September 02 / 18.10 Down Royal

18.10

Good

Grant Thornton Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap

  • Prize money: £5701.68
  • 2m 1f 175y
  • 16 runners
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Grant Thornton Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.30
  • Place: £1.50

Form: -37532 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin over hurdles at Ballinrobe 11 days ago, supplementing a Cork maiden win obtained at the beginning of August in between ran over 2m on the Flat and has an edge over Dark Voyager on that running; could be progressive judged on ease of hurdles win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

28

(36)

14th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Newmarket

Sheishybrid

8st 5lb

J: Danny Sheehy

T: Noel Meade

Won last year's 2m2f Ulster Cesarewitch and never better than when second in the C&D Trial three weeks ago, setting sail for home 4f out but unable to shake off Grand Providence; rarely seen on softer than good (had some soft-ground form in 2021); otherwise looks set to go well.

20/1

2nd

6

(9)

23rd Sep 2023

Good To Firm

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Newmarket

Sheishybrid

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Noel Meade

Won last year's 2m2f Ulster Cesarewitch; ran creditably twice at the Curragh this summer before strong-finishing second to Extensio at Clonmel; held up for those runs but last year's success came when ridden much more prominently; may need a new personal best but she has proved her stamina and makes plenty of appeal.

6/1

2nd

3

(8)

7th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 144y

18:55 Clonmel

Sheishybrid

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Noel Meade

towards rear of midfield, headway when not clear run over 1f out, ran on and went second final 110yds, no match for winner

11/2

13/2

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 50/81-

Last run: 407 days

W: 10st 1lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Splendid campaigner obviously much better known for exploits over jumps, 11-29 over fences, 6-22 over hurdles; however he was good enough to win the Flat last season at the age of 11 (a 1m7f handicap at Leopardstown off 70); comes here in established form after a strong winning performance in a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(14)

1st Dec 2023

Standard

2m 0f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Peregrine Run

8st 13lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: Peter Fahey

Veteran the winner of 20 of 68 races who likes a sound surface but making AW debut here on first start since August; sole Flat win came at Leopardstown in 2021.

20/1

0

1

22nd Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:00 Worcester

Peregrine Run

12st 0lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Peter Fahey

Veteran who won this race last year and followed up off today's mark at Chepstow in October; only three runs since (one on Flat) and Galway latest was a step back in the right direction; has to be considered.

9/1

3rd

4

6th Aug 2023

Good

2m 6f 111y

14:55 Galway

Peregrine Run

11st 3lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

in touch with leaders, soon went modest third, reminders and lost third after 8th, not fluent and went third again 4 out, kept on run-in, never on terms

8/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: -68241

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Poor recent hurdles run in a handicap at Killarney; better judged on previous 1m7f Leopardstown win, with Yenilik back in fifth; 6lb higher now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

16:42 Wexford

Rich Belief

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Best hurdles form was in 2022, and he has done most of his racing on the Flat in recent years; second at Clonmel last September has been the only bright spot since a 2024 Chester win; no merit in his recent Navan run; may struggle to run up to an official rating of 117.

8/1

19th

13

(23)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 5f 0y

17:25 Navan

Rich Belief

9st 11lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Karl Thornton

Second at Clonmel last September has been the only bright spot since a 2024 Chester win; some merit in his recent Clonmel run.

12/1

6th

8

(6)

8th Apr 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 5f 180y

17:25 Gowran Park

Rich Belief

9st 2lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Karl Thornton

Seven wins between both codes but last one came on the Flat at Chester in 2024; would have a chance if back to the form of his Clonmel second last September.

14/1

Form: 625041

Last run: 37 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Recent course maiden hurdle winner; previously beat the well-fancied Unanswered on Flat at Galway, with Dark Voyager third; 6lb higher but has to be taken seriously despite her big burden; ran well over 1m5f here earlier in the season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(11)

3rd May 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:50 Gowran Park

Scenic Look

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Adrian Murray

Fit from hurdling; stays well on the Flat but out of her depth in a race of this standard with an official rating of 76.

66/1

4th

1

21st Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 50y

16:35 Kilbeggan

Scenic Look

12st 2lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Adrian Murray

midfield

9/2

13

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:05 Fairyhouse

Scenic Look

11st 0lb

J: L P Dempsey

T: Adrian Murray

2m Flat winner finished off well in 2m mares' event at Limerick last time; probably would prefer a bit further but if they go hard it will help.

16/1

Form: 6-3525 BF

Last run: 63 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Last three runs have been over hurdles; fair Flat form at a modest level but has won only once from 34 starts; good apprentice claims 7lb but she is 4lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

15

(8)

30th Oct 2023

Heavy

1m 3f 180y

16:35 Galway

Loudest Whisper

8st 12lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: E D Delany

Versatile mare, hard to win with but often placed; better record over hurdles than on Flat. 33-1 when down the field at Navan 12 days ago on first run after a break; placed over 1m6f at Bellewstown in April.

