18.00

J: J J Slevin

11/2

Place: £1.70

Form: 12422- D

Last run: 91 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict

Likeable novice last term, winning three times and good second in Punchestown festival handicap when tried in headgear (dispensed with here); warmed up for this with a win on the Flat at Roscommon; well capable of going close off this mark.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
4th 5	18th Nov 2023 Soft To Heavy 2m 4f 0y	14:05 Navan Busselton 11st 3lb J: Richard Deegan T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Better known as a chaser; won the Kerry National last year but didn't repeat that form in four starts after and was poor when last seen; probably best watched back over hurdles.	22/1
5th 2	15th May 2023 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 0y	18:55 Killarney Busselton 11st 0lb J: J J Slevin T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Won the Kerry National last autumn and ran a fine race in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury; found testing conditions against him at Navan and then in the Irish National; this will be much more suitable and holds a solid chance.	2/1
3	10th Apr 2023 Soft 3m 5f 0y	17:00 Fairyhouse Busselton 11st 1lb J: Shane Fitzgerald T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Has plenty of experience over fences for a 6yo; conditions were good when winning the 3m Kerry National in September and again when fifth in Newbury's November handicap; 2m4f too sharp the last time (Grade 2) but, while he handles soft ground, such conditions are likely to stretch him over this far; blinkers return.	25/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

4th

5

18th Nov 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

14:05 Navan

11st 3lb

J: Richard Deegan

Better known as a chaser; won the Kerry National last year but didn't repeat that form in four starts after and was poor when last seen; probably best watched back over hurdles.

22/1

5th

2

15th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

18:55 Killarney

11st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

Won the Kerry National last autumn and ran a fine race in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury; found testing conditions against him at Navan and then in the Irish National; this will be much more suitable and holds a solid chance.

2/1

3

10th Apr 2023

Soft

3m 5f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

11st 1lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

Has plenty of experience over fences for a 6yo; conditions were good when winning the 3m Kerry National in September and again when fifth in Newbury's November handicap; 2m4f too sharp the last time (Grade 2) but, while he handles soft ground, such conditions are likely to stretch him over this far; blinkers return.

25/1

3rd

4

Fan De Blues

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

12/1

Place: £1.80

Form: 26F94- C

Last run: 91 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict

2-17 over fences including a Grade 3 win at this festival last year (2m2f); an under-achiever in handicap company and over 5l off Busselton when fourth at Punchestown in April; 2lb better off here but more exposed than that rival.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
6th 4	14th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1	16:05 Aintree Fan De Blues 11st 9lb J: Daryl Jacob T: W P Mullins	Close third of 20 in the always-strong Blazers Handicap at last year's Galway Festival (2m6f, good to yielding) and kept to 2m1f since, winning at Ballinrobe and Cork before struggling in handicaps at Fairyhouse; by no means a natural chaser and these fences will test that part of his game.	25/1
3	14th Jan 2023 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y	14:12 Fairyhouse Fan De Blues 11st 3lb J: Daryl Jacob T: W P Mullins	didn't jump with fluency, held up in rear, bit short of room 2nd, pushed along and no extra after 3 out, pulled up before 2 out	7/1
8th 1	3rd Dec 2022 Yielding 2m 0f 165y	12:42 Fairyhouse Fan De Blues 11st 12lb J: Paul Townend T: W P Mullins	In the form of his life at present; recorded his highest RPR when winning a Ballinrobe conditions chase before easily scoring in a Cork handicap last time; went up 8lb for that but is on such an upward curve that he could defy that rise.	100/30

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

6th

4

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

11st 9lb

Close third of 20 in the always-strong Blazers Handicap at last year's Galway Festival (2m6f, good to yielding) and kept to 2m1f since, winning at Ballinrobe and Cork before struggling in handicaps at Fairyhouse; by no means a natural chaser and these fences will test that part of his game.

25/1

3

14th Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 0y

11st 3lb

didn't jump with fluency, held up in rear, bit short of room 2nd, pushed along and no extra after 3 out, pulled up before 2 out

7/1

8th

1

3rd Dec 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 165y

11st 12lb

In the form of his life at present; recorded his highest RPR when winning a Ballinrobe conditions chase before easily scoring in a Cork handicap last time; went up 8lb for that but is on such an upward curve that he could defy that rise.

