December 15 / 13.55 Naas

13.55

Yielding To Soft

John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5205.88
  • 1m 7f 180y
  • 28 runners
RTV
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John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 28 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 306-80

Last run: 30 days

W: 12st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Flat winner (at 2) is a 0-11 over hurdles, tailed off last month at Fairyhouse; form is on better ground so remains opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

28th Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 55y

16:55 Downpatrick

Copia Verborum

11st 2lb

J: Miss A McGuinness

T: J J Lambe

A long time since he showed his best form; has run creditably at this track on occasion but otherwise does not seem to have much going for him; in rear over hurdles here earlier in the month.

25/1

11th

10

13th Aug 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 65y

15:10 Downpatrick

Copia Verborum

11st 4lb

J: Miss A McGuinness

T: J J Lambe

A long time since he showed his best form; has run creditably at this track on occasion but otherwise does not seem to have much going for him.

25/1

10th

1

(2)

9th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:25 Ayr

Copia Verborum

10st 0lb

J: James Sullivan

T: J J Lambe

Irish challenger who is one to watch in the betting on his first Flat start since October 2021, but he hasn't really shone over hurdles subsequently and his claims aren't compelling.

16/1

Form: 39-909 CD

Last run: 168 days

W: 12st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Both hurdle wins (including here) have been on heavy although on a long losing run under both codes; back from a short break and may need this but can't be ruled out in such a modest affair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 150y

19:35 Downpatrick

Mastermind

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Dual hurdle winner got off the mark over fences at Down Royal last month, beating Hardy Diamond by 1.75l; should run well again raised 3lb.

4/1

1st

15

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 2f 50y

17:07 Down Royal

Mastermind

10st 0lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Ms Helen P Markham

Dual winning hurdler is 0-13 chasing; one of his better efforts came at Thurles in February when a 9.75l third (2m6f, soft to heavy); didn't back that up when tailed off at Limerick last time (2m7f, heavy).

33/1

Form: 70951-

Last run: 271 days

W: 12st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Had shown little until much improved to spring 50-1 shock in 2m7f Thurles handicap in March (good) on final start for John O'Callaghan, seeing it out well; 7lb higher now and drops markedly in trip on first start for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

8th Aug 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:38 Wexford

Cafe Del Mar

11st 2lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: David J Phelan

Losing run stretches back to March 2022; managed a few placed efforts last year but suffered a heavy defeat on sole start this year at Thurles in March; others appeal more.

22/1

9th

15

15th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 42y

16:50 Thurles

Cafe Del Mar

10st 3lb

J: Ethan O’Sullivan

T: David J Phelan

50-1 when winning this race three years ago; each-way chance on last year's best form; not at her best on her final two starts before a short break; decent form last season, when second in a handicap hurdle at Killarney and a handicap chase at Wexford.

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 24-009 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 12st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Last year's win (off 85) in this race his sole success from 19 starts; two recent runs haven't offered much and questions to answer here in repeat bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

18

26th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:05 Gowran Park

Saga Aravis

11st 3lb

J: James O’Sullivan

T: Paul Nolan

prominent, pressed leaders when mistake 2 out, soon outpaced when pushed along, ridden when went fourth run-in

14/1

9th

3

20th Dec 2022

Yielding To Soft

1m 7f 201y

15:06 Naas

Saga Aravis

12st 2lb

J: Mr R James

T: Paul Nolan

in touch with leaders

10/1

Form: -P0349

Last run: 60 days

W: 12st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Has largely struggled in handicaps, Listowel maiden third was his best run; blinkers now tried but improvement needed to play a major role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

18th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

15:15 Tipperary

Beeverstown Bullet

11st 9lb

J: Niall Moore

T: M A Cahill

No win in 18 but has been in the frame several times; has to improve upon recent starts but shouldn't be far away.

14/1

9th

12

16th Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

13:20 Punchestown

Beeverstown Bullet

11st 1lb

J: Mr D Kiely

T: M A Cahill

0-10 over hurdles but has run respectably at times in maidens and handicaps; blinkers worn last time retained; chance.

12/1

25

31st Dec 2022

Soft

2m 0f 100y

15:07 Punchestown

Beeverstown Bullet

11st 11lb

J: Eamonn Fitzgerald

T: M A Cahill

Third reserve; is 0-10 over hurdles but has run respectably at times in maidens and handicaps; blinkers worn last time retained; chance.

