March 17 / 15.10 Down Royal

15.10

Yielding To Soft

Powered By Bluegrass Novice Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7570.8
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • 13 runners
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Powered By Bluegrass Novice Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.80
  • Place: £2.50

Form: -13931 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Has improved in two runs for this yard, finishing third behind Landrake in a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse in December and proved softer ground is no issue when gaining his first handicap success at Gowran last month (third and sixth have won since); 6lb rise is manageable and more to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

4th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 116y

19:48 Bellewstown

Ottoman Style

11st 6lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Lightly raced since winning back-to-back 2m4f handicaps in 2023; encouraging comeback run at Kilbeggan but pulled up on latest at Punchestown; the jury is out.

25/1

3

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 116y

16:52 Punchestown

Ottoman Style

11st 9lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Lightly raced since winning back-to-back 2m4f handicaps in 2023; after six months off, his Kilbeggan comeback was encouraging and he's on a good mark if he comes forward from that.

10/1

4th

4

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

18:30 Kilbeggan

Ottoman Style

11st 6lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Won back-to-back 2m4f handicap hurdles on testing ground in early 2023; struggled in a light campaign in 2024-2025 and pulled up in sole run last season; hard to fancy.

66/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 3-213P

Last run: 68 days

W: 12st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Point and bumper winner who was only beaten 3l when runner-up in a maiden hurdle on this season's return in October and went one better a month later at Punchestown; hasn't managed to build on that in graded company twice since but should relish this drop in class; has more to give.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

15:00 Cork

Monbeg Park

11st 8lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Jack Foley

Better known as a chaser but has shown smart hurdles form in the past; would have a squeak if back in top form off a lower hurdle mark.

14/1

9th

4

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Monbeg Park

11st 6lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Jack Foley

Two wins include this race last year off 2lb lower; standout run this term when second in Grade 3 Punchestown contest (2m7f), tame effort last time (albeit stiff task) in Grade 2 at Thurles; not one to rule out back in handicap company.

15/2

4th

5

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 66y

15:20 Thurles

Monbeg Park

11st 3lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Jack Foley

Useful sort; best form at Punchestown, including when second to the talented Heart Wood three starts ago; 2-16 record over fences is not a great return bearing in mind his 147 rating; inferior to the four Mullins-trained runners on official figures

12/1

17/2

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 414 BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Promising hurdle debut at Punchestown before getting off the mark in a maiden hurdle at Ayr on heavy ground; form of his win has worked out well with the second and fourth have won since; may have found quicker ground against him back at Ayr last time in a novice and potential improver up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

9th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 100y

14:00 Fairyhouse

L Anamour

11st 0lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: S R B Crawford

Won an Ayr maiden over 2m on heavy in January and solid runs in defeat back there and at Down Royal since; latter run over this trip; bit more needed.

11/1

3rd

10

17th Mar 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:10 Down Royal

L Anamour

11st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

midfield on outer, headway 4 out, chased leaders 3 out, lost position before 2 out, rallied approaching last, kept on and went third run-in

17/2

4th

5

27th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Ayr

L Anamour

12st 0lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: S R B Crawford

in touch with leaders, niggled along 2 out, weakened approaching last

2/1

Form: 4F9-60

Last run: 47 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Seven-race maiden and tailed off in two starts this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

17th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

16:32 Wexford

Petit King

12st 0lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Edward Cawley

Good run over hurdles when back from a break at Navan in November but has regressed in each of his subsequent runs, last time pulling up on his return to fences (0-7).

20/1

Form: -56171

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden hurdle at Limerick in November and bounced back from a lesser effort when landing a handicap hurdle at Naas last month; 9lb higher but that looked competitive and there might be more to come back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:00 Kilbeggan

Luimneach

10st 5lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Twice successful over hurdles; ordinary handicap chase form until second at Down Royal in January; pulled up at Thurles on his final start for the now-retired Des McDonogh; 10lb below hurdles mark; fair chance if replicating his improved display.

8/1

13

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 2f 0y

13:42 Thurles

Luimneach

11st 2lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Desmond McDonogh

Twice successful over hurdles; ordinary handicap chase form until second at Down Royal last month; remains 9lb below hurdles mark; fair chance if replicating his improved display.

7/1

Form: 340842

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Went close to losing his maiden tag last week when beaten a neck but 6lb wrong for this assignment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

22nd Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 180y

18:55 Kilbeggan

Early Arrival

11st 1lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: James M Barcoe

Yet to win over fences; not easy to fancy after being pulled-up at Tramore last week when jumped poorly.

33/1

9

15th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 180y

17:35 Tramore

Early Arrival

10st 9lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: James M Barcoe

Better than ever last year, winning over hurdles twice, including here (2m6f, yielding); 0-12 chasing but stayed on for third over C&D in May after racing wide; and would have got closer at Wexford last time but for repeated jumping errors; place chance if jumps better.

11/1

Form: 2214

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Hit the crossbar in two bumpers before getting off the mark in a maiden hurdle at Tramore; well below that form in a novice hurdle last time; not certain to appreciate shorter trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

17:05 Cartmel

Cardamon Hill

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Miss A M Slack

Three listless performances since returning from 13 months out; 12lb below his last winning mark now, but no good thing to capitalise.

100/1

5

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

19:45 Hexham

Cardamon Hill

11st 9lb

J: William Maggs

T: Miss A M Slack

Won twice in November 2024 (2m7f/3m, good/good to soft) but mainly disappointing since including on both runs since a 404-day break; plenty to prove at present.