100/30

4th

21

The Dabbler

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Liam P Cusack

Place: £6.10

Form: BP2-F3 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict

Dual winner last year and runner-up over C&D in October; has been running well over marathon trips this year; fourth over hurdles at Sligo on latest start; first reserve.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
0 3	29th Oct 2023 Soft 2m 6f 111y	13:51 Galway The Dabbler 11st 10lb J: Richard Deegan T: Liam P Cusack	Below his best over hurdles at Ballinrobe in August; made mistakes when 17l fourth in the Galway Blazers here at the festival; was not beaten far in fourth in the same race last season, and went close in this event in 2021.	8/1
6th 7	14th Aug 2023 Yielding 3m 1f 157y	19:20 Ballinrobe The Dabbler 11st 2lb J: Sean Flanagan T: Liam P Cusack	Decent chaser who stays much further and 13lb lower mark over hurdles; fair fourth in the Galway Blazers and was third of 22 to the well-handicapped Maxxium at Navan in November when last seen over hurdles.	15/2

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

0

3

29th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 6f 111y

11st 10lb

Below his best over hurdles at Ballinrobe in August; made mistakes when 17l fourth in the Galway Blazers here at the festival; was not beaten far in fourth in the same race last season, and went close in this event in 2021.

8/1

6th

7

14th Aug 2023

Yielding

3m 1f 157y

11st 2lb

Decent chaser who stays much further and 13lb lower mark over hurdles; fair fourth in the Galway Blazers and was third of 22 to the well-handicapped Maxxium at Navan in November when last seen over hurdles.

15/2

5th

9

J: Jack G Gilligan

12/1

Form: 500-23 CD BF

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict

Won this off 130 for local yard last year and sure to have been brought along with this race as his main target once again; his second to Easy Game at Listowel last month was creditable and had a little spin on the Flat lately just to put him spot-on; still only eight and big run likely.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
9th 4	11th Nov 2023 Heavy 2m 5f 19y Class 2	14:45 Aintree Born By The Sea 11st 9lb J: Phillip Enright T: Paul John Gilligan	Acts on heavy; ran a cracker to finish 10l sixth in the Grand National here (4m2f, good to soft) in April; second in a five-runner conditions event at Galway (2m6f) in August seems very much the best of his five starts since; the Grand National run puts him in serious calculations.	7/1
5th 1	3rd Oct 2023 Soft To Heavy 2m 2f 110y	16:45 Galway Born By The Sea 11st 12lb J: Jack G Gilligan T: Paul John Gilligan	Ran a cracker to finish sixth in the Grand National at Aintree; has struggled in a couple of deep handicaps since then but did run well behind the smart Saint Sam in a conditions event over 2m6f here in August; this probably represents his best opportunity for a while and, although a strong stayer, he can cope with this sort of trip.	3/1
13th 17	20th Sep 2023 Good 3m 0f 0y	16:25 Listowel Born By The Sea 10st 9lb J: Jack G Gilligan T: Paul John Gilligan	Fifth-best of the powerful Irish contingent when sixth to Corach Rambler in the Grand National; 33-1 when down the field in the Galway Plate but did well to chase home Saint Sam in a conditions event at Ballybrit only four days later.	20/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

9th

4

11th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

14:45 Aintree

11st 9lb

J: Phillip Enright

Acts on heavy; ran a cracker to finish 10l sixth in the Grand National here (4m2f, good to soft) in April; second in a five-runner conditions event at Galway (2m6f) in August seems very much the best of his five starts since; the Grand National run puts him in serious calculations.

7/1

5th

1

3rd Oct 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 2f 110y

16:45 Galway

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

Ran a cracker to finish sixth in the Grand National at Aintree; has struggled in a couple of deep handicaps since then but did run well behind the smart Saint Sam in a conditions event over 2m6f here in August; this probably represents his best opportunity for a while and, although a strong stayer, he can cope with this sort of trip.

3/1

13th

17

20th Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:25 Listowel

10st 9lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

Fifth-best of the powerful Irish contingent when sixth to Corach Rambler in the Grand National; 33-1 when down the field in the Galway Plate but did well to chase home Saint Sam in a conditions event at Ballybrit only four days later.

