February 03 / 15.00 Leopardstown

15.00

Soft

Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

  • Prize money: £51304.35
  • 3m 0f 104y
  • 22 runners
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Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £40.90
  • Place: £6.30

Form: 0-145P CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Pulled up here over Christmas, a race he had won the previous year; his handicap mark is still suffering from that wide margin success here last season and he's hard to recommend on this season's form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Maxxum

11st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart stayer over hurdles (dual Grade 2 winner); not done much chasing but returned to this discipline to win small-field contest at Clonmel and his Grade 3-fourth at Killarney was perfectly respectable; jumping will be tested here in first handicap; trainer going for four in a row in this.

11/2

4th

4

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

18:37 Killarney

Maxxum

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Best known for his hurdling exploits but made it 2-4 over fences in winning a conditions chase at Clonmel last month (2m4f, soft); this is harder but he's clearly in good heart and likely to run well.

5/1

1st

3

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:30 Clonmel

Maxxum

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Better known as a hurdler, with seven wins in that sphere up to 3m; was below form at Leopardstown last time in first-time cheekpieces; did win on chasing debut in 2023 but was pulled up on last start in this sphere in 2024; however, is seemingly the choice of Jack Kennedy so commands maximum respect.

11/8

14/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 1P-221 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner; hit the crossbar in pair of 2m4f handicap hurdles this term before gaining a second course success when stepped up in trip in December; 6lb higher and this is tougher but should be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(11)

19th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 30y

19:42 Cork

Gaoth Chuil

10st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: T M Walsh

Decent NH mare, winning a bumper and three times over hurdles at up to 3m; recent chase form not quite at same level but useful; previous two Flat runs include decent fourth in 1m7f Leopardstown amateur maiden last summer; would probably appreciate a stiffer test.

10/1

3rd

12

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 70y

18:59 Kilbeggan

Gaoth Chuil

11st 5lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: T M Walsh

Three-time hurdle winner with some excellent efforts in competitive handicaps; second behind Perceval Legallois at DRF last season off 133; ran to a good level on chase debut over C&D a year ago; failed to repeat that until last month's Cork second, confirming winning potential

7/2

25/1

  • Place: £6.50

Form: 432113

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Went close in maiden hurdle at Roscommon before bolting up at Downpatrick and won a novice handicap hurdle at Punchestown on handicap debut in November; stayed on for third in a novice handicap hurdle here since when stepped up to 2m4f; possible that this trip could help spark further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

2nd Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 19y

14:25 Leopardstown

Yeats Star

10st 10lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

All three wins came on soft over shorter trips; has looked in the handicapper's grasp over both hurdles and fences of late; cheekpieces now tried.

40/1

9

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:15 Limerick

Yeats Star

11st 2lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Very useful handicap hurdler on his day but yet to make any further progress over fences since winning Listowel beginners' chase last season; went close at Perth last time, faces a much harder task in a handicap of this standard.

14/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: F5-442 CD

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Course winner here in December 2021 before finishing 10th in this race from a 2lb higher mark than this; better known as a chaser these days and has hit the frame in the last two renewals of the Paddy Power Chase here, running on well for second in that race in December (first-time cheekpieces worn that day retained); reduced hurdle mark makes him appealing and has to be high on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

Smart staying handicap chaser in his prime; has found a new lease of life, winning two hunter chases at Thurles (beat Lifetime Ambition by 9l) and Naas (beat Hunters Yarn by 4l); might have found the ground a bit too quick when finishing fifth behind Barton Snow at Cheltenham; could play a featuring part.

5/1

5th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

Has always had some class about him and he went off only 11-1 for the Grand National two seasons ago; lost his way afterwards but he's back in the good books after winning two hunter chases and the RPR he posted at Naas last month (3m, heavy; fine on good ground) was up there with his best; with confidence seemingly buoyed he's a must for the shortlist.

11/2

1st

4

7th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 36y

16:35 Naas

Panda Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Brassil

A good staying handicap chaser without ever winning one; twice placed in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, fifth in the 2023 Irish Grand National, third in last season's Leinster National at this venue; third on point debut in November; responding well to a prominent ride at Thurles; 9l runner-up Lifetime Ambition (stablemate of Hunters Yarn) is a solid yardstick.

