May 05 / 16.35 Sligo

16.35

Yielding To Soft

Tote Fantasy Handicap

  • Prize money: £5386.96
  • 1m 2f 120y
  • 14 runners
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Tote Fantasy Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 624315 D BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Durable dual-purpose performer's most recent win came on Dundalk AW in March over this trip; didn't get a clear run when never landing a blow in similar contest last month; not one to rule out back on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

18:37 Downpatrick

Darkened

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

9yo who has had a lot of racing and steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of seven at Clonmel two years ago; however, was running well before finishing second in a claiming hurdle last time and he's now with John McConnell.

4/1

3rd

3

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

18:37 Downpatrick

Darkened

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

9yo who has had a lot of racing and steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of seven at Clonmel two years ago; however, was running well before finishing second in a claiming hurdle last time and he's now with John McConnell.

4/1

2nd

5

14th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 160y

16:25 Tramore

Darkened

10st 10lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Noel C Kelly

Second runner for yard; dual-purpose; 3-26 over hurdles and rated 98; in good form on the AW in recent weeks and ran well on his only previous visit to this track; goes on any ground, notable jockey booking and not without a chance.

5/1

Form: 2725-2

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Sole win came at Cork in 2022 but has gone close on several occasions including latest at Dundalk in March; handles soft but wide draw here a negative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(2)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 200y

18:15 Fairyhouse

Not Just Any Eagle

9st 2lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Four Flat wins at up to 1m4f, including Leopardstown handicap last season off 78; yet to hit form this campaign though, twice not appearing to stay today's trip; bit to prove now.

12/1

14th

2

(11)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 40y

19:20 Fairyhouse

Not Just Any Eagle

10st 0lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

4-30 on turf, along with one AW victory; last success came off 2lb lower at Leopardstown last year (1m4f, good); struggled on soft ground at Gowran on seasonal return, but improved on that when seventh of 16 back there last time (1m4f, yielding), a nose behind Just Keep Flying; heading in the right direction.

20/1

7th

1

(15)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 40y

14:34 Gowran Park

Not Just Any Eagle

10st 2lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Five-time winner; last scored at Leopardstown in May 2025 off 4lb lower; struggled on soft ground on seasonal return over 1m6f here in April; might need another run or two to hit top form.

28/1

OUR TIP

25/1

Form: 864-00

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
A 15-race maiden, placed twice for Michael O'Callaghan; both AW runs for current yard underwhelming and of limited appeal here, especially from wide draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(12)

22nd Jul 2024

Yielding

1m 4f 178y

19:40 Ballinrobe

Lakewood

9st 8lb

J: Cian MacRedmond

T: Paul W Flynn

Regressive maiden for former yards was pulled-up on hurdling debut last time; new yard is going well but will have to work the oracle with this mare; tongue-tie on.

22/1

13

11th Jun 2024

Good

2m 1f 182y

17:45 Sligo

Lakewood

11st 5lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Thomas Coyle

Maiden on the Flat has been well beaten in that sphere lately and not easy to fancy.

50/1

Form: 12076-

Last run: 144 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Two good turf runs in October, winning at Navan and runner-up at Gowran; subsequent AW form not so good but runs well fresh, acts on easy ground and nice draw so respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 207y

17:13 Down Royal

Patrick Street

9st 6lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Andrew Kinirons

Bagged his second win on turf at Limerick in April (1m4f, yielding) off 44; failed to add an elusive win over obstacles in two starts since, although he placed over hurdles at Punchestown; could go well and has won off 1lb higher before.

9/2

Form: 00-233 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Maiden in good form of late on AW and again in Leopardstown handicap last month albeit without landing a serious blow; blinkers retained and potential improver now upped in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 40y

16:40 Navan

Daonethatgotaway

9st 9lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Mark Fahey

Five-time winner (two on turf) effective at 1m-1m4f; had been running well on the AW this year before a poor effort on testing ground at the Curragh when last seen in April; this ground more suitable and has gone well fresh, but yet to win off this high a mark.

14/1

12th

21

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 0f 0y

15:42 Curragh

Daonethatgotaway

8st 7lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Mark Fahey

Five-time winner, two on turf, both over a mile on good; in good form on the AW lately, won 1m4f handicap at Dundalk in February; 0.75l second to Unterberg 14 days ago on AW; needs a good pace to aim at and trip a bit sharp; soft ground would be a concern.

