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

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

10th

2

(2)

8th Apr 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 5f 180y

17:25 Gowran Park

Not Just Any Eagle

10st 3lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Won his fifth race on the Flat when scoring over 1m4f at Leopardstown last year; some fine runs in defeat after up to 2m; below form last two runs but a chance if at best on return.

12/1

11

(9)

19th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Leopardstown

Not Just Any Eagle

9st 4lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Fifth career win came over C&D in May (good) and somewhat mixed form since, standout run when just denied over 2m1f at Clonmel last month (Bottler'secret 3L away third); heavy ground could have been too testing at Listowel last time so remains of interest back on better ground.

10/1

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

6th

8

30th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

18:30 Tramore

Patrick Street

11st 1lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Andrew Kinirons

Dual-purpose gelding who won on the Flat last month; finished well for third over hurdles at Punchestown but over 2m and stamina could be an issue over this far on chase debut.

10/1

3rd

16

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:20 Punchestown

Patrick Street

10st 10lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Andrew Kinirons

Reverts to jumps after a snug win over 1m4f at Limerick 18 days ago; relatively unexposed over hurdles and may be capable of improving on previous modest form

4/1

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

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

4th

5

(4)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Daonethatgotaway

9st 9lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Mark Fahey

Scored his third course win and his first over this trip last time under today's rider; needs more raised 5lb to a career-high mark but likely to be involved.

9/2

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

1st

4

(4)

26th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:48 Dundalk (AW)

Grey Fable

9st 12lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Karl Thornton

Both wins came at Chester in 2024; it's been a washout so far this season and remains best watched.

16/1

14th

2

(16)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

20:20 Roscommon

Grey Fable

10st 1lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Karl Thornton

Back-to-back wins at Chester in 2024, but has never won on home soil; moderate form last year and same story in two recent outings; 1m7f too far latest.

10/1

4th

3

(2)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Ayr

Grey Fable

9st 3lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Karl Thornton

Irish raider; won twice over 1m4f at Chester in July 2024 (good/good to soft); mixed efforts since, mainly at 1m2f/1m4f as he didn't seem to stay when tried at 2m.

4/1

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

11th

4

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 180y

13:47 Navan

Dinamine

9st 12lb

J: Hannah Rafferty

T: Michael Mulvany

Two wins have come over further, including when last seen at Bellewstown in August; inadequate trip and long absent so may need this comeback run.

20/1

1st

6

(4)

26th Aug 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 195y

17:25 Bellewstown

Dinamine

9st 7lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Rain welcomed as his belated breakthrough win came on heavy ground over 7f in April; some good runs in defeat since, latest strong-finishing third over inadequate 6f at Naas early this month; could go well back up in trip from a good draw.

11/2

9

(19)

4th Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 205y

14:46 Naas

Dinamine

9st 5lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Michael Mulvany

Rain welcomed as his belated breakthrough win came on heavy ground in April; that was over 7f and his good runs since have been over furher than this; might find some in here too quick.

10/1

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

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

2nd

3

(13)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 190y

15:22 Sligo

You Make Me Smile

9st 13lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: P A Fahy

Locally-owned mare took a long time to come to hand but thrived under both codes last year, recording four wins including this race and a handicap hurdle here in October; promising run at Navan lately and headgear worn for latest Flat win is back on; crack apprentice on board too, so loads to like.

100/30

3rd

4

(4)

22nd Apr 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 5f 160y

19:48 Gowran Park

You Make Me Smile

9st 12lb

J: W J Lee

T: P A Fahy

Won four races last year, two over hurdles and two on the Flat, including her last start in this sphere at Galway in October; late-season form also included a Bellewstown second, splitting two of these rivals Idomything and Bhean Sainbhre; needs to reverse the form of seasonal debut at Navan with Bhean Saibhre

6/1

Non-runners

Dromore Glory, Ruby Jules, Jeaniemacaroney

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Saffronandblue

POSTDATA:

Dromore Glory

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Kartayaz

The Irish Sun:

Saffronandblue