April 20 / 14.45 Curragh

14.45

Heavy

Hytech EQ Ultra Handicap

  • Prize money: £15391.3
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • 16 runners
RTV
View Course
Hytech EQ Ultra Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.30
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 90131- CD

Last run: 223 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Ended last season in the form of his life at this track, winning twice including 1m2f premier handicap on final start in September and in between finished a close third in Irish Cambridgeshire over this trip; those efforts came on much better ground however so obvious ground concerns here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

14th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 0y

16:25 Curragh

Crystal Black

9st 10lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

Highly progressive in winning all four starts last year, including twice in Curragh handicaps and Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m4f); very light campaign this year, inadequate trip on return before close second to an all-the-way winner in Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown last month; first attempt at 1m6f here.

12/1

1

(3)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:53 Leopardstown

Crystal Black

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

Highly progressive in winning all four starts last year, starting in Curragh handicaps at 1m and 1m2f; even better at 1m4f, landing Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot and taking this race by 5l from subsequent Irish Cesarewitch winner The Euphrates; should be sharper than when one place behind Sons And Lovers over 1m2f at the Curragh in April.

5/4

4th

4

(1)

12th Apr 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Crystal Black

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

raced in fourth, brief headway and went third under 2f out, no extra and lost third towards finish

5/2

10/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 3487-5 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Grand sort handles heavy and won a big pot over 7f at Cork last May; left with plenty to do when never nearer fifth in last month's Irish Lincoln on seasonal return, should get closer this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(8)

13th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 20y

19:00 Killarney

Earls

9st 6lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Wonderfully durable handicapper with 11 wins to his name, the latest being on his favoured soft ground at Roscommon in September; returned to form at that track two starts back, where he handled good ground, and fine run at Limerick (yielding) last month when narrowly beaten by an in-form 3yo; easier ground would be ideal, but still the one to beat.

7/4

2nd

8

(5)

10th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

18:20 Limerick

Earls

9st 5lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Confirmed a liking for the Roscommon track with last month's second; last September, that venue was the scene of the most recent of his 11 career wins; retains ability.

6/1

2nd

8

(15)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 111y

17:53 Roscommon

Earls

9st 10lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Veteran loves it here; has won eleven times, including three over C&D, most recently off this mark last September; poor both runs this season, however, and not well drawn here.

22/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 0909-4 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Long losing run but reappeared with fine fourth in Irish Lincoln here last month, having raced prominently; down to a competitive mark and has to enter calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(2)

16th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 40y

17:20 Killarney

Casanova

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Seasoned handicapper has deteriorated considerably this year, never counting in a Ballinrobe claimer on latest; very hard to be confident in.

14/1

6th

6

(7)

4th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 195y

16:40 Bellewstown

Casanova

9st 6lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Adrian McGuinness

Has struggled in eight starts since winning a 1m1f Listowel handicap last autumn; rated 85 after that success, now 15lb lower but even so can be given a chance at these weights; good 7lb claimer aboard.

4/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 874-31 C

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Consistent for Ross O'Sullivan, winning twice over 1m2f on soft ground; up to career-high mark after recent Leopardstown win for this yard over same trip, having his field well strung out when winning going away; cheekpieces now fitted for drop in trip and seems sure to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(6)

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

20:00 Tramore

Mr Rango

9st 8lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: James M Barcoe

Three-time winner at 1m2f on soft or heavy, latest over two years ago; fair form this season and proved he can stay when second at 33-1 over 2m1f at Limerick last month.

11/2

2nd

7

(9)

10th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

20:20 Limerick

Mr Rango

9st 8lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: James M Barcoe

Three-time winner at 1m2f on soft or heavy, latest over two years ago; fair form this season but good bit to find with a couple of these on recent Leopardstown run and remains unproven over this extended trip.

16/1

8th

4

(7)

20th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 170y

19:50 Gowran Park

Mr Rango

9st 12lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: James M Barcoe

Three-time winner at 1m2f on soft or heavy, latest over two years ago; fair form this season but needs to find extra; ran in the 7.50 at Roscommon on Monday.

12/1

Form: 43057- D

Last run: 181 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Handled heavy ground when winning Bellewstown maiden this time last year; quite highly tried afterwards by Johnny Murtagh, best run when third in Listowel handicap off 91; first start for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(6)

12th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 0y

17:23 Gowran Park

Fast Tara

9st 2lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Paul W Flynn

Placed twice in handicaps this season but only one career win from 27 starts is a concern; finished last in Listed company at Navan on Sunday; new headgear combination is tried now.

10/1

9th

3

(3)

7th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 30y

16:02 Navan

Fast Tara

9st 9lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Paul W Flynn

Placed twice in handicaps this term; only one win from 26 starts; faces a huge task in this company.

