 1m1f/1m maidens and one for handicaps at a later date. |
(9)  Have I Told You | | | | | | 2 | Ronan Whelan | John S O'Donoghue | Half-sister to winners Master Brewer (7f-1m1f inc 2yo/France/HK; RPR 97), Quiet Times (French 6.5f/7.5f inc 2yo/AW/Listed; 97) and Release Me (French 1m 2yo); dam French 1m1f winner, half-sister to three Listed winners; one to watch on debut. |
(10)  Nell's Dream | | | | | | 2 | Chris Hayes | Patrick Joseph Hayes | Kodiac filly who cost 35,000euros as a yearling; dam 8.6f AW winner (RPR 73), half-sister to useful 1m3f/1m6f winner Amerigo and 1m4f-2m winner Trevisani; likely best watched. |
4th (6)  Spartan Soldier | | | | | | 2 | Gavin Ryan | Donnacha Aidan O'Brien | Fetched 150,000 euros as a yearling; only eighth of 11 at the Curragh but the winner is smart and testing ground might not have been ideal; did go off at a single-figure price; better expected. |
(11)  Shangar | | | | | | 2 | Andrew Slattery | Andrew Slattery | Dam French 9.5f AW 2yo winner (RPR 78), half-sister to French winners Absolutly Yes (1m1f Group 3) and Aornos (1m1f Listed); makes sense to check the market. |
3rd (3)  Kahu | | | | | | 2 | Declan McDonogh | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | 80,000euros yearling; also tongue tied on debut and was beaten just over 3l at Gowran (7f, good to firm), finishing fourth of 16; needs more here but that's feasible. |
(4)  Nyman | | | | | | 2 | W J Lee | Henry De Bromhead | Five-race maiden who has come up short in two nurseries and he's looking exposed; now has tongue tied. |
(1)  Full Power | | | | | | 2 | Wayne Lordan | A P O'Brien | No Nay Never colt who cost 260,000euros as a yearling; half-brother to French winners Shahinda (1m4f) and Shahnameh (1m2f/1m4f); dam 1m4f-1m7f winner (inc Listed; RPR 109); nice pedigree but blinkers go on from the outset and Ryan Moore rides the yard's other one. |
2nd (2)  Hostility | | | | | | 2 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Cost 430,000gns as yearling; showed plenty of talent in finishing fourth at the Curragh (7f, good to firm) in a maiden that has worked out well; strong contender with improvement on the cards. |
1st (7)  Thrice | | | | | | 2 | Ryan Moore | A P O'Brien | Also blinkered at the Curragh (7f, good) and despite getting little cover he kept on well to be breathing down the necks of the front two; that just about sets the standard and there's surely more to come. |
Considering he got no cover it was highly encouraging that THRICE was still strong through the line when third at the Curragh. Hostility was another eyecatcher first time out in a maiden that was dominated by smart horses and he's the danger. Spartan Soldier could easily leave his first run behind on this less taxing surface.[Alistair Jones]
Race 2: 14:35 Listowel Rose Hotel Handicap IRE 7f 15y
(15)  Second Fiddle | | | | | | 5 | Gavin Ryan | C P Donoghue | Still a maiden and she's not getting any better; held by a few of these on recent form. |
(3)  What A Squeeze | | | | | | 3 | James Ryan | Gearoid O'Loughlin | Threatened for previous yard but hasn't had a sniff in three runs for this one; opposable. |
(12)  Draiocht | | | | | | 4 | Wayne Lordan | T J O'Mara | Nothing to shout about in maidens (1m-1m2f) and he's back in distance for handicap debut; would need to see some money about for him. |
(11)  Rock Dandy | | | | | | 6 | Jack Cleary | P J F Murphy | Won twice last year, both handicaps over 7f; well below form in two starts this term but lurks on a good mark. |
(8)  The Cola Brasil | | | | | | 8 | Wayne Hassett | Michael J Browne | Two years since last successful and has finished well beaten in two runs after a break; go elsewhere. |
(16)  Well Suited | | | | | | 9 | | T J O'Mara | First reserve; three-time AW winner but 0-33 on turf and he's opposable. |
2nd (4)  Nika Pika | | | | | | 3 | Patrick McGettigan | Patrick Magee | Competitive on occasions in handicaps but has only won a claimer and others are more convincing. |
(17)  Adam's Boy | | | | | | 4 | | Michael J Browne | Second reserve; lightly raced and latest 2l defeat at Cork (7f, good to firm; new blinkers) was his best run yet. |
(18)  Purring Along | | | | | | 5 | Nathan Crosse | Thomas Dowling | Third reserve; both wins last year for previous yard were over 7f on testing ground; form on quicker surfaces is less convincing. |