Abandoned

Form: 008354

Last run: 39 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Limited enough but some creditable runs in handicaps this autumn, not clearest of runs at Cork latest but decent effort in the circumstances on ground probably plenty soft; place claims again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

16

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 80y

17:42 Tramore

Go Gill Go

10st 1lb

J: Daniel King

T: James Grace

Just 1-34 over hurdles and her regression continues so not much appeal until showing more spark.

33/1

9th

18

20th Jan 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 33y

14:20 Down Royal

Go Gill Go

10st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: James Grace

On losing run since Sligo maiden hurdle win in 2021; no signs of ending the barren spell in recent starts.

14/1

Form: 7-3609

Last run: 19 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Opening handicap efforts moderate but lightly raced 5yo has time on her side but may need more respite from the handicapper.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

10th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

17:00 Roscommon

Latest Model

10st 8lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: John Joseph Hanlon

towards rear throughout, pushed along and no impression from 3 out

25/1

7th

9

21st Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 100y

18:58 Wexford

Latest Model

10st 13lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has plenty of handicap experience; good run at Clonmel three starts ago when close-up in fourth in a contest in which dual subsequent winner Reflectionist was second; needs to improve on last week's Sligo run; blinkers now as well as tongue-tie worn before.

20/1

7th

12

13th Jun 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

19:08 Sligo

Latest Model

10st 13lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

in touch with leaders, went third before 7th

6/1

Form: 6560

Last run: 30 days

W: 12st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo never counted on last month's handicap debut at Fairyhouse when didn't go unbacked; probably best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

26th Jul 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 2f 200y

18:20 Kilbeggan

Maxios Show

11st 0lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Couple of okay Downpatrick runs for Gary McGill and creditable run in the circumstances after year's absence on yard debut early this month at Sligo; entitled to come on for that so respected.

13/2

4th

11

7th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 194y

16:15 Sligo

Maxios Show

11st 0lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Couple of okay Downpatrick runs for Gary McGill but nothing to get too excited about; has joined a good outfit in Cork now but been off a year.

14/1

6th

12

13th Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 1f 165y

15:50 Downpatrick

Maxios Show

10st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Gary McGill

towards rear of midfield, pushed along and headway 2 out, ridden and kept on run-in, not reach leaders

25/1

Form: 0-800

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Decent Flat sort in France, winning twice on soft over middle-distances; has shown little so far over hurdles, none too fluent on recent handicap debut at Punchestown; still time to improve, especially with more fluent jumping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

14th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Tramore

Pidoyne

10st 13lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Career best to win at Roscommon last summer from 6lb lower before lesser run at this track; low-key Flat return at Limerick in June; needs more to win this.

13/1

Form: P93438

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Maiden whose best form has been in 2m4f handicaps on decent ground; didn't look to get home over 2m6f on latest, now takes a marked drop in trip and one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

15th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

18:30 Kilbeggan

Ceanndana

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Five-time winner under rules (three over hurdles); took second behind progressive rival on return from 87-day break at Punchestown in October (2m7f, good to yielding); another positive run when third over fences last time at Down Royal (3m, good to yielding); consistent sort but there may be better handicapped contenders.

7/2

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

14:10 Down Royal

Ceanndana

11st 8lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

2-9 over fences and was lots to like about his return from an 87-day break in a Punchestown handicap hurdle 18 days ago; the forecast rain is a concern but he's big player on return to chasing if it misses.

7/1

3

1st Nov 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

14:10 Down Royal

Ceanndana

11st 8lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

2-9 over fences and was lots to like about his return from an 87-day break in a Punchestown handicap hurdle 18 days ago; the forecast rain is a concern but he's big player on return to chasing if it misses.

7/1

Form: 14-P67 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in March off 84 and has run creditably on a couple of occasions since off revised mark; plenty keen and didn't get home over 2m4f on latest so drop back to his optimum trip should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

23rd Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 205y

14:52 Clonmel

Flashthelights

11st 13lb

J: Mr O McGill

T: Noel C Kelly

Won twice on good ground last year, at Punchestown and Wexford; a long way best in two 2025 outings, five months apart; may do better now.

7/1

5

10th Oct 2025

Yielding To Soft

2m 1f 65y

15:23 Downpatrick

Flashthelights

11st 4lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: Noel C Kelly

One of three for yard; has won three over timber but tailed off in his last couple of starts and needs the ground to dry out to see him at his best.

