October 16 / 15.00 Curragh

15.00

Yielding

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £8776.86
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • 17 runners
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Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 310648 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Without a turf win since August 2022; successful at Laytown early last month; kept busy since, mixed form; stiff task under a big weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(4)

23rd Sep 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Dontspoilasale

10st 0lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Five-time winner in Ireland (5f/6f) but 0-4 for this yard; never featured following a slow start at Lingfield (7f, AW) last month, but he's down to a career-low mark and is one to keep an eye on in the betting now dropping class.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 093506 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Recorded back-to-back 5f wins at Down Royal and Bellewstown in June/July; has been a little too high in the ratings since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(7)

10th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

16:39 Laytown

Aurora Nova

10st 3lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Andrew McNamara

Four-time winner (three over 5f) on good ground; poor form shown in her last four outings; doesn't look particularly well treated on these terms back in claiming company.

20/1

10th

1

(13)

23rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

16:30 Naas

Aurora Nova

10st 2lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Andrew McNamara

Four-time winner (three at this trip) on good ground; poor form shown in her last three outings but drops into this lower grade for the first time since April 2025, and that resulted in a victory, so don't rule her out.

22/1

14th

12

(1)

9th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Aurora Nova

8st 10lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Andrew McNamara

Four wins have all been on fast tracks, including last year at Bellewstown (twice) and Down Royal over 5f; standout run this term at former venue when third (5f, soft); never counted in two most recent runs at Navan over 6f; opposable.

25/1

Form: 208707 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Six-time AW winner is 0-16 on turf, unplaced in three visits to this track this season; others much preferrred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(6)

10th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

17:49 Laytown

Sporting Hero

11st 13lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: William Durkan

Fine strike-rate of 9-28 on the AW; gained first turf win at Navan in April (5f) when making all; soundly beaten off revised mark since, however, over varying trips.

10/1

6th

9

(6)

27th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 180y

14:14 Navan

Sporting Hero

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: William Durkan

Fine strike-rate of 9-28 on the AW; gained first win on turf here in April (5f) when making all; soundly beaten off revised mark since however over various trips.

14/1

11th

21

(1)

20th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

18:00 Leopardstown

Sporting Hero

10st 5lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: William Durkan

Fine strike-rate of 9-28 on the AW; gained first win on turf at Navan in April off 6lb lower (5f, gd-yld), making all; soundly beaten off revised mark twice since; third reserve.

Form: 433410 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Consistent this year; won a 5f Cork handicap in August; reportedly got upset in the stalls last time; a useful challenger for the stable along with Steel Magnolia.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(7)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:35 Navan

Asdana

10st 1lb

J: Sam Coen

T: W McCreery

One of two for yard; won off 9lb higher at Cork last season; no joy yet this year but shaped better than the result over C&D when last seen in June; eased 4lb, drops in class, yard in red-hot form and rain no problem; interesting.

10/1

Form: 537149 CD

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Newmarket winner over 5f in August; has to reverse last month's Navan form with Nouvel Espoir; rider has been doing well lately and growing in confidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(1)

15th Oct 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

16:32 Curragh

Mary Shoelaces

9st 12lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Three of her four wins have come over C&D, including this corresponding race last year; made most when scoring here in July off 2lb lower; stiff 6f possibly didn't suit at Navan last time; contender.

7/1

5th

12

(7)

27th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 180y

14:14 Navan

Mary Shoelaces

9st 3lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Three of her four wins have come over 5f at the Curragh, including race for second successive year last month when making much of running; another good run off 6lb higher in similar contest 11 days ago when beaten under 2l: stiff 6f here probably not ideal.

8/1

4th

1

(1)

16th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Mary Shoelaces

10st 2lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Three of her four wins have come over C&D, including for second successive year last month when making much of running in beating Harry's Hill 0.5l on good-to-firm (Happy Henry fifth) under today's rider; 6lb rise but has to be respected given her record here.

13/2

Form: 907583 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Four of his five wins have been gained at this trip; a creditable third over 6f at this venue 12 days ago; a reproduction would put him in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(16)

15th Oct 2026

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

17:07 Curragh

Mickey The Steel

9st 11lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Frequent runner at this venue, 1-22, placed six times; overall record 6-67, placed 21 times; has been showing consistent form, winner and third at Dundalk on either side of third behind Givehertilxmas at Bellewstown.