3rd (13)  Seas And Oceans | | | | | | 3 | Chris Hayes | E J O'Neill | Has been all over the shop trip-wise this year, from 6f to 1m5f; best efforts were his two seconds over 1m; each-way claims. |
(6)  The Blue Panther | | | | | | 6 | Leigh Roche | Miss Jennifer Anne Lynch | 5f/6f winner but last two wins have been at 1m, including here on reappearance; needs to rediscover that form and the first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) may help. |
(2)  Golden Days | | | | | | 7 | Ronan Whelan | M Halford & T Collins | Won a 7f handicap at Gowran two runs back for the second successive season; made no impact off her 4lb higher mark at the Curragh but if back in the zone she'd be a player. |
(9)  Akeela | | | | | | 4 | Alan Persse | M A Cahill | 40-1 winner over 6f at Naas (good) but that was no fluke having performed well in her two subsequent runs, the latest over 7f at Cork (beaten half a length); drawn wide here but chance if overcoming that. |
1st (14)  Amemri | | | | | | 4 | Luke McAteer | David Marnane | Three wins last year, twice over 7f; off a reduced mark and last two runs were better; turn could be near. |
(5)  Sneddy Eddie | | | | | | 4 | Colin Keane | Mark Michael McNiff | Dual winner who is versatile ground-wise and has a similar chance to Dark Viper on their recent clash at Roscommon; likely to be in the mix. |
4th (10)  Skontonovski | | | | | | 7 | Adam Caffrey | Adrian McGuinness | 7f winner at Fairyhouse in July and nothing wrong with his third at Punchestown last week (1m1f); should give his running and have a say. |
(7)  Simple Endeavour | | | | | | 3 | Shane Foley | Mrs John Harrington | Well drawn for a prominent racer and has gone close the last twice, albeit at 1m2f and 1m1f; expect a positive ride back at this trip and can make a bold bid. |
(1)  Dark Viper | | | | | | 3 | Scott McCullagh | Mrs John Harrington | Now 0-12 but has been running well from 6f to an extended 7f; slight concern that he's not been getting the job done but needs considering. |
A whole host of these need considering. SIMPLE ENDEAVOUR has to be ridden positively over this shorter trip and she's dropped lucky with the draw in that respect. The fellow Harrington-trained 3yo Dark Viper is another with claims and in making a case for him brings Sneddy Eddie into the equation.[Alistair Jones]
Race 3: 15:10 Listowel Kelleher Feeds & Agri Suppliers Ballymullen, Tralee Handicap IRE 7f 15y
(3)  Tawaazon | | | | | | 6 | Chris Hayes | John Andrew Kinsella | Ground-versatile sort is 4-30 on turf; best effort this year came when a length behind Verhoyen (0.5l behind Mount Ruapehu) off 81 at Fairyhouse (7f, good) in July in this headgear combo and is 7lb lower now; no impact over shorter in next three starts but has run well here before and is well-handicapped; not discounted. |
(2)  Free Solo | | | | | | 7 | Jack Cleary | P J F Murphy | Won at Dundalk back in January off 75; returned from a 172 day absence in July and has had a couple of below par runs at Galway and Laytown; tongue tie and cheekpieces return (worn for last win) but he hasn't won on turf since 2019 and he ran poorly here last year; others preferred. |
(4)  Linger For Longer | | | | | | 5 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Augustine Leahy | Prominent racing mare is 3-23 on turf; two of those wins came this season, won off 67 over 7f on soft at Tipperary and then a 6.5f rated race at Limerick; lesser effort last time at Cork but ground may have been too quick for her; placed over this C&D in June 2023 and she should run well again. |
(8)  Mount Ruapehu | | | | | | 4 | Andrew Slattery | Andrew Slattery | 1-22 on turf; finished 0.5l ahead of Tawaazon on last start on favoured ground at Fairyhouse; better off at weights with that rival here and ran well off 73 over 6.5f at this venue in June, shaping as though this trip would suit (1l behind Louiescall); soft ground no use to him at Galway last time and is an interesting runner. |
(9)  Louiescall | | | | | | 3 | Wayne Hassett | David Harry Kelly | 0-7 but has run decent races in defeat on last five starts, including when finishing third here over 6.5f in June (Mount Ruapehu 1l behind); usually races prominently so his wide draw is a negative here; behind Eddie G and Ramiro when last sighted at Galway; needs a bit more to get his head in front. |