16/1

16th

15

(8)

30th Oct 2023

Heavy

1m 3f 180y

16:35 Galway

Loudest Whisper

8st 12lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: E D Delany

Versatile mare, hard to win with but often placed; better record over hurdles than on Flat. 33-1 when down the field at Navan 12 days ago on first run after a break; placed over 1m6f at Bellewstown in April.

16/1

16th

17

(23)

18th Oct 2023

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

16:30 Navan

Loudest Whisper

9st 0lb

J: Kyle Faulkner

T: E D Delany

towards rear

40/1

Form: 665200

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Middle-distance Dundalk winner for Michael Halford last year; best run this season when going close over an extended 1m4f at Chester in May; two less inspiring performances on home soil since then.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

2nd Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

15:55 Clonmel

Kalaroun

10st 13lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Second reserve; Flat winner got a ratings hike for being second in a Wexford maiden hurdle earlier in the year; poor since and mark is back down now but still not easy to fancy.

7

8th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 100y

19:48 Wexford

Kalaroun

10st 12lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

AW winner is a maiden over timber; hasn't built on decent maiden hurdle second at this venue back in handicap company at 2m6f and 3m the last twice; this drop in trip should suit but lots more needed.

16/1

Form: 3-1308

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Dual 2m winner at Dundalk; debatable whether she can run to the same level on turf; two Leopardstown runs this season suggest not.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

(16)

5th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:50 Thurles

Annecherie

9st 5lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Two AW wins; opened her account on turf over 2m at Tramore, beating Walnut Beach who is dropped in trip to contest the 3.50 race; should go well again.

7/1

1st

8

(3)

13th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:25 Tramore

Annecherie

9st 9lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

dwelt start, in rear, headway into midfield 5f out, went fourth on outer under 3f out, ridden and went second inside final furlong, led inside final 110yds, cosily

5/1

4th

7

(5)

31st Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:10 Navan

Annecherie

9st 7lb

J: Cian MacRedmond

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Both wins have come on AW and turf form this season has been poor; makes little appeal.

33/1

Form: 46-306

Last run: 114 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Has been hurdling, placed in maidens at Cork and Sligo last month; so far most effective on Flat at around 1m4f but should stay trainer appears to have a stronger contender is Sheishybrid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

2nd Aug 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

14:10 Perth

Female Approach

11st 7lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: Daragh Bourke

0-12 over hurdles when trained in Ireland and failed to make an impact on first two starts for new stable (2m4f/3m); first-time tongue-tie needs to make a big difference here; raced mainly on good ground.

20/1

3

3rd Jul 2023

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:55 Southwell

Female Approach

11st 6lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Daragh Bourke

0-12 over hurdles when trained in Ireland and was safely held when ninth of 16 on last month's stable debut at Hexham (2m4f, good); clearly needs to do better here.

20/1

9th

3

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 5

16:40 Hexham

Female Approach

11st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Daragh Bourke

0-12 over hurdles in Ireland but signed off there with two very respectable runs in big-field handicaps this spring (3m/3m1f); cheekpieces removed for today's stable debut; should cope with the drop back in trip.

10/1

Form: 447

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Lightly-raced half-brother to smart 6f/7f performer Viztoria; may have inherited enough stamina from Galileo to stay this trip, especially since there is plenty of stamina on the dam's side in any case, she being by Darshaan.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

5th Aug 2024

Good

2m 2f 100y

15:05 Cork

Thermoscope

11st 12lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Two-time Flat winner at 2m for Keith Dalgleish (best RPR 88); took too long to settle on hurdling bow at Worcester last month; tailed off back on the Flat at Galway last week; best watched for now.

28/1

17th

4

(8)

31st Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 110y

20:15 Galway

Thermoscope

10st 2lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

disputed lead, led clearly after 3f, faced challenge halfway, soon headed

50/1

6th

7

18th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:25 Worcester

Thermoscope

11st 4lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Beaten a long way on last two Flat starts, in July 2023 and this February (stable debut); therefore has something to prove but he showed useful form as recent as last May and will be a strong contender if tapping into that ability on today's hurdle debut; the betting may be informative.

9/2

14/1

Form: 00-495 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Six-time winner including twice over hurdles; well below best in three Flat runs this year; held by Sheishybrid and Dark Voyager on Tramore running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

2nd Oct 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

16:20 Fairyhouse

Jukebox Jive

11st 4lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Shane Nolan

Not the horse he once was but coming down the handicap to a more competitive mark; stayed on decently to finish fourth in a Down Royal handicap last month; off the same mark here and could go well.

10/1

4th

4

1st Sep 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

19:05 Down Royal

Jukebox Jive

11st 11lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Shane Nolan

Once smart Flat horse hasn't won over hurdles in a long time although some promise on latest at Roscommon in re-fitted cheekpieces when nearest at finish over this trip; seems to be down to a competitive mark.