18/1

2nd

5

(6)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Daonethatgotaway

9st 5lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Mark Fahey

Scored his third course win and his first over this trip when a neck too good for today's rival Benavente last month; had reached the first three in six consecutive races before last week's fourth of nine in a race in which Beauparc beat Voice Of Reason

13/2

Form: 8806-1

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Reappeared last month nicely improved to get off the mark at Leopardstown over 1m1f (heavy), coming off the pace to win with fair bit in hand; 10lb rise for that but more than likely has more to offer over this longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

20th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

13:22 Fairyhouse

Saffronandblue

10st 7lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Martin Brassil

Dual Flat winner ran well in that sphere at the Curragh last month; hasn't shown a lot in four hurdle starts including a handicap.

28/1

18

20th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

13:22 Fairyhouse

Saffronandblue

10st 7lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Martin Brassil

Dual Flat winner ran well in that sphere at the Curragh last month; hasn't shown a lot in four hurdle starts including a handicap.

28/1

4th

17

(4)

29th Mar 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Saffronandblue

9st 0lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Martin Brassil

Two-time Flat winner, winning back-to-back handicaps at Leopardstown and Sligo last spring; hurdles campaign this season has been fruitless; returns to the Flat from a workable mark so market watch advised.

18/1

Form: 786-80

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Has been disappointing after initial handicap promise; well held behind a stablemate on Curragh return and loads of improvement needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Firm

1m 4f 65y

20:00 Limerick

Grey Fable

10st 1lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Karl Thornton

Out of form before a Dundalk win in May, down the field behind Deluca Chop at Down Royal; plenty to find on that evidence.

12/1

9th

3

(15)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 207y

17:13 Down Royal

Grey Fable

10st 1lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Karl Thornton

Both turf wins came at Chester in 2024; surprise winner on AW at Dundalk last time given his poor form leading up to it, keeping on well over 1m4f; not certain to back that up off 3lb higher.

7/1

Form: 350/3-

Last run: 355 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
All three hurdle wins have come here, her local track, albeit on better ground; 0-12 on the Flat but placed three times over C&D including seasonal return this time last year; ideally wants better ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

18:05 Galway

Red Ball Of Fire

10st 5lb

J: Alan King

T: Mark Michael McNiff

All three wins over hurdles at Sligo but only one success since 2021 and she's been off 276 days; tough ask given her record fresh.

40/1

12

27th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

20:30 Curragh

Red Ball Of Fire

11st 9lb

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Three hurdle wins but is a maiden on the Flat and has to find improvement off a break.

28/1

6th

12

27th Oct 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 11y

16:13 Galway

Red Ball Of Fire

11st 0lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Mark Michael McNiff

prominent, outpaced approaching last, kept on, not reach leaders

12/1

Form: 15-042

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent but came good on heavy ground at Gowran in October and returned to that level of form when getting up for second behind comfortable winner Saffronandblue at Leopardstown last month from a wide draw; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

(15)

21st Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 75y

16:30 Gowran Park

Angel On Fire

9st 0lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: P F McEnery

Sprang a surprise in this race last year on heavy ground at 33-1, his sole career win; just 1lb higher now; poor on latest but may have needed that run after a 122-day absence; not well drawn but could go well, especially if there is a lot of rain.

14/1

11th

8

(2)

2nd Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 205y

14:40 Bellewstown

Angel On Fire

9st 3lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: P F McEnery

prominent on inner, lost position 2f out, soon weakened

20/1

10th

8

(5)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

16:20 Listowel

Angel On Fire

9st 3lb

J: Cian MacRedmond

T: P F McEnery

in touch with leaders, outpaced and dropped to midfield 2f out, weakened 1f out

7/1

Form: 08-390

Last run: 93 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Longstanding maiden is now 0-32 and most recent AW form doesn't suggest that will change off higher turf mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(12)

2nd Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 211y

18:10 Bellewstown

Dinamine

9st 10lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Dual winner, including over C&D (good to yielding) last August off 3lb lower; best effort in three runs this year when close third at Limerick (7f, yielding) last month; slow break costly at that track a day later; could bounce back.