20/1

6th

5

Jeremys Flame

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

12/1

Form: 1213F- D

Last run: 117 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 140

Form & Verdict

Mare had a profitable campaign last term when winning twice as well as finishing runner-up in a couple of Graded novice contests; was weakening when falling at the last at Fairyhouse in early April; has had a break since and now makes handicap debut.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
4th 2	5th Jun 2023 Good 2m 3f 0y	16:20 Listowel Jeremys Flame 11st 5lb J: Keith Donoghue T: Gavin Cromwell	Gained sixth win over fences when beating Hurricane Georgie by just over a length at Limerick and meets that rival on the same terms; won Naas Grade 3 and Listed contest for mares at Huntingdon last season and not disgraced, although outclassed, when sixth in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham; her new mark leaves her only 1lb wrong at these weights with Easy Game and she's in a good place at the moment.	9/4
1st 1	25th May 2023 Good 2m 3f 160y	18:00 Limerick Jeremys Flame 11st 7lb J: Keith Donoghue T: Gavin Cromwell	raced in third early, disputing second 3rd, went second after 5th, led 5 out, clear when not fluent 3 out, going best before 2 out, ridden briefly after last, pushed out and reduced lead towards finish, always doing enough	7/4
6th 6	17th Mar 2023 Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1	16:50 Cheltenham Jeremys Flame 11st 2lb J: Keith Donoghue T: Gavin Cromwell	A 9yo who is in her third season of chasing but has improved this winter and a clearcut win over Zambella at Huntingdon in January (2m4f, good to soft; also acts well on soft) showed her in a good light; the likely good pace will suit and she has a better chance than most.	6/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

4th

2

5th Jun 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

11st 5lb

Gained sixth win over fences when beating Hurricane Georgie by just over a length at Limerick and meets that rival on the same terms; won Naas Grade 3 and Listed contest for mares at Huntingdon last season and not disgraced, although outclassed, when sixth in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham; her new mark leaves her only 1lb wrong at these weights with Easy Game and she's in a good place at the moment.

9/4

1st

1

25th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 160y

11st 7lb

raced in third early, disputing second 3rd, went second after 5th, led 5 out, clear when not fluent 3 out, going best before 2 out, ridden briefly after last, pushed out and reduced lead towards finish, always doing enough

7/4

6th

6

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

11st 2lb

A 9yo who is in her third season of chasing but has improved this winter and a clearcut win over Zambella at Huntingdon in January (2m4f, good to soft; also acts well on soft) showed her in a good light; the likely good pace will suit and she has a better chance than most.

6/1

7th

15

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

10/1

Form: U150-4 C

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict

Just 1-8 over fences and has had fairly serious jumping issues; hard to fancy on chase form but connections highly respected at this meeting; nice enough run over hurdles last time and now tried in cheekpieces.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
12th 6	2nd Jul 2023 Good 3m 2f 13y Class 2	15:12 Uttoxeter Russian Diamond 11st 1lb J: Brendan Powell T: John Joseph Hanlon	Irish challenger who does not look particularly solid judged on his form in points and hunter chases for current yard; faller last time; something to prove back at handicap level.	20/1
1	5th Jun 2023 Good 3m 0f 0y	16:50 Listowel Russian Diamond 11st 11lb J: Mr T Hamilton T: John Joseph Hanlon	Useful Rules performer ran two decent races off 133 in Galway festival handicap chases last summer; won just one of his seven point-to-point starts this year, at Ballyraggett in March, but his fourth to Billaway, with Vaucelet in second, at Downpatrick is good form and obviously less to do in this company.	7/2
4th 5	19th May 2023 Good 3m 4f 150y	19:45 Downpatrick Russian Diamond 12st 0lb J: Mr R L McCrory T: John Joseph Hanlon	Useful Rules performer ran two decent races off 133 in Galway festival handicap chases last summer; won just one of his seven point-to-point starts this year, at Ballyraggett in March, and was well held fifth in 2m4f Cork hunter chase last month.	14/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

12th

6

2nd Jul 2023

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:12 Uttoxeter

11st 1lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Irish challenger who does not look particularly solid judged on his form in points and hunter chases for current yard; faller last time; something to prove back at handicap level.

20/1

1

5th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

11st 11lb

J: Mr T Hamilton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Useful Rules performer ran two decent races off 133 in Galway festival handicap chases last summer; won just one of his seven point-to-point starts this year, at Ballyraggett in March, but his fourth to Billaway, with Vaucelet in second, at Downpatrick is good form and obviously less to do in this company.

7/2

4th

5

19th May 2023

Good

3m 4f 150y

19:45 Downpatrick

12st 0lb

J: Mr R L McCrory

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Useful Rules performer ran two decent races off 133 in Galway festival handicap chases last summer; won just one of his seven point-to-point starts this year, at Ballyraggett in March, and was well held fifth in 2m4f Cork hunter chase last month.

