November 24 / 14.40 Thurles

14.40

Yielding

ThurlesRaces.ie Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5453.78
  • 2m 4f 156y
  • 18 runners
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ThurlesRaces.ie Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.60
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 53421

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Much improved under forcing tactics under today's rider at Cork last month, bolting up on yielding ground (second and third both ran solid races subsequently); 9lb higher now but 5yo could have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

24th Jan 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 33y

13:15 Down Royal

L’or Des Roses

11st 10lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: D Harvey

Useful hurdler; won a pair of handicaps in Cork and Thurles before disappointing when well-beaten in a novice hurdle at Thurles last time out over 2m7f; dropped in trip here and he needs to bounce back.

6/1

4th

2

18th Dec 2022

Frozen

2m 7f 0y

15:14 Thurles

L’or Des Roses

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: D Harvey

Back-to-back handicap hurdle winner will be in receipt of 6lb from Grand Soir; jockey's claimer takes off another 5lb; looks to have an advantage here but has struggled over longer trips in the past.

2/1

1st

11

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 4f 156y

14:40 Thurles

L’or Des Roses

11st 9lb

J: Mr B W Harvey

T: D Harvey

Much improved under forcing tactics under today's rider at Cork last month, bolting up on yielding ground (second and third both ran solid races subsequently); 9lb higher now but 5yo could have more to offer.

7/2

8/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: F-4873

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Placed for fifth time over hurdles when decent third at Gowran last time over today's trip; on a fair mark and one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

2nd Nov 2023

Soft

2m 2f 66y

13:30 Thurles

Gali Flight

11st 10lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Philip Fenton

prominent, went second and raced wide 8th, led when good jump 3 out, headed and weakened before last

14/1

0

6

7th Oct 2023

Soft

3m 0f 107y

15:05 Fairyhouse

Gali Flight

11st 2lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Philip Fenton

Long-standing maiden has been placed in three beginners' chases; wouldn't have been far away in Kilbeggan handicap in April when exiting at the last but well held in two subsequent handicaps including the race won by C'est Quelqu'un at Downpatrick last month.

12/1

8th

1

15th Sep 2023

Good

2m 7f 110y

17:10 Downpatrick

Gali Flight

12st 0lb

J: Niall Moore

T: Philip Fenton

led, not fluent 5th, mistake 7th

5/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 6-3651

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Punchestown bumper winner had shown promise in maiden hurdles before off the mark in 2m4f Clonmel handicap last month on returning from a short break, handling testing conditions well; 6lb rise probably enough so needs to take another step forward here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

23rd Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 138y

14:30 Thurles

Lizlucky

11st 7lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick T Foley

Consistent sort last term, holding her form well after getting off the mark over hurdles in a mares' hurdle at Clonmel; off 250 days and might be best watched on return.

20/1

8th

5

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 49y

16:50 Thurles

Lizlucky

11st 8lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: Patrick T Foley

in touch with leaders on inner

12/1

7th

8

5th Mar 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:45 Leopardstown

Lizlucky

11st 4lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Patrick T Foley

Landed a handicap hurdle on testing ground at Clonmel in October; three solid efforts since, including in Listed company; acts on any ground and certainly respected here with the stable in great form.

4/1

Form: 69916-

Last run: 221 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Much improved when getting up late over 2m3f at Naas in March (good-to-yielding) just okay effort at Fairyhouse following month off 7lb higher; absent since so may need this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

2nd Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 165y

15:10 Fairyhouse

West Is Awake

11st 4lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Edward Cawley

Winning return here in October over three miles but lesser efforts over shorter trips since and mark looks tough enough for now.

25/1

6th

19

12th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 3f 200y

14:00 Naas

West Is Awake

10st 0lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Edward Cawley

midfield

16/1

10th

10

28th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 5f 200y

16:17 Galway

West Is Awake

10st 3lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Edward Cawley

Quite lightly raced 7yo was gaining second career win when reappearing in fine fettle from 225-day absence over 3m at Fairyhouse early this month, coming off pace to assert readily between final two flights and win with plenty in hand; hit with 13lb hike for that so lot more required.