33/1

Form: 193-95 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive last season (including on heavy); just respectable runs both starts this season, keeping on late behind Independent Expert over inadequate 7f latest; return to a stiff mile to suit so not one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(15)

3rd Nov 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

14:25 Curragh

Simply Sideways

9st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Timothy Doyle

raced near side, towards rear

14/1

9th

13

(15)

3rd Nov 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

14:25 Curragh

Simply Sideways

9st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Timothy Doyle

raced near side, towards rear

14/1

4th

5

(7)

6th Oct 2024

Yielding

1m 1f 0y

13:55 Tipperary

Simply Sideways

9st 9lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Timothy Doyle

dwelt start, midfield, soon in touch with leaders, went fourth inside final furlong, ran on, not reach leaders

6/1

Form: 23123- BF

Last run: 169 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Bought for 42,000gns out of Ralph Beckett's yard in December, having won Chepstow maiden last summer and run to a better level subsequently in handicaps at Pontefract and Newmarket (heavy); begins for Joseph O'Brien off a fair mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(4)

29th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 50y

Class 1

16:28 Nottingham

Mexicali Rose

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

held up in rear, some headway and in touch with leaders over 3f out, weakened from 2f out

9/1

6th

6

(4)

29th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 50y

Class 1

16:28 Nottingham

Mexicali Rose

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

held up in rear, some headway and in touch with leaders over 3f out, weakened from 2f out

9/1

Form: 8204-1 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Mare likes an ease in the ground and was recording fourth career win when making successful seasonal return at Cork last month, beating Scholarship; 4lb rise okay and gets 1m so one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(7)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

19:20 Windsor

Independent Expert

9st 12lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Exposed mare who is 6-45 on turf; beaten in claimers on final two runs in Ireland in May and was well held in an Epsom handicap (6f, good; 33-1) on recent stable debut; has something to prove and all of her wins have been over further.

25/1

6th

4

(2)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Independent Expert

9st 11lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Exposed mare who was 6-44 on turf in Ireland; beaten in claimers on her two starts last month (7f and 1m, turf/AW) so it will be interesting to see how she goes in the market on this first stab at 6f since her only attempt over three years ago; stable debut.

20/1

5th

4

(9)

26th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

17:07 Dundalk (AW)

Independent Expert

9st 10lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Eight wins, two of them here; latest success was over 7f at Naas in March and ran well in big-field contest at the Curragh next time; disappointed when odds-on for Gowran claimer last week, but picked up a few grazes and she's better than that.

3/1

Form: 0692-2

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Decent Newbury form (7f) last year for Clive Cox, winning on seasonal debut and ended campaign with good second on heavy; good start for new connections when second to Independent Expert at Cork last month (7f) but remains unproven over 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(10)

20th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:45 Leopardstown

Scholarship

8st 13lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Gerard O’Leary

midfield, keeping on when repeatedly short of room from over 1f out, ran on well and went second inside final 110yds, no match for winner

12/1

3

(5)

17th Oct 2024

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Scholarship

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gerard O’Leary

Only beaten half a length over C&D in June and bounced back from a lesser effort when runner-up over 1m4f at Listowel last month; drop back in trip on slower ground looks ideal and has to be high on the shortlist.

11/4

2nd

7

(3)

23rd Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 0y

16:20 Listowel

Scholarship

9st 2lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Gerard O’Leary

took keen hold, midfield, towards rear after 3f

8/1

25/1

Form: 5/285/

Last run: 1070 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Smart performer in his day, runner-up in Cork Listed and and ran well in Group 1 company; absent nearly three years so impossible to know what to make of him at this stage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(11)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Fiscal Rules

9st 9lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: J S Bolger

Only win came in a Cork maiden in 2020; narrowly denied over 7f at Gowran on his penultimate start and wasn't beaten far in Leopardstown Group 3 since but mark looks tough.

25/1

8th

3

(11)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Fiscal Rules

9st 9lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: J S Bolger

Only win came in a Cork maiden in 2020; narrowly denied over 7f at Gowran on his penultimate start and wasn't beaten far in Leopardstown Group 3 since but mark looks tough.

25/1

5th

2

(1)

12th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

15:00 Leopardstown

Fiscal Rules

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: J S Bolger

Highly tried and rated as 3yo but only managed maiden win; back from almost three years off and nearly beat 104-rated foe at Gowran (7f, heavy) on Thursday; turned out again quickly which is a very Bolger thing to do; won't mind this ground and respected.

8/1

Form: 5-8435 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Heavily raced seven-time winner; already had three turf runs this season, notably Cork third to Independent Expert; bit to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(23)

3rd Nov 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

13:25 Curragh

Sirjack Thomas

9st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on, never on terms

22/1

11th

12

(23)

3rd Nov 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

13:25 Curragh

Sirjack Thomas

9st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

towards rear

22/1

8th

6

(6)

7th Oct 2024

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 30y

15:30 Killarney

Sirjack Thomas

9st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Dropping down the handicap has led to a revival in recent months, winning a 1m handicap at Dundalk and a 7f Galway handicap last month; continued in fair form with Listowel fourth; ground versatile, one for the short list.