14/1

9th

13

(9)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 7f 35y

18:30 Leopardstown

Dinamine

8st 10lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Two-time winner, including over this trip on heavy at Gowran Park last year off 8lb lower; latest win at Bellewstown (1m, g/y) in August; satisfactory return over inadequate trip at Navan 26 days ago; 3lb drop generous and player with ground likely to suit.

12/1

Form: 89-063 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Down Royal winner at this trip last season (yielding-to-soft) and has won on AW since; lost second close home to Dromore Glory at Dundalk last month (clear of remainder) so considered back on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

(6)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

20:20 Roscommon

Kartayaz

8st 10lb

J: Zoe McMullan

T: G A Kingston

Five wins, four of them on AW including 50-1 success under this rider in December; shaped like the run was needed at Ballinrobe last time; best form is over 10.5f, this trip stretches him

20/1

11th

14

(5)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 133y

19:22 Ballinrobe

Kartayaz

8st 10lb

J: Zoe McMullan

T: G A Kingston

Four-time AW winner, also won on turf at Down Royal; recent AW form leaves him with plenty to find.

25/1

8th

11

(7)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

18:45 Dundalk (AW)

Kartayaz

8st 12lb

J: Zoe McMullan

T: G A Kingston

Four-time C&D winner, the latest in December off 2lb lower for this rider; well beaten in both starts since and needs to bounce back from 23l defeat in claimer last week.

28/1

14/1

Form: -43426

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
A 32-race maiden who went closest when beaten a neck by Darkened at Dundalk in March; bit to find with several of these however on run there since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(3)

19th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Anjah

9st 4lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: H D McGuigan

Sole win in 37 starts came over this C&D; poor efforts in trio of starts this year though and others are more convincing.

33/1

13

(9)

6th Aug 2025

Yielding

1m 5f 103y

20:10 Sligo

Anjah

8st 12lb

J: Jimmy Dalton

T: H D McGuigan

Only 1-36; not a bad final run at Tramore (1m4f) without ever threatening to trouble the principals.

14/1

11

(2)

8th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

19:20 Tramore

Anjah

9st 5lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: H D McGuigan

Off the mark at Dundalk last September on his 34th outing; probably needed the race at Sligo in May; should be sharper now; talented apprentice booked by the trainer who also saddles the top-weight.

8/1

Form: 3/059-

Last run: 158 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Sole flat win came over just shy of this trip at Gowran (soft); campaigned more over hurdles of late, notably staying-on fourth when fell last at Naas, just okay run at Tramore latest; 2lb wrong here on flat return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

15

25th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 150y

19:05 Wexford

Astrophysicist

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: J A Nash

First reserve; Flat winner is 0-18 over hurdles but not bad efforts in this sphere the last twice; still needs more.

11th

12

(4)

17th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 103y

19:50 Killarney

Astrophysicist

8st 12lb

J: Sean Davis

T: J A Nash

soon led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened

33/1

Form: 0050-

Last run: 286 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
First reserve; modest dual-purpose maiden whose recent hurdles form poor; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(6)

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

20:30 Tramore

You Make Me Smile

10st 1lb

J: W J Lee

T: P A Fahy

Four wins last year, two on the Flat, two over hurdles; placed twice on the Flat this season, beaten 7l when favourite for a 1m6f handicap at Sligo in May; good run when second in a mares' handicap hurdle at Downpatrick last month, well clear of the remainder.

4/1

2nd

11

14th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 185y

14:50 Downpatrick

You Make Me Smile

10st 2lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: P A Fahy

Four wins last year, two on the Flat, two over hurdles; placed twice on the level this year and good run from well out of the handicap in 2m Ballinrobe hurdle last time; this trip might just stretch her stamina.

15/2

3rd

10

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

19:00 Ballinrobe

You Make Me Smile

10st 0lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: P A Fahy

Has been running well on the Flat; fair hurdles record but 13lb out of the handicap here; tough task in the circumstances, though rider's 5lb allowance will help.

12/1

Non-runners

Dromore Glory, Ruby Jules, Jeaniemacaroney

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Saffronandblue

POSTDATA:

Dromore Glory

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Kartayaz

The Irish Sun:

Saffronandblue