14/1

8th

18

Rapid Response

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Mrs John Harrington

14/1

Form: 494-34

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 129

Form & Verdict

Last win came in valuable mares' handicap at Punchestown over a year ago; now only 1lb higher and decent run when fourth at Market Rasen earlier this month.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
7th 5	17th Nov 2022 Soft To Heavy 2m 4f 96y	14:23 Clonmel Rapid Response 10st 9lb J: Sean O’Keeffe T: Mrs John Harrington	Punchestown defeat of Scarlet And Dove at 2021 Punchestown festival arguably a career-best; remote last behind same rival in this year's renewal and recent handicap form leaves her with loads to find; blinkers now tried.	25/1
8th 18	29th Jul 2022 Good 2m 6f 111y	18:00 Galway Rapid Response 11st 1lb J: Sean O’Keeffe T: Mrs John Harrington	prominent, pecked on landing 3rd, not fluent 9th, pressed leaders when pushed along 2 out, mistake and weakened last, ridden and no impression run-in	14/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

7th

5

17th Nov 2022

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 96y

14:23 Clonmel

Rapid Response

10st 9lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Mrs John Harrington

Punchestown defeat of Scarlet And Dove at 2021 Punchestown festival arguably a career-best; remote last behind same rival in this year's renewal and recent handicap form leaves her with loads to find; blinkers now tried.

25/1

8th

18

29th Jul 2022

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Rapid Response

11st 1lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Mrs John Harrington

prominent, pecked on landing 3rd, not fluent 9th, pressed leaders when pushed along 2 out, mistake and weakened last, ridden and no impression run-in

14/1

9th

1

Freewheelin Dylan

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

33/1

Form: 6UP7-8 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict

Last year's Irish Grand National hero was fourth at Punchestown next time but hasn't really made much impact since; trip sharp enough as well.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
15th 14	20th Nov 2022 Yielding 3m 0f 180y	11:45 Punchestown Freewheelin Dylan 11st 4lb J: Ricky Doyle T: Dermot A McLoughlin	midfield, in touch with leaders halfway	10/1
10th 15	21st Sep 2022 Good 3m 0f 0y	16:20 Listowel Freewheelin Dylan 10st 4lb J: Ricky Doyle T: Dermot A McLoughlin	always towards rear, not fluent 5th, pushed along after 5 out, no impression when jumped right and hampered by faller 4 out, soon reminders and weakened	25/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

15th

14

20th Nov 2022

Yielding

3m 0f 180y

11:45 Punchestown

Freewheelin Dylan

11st 4lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

midfield, in touch with leaders halfway

10/1

10th

15

21st Sep 2022

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:20 Listowel

Freewheelin Dylan

10st 4lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

always towards rear, not fluent 5th, pushed along after 5 out, no impression when jumped right and hampered by faller 4 out, soon reminders and weakened

25/1

10th

6

Bold Enough

J: Phillip Enright

T: Henry De Bromhead

16/1

Form: 550-24

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 139

Form & Verdict

Useful novice over shorter trips; third to Fan De Blues in a Grade 3 at last year's festival; fair second over 2m5f at Punchestown in May; not far off the placed horses when fourth to easy winner Hurricane Georgie in the Midlands National over 3m1f at Kilbeggan; cheekpieces tried then stay on and this trip might suit better.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
6th 3	4th Oct 2022 Good To Yielding 2m 2f 110y	16:10 Galway Bold Enough 11st 10lb J: Mike O’Connor T: Henry De Bromhead	in touch with leaders, not fluent 5th, towards rear when pushed along before 2 out, ridden and no impression after last	10/1
10th 6	29th Jul 2022 Good 2m 6f 111y	18:00 Galway Bold Enough 11st 11lb J: Phillip Enright T: Henry De Bromhead	in touch with leaders, close up when pushed along 2 out, ridden and no extra run-in, weakened towards finish	16/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

6th

3

4th Oct 2022

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 110y

11st 10lb

in touch with leaders, not fluent 5th, towards rear when pushed along before 2 out, ridden and no impression after last

10/1

10th

6

29th Jul 2022

Good

2m 6f 111y

11st 11lb

in touch with leaders, close up when pushed along 2 out, ridden and no extra run-in, weakened towards finish