11/10

Form: -01133

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Won back-to-back handicap hurdles this season and has run well in defeat on his last couple of starts; hard to gauge whether this sort of trip will suit but his jockey is good value for the 5lb he can claim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

19:19 Wexford

Park Of Kings

11st 10lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Paul Nolan

Three-time hurdles winner; failed to adapt to chasing in six starts last season, including in novice handicaps on his last three outings; best hurdles form at 2m-2m4f, though ran with credit when fourth in a strong 3m handicap at Aintree last year.

10/1

14th

23

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Park Of Kings

10st 7lb

T: Paul Nolan

First reserve; three-time hurdles winner has been beaten a long way in five chase starts this season, including in novice handicaps the last twice; unseated at the fourth at Wexford last time; 10lb lower mark in this sphere and has won on good ground, so there are positives if returning to form.

3

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:03 Wexford

Park Of Kings

11st 10lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul Nolan

Three-time hurdles winner; beaten a long way in three beginners' chases this term, most recently never counted on handicap debut in Naas Listed contest in February; hurdles form on better ground so these improved conditions could see improvement (10lb lower than over hurdles).

14/1

Form: -23516

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner; didn't need to improve when landing a maiden hurdle at Cork in October; drop in trip against him when sixth of 23 here since and not ruled out back up in distance; wears first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

18th Jan 2026

Yielding

1m 7f 168y

13:40 Thurles

Black Bamboo

11st 6lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: John Joseph Murphy

Bumper and maiden hurdle winner but out of form both over hurdles and fences last year; hard to recommend him at the moment.

33/1

4th

3

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Black Bamboo

11st 10lb

J: Tom Harney

T: John Joseph Murphy

midfield, in touch with leaders 3rd, pushed along and lost position after 4 out, not fluent 2 out, went fourth approaching last, not fluent last, kept on, not reach leaders

14/1

4th

3

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Black Bamboo

11st 10lb

J: Tom Harney

T: John Joseph Murphy

midfield, in touch with leaders 3rd, pushed along and lost position after 4 out, not fluent 2 out, went fourth approaching last, not fluent last, kept on, not reach leaders

14/1

5/1

Form: 631-53 BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Improved form when getting off the mark in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse at the back end of last term; has run well in defeat twice since and was a well backed favourite when third of 16 at Navan when last seen on first try at this trip; there should be more to come and he's only up 1lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

16:15 Punchestown

Canal End

10st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Peter Fahey

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, not fluent 3rd, headway 11th, mistake 13th

4/1

4th

11

3rd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

16:15 Punchestown

Canal End

10st 5lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Peter Fahey

held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, not fluent 3rd, headway 11th, mistake 13th

4/1

33

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Canal End

10st 1lb

T: Peter Fahey

Answered questions about stamina when winning over a near-3m trip at Navan a month ago; will add substance to his owner's challenge if making the cut; third reserve.

Form: /418-4

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner last term before a tailed off eighth in the Albert Bartlett; didn't jump well on debut over fences this season but interesting to see if he can resume progress back over timber on handicap debut here; market may be revealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

Shanbally Kid

11st 3lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Bumper and hurdle winner won a valuable chase at Punchestown last year over just short of 4m; not as good off higher marks since and unseated there last time; looks the yard's second-string on jockey bookings.

12/1

11

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Shanbally Kid

10st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Came good over fences in this race last year with 15l win (raised 14lb) on yielding; four runs this term in admittedly hot handicaps have been disappointing, including remote fourth in Leinster National, most recently pulled up after racing prominently for long way in Irish National; handicapper relenting but still 7lb above last year's mark.

12/1

4th

6

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Shanbally Kid

10st 10lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Bumper and hurdles winner came good over fences at the Punchestown festival in a 23-runner extended 3m7f handicap, winning by 15l; took a very hefty 14lb rise for that and never dangerous on seasonal return at Leopardstown at 50-1 (3m1f, yielding); never travelling when pulled up in the Theyestes last time; others preferred.