8/1

5th

10

8th Aug 2023

Soft

2m 7f 130y

18:30 Roscommon

Jukebox Jive

11st 5lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Shane Nolan

towards rear of midfield, headway 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, nearest finish

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1/8233

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
No success on the Flat since 2020 but knocking on the door lately; beaten 3 1/2l when third of 19 behind Scenic Look at Galway may well turn the tables on that rival, but perhaps less likely to reverse Tramore form with Sheishybrid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

21

26th Oct 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:45 Galway

Dark Voyager

11st 13lb

T: Aidan Melia

didn't always jump with fluency, midfield, lost position when pushed along after 9th

9th

9

(2)

23rd Oct 2024

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

16:50 Navan

Dark Voyager

9st 10lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Aidan Melia

held up in rear

16/1

8th

16

4th Oct 2024

Good

2m 4f 40y

16:45 Gowran Park

Dark Voyager

11st 0lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Aidan Melia

Returned to some sort of form on her debut for this trainer when a solid fourth in a 2m2f handicap hurdle at Downpatrick last month; more needed but well-handicapped if coming back to form.

14/1

20/1

Form: 5900-5

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner over 3m in May; 0-20 on the Flat not a bad run at Leopardstown last month, finishing of ten behind today's rival Rich Belief.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

28th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 110y

17:18 Bellewstown

Yenillik

11st 5lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: H Rogers

Sole win came over 3m two years ago; off for over a year and well beaten last time at Wexford; tongue-tie tried here.

20/1

11th

7

25th Jul 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:35 Wexford

Yenillik

11st 8lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: H Rogers

not fluent 11th

12/1

5th

13

12th Jul 2024

Good

3m 0f 180y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Yenillik

11st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: H Rogers

Is 1-10 over hurdles but hasn't run in this sphere for over a year; Flat maiden was beaten a long way in that sphere last time and others preferred.

28/1

Form: 7-9084

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Sole win came when trained in Britain in 2018; best display for some time when strong-finishing fourth over 1m6f at Killarney in July; far from disgraced in a maiden hurdle at the Galway festival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(2)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 4f 110y

17:20 Limerick

Three Comets

9st 2lb

J: Cian MacRedmond

T: Luke Comer

towards rear

25/1

11th

10

21st Mar 2024

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

15:23 Cork

Three Comets

11st 4lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Luke Comer

Out of form on the Flat since last seen over hurdles a year ago, probably safe to rule out.

33/1

13th

4

(15)

23rd Feb 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Three Comets

9st 13lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Luke Comer

Won over 2m at Thurles in 2022 but form last year on turf was poor; first AW run in nearly a year and hard to fancy.

20/1

Form: 70-709

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Six-time winner for Roger Charlton at up to 2m; has shown little so far for his current yard; only one behind him last time in Leopardstown race won by Rich Belief.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

15th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:52 Fairyhouse

True Destiny

11st 6lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Noel C Kelly

Dual-purpose vetera; six wins on Flat, is 2-28 over hurdles, both wins at Sligo (latest in June 2023); minor placed form last May/June at Downpatrick and Perth; in rear in both races in recent months.

14/1

17th

7

31st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 30y

13:32 Down Royal

True Destiny

11st 7lb

J: Ms E Dunseath

T: Noel C Kelly

Both hurdle wins in 2m4f Sligo handicaps but on a long losing run, Naas fourth over this trip last season standout effort; lacks a recent run.

20/1

17th

7

31st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 30y

13:32 Down Royal

True Destiny

11st 7lb

J: Ms E Dunseath

T: Noel C Kelly

Both hurdle wins in 2m4f Sligo handicaps but on a long losing run, Naas fourth over this trip last season standout effort; lacks a recent run.

20/1

10/1

Form: 7363

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Slotted into handicaps effectively with recent Navan third over 1m6f; hard to know if the extra distance will help him to find the improvement required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

21st Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 4f 141y

18:10 Sligo

Gatito Rapido

11st 4lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Noel C Kelly

Flat maiden but showed some ability in that sphere; back from a long absence with two hurdle runs; poor at Galway last time; best wait for handicaps

66/1

16th

7

31st Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 11y

16:50 Galway

Gatito Rapido

11st 12lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Noel C Kelly

midfield, prominent 4th, lost position after 4 out

100/1

Form: /33888

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Bumper and hurdles winner has struggled since entering handicaps on the Flat after showing a certain amount of potential in maidens.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(21)

26th Oct 2022

Soft To Heavy

1m 6f 0y

16:00 Curragh

Advantage Point

9st 4lb

J: W J Lee

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

in touch with leaders, pushed along and prominent 3f out, ridden disputing lead from over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, headed post

16/1

23

(21)

8th Oct 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 141y

15:45 Curragh

Advantage Point

8st 7lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Bumper and hurdles winner has struggled since entering handicaps on the Flat; down 9lb from initial mark but may need more respite from the handicapper before getting competitive; tongue tie tried last time now left off.

25/1

Non-runners

Advantage Point

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €47.20
Straight Forecast €30.34
Tricast €130.63
Trifecta €149.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Sheishybrid

POSTDATA:

Female Approach

The Irish Sun:

Dark Voyager

RP Ratings (IRE):

Three Comets