16/1

11th

13

Coach Carter

J: Davy Russell

11/1

Form: 06221-

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict

Second in useful handicap at Ayr in early April and picked up a race at Perth later that month; off since and good bit more on his plate here.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
11th 13	29th Jul 2022 Good 2m 6f 111y	18:00 Galway Coach Carter 11st 6lb J: Davy Russell T: Gordon Elliott	soon towards rear of midfield, not fluent 9th, minor headway when pushed along on inner after 3 out, in touch with leaders when ridden but weakened after last, eased towards finish	11/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

11th

13

29th Jul 2022

Good

2m 6f 111y

11st 6lb

soon towards rear of midfield, not fluent 9th, minor headway when pushed along on inner after 3 out, in touch with leaders when ridden but weakened after last, eased towards finish

11/1

12th

14

Everglow

J: Denis O’Regan

T: Noel Meade

12/1

Form: 25-321 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict

Consistent novice was all out to win a beginners' chase at Kilbeggan over 3m1f earlier this month; 4lb higher now and this will be a lot harder.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
6th 8	5th Nov 2023 Soft 3m 4f 0y	15:15 Cork Everglow 10st 6lb J: Sam Ewing T: Noel Meade	midfield, in touch with leaders 3 out, weakened after 2 out	12/1
6th 9	14th May 2023 Good To Yielding 3m 2f 0y	16:55 Killarney Everglow 10st 9lb J: Denis O’Regan T: Noel Meade	Winner over fences at Kilbeggan last July and looked to be running well before coming down three out at Punchestown the last day; dropped in trip and cheekpieces left on; decent ground would suit and he is an interesting contender.	16/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

6th

8

5th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 4f 0y

10st 6lb

midfield, in touch with leaders 3 out, weakened after 2 out

12/1

6th

9

14th May 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 2f 0y

10st 9lb

Winner over fences at Kilbeggan last July and looked to be running well before coming down three out at Punchestown the last day; dropped in trip and cheekpieces left on; decent ground would suit and he is an interesting contender.

16/1

13th

19

Spades Are Trumps

J: Mark Walsh

T: Gavin Cromwell

11/1

Form: /1P51-

Last run: 131 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict

Easily won 3m4f Ulster National under 7lb claimer at Downpatrick in March; off since and now 8lb higher plus no claim this time; things will be happening a lot faster over this trip too.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
8th 1	31st Dec 2022 Soft 2m 7f 40y	12:47 Punchestown Spades Are Trumps 12st 0lb J: Keith Donoghue T: Gavin Cromwell	always towards rear, in touch with leaders when mistake 3 out, soon became detached when nudged along, weakening when jumped slightly right 2 out, tailed off	12/1
7th 11	4th Dec 2022 Yielding 3m 5f 0y	12:55 Fairyhouse Spades Are Trumps 10st 6lb J: L P Dempsey T: Gavin Cromwell	towards rear, pushed along and some headway 3 out, ridden from 2 out, kept on run-in, never near to challenge	11/1
12	6th Nov 2022 Soft 3m 4f 0y	16:13 Cork Spades Are Trumps 10st 6lb J: Mark Walsh T: Gavin Cromwell	Easy winner of Ulster National over this trip on good ground at Downpatrick in March and found things happening too quickly over shorter at Galway in mid-summer; has bits and pieces of form on testing ground but was pulled up in this race last year on heavy.	12/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

8th

1

31st Dec 2022

Soft

2m 7f 40y

12st 0lb

always towards rear, in touch with leaders when mistake 3 out, soon became detached when nudged along, weakening when jumped slightly right 2 out, tailed off

12/1

7th

11

4th Dec 2022

Yielding

3m 5f 0y

10st 6lb

towards rear, pushed along and some headway 3 out, ridden from 2 out, kept on run-in, never near to challenge

11/1

12

6th Nov 2022

Soft

3m 4f 0y

10st 6lb

Easy winner of Ulster National over this trip on good ground at Downpatrick in March and found things happening too quickly over shorter at Galway in mid-summer; has bits and pieces of form on testing ground but was pulled up in this race last year on heavy.