1st (5)  Ramiro | | | | | | 8 | James Ryan | Miss Hilary McLoughlin | Five-time turf winner has been in decent form this season; yet to win but some sound efforts in defeat; beaten just 2.25l into fifth at the Galway Festival off 74 in August; all his best form is on soft-heavy, including his C&D win in 2020; needs rain. |
(11)  Racing Royalty | | | | | | 5 | Nathan Crosse | Gillian Scott | 2-14 on turf; behind some of these on latest at Galway; just 1.25l behind Linger For Longer at Tipperary in May and is 8lb better off with that rival here; however, best form is on soft-heavy ground so needs the rain to come; others preferred. |
4th (7)  Perfect Judgement | | | | | | 3 | Ronan Whelan | Jack W Davison | Gained first turf win at Leopardstown (7f, good) last time out off 69 (Eddie G 1.5l behind); now 5lb higher but there could be more to come and he has a nice draw in stall 1; has an obvious chance and his yard had a winner at Navan last weekend. |
(1)  Ferrybank | | | | | | 6 | W J Lee | T M Walsh | Enjoying a fine campaign; has won three times this year, twice at Dundalk at 7f-8f and off 72 at Leopardstown (1m, good) on his penultimate start in June; upped 7lb for that and ran another solid race there off his revised mark when last seen in July; place chance again but could be vulnerable for win purposes. |
2nd (10)  Dragon Of Malta | | | | | | 7 | Shane Foley | P F O'Donnell | Won this race last year on soft ground off 76 and 8lb lower now; best effort this term on penultimate start at Killarney (1m, good to firm) where beaten 1.5l into fourth off 72; behind a few of these when last at Galway on latest but he has C&D form figures of 341 so it would be no surprise if he bounced back. |
3rd (12)  Summer Snow | | | | | | 4 | Colin Keane | M D O'Callaghan | Gained third career win at Gowran off 61 in June (7f, good), her second win of the season over that C&D; finished a 3l third off her revised rating of 68 at Leopardstown; down 2lb after midfield finish over 6f at the Curragh; returning to 7f will suit and Keane keeps the faith; chance. |
(6)  Eddie G | | | | | | 3 | Adam Caffrey | Adrian McGuinness | Had Ramiro behind when second at the Galway Festival but is worse off at weights now; ran well again at that venue on latest at 8.5f, beaten just 0.75l off 70; was 1.5l behind Perfect Judgement at Leopardstown last month; career high mark now but in form and should be on the premises again. |
A race in which a case can be made for plenty. There wasn't much between Perfect Judgement and Eddie G when they met at Leopardstown and they are players, as is Ramiro who wasn't far behind the latter horse at Galway. Last year's winner Dragon Of Malta is lurking on a dangerous mark, as is Tawaazon and Summer Snow is another that can't be discounted. However, MOUNT RUAPEHU is a speculative selection. He shaped well over 6.5f from a poor draw here in June, he's 3lb lower now and he can be forgiven his last run at Galway run on account of soft ground. [Dave Stephens)
Race 4: 15:45 Listowel Edmund & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes (Listed Race) IRE 1m 1f
(6)  Solar Breeze | | | | | | 5 | Scott McCullagh | Daniel McLoughlin | Exposed two-time winner; cheekpieces soon discarded after finishing last in a handicap at Leopardstown (Snellen runner-up) but these terms are surely too tough to overcome. |
(7)  Cancelled | | | | | | 3 | Nathan Crosse | W McCreery | Deserved her win in a Gowran maiden (1m1f, good to firm) but blew out next time, perhaps finding soft ground against her; has her work cut out on these terms. |
4th (3)  Kayhana | | | | | | 4 | Chris Hayes | D K Weld | Has gone 0-8 since her debut success over two years ago and no better than fifth in three previous Listed assignments; up against it once again. |
(4)  Mexicali Rose | | | | | | 4 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Bought for 42,000gns out of Ralph Beckett's yard last December; Galway handicap winner who was well behind Princess Child on her penultimate run but not last time at Killarney (1m Listed) when upside the O'Brien filly; hard to dismiss. |