7/1

Form: 574-

Last run: 256 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 5yo entering handicap company; best work at finish over 2m3f at Naas last time, no surprise if he improved for this longer trip on handicap debut and well worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

27th Dec 2022

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

14:39 Limerick

Asluckwouldhaveit

11st 1lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Padraig Roche

in touch with leaders, disputing third 3 out, soon ridden, weakened home turn, tailed off

4/1

5th

8

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 4f 156y

14:40 Thurles

Asluckwouldhaveit

11st 9lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Padraig Roche

Unexposed 5yo entering handicap company; best work at finish over 2m3f at Naas last time, no surprise if he improved for this longer trip on handicap debut and well worth a market check.

9/1

Form: 071P-6 D

Last run: 201 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Dual Cork winner (2m4f) absent since never counting at same venue in May; may need this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

18th May 2023

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

19:50 Tipperary

Thedancingfarrier

11st 8lb

J: Mr R J Kiely

T: Paul Stephen Kiely

Both wins (2m4f) were at Cork; evidence suggests 11yo does not stay and hard to fancy on this year's form.

50/1

13th

9

9th Apr 2023

Yielding

3m 0f 80y

16:40 Cork

Thedancingfarrier

11st 1lb

J: Mr R J Kiely

T: Paul Stephen Kiely

towards rear of midfield

16/1

5th

1

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:25 Cork

Thedancingfarrier

12st 4lb

J: Miss M Boucher

T: Paul Stephen Kiely

Both wins have come at this track and won this race last year off a 1lb lower mark; well held over fences last time but respected; new rider today.

6/1

Form: 1PP-P7

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Formerly very useful over fences, Grade 3 winner and landed handicap off 136 last year; nothing since and best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

13

7th Aug 2023

Good

2m 2f 150y

16:53 Cork

Benruben

11st 6lb

J: Tom Kelly

T: Leonard Paul Flynn

midfield, dropped to rear halfway

25/1

2

18th Dec 2022

Frozen

2m 1f 166y

13:44 Thurles

Benruben

11st 12lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Leonard Paul Flynn

Three-time chase winner has been mostly below form this year and cheekpieces need to spark a revival.

22/1

7th

1

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 4f 156y

14:40 Thurles

Benruben

11st 13lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Leonard Paul Flynn

Formerly very useful over fences, Grade 3 winner and landed handicap off 136 last year; nothing since and best watched.

16/1

Form: 213279

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Ballinrobe maiden winner in August ran a solid race in Downpatrick novice but hasn't really gone on from that, out of depth at Grade 3 level latest; will appreciate return to handicap company but others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

10th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 100y

14:37 Down Royal

Paidi’s Passion

11st 7lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: D M Christie

prominent, pressed leader after 3rd

6/1

1st

4

12th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 4f 73y

15:45 Tramore

Paidi’s Passion

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: D M Christie

Up 8lb for Downpatrick win and since won over fences at Ballinrobe; stays further but best form on decent ground and doesn't want it too soft.

7/2

1st

4

15th Sep 2023

Yielding

2m 7f 0y

17:25 Ballinrobe

Paidi’s Passion

11st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: D M Christie

Winner of a maiden hurdle over 2m6f here last year and doubled her score in that sphere at Downpatrick last time; placed in a point', which will help making chasing debut but has a bit to find with some of these.

8/1

Form: 6-721P

Last run: 99 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Dual hurdles winner at Downpatrick, including in July over 2m6f; moderate run on Flat last month and others probably better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

2nd Nov 2023

Soft

2m 2f 66y

13:30 Thurles

Fassbender

11st 4lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Mark Michael McNiff

never better than midfield, no impression when not fluent and hampered last

7/1

3rd

2

6th Oct 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 165y

15:00 Downpatrick

Fassbender

11st 13lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Mark Michael McNiff

in touch with leaders, headway on inner before 2 out, challenging after 2 out, briefly disputed lead before last, ridden when lost second and no extra run-in

11/2

Form: /FP0P-

Last run: 231 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Versatile sort, winner on the Flat/AW and maiden hurdle for Gavin Cromwell; out of form for his subsequent yard and never counted on debut for current trainer on Flat at Galway last month; seems best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

(13)

16th Dec 2022

Standard

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Father Ailbe

9st 12lb

J: Shane Crosse

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

prominent, led after 1f, briefly headed 7f out, disputing lead until lost position over 3f out, dropped to last and ridden home turn

100/1

3

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 4f 156y

14:40 Thurles

Father Ailbe

11st 12lb

J: Denis O’Regan

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

Versatile sort, winner on the Flat/AW and maiden hurdle for Gavin Cromwell; out of form for his subsequent yard and never counted on debut for current trainer on Flat at Galway last month; seems best watched for now.