20/1

5th

3

10th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 4

13:57 Sedgefield

Cardamon Hill

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Miss A M Slack

Stays 3m and acts on the forecast sound surface; 50-1, always behind and pulled up on his return from 13 months off the track at Wetherby on latest start; bit to prove.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 71 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Left his point form behind when a 66-1 winner of a maiden hurdle at Punchestown last month; that form hasn't really worked out since though and might be on a tough opening mark for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

27th Feb 2025

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:50 Clonmel

Connors Cross

10st 8lb

J: Kevin A Murphy

T: Ian O’Connor

led, went clear going easily after 3 out, much reduced lead home turn, joined 2 out, headed last, no extra towards finish

6/1

9th

3

16th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 70y

12:00 Fairyhouse

Connors Cross

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Thomas Cooper

prominent, led after 2nd

8/1

9th

3

16th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 70y

12:00 Fairyhouse

Connors Cross

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Thomas Cooper

prominent, led after 2nd

8/1

Form: 27-1

Last run: 318 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Won two Flat races last term before opening his account over hurdles at Ballinrobe when last seen; ran well fresh last season and has a workable opening mark; needs to prove he's as effective on a slower surface though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

15th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

16:25 Haydock

Dartan

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sarah Humphrey

Useful hurdler in Ireland; beaten in a match over fences on stable debut (first-time visor); this return to hurdles is welcomed but he appears to have developed some of his own ideas; had wind surgery.

25/1

2nd

1

17th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

13:47 Uttoxeter

Dartan

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Sarah Humphrey

Very useful handicap hurdler in Ireland when on song but not at same level on his three chasing attempts, and looked very unenthusiastic when third in four-runner beginners' event at Kilbeggan (3m1f, good) in July; swaps blinkers for first-time visor on this stable debut; will probably need to travel with much greater zest.

13/8

3rd

2

11th Jul 2025

Good

3m 1f 80y

20:00 Kilbeggan

Dartan

11st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: Matthew J Smith

Rated 139 over hurdles, two of three wins having been at Bellewstown; ran well on chase debut when second in Galway beginners' last summer but didn't count at Tipperary more recently; not easy to assess back chasing.

10/1

Form: 416146 C

Last run: 5 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Came on from his return with a narrow success in a novice hurdle here but hasn't managed to build on that over further from his new mark; looks opposable in a competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 55y

14:32 Punchestown

The Gradual Slope

10st 5lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: Sean O O’Brien

Recorded first win since 2024 when taking a Fairyhouse handicap over 2m5f last time despite jumping right late on; raised 5lb for that so will have to raise his game again, but has won off 4lb higher in the past.

10/1

Form: 8-U273

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Consistent sort who ran with credit when third of 14 at Fairyhouse last month; entitled to come on from that first run in seven months but may not have much in hand from this mark at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

8th Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 111y

18:52 Galway

Mr Saxobeat

11st 11lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Sole win from 20 attempts over fences came in a Clonmel beginners' chase in 2023; second on seasonal return at Wexford in July; pulled up in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen; suffered the same fate at Killarney last time.

20/1

15

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:50 Killarney

Mr Saxobeat

10st 4lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Thomas Gibney

Sole win from 20 attempts over fences came in a Clonmel beginners' chase in 2023; however, he has been running well in defeat, with several placed finishes including on seasonal return at Wexford in July (2m3f, good); pulled up at Market Rasen when last seen.

18/1

12

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

15:12 Market Rasen

Mr Saxobeat

10st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Thomas Gibney

Irish challenger; 3lb out of the weights and over two years since he last won (overall strike-rate of 2-33); however, good second at Wexford on his return from a break and he's one who won't mind what the weather does.

33/1

Form: 34211U BF

Last run: 182 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Unseated in her hat-trick bid when last seen six months ago but was beaten at the time; might need this on return and all her best form is on good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

13th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:55 Cork

Bella Bliss

11st 10lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

In decent form over hurdles and fences this year and only 1lb higher than for latest gallant second in a 2m5f handicap chase at Roscommon; stays this far.

9/2

2

30th Sep 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 147y

17:45 Roscommon

Bella Bliss

11st 7lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

In decent form over hurdles and fences this year; has been runner-up on her last three starts in this discipline including handicaps at Cartmel and Bangor; handles all ground but best on good.

9/2

2nd

6

6th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 72y

Class 3

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Bella Bliss

11st 3lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Good second at Cartmel (2m5f, good) on latest chase start in June and placed in big-field handicap hurdles on next two outings; below form when tried in cheekpieces (now removed) for latest hurdling start but has a significant role to play if all goes to plan here.

9/2

Form: 1636-P C

Last run: 259 days

W: 11st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Has been struggling in points in recent times; feasibly handicapped on last season's chase form but needs to prove he's as effective over hurdles and his recent point form isn't encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

17th Mar 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:10 Down Royal

Arahecan

11st 1lb

J: Shane Mulcahy

T: Neill McCluskey

in touch with leaders, soon dropped to midfield, mistake 5th, clipped heels and fell before 4 out

25/1

Non-runners

Connors Cross, Dartan

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €24.00
Straight Forecast €33.82
Tricast €275.36
Trifecta €276.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

L Anamour

RP Ratings (IRE):

Luimneach

The Irish Sun:

Monbeg Park

POSTDATA:

Ottoman Style

TOPSPEED:

L Anamour