2nd (9)  Princess Child | | | | | | 3 | Declan McDonogh | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Won three times in Spain as a 2yo; brings solid form claims after two seconds in Listed races (7f/1m) and today's longer trip could suit her better; player. |
1st (2)  Curvature | | | | | | 4 | Colin Keane | Mrs John Harrington | Talented filly but seems to need plenty of juice underfoot to show her best form and yet was still behind two of today's rivals under suitable conditions at Killarney a month ago; on good ground she's worth taking on; the cheekpieces are new. |
(10)  Snellen | | | | | | 3 | Gary Carroll | Gavin Cromwell | Last year's Chesham winner at Royal Ascot; perhaps hasn't reached the heights expected of her but she's still won twice this season and bumped into a well-handicappd filly last time at Leopardstown; not to be underestimated in what's not a red-hot Listed race. |
(1)  Bomberg | | | | | | 3 | Wayne Lordan | A P O'Brien | Cost 300,000gns as a yearling; it wasn't a strong race he won at Limerick (1m, good) but was well on top at the finish and this colt has significant scope physically; Ryan Moore rides Mundi, though Wayne Lordan was aboard for his debut; interesting. |
| (5) Mundi | | | | | | 3 | Ryan Moore | A P O'Brien | Brother to Churchill; struggled in two Pattern races since making a winning start at Dundalk (1m) but he was never ideally positioned to challenge at the Curragh last time (1m); had three months off since then and probably capable of better. |
3rd (8)  Fleur De Chine | | | | | | 3 | Shane Foley | Mrs John Harrington | Hit the jackpot in the Gowran Classic (1m1f, good) in early June but that's not provided a springboard to bigger things, for all that her following run in a 1m2f Listed wasn't at all shoddy; still one of the better options in today's company. |
Opportunity knocks in what isn't the strongest of Listed races. Stablemates Mundi and Bomberg have much to find on the figures but neither are exposed and by no means dismissed. Fleur De Chine is a major player despite her backward step last time, but PRINCESS CHILD (nap) has held her own in Listed races the last twice and returning to further looks a good move.[Alistair Jones]
Race 5: 16:20 Listowel MAC Hardware & Farm Supplies Irish EBF Rated Race IRE 1m
5th (1)  No Return | | | | | | 2 | Adam Caffrey | Adrian McGuinness | One of two runners for yard; four-race maiden but has shown more than enough ability to suggest he can win races; was 0.5l behind Shiota on debut at Naas (6f, good); wasn't disgraced when eighth in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes; mildly disappointing that he couldn't win upped in trip on latest and hood now reached for; can't discount. |
(5)  Shiota | | | | | | 2 | Keithen Kennedy | Joseph G Murphy | Built on promise of debut at Cork with a win at Naas in July (6f, good, No Return 0.5l behind); midfield in the Ballyhane Stakes on latest; up 2f in trip now and that looks a questionable move given her speedy pedigree; others are preferred. |
2nd (7)  The Marty Party | | | | | | 2 | Wayne Hassett | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Second runner for yard; won a nursery at Down Royal off 63 last time; acts on any ground; poorly treated by the conditions of the race, though his talented jockey's 5lb claim will help; yard probably has a better chance with Drivers Seat. |
3rd (6)  Sir Jeremy | | | | | | 2 | Ronan Whelan | Adrian McGuinness | Second runner for yard; mild promise in a trio of maidens at 6f to 1m; huge improvement on handicap debut over 7f (good), landing a nursery at Down Royal by 5.5l off 67; got a 13lb hike for that and steps back up to 1m now in a tougher race; Ronan Whelan keeps the faith and he should go well again. |
(2)  Lady O | | | | | | 2 | Shane Foley | Mrs John Harrington | 2-4 so far but both wins have come on soft ground; landed a 7f Galway nursery off 77 last time, hosing up by 4.5l; was soft for her debut win at Roscommon (7.5f); beaten both starts on good-good to firm, albeit she wasn't far behind the winner at Killarney in July; should go well and any rain would greatly enhance her chance. |