25/1

10th

5

(14)

18th Oct 2022

Soft

1m 3f 184y

17:10 Gowran Park

Father Ailbe

9st 8lb

J: Shane Crosse

T: Miss Hilary McLoughlin

dwelt start, in rear, pushed along 4f out, ridden towards far side 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never dangerous

25/1

Form: -42156

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner ran well for a long way on recent handicap debut in first-time cheekpieces, possibly not quite seeing out 2m6f trip at Navan; slight drop in trip to suit and one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

17th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Cheltenham

Moonovercloon

11st 2lb

J: James Smith

T: Matthew J Smith

Irish handicap hurdler who scored twice (2m1f/2m4f) in the summer; respectable fifth in Pertemps qualifier here (3m, good to soft) most recently; remains in form but has raced 13 times in this sphere already and others have greater potential.

20/1

5th

7

28th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

15:00 Cheltenham

Moonovercloon

11st 4lb

J: James Smith

T: Matthew J Smith

Progressive 6yo who has won twice this season (2m1f/2m4f) and was a very respectable fourth of 17 at Punchestown (2m4f, yielding to soft) this month; needs a career best but the new trip may unlock more improvement.

14/1

4th

1

11th Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

15:00 Punchestown

Moonovercloon

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Matthew J Smith

midfield, headway when not fluent 2 out, kept on and went fourth towards finish, never on terms

7/1

Form: 144-P9

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Wexford maiden winner last year (2m) has had a very restricted campaign in 2022, most recently never sighted in Galway handicap last month; hard to make a case for.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 194y

15:45 Sligo

Staging Post

10st 6lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Won his bumper here and arrives in good form after finishing second in a handicap hurdle here last month; top rider booked and has to have a solid chance.

3/1

2nd

13

13th Jun 2023

Good

2m 1f 133y

18:33 Sligo

Staging Post

11st 3lb

J: Daniel King

T: Mark Michael McNiff

midfield, headway and in touch with leaders before 2 out, pushed along and went second approaching last, ran on and went clear with winner final 110yds

4/1

3rd

5

31st May 2023

Good

2m 1f 100y

18:30 Wexford

Staging Post

11st 9lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Bumper winner at Sligo in 2020 and course maiden hurdle winner two years ago; chance here based on creditable Naas fourth in March, with today's rival Be My Hero back in seventh.

7/2

Form: 0/231-

Last run: 476 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Improved on joining Willie Mullins in summer of 2021, placed twice in handicaps before readily landing 2m2f Sligo contest (yielding) August that year; not seen since and reappears from 14 months' absence for new yard so market could prove best guide to his chances.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

27th Sep 2023

Soft

2m 4f 20y

Class 5

15:30 Perth

Attitash

11st 7lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Clear third in much stronger chase than this at Downpatrick (2m2f, good) last month and switches back to fences after two very respectable hurdle runs; will cope well with the soft ground here; good chance.

11/4

5th

10

15th Sep 2023

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:50 Downpatrick

Attitash

10st 6lb

J: Caragh Monaghan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Ran well over fences here last month but couldn't build on that back over timber subsequently and possibly up against it in a warm race here.

20/1

Form: U0-146

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Went up 9lb for winning at Clonmel in May and two Tramore runs since suggests the handicapper may have his measure for the moment.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

6th Dec 2023

Soft

1m 7f 212y

Class 4

15:07 Ludlow

Steppenwolf

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Completing has been a challenge in his brief chasing career to date (0-5) but he's a winning hurdler and this is his first handicap in this discipline; as his Irish stable's only runner on the card he's by no means dismissed.