12/1

14th

2

Unexcepted

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Padraig Roche

20/1

Form: /P7-54

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict

Won first chase for Willie Mullins but didn't go on from that albeit highly tried; not beaten far on stable bow at Punchestown in May; bad mistake when well held at Killarney latest; this is the longest trip he's tackled.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
14th 2	29th Jul 2022 Good 2m 6f 111y	18:00 Galway Unexcepted 11st 13lb J: Mr H C Swan T: Padraig Roche	towards rear, mistake 10th, minor headway when not fluent 4 out, towards rear of midfield before 2 out, pushed along after last, weakened towards finish	20/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

14th

2

29th Jul 2022

Good

2m 6f 111y

11st 13lb

towards rear, mistake 10th, minor headway when not fluent 4 out, towards rear of midfield before 2 out, pushed along after last, weakened towards finish

20/1

15th

17

Waitnsee

J: Danny Mullins

T: John Patrick Ryan

10/1

Form: 403-61

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 131

Form & Verdict

Very useful chaser on her day including when second in last year's Midlands National at Kilbeggan; also good third over much longer trip at this year's Punchestown festival; back to form off lower hurdles mark when beating in-form rival at Kilbeggan last time; contender.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
11th 7	25th Aug 2023 Good 3m 1f 0y	19:20 Kilbeggan Waitnsee 11st 4lb J: Danny Mullins T: John Patrick Ryan	Dual chase winner, including a Cork Grade 3 in 2021; has won at this track over hurdles and was also 2nd in the Midlands National over C&D; poor when last seen over fences but a decent hurdles run here since; cheekpieces tried.	14/1
2nd 7	19th Jun 2023 Good 3m 0f 100y	18:13 Kilbeggan Waitnsee 10st 13lb J: Liam Quinlan T: John Patrick Ryan	Course winner 11 months ago but lost her way since and pulled up or tailed off in last three starts; reverts to hurdles.	14/1
16	29th May 2023 Good 2m 7f 0y	18:30 Ballinrobe Waitnsee 10st 5lb J: Mark McDonagh T: John Patrick Ryan	Strong stayer but struggled with consistency and only effort of note since her last win (July 2022) was a fifth in November's Cork National; others preferred.	40/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

11th

7

25th Aug 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

11st 4lb

Dual chase winner, including a Cork Grade 3 in 2021; has won at this track over hurdles and was also 2nd in the Midlands National over C&D; poor when last seen over fences but a decent hurdles run here since; cheekpieces tried.

14/1

2nd

7

19th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 100y

10st 13lb

Course winner 11 months ago but lost her way since and pulled up or tailed off in last three starts; reverts to hurdles.

14/1

16

29th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

10st 5lb

Strong stayer but struggled with consistency and only effort of note since her last win (July 2022) was a fifth in November's Cork National; others preferred.

40/1

16th

20

Bold Emperor

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

20/1

Form: 226-61

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict

Two good placed efforts at Fairyhouse in April but well behind several of these rivals at Punchestown later that month; won easily at Wexford last time but now 10lb higher and that might be enough to stop him.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
5th 4	23rd Aug 2023 Good 2m 4f 141y	18:40 Sligo Bold Emperor 11st 10lb J: Darragh O’Keeffe T: Thomas Gibney	Better chaser than hurdler and not likely to be progressive at the age of ten; major improvement is needed from recent handicap hurdle runs	14/1
6th 7	11th Aug 2023 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 100y	17:30 Wexford Bold Emperor 11st 13lb J: Shane Fitzsimons T: Thomas Gibney	Bolted up over fences here last summer but losing run since and he's been tailed off in each of his five runs this year.	16/1
6th 5	21st Jul 2023 Good To Yielding 2m 2f 0y	18:45 Kilbeggan Bold Emperor 11st 9lb J: Shane Fitzsimons T: Thomas Gibney	midfield, no impression when not fluent last	25/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

5th

4

23rd Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 141y

11st 10lb

Better chaser than hurdler and not likely to be progressive at the age of ten; major improvement is needed from recent handicap hurdle runs

14/1

6th

7

11th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

11st 13lb

Bolted up over fences here last summer but losing run since and he's been tailed off in each of his five runs this year.