10/1

3rd

4

(8)

30th Sep 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 205y

15:15 Bellewstown

Mickey The Steel

9st 11lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Stayed 7f well when scoring at Dundalk, but 1m on easy ground may not be ideal; has never gone this far in 65-race career.

9/1

1st

10

(9)

18th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Mickey The Steel

9st 6lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Soft-ground sprinter stays this far nowadays; won his maiden here, but has avoided this venue for nearly three years and hasn't won for nearly two; good placed form on turf this term.

15/2

Form: 177782 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Has gained all three wins over the minimum trip; improved on 6f form when dropped back to 5f at Navan month; second to a soild yardstick, form has been franked by third-placed Step Back In Time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(10)

15th Oct 2026

Yielding

0m 6f 0y

13:37 Curragh

Nouvel Espoir

8st 12lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: James M Barcoe

Ground versatile and consistent; won his second race of the season over C&D (soft) 11 days ago (Smoke Them Out third, Go Athletico fourth) and that form has since been boosted; hiked up 8lb and this is a deeper race but likely to give his running again; player.

4/1

1st

14

(6)

4th Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 6f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Nouvel Espoir

9st 6lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: James M Barcoe

Remarkably consistent this year; four wins at 5f in his career, yet to win over 6f, but has gone close to it and don't think it's a stamina issue; chased home Smoke Them Out over 5f at Bellewstown during the week.

7/1

Form: /048-0 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
An 11-race maiden; fourth over C&D on the second of three 2024 starts; in rear at Dundalk on reappearance; hard to be confident.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(5)

15th Oct 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

16:32 Curragh

Buddy Batt

9st 12lb

J: Danny O’Leary

T: Tracey Collins

His sole turf win came as a 2yo at Bellewstown; has a much better AW record; not bad runs lately, including when midfield in C&D premier handicap latest when out of the weights; needs to find more.

33/1

10th

19

(8)

26th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 5f 0y

14:35 Curragh

Buddy Batt

8st 7lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Tracey Collins

Three of his four wins have come at Dundalk; solid fourth last time at Navan, but 9lb out of the weights for this.

20/1

Form: 670130 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
In good form for Jenny Lynch earlier in the season; two changes of stable since then; never in the hunt at Fairyhouse last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(10)

16th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Arctic Steps

10st 1lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Was gaining second turf win when scoring over this trip at Naas in May off 68; safely held both starts since, latest over same C&D so needs to improve; jockey booking encouraging.

10/1

8th

1

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:08 Naas

Arctic Steps

10st 2lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Gained second turf win over C&D on penultimate, beating Nouvel Espoir by 0.5l off 4lb lower; disappointed off revised mark at Dundalk latest; return to this track a plus but must prove she can win off this mark.

17/2

Form: 3/5-39

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Very little mileage on the clock; needs to reverse 7f Down Royal form with Distillate, but that is not out of the question, given that she is relatively unexposed; may be better suited by this trip into the bargain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(15)

16th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Hot To Foxtrot

9st 6lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: John James Feane

Couple of fair runs over 6f and 7f here in the spring and placed twice in turf sprints this summer; not beaten far over 1m here last month after a slow start and the drop in trip will do no harm.

8/1

7th

9

(14)

18th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Hot To Foxtrot

9st 8lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: John James Feane

Couple of fair runs over 6f/7f here in the spring and placed twice in turf sprints this summer; first try at 1m.

14/1

Form: 543104 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Generally reliable in recent months; deserved her Laytown win, fair fourth over 7f at Down Royal on latest; 7f is her optimum trip, 1-22 record at 5f is a negative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(12)

15th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Distillate

9st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian McGuinness

Irish raider who is on a dangerous mark but her last win was 13 months ago and she's been inconsistent this year; comes with risks attached and she's untried on Tapeta.

7/2

8th

10

(10)

30th Sep 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 205y

14:40 Bellewstown

Distillate

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

One of her six wins came here; placed over C&D last year, but yet to win over 1m.

14/1

Form: 953387

Last run: 2 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Best effort when third in a 5f maiden at Bellewstown in July; seventh behind Jordan Breeze at Dundalk on Tuesday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(15)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Tino Pai

8st 11lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Best effort when third in a 5f maiden at Bellewstown in July; seventh behind Jordan Breeze at Dundalk on Tuesday.

12/1

7th

5

(8)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Tino Pai

9st 9lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Third in a Bellewstown maiden in July but hasn't kicked on from low marks in handicaps.

