November 24 / 15.10 Thurles

15.10

Yielding

Holycross Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4957.98
  • 2m 0f 33y
  • 19 runners
RTV
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Holycross Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 700-1U

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Readily landed a mares handicap hurdle at Sligo last month before a first fence unseat in a Naas handicap chase; up 8lb for that Sligo success and one for the shortlist here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

13

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Boghlone Honey

11st 8lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Liam P Cusack

prominent on outer, pressed leader after 3 out (usual 4 out), led going easily before 2 out, soon went clear, went well clear when not fluent last, easily

6/1

15

12th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:15 Naas

Boghlone Honey

10st 8lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Liam P Cusack

midfield, mistake and unseated rider 1st

16/1

1st

8

21st Oct 2022

Yielding

2m 1f 110y

14:25 Sligo

Boghlone Honey

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Liam P Cusack

held up in midfield, prominent in chasing group 4 out, led going best just after 2 out, went clear approaching last, ridden briefly and kept on strongly run-in, eased towards finish, comfortably

25/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 9803-5

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Alternated between fences and hurdles last season, by far his best effort when a good third in a big-field handicap hurdle at Naas in March; probably needed the run on his return in a handicap chase at Limerick last month; looks the owner's first-string here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

2nd Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:30 Kilbeggan

Know The Game

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Tom Dreaper

Bit of a bridle merchant and sole victory came over fences in 2022 when also twice placed in handicap hurdles; latest hurdling sixth at Fairyhouse was decent and 9lb lower in this sphere.

10/1

12th

4

9th May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

18:10 Tipperary

Know The Game

11st 11lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Tom Dreaper

took keen hold, disputed lead, mistake and lost position 3 out, weakened quickly before 2 out

5/1

12th

4

9th May 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

18:10 Tipperary

Know The Game

11st 11lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Tom Dreaper

took keen hold, disputed lead, mistake and lost position 3 out, weakened quickly before 2 out

5/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 2947U8 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Last win was over C&D a year ago; unlucky not to add to that tally during the summer; not disgraced in a competitive Navan contest last time; 10lb higher than last year but well capable of getting into the shake-up at his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Peace Party

11st 11lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Desmond McDonogh

Reserve; 2-35 over hurdles, the wins a long time ago now; didn't run badly last time but an 11yo now and others appeal more.

9th

10

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 0lb

J: E Walsh

T: Desmond McDonogh

Tailed off throughout after starting very sluggishly here four weeks ago; hasn't won for a long time now.

25/1

10

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 7lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Desmond McDonogh

Hasn't won in a long time but three times runner-up at this track last summer including in this event; back from a break and has to be respected given his record around here.

8/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 12F33F D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Landed a 2m handicap hurdle at Wexford in July and had every chance when coming down at the last at the same venue last month; consistent performer and unlikely to be too far away here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

30th Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:50 Wexford

Our Bobby

11st 12lb

J: E Walsh

T: John M Burke

Has been in fine form lately, winning over hurdles and Listowel and a handicap chase over C&D; 6lb higher now but that brings him to parity with hurdles mark; major player.

100/30

1st

1

13th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 110y

16:25 Wexford

Our Bobby

11st 13lb

J: E Walsh

T: John M Burke

Three-time winning hurdler ran well in a beginners' chase at Tipperary lately and has handicap experience.

6/1

Form: 941P-3 D

Last run: 105 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won a Flat handicap at Tipperary in May and generally in good form over the summer; returning from a couple of sub-standard Flat efforts last month at the Curragh and Dundalk but cannot be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

29th Mar 2023

Soft To Heavy

1m 2f 0y

17:05 Navan

Secret Sea

10st 0lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Eoin Doyle

Both Flat wins have been over further and on better ground; lacks a recent run and may need this.

14/1

5th

5

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Secret Sea

11st 11lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Eoin Doyle

Won a Flat handicap at Tipperary in May and generally in good form over the summer; returning from a couple of sub-standard Flat efforts last month at the Curragh and Dundalk but cannot be discounted.

8/1

13th

8

(17)

4th Nov 2022

Standard

1m 4f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Secret Sea

9st 10lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Eoin Doyle

dwelt start, towards rear of midfield

14/1

Form: 5F82-6

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in a Galway maiden hurdle for Pat Kelly 13 months ago; faded on his reappearance at Wexford last month after a year off; should come on but others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

30th May 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 0y

18:47 Limerick

Champagne Vacation

12st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Sean Aherne

Maiden after 12 hurdle starts but some okay runs in handicaps last year; lacks a recent run and opposable.

10/1

Form: P06160 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won a good ground handicap hurdle at Tramore in August; not quite at that level in two starts since and better ground would help; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

15

30th Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:50 Wexford

Bite That

10st 6lb

J: G B Noonan

T: Patrick J Flynn

Record of 1-23 over hurdles; 0-7 over fences but some fair runs including over C&D; beaten 18l at Tramore last time over 2m but this trip suits better.