15/1

Form: 70-00

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Some improvement on latest when midfield in decent Punchestown maiden, albeit well beaten; worth a market check on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

18th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

16:25 Bellewstown

Atlantic Wonder

10st 7lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: A J Martin

Poor in two chases and a hurdle since returning from an absence of over two years and not easy to fancy on that form.

18/1

18th

19

10th Oct 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Punchestown

Atlantic Wonder

11st 0lb

J: A P Heskin

T: A J Martin

in rear

6/1

Form: -59005

Last run: 92 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Some promise in maidens but nothing in handicaps and on chasing debut latest for Harry Kelly; first run for new yard and possibly best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

27th Sep 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 47y

16:30 Sligo

Pepperocco

10st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Seems to be improving judged on Wexford second, when having her third handicap start and partnered by this rider for the first time; a little more progress may suffice against mostly well exposed types here.

5/2

Form: F05004

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Modest form so far, latest when remote last of 4 in Musselburgh handicap 10 days ago; cheekpieces now tried but hard to have confidence in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

14:35 Ayr

No Mor Isolation

11st 0lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: S R B Crawford

One of three Irish challengers in the field; holds weak claims on form and proved reluctant to race at Sedgefield most recently; however, may improve with Daryl Jacob up for first time.

16/1

12

13th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

13:50 Sedgefield

No Mor Isolation

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: S R B Crawford

Trained in Northern Ireland; lightly raced but low-level form at best, beaten 27l, 29l and 55l in his three handicaps; tried cheekpieces on latest start, now has a tongue-tie and visor.

25/1

9

2nd Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 100y

Class 5

13:15 Ayr

No Mor Isolation

11st 8lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Irish-trained maiden who has finished well down the field at Musselburgh on his last two starts, most recently yesterday in first-time cheekpieces; now wears a first-time visor and has plenty to prove.

16/1

Form: 880B-F

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Just a glimmer of ability in three maidens and has failed to complete in both handicaps, brought down (beaten) here in March and faller at Ayr in October; hard to fancy but has time on her side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th Mar 2024

Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Poppy Rose

11st 4lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: S R B Crawford

She's been placed a few times and won't be far away if at the top of her game, but that hasn't been the case the last twice and she's now 0-13.

20/1

6th

6

9th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 5f 91y

Class 4

13:58 Ayr

Poppy Rose

10st 6lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: S R B Crawford

12-race maiden; second in a 2m4f mares' handicap hurdle off 8lb lower here in February 2023 (good to soft); two fair runs in November/December but disappointing favourite last time; needs to bounce back.

5/1

12th

14

12th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 24y

15:12 Naas

Poppy Rose

10st 8lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: S R B Crawford

Yet to break her duck but several decent efforts in defeat, including last twice in similarly competitive heats here and at Navan; not totally proven over the trip but still likely to be thereabouts.

9/2

Form: F0-530

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Killarney third over the summer was encouraging, bad blunder put paid to his chances at Gowran last time; not one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

19th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 165y

15:21 Downpatrick

Only One Plan

11st 13lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: M Flannery

Added his third hurdles win at Ballinrobe in July (2m1f, good) off 96; not at the same level in two runs following that off 4lb higher; dropped 1lb now, but his form is erratic.

11/1

8th

11

5th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:32 Kilbeggan

Only One Plan

10st 4lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: M Flannery

Is 3-30 over hurdles with his most recent win coming at Ballinrobe in July off a mark of 96 (2m1f, good); beaten a long way off a 4lb higher mark back at that track last time (2m, good); could bounce back here.

12/1

9th

2

11th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 169y

18:55 Ballinrobe

Only One Plan

12st 0lb

J: Conor Owens

T: M Flannery

3-28 over hurdles, two wins with Philip Rothwell and placed twice at this venue for that stable; has found his form again; built on Kilbeggan second when scoring for his locally-based trainer here last month; only 4lb higher, same 7lb claimer aboard

11/2

Form: 4P8PP7

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Now 0-25 under both codes, first-time cheekpieces had no discernible effect at Cork last time; hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(5)

30th Apr 2023

Yielding

1m 5f 29y

16:25 Sligo

Dixon Line

8st 12lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Adrian Sexton

Precious little over hurdles of late although did run well in a couple of late-season Flat handicaps last year off this lowly mark.

25/1

3

6th Mar 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:40 Leopardstown

Dixon Line

11st 12lb

J: Alan King

T: Adrian Sexton

Rated only 80 and has a mountain to climb; 13th at Wexford yesterday.