20/1

Form: 21-116 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Signed off last term with a bumper win at Cork; made easy work of a maiden hurdle at Sligo on return before landing the hat-trick in a novice hurdle at Thurles; beaten 23l on handicap debut since but the ground was very testing and he may resume progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Will Do

10st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-15 chasing but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second to Better Times Ahead in the Porterstown at Fairyhouse in November (yielding); out of sorts in four runs since however so big upturn in performance required but 13lb better off with Better Times Ahead now, plus rider's claim.

10/1

4

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Will Do

11st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-14 in chases but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second in the Porterstown here last November (3m6f, yielding); out of sorts in three runs since, though, and needs to rediscover best.

16/1

11th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Will Do

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

0-13 now as a chaser but third in this race last year off 5lb lower; that was his best form last term and he's shown it only once since, when beaten a neck at Fairyhouse (3m6f, yielding to soft) in November; that was also his only long-distance assignment this term, so he could return to form with this step back up in trip; others are preferred for the win even so.

20/1

Form: 412164

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
In good form last year, winning a Sligo maiden hurdle and a novice hurdle at Galway; has struggled in two runs since but not on a bad mark for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Sequestered

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Sequestered

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

10th

9

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Sequestered

11st 6lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Irish-trained novice who has improved the last twice, easily winning big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 3m, good to yielding) in December then second of 16 at same track (2m5f, yielding); could do with jumping better than last time but this progressive 7yo may have more left in the tank.

14/1

28/1

Form: -08121 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Made it two wins from his last three starts at Limerick over Christmas but needs plenty more from 8lb higher in a race of this depth.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

18:50 Clonmel

Ishan

11st 3lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Leonard Paul Flynn

Three-time hurdles winner in 2023, showing a liking for a test of stamina in testing conditions; now 3kb below his last winning mark; Bbest run for Sam Curling last season was over fences; may find the ground too lively; first outing for this stable.

14/1

9th

10

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 0y

17:42 Clonmel

Ishan

11st 1lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: S Curling

Three-time hurdles winner in 2023; has slipped 2lb below last winning mark and shaping though his turn might be near on recent starts at Limerick and Cork; rain would enhance his chance (all wins on soft and heavy).

17/2

5th

12

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 15y

15:35 Cork

Ishan

10st 8lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: S Curling

Won three times in 2023 on soft and heavy ground but has come up short since; better effort on latest when a 3.5l third of 16 in a handicap chase at Limerick (2m7f, heavy); 2lb below last win but probably needs rain.

17/2

Form: 81-818 C

Last run: 83 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won a valuable race over shorter at this meeting last year and progressed through the handicaps since, winning two of her five subsequent starts; below form last time but shaped like this new trip may suit when successful over 2m6f at Ballinrobe previously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

14:40 Fairyhouse

Ballybawn Belter

11st 0lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Liz Doyle

Off the mark over fences when easy winner of 2m4f Limerick Listed handicap at Christmas (soft-to-heavy); out of frame in competitive Leopardstown handicaps twice since, most recently running well for long way and may have got a bit closer but for mistake last; drops in grade, one to consider.

9/2

6th

8

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Ballybawn Belter

10st 6lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Liz Doyle

Three hurdle wins include at this track; off the mark over fences when easy winner of 2m4f Limerick Listed handicap at Christmas (soft-to-heavy) but didn't appear to quite get home over this C&D in Grade Leopardstown Chase last month off 7lb higher mark; not one to dismiss all the same.

10/1

7th

15

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Ballybawn Belter

10st 5lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Liz Doyle

Three hurdle wins including at this track; got off the mark over fences when an easy winner of a Limerick Listed chase last time; a 7lb rise looks manageable and handles the ground, so a player.

8/1

Form: 11-533

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner at Punchestown last season before winning on handicap debut at Ballinrobe; solid efforts in two runs this term, including when beaten less than a length by Gaoth Chuil here last time; may resume progress and less testing ground might help her see the trip out; up 3lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

4th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 35y

13:03 Punchestown

Nine Graces

11st 12lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

Dual hurdle winner scored her sole chase win in a C&D Q.R. handicap last year; not a bad effort in that same race last time and is down 1lb so is worth considering.

9/2

1

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 45y

15:05 Punchestown

Nine Graces

11st 12lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

Dual hurdles winner got off the mark over fences here in January (19.5f, soft); failed to land a blow in the Kim Muir when last seen; chance if ready to rock after an absence back over timber.

