June 20 / 15.16 Down Royal

15.16

Good

Mongey Communications Handicap

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 1m 2f 96y
  • 12 runners
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Mongey Communications Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.20
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 26/9/4

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Dual-purpose maiden is 0-8 on Flat but there was promise in her fourth of 15 back from over a year off at Fairyhouse earlier this month (3l behind Swift Charm); soft ground would be a plus and not ruled out if taking a step forward.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

12th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 90y

14:15 Sligo

Albatala

10st 5lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Off the mark on the Flat with a bang at Down Royal last month when pulverising the field by 12l (10.5f, soft); attractive hurdles mark based on that performance, but this good ground is a significant question mark.

7/2

1st

6

(14)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Albatala

9st 1lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: John C McConnell

Dual-purpose maiden is 0-8 on Flat but there was promise in her fourth of 15 back from over a year off at Fairyhouse earlier this month (3l behind Swift Charm); soft ground would be a plus and not ruled out if taking a step forward.

10/1

4th

9

(2)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 190y

20:19 Fairyhouse

Albatala

9st 1lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: John C McConnell

Dual-purpose maiden; 0-7 on the Flat; off since heavy defeat over hurdles at Kilbeggan in April 2025; not seen on the Flat since July 2024; best watched.

33/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 6520-2 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Dual-purpose mare; shaped very nicely on last start in this sphere at Leopardstown in April (1m, good to yielding) when a 0.75l second of 20; sole win on the level came at this trip; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

29th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

18:05 Galway

Cleopatras Needle

10st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: H Rogers

Fit off the Flat and she was quite a convincing winner of this 12 months ago off 7lb lower; raced only once over hurdles in the meantime.

20/1

9th

8

(14)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 40y

17:15 Navan

Cleopatras Needle

9st 6lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: H Rogers

C&D winner two years ago and couple of hurdle wins since, including at last year's Galway festival; excellent comeback run when second at Leopardstown in April (1m), most recently chased home an easy winner over this trip at Down Royal last month on soft; one to consider.

9/2

22/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: /6-708

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Won a heavy ground Killarney maiden in 2023; moderate efforts in three outings this season; 6.25l eighth of 14 at Gowran last time (1m, yielding) when running on late.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(11)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Simpsons Paradox

9st 2lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: John Andrew Kinsella

Won a heavy ground Killarney maiden in 2023; moderate efforts in three outings this season; 6.25l eighth of 14 at Gowran last time (1m, yielding) when running on late.

22/1

8th

11

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 0y

17:58 Gowran Park

Simpsons Paradox

9st 4lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: John Andrew Kinsella

Last win came in September 2023 in heavy ground maiden at Killarney; ran well over C&D when sixth in October but below-par on last two runs; dropped 4lb.

25/1

20th

24

(23)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

17:30 Curragh

Simpsons Paradox

8st 10lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: John Andrew Kinsella

Without a win since 2023 and so signs of ending the drought on the Flat or over hurdles in 2025; beaten 5l on the AW last time out; others appeal more.

12/1

12/1

Form: 00/0-5

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Showed little in first six starts on the Flat and over hurdles; plugged on reasonably well when fifth over 1m4f at Dundalk in May but hard to recommend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

13

(8)

12th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

16:20 Dundalk (AW)

Folk Warrior

8st 7lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: J A Nash

Fair fifth over C&D in May on sole AW run; did nothing in a hurry at Leopardstown (1m1f) on Thursday, but stuck to his task and not beaten far; big horse has one in him, but maybe not quite yet.

10/1

7th

17

(4)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

19:38 Leopardstown

Folk Warrior

9st 1lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: J A Nash

Achieved his best placing when fourth at Down Royal last time; beaten 15l, so needs to improve.

25/1

4th

4

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Folk Warrior

9st 3lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: J A Nash

Showed little in first six starts on the Flat and over hurdles; plugged on reasonably well when fifth over 1m4f at Dundalk in May but hard to recommend.

12/1

50/1

Form: 9990-0

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
No sign of winning potential so far from seven runs; beaten 28l on Fairyhouse return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

(4)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

14:12 Gowran Park

Makers Mark

8st 13lb

J: James Ryan

T: T G McCourt

Has been running over longer trips; improved slightly on moderate form when fifth at Down Royal last month; had only one behind in a 1m3f Naas contest last time.

25/1

15th

7

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 194y

16:53 Naas

Makers Mark

9st 6lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: T G McCourt

Improved slightly on very moderate form when beaten 15.5l into fifth at Down Royal (1m2f, soft), bit keen; down 3lb and no sign of winning potential yet.

28/1

9/2

Form: 7-0033

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
No wins from seven starts but definite signs of promise with third-place finishes last twice; ran on well at Ballinrobe over an extended 1m1f (good to yielding, 50-1); confirmed that wasn't a fluke with her run at Fairyhouse (1m2f, good); softer ground would be an unknown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

17

(10)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 194y

16:53 Naas

Swift Charm

9st 5lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: W R Crawford

First reserve; signs her turn could be near when third at Ballinrobe and Fairyhouse over 9.5f and 10f on good; seemed to struggle on softer ground when soundly beaten at Down Royal 14 days ago; chance back on a sound surface; tongue-tie now goes on with existing hood.

6th

13

(7)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Swift Charm

8st 9lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: W R Crawford

No wins from seven starts but definite signs of promise with third-place finishes last twice; ran on well at Ballinrobe over an extended 1m1f (good to yielding, 50-1); confirmed that wasn't a fluke with her run at Fairyhouse (1m2f, good); softer ground would be an unknown.