16/1

6th

5

21st Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 0y

11st 9lb

midfield, no impression when not fluent last

25/1

7

Birchdale

J: L P Dempsey

T: E Bolger

20/1

Form: 617-26

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict

Landed a big pot over a furlong less at this year's Dublin Racing Festival in February but well held in three starts since.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
1st 3	26th Nov 2023 Soft To Heavy 3m 0f 0y	11:40 Punchestown Birchdale 11st 4lb J: Simon Torrens T: E Bolger	prominent, headway and pressed leader 4 out, led going best before last, ridden briefly and ran on after last, comfortably	6/1
3rd 5	23rd Sep 2023 Yielding To Soft 2m 6f 0y	16:30 Listowel Birchdale 11st 4lb J: Simon Torrens T: E Bolger	None too consistent as he reminded us when a disappointing favourite in Take All's handicap at Wexford, but he had that rival behind when runner-up at Punchestown the time before (2m5f, good to yielding); one to consider now returning from a break.	7/1
6th 3	7th Jul 2023 Good 2m 3f 170y	19:23 Wexford Birchdale 11st 2lb J: Mark McDonagh T: E Bolger	in touch with leaders, prominent 3rd, pushed along after 3 out, weakened quickly before 2 out	11/4

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

1st

3

26th Nov 2023

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 0y

11st 4lb

prominent, headway and pressed leader 4 out, led going best before last, ridden briefly and ran on after last, comfortably

6/1

3rd

5

23rd Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 6f 0y

11st 4lb

None too consistent as he reminded us when a disappointing favourite in Take All's handicap at Wexford, but he had that rival behind when runner-up at Punchestown the time before (2m5f, good to yielding); one to consider now returning from a break.

7/1

6th

3

7th Jul 2023

Good

2m 3f 170y

11st 2lb

in touch with leaders, prominent 3rd, pushed along after 3 out, weakened quickly before 2 out

11/4

10

Aramax

J: Jody McGarvey

18/1

Form: 0UP-96

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict

His third to Born By The Sea in this last year (when 3lb higher) was his best effort over fences and nice run over hurdles at Ballinrobe in May; hardly the most consistent but not ruled out.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
9th 2	4th Nov 2023 Good To Soft 3m 0f 70y Class 3	13:42 Ayr Aramax 11st 12lb J: Richie McLernon T: Ben Haslam	midfield on outer, pushed along after 8th, lost position and reminder after 9th	6/1
4th 1	26th Aug 2023 Soft 3m 1f 83y Class 2	17:36 Cartmel Aramax 12st 0lb J: Richie McLernon T: Ben Haslam	held up in rear	9/4
1st 2	30th Jul 2023 Good To Soft 2m 7f 70y Class 2	15:45 Uttoxeter Aramax 12st 0lb J: Richie McLernon T: Ben Haslam	in touch with leaders, shaken up before 3 out, headway and challenging when briefly left in lead 2 out, not fluent last, pushed along when clear run-in	3/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

9th

2

4th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 3

11st 12lb

midfield on outer, pushed along after 8th, lost position and reminder after 9th

6/1

4th

1

26th Aug 2023

Soft

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

12st 0lb

held up in rear

9/4

1st

2

30th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

12st 0lb

in touch with leaders, shaken up before 3 out, headway and challenging when briefly left in lead 2 out, not fluent last, pushed along when clear run-in

3/1

11

Batcio

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: T M Walsh

10/1

Form: 54342-

Last run: 112 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict

Came good last summer with a couple of wins and has maintained that form this year; made the frame a couple of times at Leopardstown and excellent effort when second of 29 in the Topham over the Grand National fences at Aintree in April; comes here fresh and leading amateur booked.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
17	14th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1	16:05 Aintree Batcio 10st 9lb J: Brian Hayes T: T M Walsh	Has some strong handicap form in Ireland and ran a cracker to be runner-up in this 12 months ago off only 3lb lower (good to soft); well beaten when departing in a conditions chase last month on his only sighting since and it's difficult to gauge where he is right now.	18/1
3	21st Mar 2023 Heavy 2m 3f 202y	16:50 Clonmel Batcio 11st 2lb J: Shane O’Callaghan T: T M Walsh	Ended last season with career-best second of 29 in the Topham Chase at Aintree in April; missed intended Galway target over the summer and has had time off since; may just need this.	9/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

17

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

10st 9lb

Has some strong handicap form in Ireland and ran a cracker to be runner-up in this 12 months ago off only 3lb lower (good to soft); well beaten when departing in a conditions chase last month on his only sighting since and it's difficult to gauge where he is right now.

18/1

3

21st Mar 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 202y

11st 2lb

Ended last season with career-best second of 29 in the Topham Chase at Aintree in April; missed intended Galway target over the summer and has had time off since; may just need this.