| 1st (3) Medici Venus | | | | | | 2 | Ryan Moore | A P O'Brien | $550,000 purchase has steadily improved with each run; still a touch green when touched off at Galway (7f, yielding) earlier this month by a well-regarded filly; she's related to a couple of winners at 1m-1m2f so it this trip looks well worth a go; has to be considered with Ryan Moore up for the first time. |
4th (4)  Drivers Seat | | | | | | 2 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | One of two for last year's winning yard and the choice of Browne-McMonagle; clear promise in both of his runs to date, over 7f on debut at the Curragh and then over 1m at Leopardstown; had a subsequent maiden winner 0.5l behind him last time; still early days for this colt and he will win races but he probably needs to find a bit more in this company. |
A tricky looking heat. Lady O was a decisive winner of a nursery on soft at Galway but she has to prove she is as effective on this better ground. Sir Jeremy also won a nursery in fine style on his last start and he is another that has to be considered stepping back up in trip. However, perhaps MEDICI VENUS can get her head in front with Ryan Moore on board for the first time. She was narrowly denied by a highly-regarded filly at Galway and her pedigree suggests this trip is worth a go. [Dave Stephens]
Race 6: 16:55 Listowel Listowel Arms Hotel Handicap IRE 1m
(6)  Facethepuckout | | | | | | 8 | Jamie Powell | M D O'Callaghan | Won off 82 on seasonal return at Naas in July (7f, yielding); sound effort off revised rating of 85 at 1m a week later at Galway; dropped back down to 83 after poor run at the Curragh latest (behind Narmar and Global Energy); has won here over 7f on soft; not fully discounted but probably needs the rain to come. |
(3)  Simply Sideways | | | | | | 7 | Wayne Hassett | Timothy Doyle | Six-time winner including at this meeting over a little bit further on testing ground; won off 85 at Gowran Park in May (8f, soft); back down to that mark after three moderate efforts; not discounted, especially if it rains. |
(8)  No More Porter | | | | | | 6 | Ronan Whelan | Adrian McGuinness | Near miss on seasonal return at the Curragh (1m, good) off 82; races off the same mark here; finished ahead of a few of these when a 4l sixth in the Irish Cambridgeshire; acts on good ground but majority of best form is on yielding or softer; not discounted but rain would increase his chance. |
2nd (9)  Orandi | | | | | | 6 | Shane Foley | Mrs C O'Leary | Curragh winner over 7f in May (soft); slow starts and traffic problems on last two outings at Roscommon on testing ground; seems best when the mud is flying and probably needs rain to be competitive here. |
4th (1)  Emporio | | | | | | 6 | Julian Pietropaolo | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Won twice when with Donnacha O'Brien and was beaten a head in a C&D maiden for him; has met trouble in running more than once for this yard, including on latest at Galway (behind Monasterboice); may need more help from the handicapper but conditions should suit and he can't be discounted. |
(5)  Narmar | | | | | | 4 | Gary Carroll | Henry De Bromhead | C&D maiden winner on good ground last year; denied a clear run in premier handicaps on two of last three starts, including last time at the Curragh (8f, good, behind No More Porter); 5lb lower than when beaten 3.75l in the Nasrullah handicap at Leopardstown in July; career low mark now and has claims granted luck in running. |
1st (7)  Global Energy | | | | | | 5 | W J Lee | Ms Sheila Lavery | Four-time winner; last victory came on penultimate start at the Curragh off 80 (1m, good); no impact off revised rating back there on latest start (2.25l behind Narmar); remains 3lb above his last winning mark and others have more pressing claims. |
(4)  Exquisite Acclaim | | | | | | 5 | Adam Caffrey | Adrian McGuinness | Off the mark on turf over 7f on good to firm ground at Gowran Park last month off 84; handicapper left his mark alone but he has to contend with a wide draw and an extra furlong here and this front-runner could face competition for the lead; others are preferred. |
3rd (2)  Monasterboice | | | | | | 3 | Colin Keane | Noel Meade | Racked up a hat-trick of wins in July and August; winning run halted in a rated race when second at Galway on latest and up another 4lb for that run; should go well again but might be vulnerable for win purposes from a wide draw off a career-high mark. |