9/2

12th
15 (15)
Pralognan

25/1

Form: 2/023- D

Last run: 309 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Juvenile winner in France with placed form at up to 1m4f; faller on last month's hurdles return and this trip looks on the short side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

2nd Nov 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:10 Cork

Pralognan

10st 6lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: A J Martin

Dual-purpose; won off 5lb lower at Downpatrick in June (2m2f, yld-sft) and followed up on the Flat at Newcastle 13 days later; below par in three runs on the level since; career best needed off current mark on return to this sphere.

7/2

3rd

10

2nd Nov 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:10 Cork

Pralognan

10st 6lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: A J Martin

Dual-purpose; won off 5lb lower at Downpatrick in June (2m2f, yld-sft) and followed up on the Flat at Newcastle 13 days later; below par in three runs on the level since; career best needed off current mark on return to this sphere.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 61131- D

Last run: 187 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Likeable sort made it three wins from five starts when beating four rivals in rated race at Gowran in October on heavy, his final start; remains relatively unexposed entering handicap ranks here and has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(2)

13th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 20y

19:00 Killarney

Grey Leader

9st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: R P Burns

Five wins for Joe Murphy, latest of them over 1m1f at Tipperary in October; big prices and has shown little in four starts for this yard; mark tumbling, but prefers it soft and will be of more interest when the rain returns.

20/1

10th

7

(1)

30th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 63y

19:30 Roscommon

Grey Leader

9st 12lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: R P Burns

Five-time winner for Joe Murphy; yet to find his form for this stable; reduced rating now (4lb below his last winning mark) but needs to show some spark before becoming a betting proposition again.

14/1

8th

2

(7)

22nd Jun 2026

Yielding

1m 1f 163y

18:55 Ballinrobe

Grey Leader

10st 2lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: R P Burns

Five-time winner for Joe Murphy; tailed off on debut for this stable in the Irish Lincoln; again struggled when dropped in class at Limerick; trainer/rider combined for a win at Limerick last Friday.

25/1

14th
7 (1)
Lady Lunette

16/1

Form: 1105-6 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
C&D win last summer came off mark of 84 and not discredited behind Crystal Black over 1m2f here; ambitiously campaigned without success since including recent Naas Listed; will appreciate return to handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Lady Lunette

10st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: R P Cody

Best form has been at 1m2f but it was a Listed race in which she struggled when trying this far for the first time at Naas 19 days ago; others might be better treated anyway; tongue-tie joins regular cheekpieces.

16/1

1st

2

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Lady Lunette

10st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: R P Cody

Best form has been at 1m2f but it was a Listed race in which she struggled when trying this far for the first time at Naas 19 days ago; others might be better treated anyway; tongue-tie joins regular cheekpieces.

16/1

11th

5

(16)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

15:45 Naas

Lady Lunette

9st 7lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: R P Cody

Four wins including 1m2f Sligo fillies handicap in August; never sighted in Gowran Group 3 since and remains unproven over this far.

20/1

Form: 8129-6

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Soft ground winner at Leicester last year bettered that form when second at Newmarket afterwards; encouraging enough seasonal return in Lincoln at Doncaster so not one to rule out on ground he handles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Spirit Genie

10st 13lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

Five-time winner on a handy mark but it's been a quiet start to this season and, even if back on song, looks vulnerable to stronger stayers over this far; the return of a visor might be no bad thing.

14/1

8th

2

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Spirit Genie

11st 1lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D scorer who made a promising return from a poor draw when seventh of 22 in 7f York handicap four weeks ago; figures on a handy-looking mark now and he's interesting.

10/1

7th

5

(21)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Ended winless 2025 campaign with a placed effort in an above-average seller; starts his 2026 season off 8lb below his last winning mark but chance partly depends on the weather as he's best on ground softer than good.

20/1

Form: 0508-0

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Seasoned handicapper yet to win beyond 7f and hasn't won since July 2022; too keen in Lincoln on seasonal return and remains opposable despite reduced mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(6)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Current Option

10st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Adrian McGuinness

took keen hold, prominent, joined leader over 4f out, led under 3f out, headed over 1f out, lost second when lost action inside final 110yds, eased towards finish, looked to go wrong

3/1

4th

3

(6)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Current Option

10st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Adrian McGuinness

took keen hold, prominent, joined leader over 4f out, led under 3f out, headed over 1f out, lost second when lost action inside final 110yds, eased towards finish, looked to go wrong

3/1

2nd

9

(9)

18th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:25 Dundalk (AW)

Current Option

8st 8lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Adrian McGuinness

Once very useful sort with eight turf wins but is yet to win on AW; fine effort from the front over inadequate 6f (rider dropped whip) here last Friday and one to consider back at his optimum trip and rider's valuable claim.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €73.30
Straight Forecast €51.30
Tricast €479.35
Trifecta €1000.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Earls

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Grey Leader

The Irish Sun:

Spirit Genie

TOPSPEED:

Casanova

POSTDATA:

Earls