9/1

12

Hardline

J: Jack Kennedy

33/1

Form: 3P4-4P

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict

Grade 1 winner in 2018 but a light of other days and mark is in freefall; likely to be on the Gigginstown transfer list before long.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
8th 14	29th Apr 2023 Good To Yielding 3m 1f 0y	14:35 Punchestown Hardline 11st 7lb J: Keith Donoghue T: Gordon Elliott	Had Grade 1 honours as a novice but those days are long gone; only fair form in points this season; sixth behind Stealthy Tom here in February and remote eighth in the cross-country at Cheltenham; in rear in the Topham.	10/1
17th 23	14th Apr 2023 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1	16:05 Aintree Hardline 10st 6lb J: Ricky Doyle T: Gordon Elliott	Had Grade 1 honours as a novice but those days are long gone and he's a worthy outsider on his exploits during the last 12 months.	50/1
8th 11	15th Mar 2023 Soft 3m 6f 37y Class 2	16:10 Cheltenham Hardline 11st 7lb J: Shane Fitzgerald T: Gordon Elliott	Grade 1 novice chase winner in 2018 but this 11yo isn't the same force nowadays; safely held when sixth on Punchestown's banks course latest.	66/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

8th

14

29th Apr 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 0y

11st 7lb

Had Grade 1 honours as a novice but those days are long gone; only fair form in points this season; sixth behind Stealthy Tom here in February and remote eighth in the cross-country at Cheltenham; in rear in the Topham.

10/1

17th

23

14th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

10st 6lb

Had Grade 1 honours as a novice but those days are long gone and he's a worthy outsider on his exploits during the last 12 months.

50/1

8th

11

15th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 6f 37y

Class 2

11st 7lb

Grade 1 novice chase winner in 2018 but this 11yo isn't the same force nowadays; safely held when sixth on Punchestown's banks course latest.

66/1

16

Mount Pelier

J: Mr M J M O’Sullivan

T: Barry Connell

16/1

Form: 3/8P-6 C

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict

Won over fences here in 2019 but very lightly-raced since; showed a bit more when fair sixth at Kilbeggan in May but still beaten 22l that day; rider good value for his claim.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
16	29th Jul 2022 Good 2m 6f 111y	18:00 Galway Mount Pelier 11st 3lb J: Mr M J M O’Sullivan T: Barry Connell	midfield, towards rear when bad mistake 4 out, soon weakened, not fluent 3 out, soon pulled up	16/1

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

16

29th Jul 2022

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:00 Galway

Mount Pelier

11st 3lb

J: Mr M J M O’Sullivan

T: Barry Connell

midfield, towards rear when bad mistake 4 out, soon weakened, not fluent 3 out, soon pulled up

16/1

OUR TIP

22

Snugsborough Benny

J: Dillon Maxwell

T: J P Broderick

Form: 0/26-3 CD

Last run: 74 days

W: 10st 11lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict

Veteran won this four years ago and has twice run well in the Plate since; now hunter chasing and looks vulnerable to younger legs.

Place / No / Draw	Date / Going / Distance / Class	Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer	Verdict	Starting price
9th 1	28th Aug 2023 Good 2m 5f 160y	15:50 Downpatrick Snugsborough Benny 12st 0lb J: Dillon Maxwell T: J P Broderick	Veteran has gone a long time without a win; several good runs in defeat last year and also when third in a handicap chase at Punchestown in April; back over hurdles for last two runs, down the field at Galway, slipped up at Tramore; trainer won this race 12 months ago.	14/1
0 1	18th Aug 2023 Good 2m 5f 0y	19:18 Tramore Snugsborough Benny 12st 0lb J: Dillon Maxwell T: J P Broderick	towards rear of midfield, midfield when slipped up on turn before 6th	20/1
12th 21	2nd Aug 2023 Soft 2m 6f 111y	20:20 Galway Snugsborough Benny 11st 1lb J: Dillon Maxwell T: J P Broderick	took keen hold, in touch with leaders

Place /
No / Draw

Date / Going /
Distance / Class

Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer

Verdict

Starting price

9th

1

28th Aug 2023

Good

2m 5f 160y

12st 0lb

Veteran has gone a long time without a win; several good runs in defeat last year and also when third in a handicap chase at Punchestown in April; back over hurdles for last two runs, down the field at Galway, slipped up at Tramore; trainer won this race 12 months ago.

14/1

0

1

18th Aug 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

12st 0lb

towards rear of midfield, midfield when slipped up on turn before 6th

20/1

12th

21

2nd Aug 2023

Soft

2m 6f 111y

11st 1lb

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

23

Glenloe

J: Dillon Maxwell