5/1

12th

12

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Nine Graces

11st 3lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

Stayed on for second at Fairyhouse (2m4f, yielding) in December on fourth chase start and got off the mark in this sphere at Punchestown (extended 2m6f, soft) in January; this is tougher but she travelled well and found plenty last time, and this step up in trip could unlock further improvement.

14/1

Form: 1-1PP2 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Signed off last season with a maiden hurdle win and returned to defy a 10lb lower mark on handicap debut at Clonmel; bounced back from two pulled up efforts when runner-up to Mint Boy at Fairyhouse since; this is tougher and he's 3lb higher but still early days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:45 Fairyhouse

Castle Field Boy

11st 1lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Patrick T Foley

Dual hurdles winner won on handicap chase debut here in November (3m, soft) off 110; poor in two handicaps after, as well as in a novice contest here (2m5f, yielding) last time when 73l behind Nelson County.

20/1

5th

4

14th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 5f 150y

15:25 Fairyhouse

Castle Field Boy

11st 12lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Patrick T Foley

Dual hurdles winner got off the mark chasing around here at the fifth attempt back from a break on handicap debut over 3m in November (soft); pulled up after a bad mistake at Cork 19 days later but appeared to have few excuses for his 28l seventh at Navan last time (3m, soft to heavy); capable of getting involved on his best day.

12/1

1st

1

4th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 0f 82y

12:45 Fairyhouse

Castle Field Boy

11st 12lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Patrick T Foley

2-10 over hurdles and rated 10lb higher in that sphere; tailed off in all four starts in beginners' chases including two here; likely best watched on return from 264 days off.

12/1

Form: P0-65P C

Last run: 63 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
13th in this last year; struggling for form over fences and hurdles since and was pulled up in the Coral Gold Cup when last seen; lower hurdle mark should be a help but others hold stronger claims in a deep race here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 4f 165y

18:20 Downpatrick

Max Flamingo

11st 9lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: Francis Casey

towards rear, mistake and unseated 7th

20/1

2

26th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 4f 165y

18:20 Downpatrick

Max Flamingo

11st 9lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: Francis Casey

towards rear, mistake and unseated 7th

20/1

15th

18

3rd Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 104y

15:00 Leopardstown

Max Flamingo

10st 12lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: Francis Casey

13th in this last year; struggling for form over fences and hurdles since and was pulled up in the Coral Gold Cup when last seen; lower hurdle mark should be a help but others hold stronger claims in a deep race here.

33/1

Form: 1300-4

Last run: 84 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m novice hurdle at Cork last season and ran okay at Aintree on this year's return; may find others on better marks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

17th Aug 2025

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:30 Tramore

Starzov

10st 3lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; fell here in May, tailed off at Downpatrick last month, pulled up at Wexford last time.

25/1

12

6th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:17 Wexford

Starzov

10st 0lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: P J Rothwell

Won twice over hurdles; no sign of similar form over fences; tailed off at Downpatrick last month; trainer has a better chance with Prince Zaltar.

16/1

4

14th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:28 Downpatrick

Starzov

11st 6lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Dual hurdles winner but regressive last season; two chase efforts don't make him an obvious contender now on handicap debut unless first-time tongue-tie brings improvement.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 39032-

Last run: 280 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won the stayers' contest at the Shergar Cup meeting on the Flat last year before lesser efforts in both the Irish and Newmarket Cesarewitch; ran well when last seen over timber at the Punchestown festival, finishing runner-up to the well treated Seddon; while he's a point winner, he hasn't shown much over this sort of trip under rules and was ninth in this race off the same mark last season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(12)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:12 Killarney

The Very Man

9st 12lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

slowly into stride, always behind

12/1

9th

2

19th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 180y

15:05 Killarney

The Very Man

11st 12lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Mrs John Harrington

Talented dual-purpose performer; cracking fifth in red-hot 2m4f Punchestown handicap on latest hurdles run.

7/1

12th

2

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

18:05 Ascot

The Very Man

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Very solid sequence last spring/summer on ground ranging from good (unraced on firmer) to heavy, including a dominant display from the back over 2m at this track; 7lb higher mark today demands a career-best Flat performance but he was bang there in blanket finish to a good handicap hurdle last month and it's not hard to think that this trip will suit.