A wide open handicap. Monasterboice has been in fine form and should go well again but he may be on a tough mark. Exquisite Acclaim can't be discounted off the same mark as when winning last time and Simply Sideways, Orandi and Facethepuckout would come into the reckoning if it rains. However, it may be worth chancing NARMAR. He's been unlucky in premier handicaps on two of his last three starts, he won his maiden over C&D and he should get his preferred good ground. [Dave Stephens]
Race 7: 17:30 Listowel Jet, Peggy & Eamonn O'Carroll Memorial Handicap IRE 1m 6f 55y
(5)  Cruden | | | | | | 3 | Shane Foley | Mrs John Harrington | Won a soft to heavy ground maiden at Limerick in May (1m3f); has failed to fire in two handicap runs since, including over this distance at Galway when beaten 21l off 89 on his first run after being gelded; down 6lb but hard to fancy for now and is best watched. |
(3)  Messerschmitt | | | | | | 3 | Jamie Powell | Noel Meade | Winless since dead-heating on debut last October; best run this year came in 10.5f rated race at Naas on good; beaten off 87 on latest Flat start at the Curragh (1m2f, good); unseated when a 6-4 favourite over hurdles last month; not an obvious contender for this trip on Flat form and others are preferred. |
2nd (6)  Dark Oak | | | | | | 3 | Gary Carroll | Joseph G Murphy | Physically-imposing filly; always in a prominent position when winning a 1m4f fillies' maiden at Galway at 25-1 two weeks ago; the ground was yielding that day but she has placed maiden form on good ground; steps up in trip and can't be fully discounted for her in-form yard. |
(9)  El Regalo | | | | | | 3 | Chris Hayes | Emmet Mullins | Promise in a trio of maidens at 8f to 9f; weakened late in the day at 1m4f on soft at Roscommon on handicap bow and a similar story when sent off a 7-2 favourite upped to today's trip at Navan (good); still early days and he's with a shrewd yard; worth a market check in first-time blinkers. |
3rd (8)  Slurricane | | | | | | 3 | Colin Keane | Ross O'Sullivan | Won over 1m at Killarney on soft ground in May off 74 and is just 3lb higher now; has stayed on pretty well in two of his last three starts over 1m2f so looks worth a try at this trip, but his pedigree suggests it might stretch him; probably best watched. |
(1)  Highland Bling | | | | | | 3 | Keithen Kennedy | Mrs John Harrington | Front-runner; beaten a neck in 12.5f handicaps at Gowran Park and Galway on last two starts; probably flattered by margin of defeat last time but did rally well and looks well worth trying over this longer trip; should make a bold bid. |
1st (7)  Granite Bay | | | | | | 3 | Ronan Whelan | Jarlath P Fahey | Landed successive wins in good ground handicaps at Cork (1m2f) and Roscommon (1m4f) in May; off 105 days before running a solid race off revised rating of 77 back at Roscommon (1m4f, soft) despite hanging right 5f out; may strip fitter for that run and he could hit the frame if staying this trip. |
(4)  Emphasis | | | | | | 3 | Ryan Moore | A P O'Brien | No impact when tried in Listed company last time but this is easier; won his maiden in fine style at Killarney in July (11.5f, good); the runner up and fourth from that race have both won since; he looks potentially well treated on handicap debut on that form and his dam won a Listed race at this distance; leading claims. |
4th (2)  Rosso | | | | | | 3 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | Shed his maiden tag at the fourth attempt at Roscommon on latest (1m4f, soft); previously placed on good ground at the Curragh so conditions here should be fine; makes his handicap debut off a mark of 84 and he has an obvious chance upped in trip. |
The obvious starting point is Roscommon maiden winner Rosso. He'll encounter different ground here but he has form on good and he should stay this trip. Dark Oak looked a nice prospect at Galway and she isn't discounted and Highland Bling is another with claims upped in trip. However, the form of EMPHASIS' maiden win at Killarney has received a couple of boosts and he could be on a nice mark for his handicap debut. He should find this a lot easier than the Listed race he contested last time and he is narrowly preferred. Granite Bay coulld go well for each-way players. [Dave Stephens]