20/1

4th

7

18th Aug 2024

Good

1m 7f 140y

16:33 Tramore

Bite That

11st 2lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Patrick J Flynn

Sole win came in 2m handicap hurdle here two years ago, faded tamely on recent return from a short break; placed in Wexford handicap chase last summer off 94, lost action on most recent chase effort.

10/1

10th

5

5th Aug 2024

Good

2m 2f 100y

16:05 Cork

Bite That

11st 9lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Patrick J Flynn

pressed leader, awkward jump 1st

20/1

Form: 307336

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Yet to win but some solid handicap form this year in the context of this race; faded late but far from disgraced at Punchestown last time; drops in trip here but very interesting nonetheless, even if Bryan Cooper prefers his stablemate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

1st Jan 2023

Soft

2m 5f 170y

13:40 Tramore

Ocojohn

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: Thomas Cooper

in touch with leaders

6/1

3rd

1

6th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 5f 100y

15:15 Tramore

Ocojohn

12st 0lb

J: B J Cooper

T: Thomas Cooper

Maiden was below form last time but was previously consistent in defeat over hurdles; has a squeak on chasing debut if jumping soundly.

15/2

8th

14

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Ocojohn

11st 8lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Thomas Cooper

Yet to win but some solid handicap form this year in the context of this race; faded late but far from disgraced at Punchestown last time; drops in trip here but very interesting nonetheless, even if Bryan Cooper prefers his stablemate.

10/1

Form: 9F-957 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Fourth run for the stable, respectable efforts in handicaps at Galway and Killarney before possibly not staying over 2m3f at Clonmel latest; could be far more at home over this trip than stablemate Ocojohn and considered with Bryan Cooper preferring him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

1st Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 1f 0y

14:30 Killarney

Elusive Rebeldom

11st 2lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Thomas Cooper

Won maiden on heavy and decent fifth in this last year but didn't do much after and been off seven months.

14/1

12

25th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 23y

15:20 Fairyhouse

Elusive Rebeldom

11st 4lb

J: Richard Condon

T: Thomas Cooper

led, headed 6th, ridden and lost ground before 3 out, soon dropped to rear, pulled up after 3 out

25/1

12th

3

16th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:25 Clonmel

Elusive Rebeldom

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: Thomas Cooper

Good enough to win a Punchestown maiden hurdle for Debbie Hartnett three years ago; has run okay in a couple of handicap hurdles for his current stable.

14/1

Form: 0-9116

Last run: 59 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Good staying type with six career wins; not at his best when failing to complete a hat-trick at Roscommon last time having gone up 17lb; cannot be discounted here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

3rd Oct 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 206y

16:25 Clonmel

Oskar High

11st 4lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Norman Lee

Won his seventh race when winning over 2m6f at Galway last time; raised 5lb for that narrow success and this trip is short enough for him but can run well.

4/1

1st

20

9th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 6f 97y

17:05 Galway

Oskar High

10st 13lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Norman Lee

made all, faced challenge when ridden and hung left after last, kept on well, just did enough

16/1

Form: /0P7-8 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won a Fairyhouse bumper for Vincent Ward 19 months ago; respectable effort in a maiden hurdle there at Easter; handicap debut here and not obviously well treated but should improve for his Limerick run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 140y

17:50 Tramore

Marys Pride

11st 9lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Cawley

Promising second at Bellewstown in April on his first outing this year, and went one better in 18-runner contest at Tipperary in July; faded into fourth off his revised mark at Cork.

7/1

4th

6

5th Aug 2024

Good

2m 1f 0y

14:35 Cork

Marys Pride

11st 1lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Edward Cawley

raced in second, disputed lead before 3 out

13/2

1st

5

4th Jul 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:40 Tipperary

Marys Pride

11st 10lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Cawley

Won handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in December 2022; out of form in light 2023 campaign, back near his best when second at Bellewstown in April; definite chance if replicating that run.

8/1

6/1

Form: 6/711- D

Last run: 490 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Looked a real improver when landing a pair of handicap hurdles at Tramore and Limerick 19 months ago; racing off a 19lb higher mark here; tough ask but the market should be a good guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

15

16th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 0y

19:48 Tramore

Gendarme

10st 0lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Charles Coakley

Course winner is 2-24 over hurdles but no win since back to back victories in July 2021; yet to fire in six runs for Charles Coakley but one of his better efforts when beaten 10l in a handicap chase at Limerick last time; tongue tie and visor reached for again (pulled up last time he wore them); hard to fancy.

20/1

8th

11

23rd May 2024

Good

2m 3f 160y

18:55 Limerick

Gendarme

10st 13lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Charles Coakley

Flat/hurdle winner; sent off 40-1 for recent chase debut here and was pulled up.

50/1

Form: -95650

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Second in a Killarney bumper for John Murphy in 2021 but only bits and pieces of form since; well beaten in a Navan maiden hurdle latest and not easy to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(11)

18th Jan 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

13:35 Dundalk (AW)

Fairy Tree

9st 7lb

J: W J Lee

T: Matthew J Smith

Second in a Killarney bumper for John Murphy in 2021; has done little of note since; jumped badly and tailed off in a handicap hurdle at Thurles in November; very hard to fancy.