5/2

0

9

11th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

12:20 Gowran Park

Steppenwolf

11st 12lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

midfield, mistake and unseated 9th

4/1

6th

9

28th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 2f 54y

15:42 Galway

Steppenwolf

11st 5lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Gavin Cromwell

Limited enough (rated 106) over hurdles and has failed to complete on two of three attempts chasing including early faller here early this month; hard to make a case for.

33/1

Form: 3P7F2P D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won over this trip at Tramore in April but very mixed form in six outings since, Downpatrick novice second easily best run; pulled up on recent chase debut and now reverts to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

17th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Cheltenham

Prince Zaltar

11st 8lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: P J Rothwell

The winner of two 2m4f handicaps in Ireland this year and late mistakes did him no favours when beaten 14l over 2m7f the final time; needs to resume improvement to defy this sort of mark.

20/1

4th

7

21st Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 180y

15:05 Killarney

Prince Zaltar

10st 11lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: P J Rothwell

Has gained two wins over 2m4f this year; not at his best back at this trip at Ballinrobe when last seen; probably needs a career best to defy his current mark.

10/1

Form: 09-445

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
First reserve; improvement in Kilbeggan maidens over the summer (good), not at that level at Wexford last month on heavy; return to better ground should suit on handicap debut and potential improver.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

21st Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:00 Limerick

Simpletwistoffaith

11st 12lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Patrick J F Hassett

Off for seven months before a fine effort on his stable debut when second in a Kilbeggan maiden; untidy at the last two flights at Ballinrobe in July.

5/1

5th

13

25th Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 1f 5y

17:08 Ballinrobe

Simpletwistoffaith

11st 4lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Patrick J F Hassett

Off for seven months before a fine effort on his stable debut when second in a Kilbeggan maiden hurdle early last month; big chance if he can reproduce that.

4/1

2nd

6

4th Jun 2023

Good

2m 2f 59y

14:20 Kilbeggan

Simpletwistoffaith

11st 12lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: Patrick J F Hassett

Managed two fourth placings at this venue last summer, beaten less than 10l both times; failed to match that form at Wexford on final start for Noel Glynn; place possibility if finding his best form again on stable debut.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 132P-P D

Last run: 203 days

W: 11st 4lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; veteran whose last win came when not needing to be at best in Limerick claiming hurdle in February for Robert Tyner; pulled up quickly on last two starts in the spring over fences and obvious concerns now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

9th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 77y

14:05 Thurles

Spare Brakes

11st 3lb

J: Dillon Maxwell

T: V C Ward

Five wins for Robert Tyner; 13-year-old pulled up on all three starts for his current trainer and makes no appeal.

50/1

6

21st Dec 2022

Yielding

2m 6f 110y

14:37 Fairyhouse

Spare Brakes

11st 11lb

J: Dillon Maxwell

T: V C Ward

Five-time winner was poor over fences when last seen and looks best watched on return.

33/1

Form: -FP677

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; won twice in novice hurdles in Britain for Fergal O'Brien, showing her best form on good ground at around 2m; has struggled for this yard so far and now tried blinkered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

6th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 5f 0y

13:45 Tramore

Ordered Lives

11st 3lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Paul Fitzgerald

midfield, dropped to rear 3rd, ridden and struggling 2 out, tailed off when pulled up before last

20/1

18

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 4f 156y

14:40 Thurles

Ordered Lives

11st 3lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Paul Fitzgerald

Third reserve; won twice in novice hurdles in Britain for Fergal O'Brien, showing her best form on good ground at around 2m; has struggled for this yard so far and now tried blinkered.

7th

8

30th Sep 2022

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:02 Gowran Park

Ordered Lives

11st 7lb

J: Mr J L Gleeson

T: Martin Paul Fitzgerald

held up in rear, pushed along 2 out (usual 3 out), soon no impression

25/1

Non-runners

Simpletwistoffaith, Spare Brakes, Ordered Lives

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €37.50
Straight Forecast €33.47
Tricast €272.26
Trifecta €214.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

L'or Des Roses

POSTDATA:

Paidi's Passion

RP Ratings (IRE):

Asluckwouldhaveit

TOPSPEED:

Spare Brakes

The Irish Sun:

L'or Des Roses