9/2

3rd

17

(8)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 190y

20:19 Fairyhouse

Swift Charm

8st 8lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: W R Crawford

Left previous form behind when a 2.75l third of 14 at Ballinrobe on latest (9.5f, gd-yld) at odds of 50-1 four weeks ago; the fourth and sixth from that race have won since; same mark here and shortlisted.

15/2

7th
7 (9)
Copper Craft

10/1

Form: 34-320

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Form to date suggests he's better on AW with placed finishes twice at Dundalk this year; returned to turf at Fairyhouse with a very moderate effort; blinkers on now but others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

(11)

20th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 179y

19:40 Ballinrobe

Copper Craft

9st 1lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: A Oliver

Has placed in three of his five runs this season, including when a 0.75l second to Arch Enemy (who has won again since) on latest at Navan (1m2f, good); also has placed form at 1m4f so decent chance he'll stay this far; place shout at least.

5/2

2nd

11

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 40y

17:15 Navan

Copper Craft

9st 1lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: A Oliver

Form to date suggests he's better on AW; couple of modest efforts on turf last month so lot more needed.

12/1

7th

7

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Copper Craft

9st 1lb

J: W J Lee

T: A Oliver

Form to date suggests he's better on AW with placed finishes twice at Dundalk this year; returned to turf at Fairyhouse with a very moderate effort; blinkers on now but others preferred.

10/1

8th
16 (15)
Talking Tough

Form: 000-60

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 40

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; not easy to win with as his record of 2-64 suggests; has beaten precious few rivals last season and this one
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(5)

20th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 135y

17:10 Ballinrobe

Talking Tough

8st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: S M Duffy

On a long losing run and no sign of it ending in recent starts; tailed off at Bellewstown latest and rated just 34 now; hard to fancy.

66/1

7th

6

(5)

2nd Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 71y

20:23 Bellewstown

Talking Tough

11st 0lb

J: Mr C G Ryan

T: S M Duffy

Rated just 34 on the Flat and no win of any description since 2020; up against it.

50/1

8th

16

(15)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Talking Tough

8st 10lb

T: S M Duffy

Second reserve; not easy to win with as his record of 2-64 suggests; has beaten precious few rivals last season and this one

4/1

Form: 000-02

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
A newly applied hood appeared to work the oracle at Fairyhouse last time (1m2f, good) when running his best race by far from five starts, beaten just a neck; 4lb rise for that seems a little harsh but chance if the hood continues its magic.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(5)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Coul Dore

8st 11lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: W R Crawford

A newly applied hood appeared to work the oracle at Fairyhouse last time (1m2f, good) when running his best race by far from five starts, beaten just a neck; 4lb rise for that seems a little harsh but chance if the hood continues its magic.

4/1

2nd

16

(2)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 190y

19:44 Fairyhouse

Coul Dore

8st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: W R Crawford

No sign of winning potential in maidens or on handicap debut at Ballinrobe on latest; dropped 2lb and hood goes on; may need a bit more time and experience.

40/1

10th

13

(12)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 133y

18:22 Ballinrobe

Coul Dore

9st 0lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: W R Crawford

Huge odds and soundly beaten in maidens at 7f-1m on the AW and on yielding ground; can only be watched on handicap and stable debut.

40/1

OUR TIP

9/1

Form: 62380-

Last run: 192 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
20-race maiden on turf but placed ten times, the latest when third at Thurles over 1m on good to yielding in October; off since poor effort at Dundalk in December; could go well on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

(12)

22nd Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Naas

Slaney Swagger

9st 11lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Aidan Melia

A 22-race maiden, placed ten times, including five in a good spell between July and October last season; reported coughing at Down Royal on seasonal/stable debut; better in mid-field at Leopardstown.

16/1

12th

8

(19)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

19:38 Leopardstown

Slaney Swagger

9st 11lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Aidan Melia

21-race maiden, placed ten times, including five in a good spell between July and October last season; reported coughing at Down Royal on seasonal/stable debut; can do better.

14/1

10th

2

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Slaney Swagger

9st 11lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Aidan Melia

20-race maiden on turf but placed ten times, the latest when third at Thurles over 1m on good to yielding in October; off since poor effort at Dundalk in December; could go well on stable debut.

9/1

28/1

Form: 00-00

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
No improvement over moderate maiden form for switch to handicaps over 7f here last time (good); hood on but best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

(16)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Thistle Cross

8st 7lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: M M Rice

No improvement over moderate maiden form for switch to handicaps over 7f here last time (good); hood on but best watched.

28/1

12th

9

(5)

29th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:15 Down Royal

Thistle Cross

9st 4lb

J: James Ryan

T: M M Rice

Couple of modest AW efforts late last year; completely tailed off on turf/seasonal debut; easily overlooked despite now handicapping.

33/1

15th

8

(12)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

17:40 Leopardstown

Thistle Cross

9st 8lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: M M Rice

Couple of modest AW efforts late last year, easily overlooked now on turf debut.

50/1

Form: -00706

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 40

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; 0-15 and form this season doesn't provide much hope of a breakthrough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

17

(10)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 96y

15:16 Down Royal

Kilgharrahs Love

8st 10lb

T: Thomas Cleary

Third reserve; 0-15 and form this season doesn't provide much hope of a breakthrough.

6th

13

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 190y

19:44 Fairyhouse

Kilgharrahs Love

8st 11lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Thomas Cleary

Poor form in 2025 and similar story in four runs this season; beaten 28l at Dundalk on latest; hard to make a case for.

33/1

Non-runners

Rising Sky, Hosanna Power, Marians Gal, Stonyfalls, Onyeisi

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €33.30
Straight Forecast €29.58
Tricast €309.08
Trifecta €577.40

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Swift Charm

SPOTLIGHT:

Coul Dore

POSTDATA:

Marians Gal

The Irish Sun:

Swift Charm