200/1

13th

17

5th Mar 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:50 Wexford

Dixon Line

10st 0lb

J: Alan King

T: Adrian Sexton

midfield

Form: 7U3609

Last run: 9 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Fairyhouse third here standout effort, below best when upped in trip on latest; return to 2m should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

19th Oct 2024

Good

2m 5f 0y

16:25 Limerick

Maggie Walsh

11st 12lb

J: Niall Prendergast

T: Michael J Bowe

in rear

17/2

3rd

2

10th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:40 Tramore

Maggie Walsh

11st 10lb

J: Niall Prendergast

T: Michael J Bowe

One of her two hurdle wins came over C&D last year; outclassed and tailed-off on comeback from an absence six days ago; this is more realistic and can run well if on form.

6/1

3

4th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:35 Gowran Park

Maggie Walsh

10st 11lb

J: Niall Prendergast

T: Michael J Bowe

Won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle and a Tramore handicap hurdle last year; not seen since August last year and best watched on her return.

33/1

Form: 0/00-

Last run: 396 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Debut Cork maiden run not without promise but two efforts since have been poor; lightly-raced 8yo hard to fancy on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

15

16th Jan 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 130y

14:20 Punchestown

Come On Sally

10st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Paul Martin Pierce

Lightly-raced mare; nothing in her form in maidens to signify winning potential.

40/1

19

21st Dec 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:37 Fairyhouse

Come On Sally

10st 2lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Paul Martin Pierce

Lightly-raced mare; nothing in her form in maidens to signify winning potential; third reserve,

7th

20

20th Dec 2022

Yielding To Soft

1m 7f 201y

15:06 Naas

Come On Sally

11st 6lb

J: Mr E Staples

T: Paul Martin Pierce

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form: P00-00

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Poor form in maidens and not the slickest of jumpers; hard to fancy on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

(13)

18th Jan 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

13:35 Dundalk (AW)

Fourgenerations

9st 7lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Adrian Murray

Weak form in maiden hurdles and soundly beaten off a modest 83 in a handicap hurdle at Naas last month; up against it.

50/1

12th

21

20th Dec 2022

Yielding To Soft

1m 7f 201y

15:06 Naas

Fourgenerations

11st 6lb

J: Mr S Cavanagh

T: Adrian Murray

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form: 006-60

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Point winner last year but 0-27 under Rules and visor now replaces cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 160y

19:18 Limerick

Likable Chancer

10st 1lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: Daniel John Howard

Winless in 31 attempts hurdling; 3-35 over fences, with two of those at Tramore; flopped when well fancied for course handicap hurdle in February; fair fifth over fences at Tramore last month.

16/1

5th

13

20th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 5f 160y

19:12 Tramore

Likable Chancer

10st 4lb

J: Daniel King

T: Daniel John Howard

3-34 over fences, with two of those successes coming at this track, including when 33-1 chance in this race in 2023; creditable third in a 2m7f handicap chase here on New Year's Day; flopped when well fancied for a handicap hurdle at Limerick last time.

6/1

14

10th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

14:25 Limerick

Likable Chancer

10st 3lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Daniel John Howard

Is 3-34 over fences; veteran's recent form is solid, featuring a third placing over C&D last month and a third in a handicap chase at Tramore on New Year's Day; 0-30 record over hurdles is a significant negative; rider's claim is an asset.

8/1

Form: /26P7/

Last run: 796 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in Roscommon maiden two years ago and ran well in Navan flat handicap two starts back; hard to be confident in but can't readily rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

29th Dec 2022

Soft To Heavy

2m 3f 0y

15:35 Limerick

Vocal Queen

10st 9lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Brendan W Duke

First reserve; not hurdled in an age but RPR of 103 when she did so could be chucked in off 83 but handicaps were poor and flopped on Flat latest.

11th

15

(8)

10th Oct 2022

Soft

1m 3f 80y

16:25 Killarney

Vocal Queen

8st 12lb

J: Orla McKenna

T: Brendan W Duke

towards rear of midfield, pushed along towards rear over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out

14/1

Form: 00-0U9

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Nothing to recommend thus far, withdrawn on account of soft ground at Thurles last month so today's ground unlikely to suit; tongue tie tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

22nd Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 100y

16:35 Punchestown

Weston Road

11st 2lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Denis W Cullen

prominent, in touch with leaders when nudged along and weakened quickly after 7th, dropped to last when pulled up before 8th

33/1

13

3rd Nov 2022

Yielding To Soft

1m 7f 188y

15:50 Thurles

Weston Road

11st 2lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Denis W Cullen

Tailed off or failed to complete nine runs so far including handicap debut latest; tongue-tie now tried.