12/1

Form: 982862

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Good effort when second behind a progressive rival over 5f at Tipperary in April on handicap debut; failed to build on that on two subsequent starts; a breakthrough is feasible judged on her second placing at Bellewstown a fortnight ago; rider is beginning to make an impact.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

15

(2)

15th Oct 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

16:32 Curragh

Steel Magnolia

8st 13lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: W McCreery

Second runner for yard; gained a second career victory when winning decisively off 45 at Naas (5f, good) in August; two good efforts since off 10lb higher; did best work at the death when fourth to One Cool Bear at Bellewstown two weeks ago (favourite).

100/30

4th

3

(10)

1st Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

15:20 Bellewstown

Steel Magnolia

9st 12lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

Pipped in this (later awarded race) on soft a year ago; comes here at the top of her game and got her head in front for the first time when winning decisively off 45 at Naas; ran perfectly well off this mark at Navan since.

7/4

3rd

8

(17)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:35 Navan

Steel Magnolia

9st 12lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

One of two for red-hot yard; bolted up off basement mark at Naas (5f, good) 13 days ago but handicapper took a dim view and hit her with a 10lb rise; softer ground fine and could be more to come from this 4yo so can't discount.

7/2

Form: 890401 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Has a fixed 7lb penalty for a narrow win under this rider at Dundalk on Tuesday; on the upgrade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

14

(15)

15th Oct 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

16:32 Curragh

Jordan Breeze

8st 13lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Dual 5f winner (AW and turf), most recently at Cork in May on soft; struggled off revised mark in four subsequent runs; only of interest if the market speaks in his favour.

25/1

8th

2

(16)

29th Sep 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Cork

Jordan Breeze

10st 1lb

J: Alan Persse

T: Patrick J Flynn

Won here in May (5f, soft); struggled off revised mark in three subsequent runs and returns from a break with ground in his favour off 5lb lower.

10/1

7th

10

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:08 Naas

Jordan Breeze

9st 6lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Won at Cork in May off 2lb lower (5f, soft); struggled off this mark twice since, including when well behind Nouvel Espoir at Down Royal on his favoured easy ground latest; others make more appeal.

14/1

25/1

Form: 40400- D

Last run: 303 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 44

Form & Verdict
Lacks a recent run; inconsistent last season; last win was in 2022; 5lb out of the handicap; has a capable rider but up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(4)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 180y

14:47 Navan

Iva Batt

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: R K Watson

Last win was in 2022; inconsistent last year; last of 16 on last week's belated seasonal debut at the Curragh; 5lb out of the handicap then, should at least be more competitive in this lower grade.

33/1

16

(8)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Iva Batt

8st 7lb

J: Neve Bennett

T: R K Watson

Lacks a recent run; inconsistent last season; last win was in 2022; 5lb out of the handicap; has a capable rider but up against it.

25/1

11th

12

(3)

17th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Iva Batt

9st 4lb

J: Paula Muir

T: R K Watson

midfield, weakened 2f out

12/1

Form: -46008

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 43

Form & Verdict
Yet to reach the first three in 14 attempts; fourth on two occasions for Gavin Cromwell; same placing over this trip at Fairyhouse in June on first run for this stable; moderate run in a claimer at Laytown last time; 6lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

(3)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Marks One

8st 7lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: Michael G Cleary

Yet to reach the first three in 14 attempts; fourth on two occasions for Gavin Cromwell; same placing over this trip at Fairyhouse in June on first run for this stable; moderate run in a claimer at Laytown last time; 6lb out of the handicap.

33/1

8th

6

(5)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

16:30 Laytown

Marks One

10st 3lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Michael G Cleary

Yet to reach the first three in 13 attempts; fourth on two occasions for Gavin Cromwell; same placing over this trip at Fairyhouse in June on first run for this stable; failed to stay 1m at Bellewstown last week.

14/1

15th

8

(5)

26th Aug 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 195y

17:25 Bellewstown

Marks One

9st 6lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Michael G Cleary

Has been running okay of late without threatening a breakthrough win; okay mark and good draw so don't rule out.

14/1

Form: 00-900

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 40

Form & Verdict
Very weak form; no apparent chance from 9lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

(4)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Fort Star

8st 7lb

J: Yudish Geerdharry

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Very weak form; no apparent chance from 9lb out of the handicap.

66/1

Non-runners

Amanirenas

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €73.10
Straight Forecast €56.58
Tricast €528.91
Trifecta €616.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Nouvel Espoir

The Irish Sun:

Steel Magnolia

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Sporting Hero

POSTDATA:

Nouvel Espoir