25/1

Form: 134122 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Two from six over hurdles; beaten half a length by Minella Crooner in a Listed chase on return but lesser effort when beaten 22l in a match over fences at Navan; doesn't look well treated on what he's done so far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

2nd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 2

14:35 Uttoxeter

Joyeux Machin

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Appreciated eased in grade at Bangor (3m, good to soft) six weeks ago, winning readily by 10l; contests deeper race here but probably still on workable mark after 5lb rise, and quicker ground also suits.

9/2

1st

1

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 30y

Class 3

14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Joyeux Machin

12st 2lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Dan Skelton

Exposed ex-Irish gelding who has yet to score for Dan Skelton (0-10); however, he has been contesting stronger races and was going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft; fine on good) in January; his subsequent Ascot run needs forgiving but that was a Class 1 race.

5/2

9th

6

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Joyeux Machin

10st 7lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Record of 0-9 for current yard but he ran well over hurdles on this card last year; still going nicely in clear lead when falling six out in major handicap chase at Doncaster (3m, soft) most recently; shortlisted.

7/2

Form: 410-41 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Four from 17 over hurdles and justified favouritism in handicap hurdle at Ayr last month; only 1lb higher here but this is much more competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Ailie Rose

11st 4lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Made it four wins over hurdles when leading for much of the way at Ayr (3m, heavy) in January, albeit facing only three opponents; pulled up in a much stronger race at the Dublin Racing Festival next time; needs to bounce back with a personal best off a career-high mark.

33/1

8

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Ailie Rose

11st 4lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Made it four wins over hurdles when leading for much of the way at Ayr (3m, heavy) in January, albeit facing only three opponents; pulled up in a much stronger race at the Dublin Racing Festival next time; needs to bounce back with a personal best off a career-high mark.

33/1

Form: 5429-2

Last run: 70 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Seven-race maiden under rules but it was a big effort on yard debut when runner-up in a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Haydock in November; the third, Crambo, gave that form a major boost by winner the Long Walk subsequently and he warrants plenty of respect here, despite the 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

29th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:35 Wexford

Fine Margin

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

A 126-rated hurdler; narrowly made a winning start as a chaser over C&D before struggling in a Grade 3 at Galway when 25-1; finished well behind Intellotto that day.

7/1

9th

2

31st Jul 2025

Good

2m 2f 54y

14:10 Galway

Fine Margin

11st 1lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Won three hurdle races in a row in Britain last summer on good ground; back from winter break for winning chasing debut in 2m4f Wexford beginners early this month, fresh but jumping well to beat two race-fit market principals on favoured good ground; looks like making a better chaser than hurdler and not one to dismiss despite jump in class.

12/1

3

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 110y

15:50 Wexford

Fine Margin

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Won three hurdle races in a row in Britain last summer at around 2m4f on good ground; pulled up in a better quality race next time at Worcester on soft ground (2m4f); 50l behind in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham last October; tries fences now but needs to bounce back.

7/2

Form: 322-31 C

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Finally got her head in front under rules here last time when winning over 2m4f having been well backed; point winner who may relish the step up in trip and not ruled out from 7lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

12th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:10 Worcester

Music Of Tara

12st 1lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

Made a successful stable debut over hurdles before a 2l third back chasing at Punchestown; 3m2f perhaps stretched her when 20-1 for the Kim Muir; in shallower waters here.

4/1

Form: 2068-1

Last run: 72 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Belatedly off the mark in a mares' maiden hurdle at Thurles in November; this is a whole new ball game and others are probably better treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(6)

13th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 40y

19:25 Roscommon

Mollys Glory

9st 4lb

J: Danny Sheehy

T: M C Grassick

Bumper/hurdle winner who stays 3m over jumps; never dangerous at 100-1 in a 1m2f Cork maiden last month.

14/1

Non-runners

Search For Glory, Extrapolation

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €583.90
Straight Forecast €320.61
Tricast €6850.37

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fine Margin

The Irish Sun:

Park Of Kings

POSTDATA:

Search For Glory

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Ailie Rose

TOPSPEED:

Fine Margin