50/1

Form: 076337

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Dual winner in points is 0-10 hurdling but placings at Thurles and Limerick give her claims in this company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

9

21st Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 7f 0y

16:50 Killarney

O Mio Babbino

11st 1lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Patrick Cronin

Won a Thurles handicap chase over 2m6f in February; some decent runs in defeat since, though not at Tramore last time; tongue-tie tried.

14/1

6th

3

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 5f 50y

18:00 Tramore

O Mio Babbino

11st 11lb

J: Mr C J Shine

T: Patrick Cronin

Gained first win under Rules at Thurles in February and fairly consistent over fences since; drying ground will suit and may have another race in her from this sort of mark.

4/1

5th

3

25th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 160y

19:00 Limerick

O Mio Babbino

11st 12lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Patrick Cronin

towards rear early, in touch with leaders after 7th, ridden after 3 out, went third before 2 out, not fluent 2 out, soon weakened

12/1

Form: 50-P90

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Winner at Downpatrick (2m6f) last season; poor form since and this marked drop in trip unlikely to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

17th Mar 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:30 Down Royal

Ringhill Lady

10st 13lb

J: Tom Kelly

T: J J Lambe

towards rear, pushed along in rear after 4th

50/1

8

24th Jan 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:00 Down Royal

Ringhill Lady

10st 13lb

J: Miss A McGuinness

T: J J Lambe

Sole win came in a handicap hurdle at Downpatrick in May 2021; well below form in four runs this term and no signs of a revival at Punchestown last month; huge ask on chase debut.

33/1

17th

21

31st Dec 2022

Soft

2m 0f 100y

15:07 Punchestown

Ringhill Lady

10st 13lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: J J Lambe

Sole win came over 2m5f last year; hasn't repeated that form since and was tailed-off last time.

28/1

Form: P00-59

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
First reserve; surprising favourite on debut for yard at Galway (3m) in October (reportedly gurgled and made mistakes) when creditable fifth of 20; tailed off since over fences but worth a market check if getting a run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Carbon King

11st 7lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Last campaign was very hit and miss but included two wins over about 2m4f on heavy going and he seems to be working his way back to form this season; not proven beyond 2m5f but he's too well handicapped to be ignored.

20/1

10

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 6f 41y

Class 3

16:08 Windsor

Carbon King

11st 7lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Last campaign was very hit and miss but included two wins over about 2m4f on heavy going and he seems to be working his way back to form this season; not proven beyond 2m5f but he's too well handicapped to be ignored.

20/1

Form: U07-0

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; glimpses of form on the flat at low level but nothing yet in four attempts hurdling; cheekpieces fitted for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(1)

17th Aug 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 80y

20:00 Tramore

War Thunder

9st 3lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Paul W Flynn

prominent early, soon dropped to midfield

16/1

13th

12

(4)

7th Aug 2024

Yielding

1m 5f 98y

20:02 Sligo

War Thunder

9st 3lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Paul W Flynn

prominent, disputing second halfway

12/1

6th

14

(8)

17th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:05 Gowran Park

War Thunder

9st 0lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Paul W Flynn

Having first run for this yard when winning a 1m5f handicap at Sligo (yielding to soft) in May but this looks a better race and he's struggled under both codes since; tongue-tie added.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 009-30

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Third reserve; good comeback run when third over this trip at Tramore in October, 2m4f at Fairyhouse last month appeared too far; one to consider back at 2m if getting a run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

29th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

15:25 Thurles

Gaelic Des Chastys

11st 7lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: E McNamara

Consistent gelding over fences and hurdles, better as a chaser; placed on all three starts over hurdles since a handicap chase win at the Listowel festival; touched off at Limerick last time; up 3lb but still 12lb below his chase mark; strong contender.

6/1

5

18th Nov 2025

Heavy

2m 5f 0y

14:35 Limerick

Gaelic Des Chastys

11st 7lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: E McNamara

Has been generally consistent in the last 18 months since joining this yard; won over fences at Listowel and a good 2nd over C&D since so goes on the shortlist.

11/4

Verdict

Very difficult to fathom but CEANNDANA could go well back down in trip under a positive ride. Last year’s winner Saga Aravis has 8lb more to carry and has been out of form so needs to improve plenty, possible dangers include Go Gill Go and Only One Plan. [Alan Hewison]