20/1

13th

9

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Fairy Tree

11st 9lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Matthew J Smith

Second in a Killarney bumper for John Murphy in 2021 but only bits and pieces of form since; well beaten in a Navan maiden hurdle latest and not easy to fancy.

33/1

12th

16

13th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

11:45 Navan

Fairy Tree

11st 5lb

J: B J Cooper

T: Matthew J Smith

held up in rear, minor headway after 3 out, made no impression

50/1

Form: /288-0

Last run: 205 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Won a Flat handicap at Dundalk in March; lost his way on the Flat after that and best watched here on his return to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

30th Sep 2024

Yielding To Soft

1m 7f 135y

14:15 Roscommon

The Virginian

11st 3lb

J: Dylan White

T: Padraig Roche

Dual-purpose; 0-11 over timber; encouragement on last two starts at Thurles and Punchestown and ran well over this C&D last summer, beaten 3.25l on yielding to soft off 93; 3lb lower now and he is interesting.

9/1

4th

5

8th Jun 2024

Good

2m 3f 100y

16:17 Punchestown

The Virginian

11st 10lb

J: Dylan White

T: Padraig Roche

midfield in centre of group

10/1

Form: /00-78

Last run: 174 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Has had a few trainers since winning twice on the Flat in Britain; debuts for Pat Foley here and hard to fancy on what he has done recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Morning Skye

11st 9lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Patrick T Foley

Has had a few trainers since winning twice on the Flat in Britain; debuts for Pat Foley here and hard to fancy on what he has done recently.

20/1

Form: 20/60/ D

Last run: 804 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Second in a Tramore maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott but not much to recommend otherwise; debuts for Peter Maher here after more than two years off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

24th Nov 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 33y

15:10 Thurles

Mam Trasna

11st 7lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Peter Maher

Second in a Tramore maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott but not much to recommend otherwise; debuts for Peter Maher here after more than two years off.

66/1

OUR TIP

Form: 005F-

Last run: 224 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
First reserve; showed a little ability in a Cork maiden hurdle in January; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

10

24th Aug 2024

Good

2m 4f 50y

14:30 Killarney

Crowsatedappletart

11st 3lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Michael Winters

towards rear throughout

12/1

9th

3

26th Jul 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 195y

20:30 Kilbeggan

Crowsatedappletart

11st 9lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Michael Winters

Has found some form again of late, winning a handicap chase at Limerick in May before an 8l second at Tipperary earlier this month; might have finished closer without a mistake and looks like a big player from the same handicap mark.

2/1

2nd

10

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 1f 70y

15:03 Tipperary

Crowsatedappletart

10st 13lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Michael Winters

Only hurdles win came at Limerick; confirmed liking for that track when opening chase account on the eighth attempt; has gone up 6lb for that, but still 4lb below his hurdles rating.

6/1

Form: 090F-0

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; plum last in a Fairyhouse handicap hurdle last month; makes little appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

28th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 110y

16:15 Bellewstown

Grand Cru Chatho

11st 2lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Cawley

15-race maiden and has not really fulfilled early promise; very hard to fancy.

66/1

8th

9

21st Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 1f 93y

17:38 Sligo

Grand Cru Chatho

11st 5lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Edward Cawley

Maiden was a close 5th over 2m2f here in June and a repeat will see him involved; unseated early over fences since.

12/1

4

2nd Jul 2024

Good To Firm

2m 1f 70y

14:33 Tipperary

Grand Cru Chatho

11st 6lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: Edward Cawley

in rear early, some headway when not fluent and unseated 2nd

10/1

Form: 44-009

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; not disgraced in a couple of early bumpers or in a Gowran maiden hurdle; might need a little leeway from the handicapper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

4th Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

16:20 Kilbeggan

Bella Union

11st 4lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: John C McConnell

Early promise in bumpers but largely struggled over hurdles, hasn't been seen since midfield in Punchestown handicap in May 2023; can take a hold.

14/1

10th

2

23rd May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 80y

17:20 Punchestown

Bella Union

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Early promise in bumpers; struggling over hurdles - in handicaps on last three starts - but conditions should be a positive for one who can take a keen hold; not dismissed.

5/1

5

11th May 2023

Soft

2m 3f 25y

19:18 Clonmel

Bella Union

11st 8lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

Early promise in bumpers but continues to struggle over hurdles, in handicaps on last three starts; may want better ground.

Non-runners

Crowsatedappletart, Grand Cru Chatho, Bella Union

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €35.20
Straight Forecast €28.05
Tricast €198.31
Trifecta €386.50

Selections

The Irish Sun:

Our Bobby

RP Ratings (IRE):

Boghlone Honey

POSTDATA:

Peace Party

SPOTLIGHT:

Gendarme