December 26 / 12.35 Leopardstown

12.35

Yielding To Soft

Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7436.97
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • 23 runners
RTV
View Course
Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 23 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

OUR TIP

7/4 (Won)

  • Win: £1.90
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 11/ C

Last run: 631 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made a winning debut in a bumper at this venue in March 2021, a decisive success after the wide-margin leader had taken the wrong course into the straight; confirmed a high standard of form with a smart performance in a valuable sales bumper at Fairyhouse the following month; missed last season and returns after a 631-day absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Aintree

Dark Raven

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Has lost an unbeaten record since upped in class but far from disgraced in those two Grade 1 races, sixth in the Supreme at Cheltenham (soft) latest; major player if he stays the new trip (first go beyond 2m).

4/1

6th

2

14th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Dark Raven

11st 7lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: W P Mullins

2-2 in bumpers in spring 2021 (2m, yielding) and returned from a long absence to win on hurdle debut at Leopardstown (2m, soft) in December; remains open to improvement but he was a near-10l third of six to stablemate Il Etait Temps in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown (2m, yielding) last month and others have stronger credentials.

25/1

3rd

1

5th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Leopardstown

Dark Raven

11st 12lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: W P Mullins

towards rear, not fluent 1st, left in fourth just after 4th

12/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Outsider of three runners (but not a big price) for the stable when winning a Fairyhouse bumper readily on debut; can be rated a bright prospect for powerful connections.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

9th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 4f 100y

15:10 Fairyhouse

Doctor Bravo

11st 3lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gordon Elliott

Has made good strides since his debut in December, never really landing a blow but best run yet when eighth in a strong renewal of the Supreme Novices' last month; steps up in trip now and leading claims.

5/1

8th

4

14th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Doctor Bravo

11st 7lb

J: Davy Russell

T: Gordon Elliott

Made his debut only in December and won a big-field maiden at Down Royal (2m1f, soft) in January on his second hurdle start; he was receiving weight from the first two when third in the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran (2m, soft to heavy) last month but it was still a highly creditable run behind two experienced class acts in Fil Dor and Sharjah, and this very lightly raced 6yo could have more to offer for his top trainer; interesting.

20/1

3rd

4

18th Feb 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:17 Gowran Park

Doctor Bravo

11st 1lb

J: Denis O’Regan

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper winner; chased home Dark Raven in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day and made it 2-3 with Down Royal maiden hurdle win last month; much more on his plate but entirely unexposed.

9/2

Form: 4

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Left clear at the last when winning a maiden point at Ballindenisk just over a year ago; made most of the running before fading into fourth on hurdling debut in a 20-runner maiden at Punchestown last month; open to improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 120y

15:00 Sligo

Clonshire River

11st 9lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Won off 110 at Limerick (2m4f, good) in May; best run since on latest at Kilbeggan when a 2.75l second off 115 (20.5f, yielding); up 2lb for that and has placed at around this trip over hurdles; in the mix.

2/1

2nd

6

5th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 95y

18:37 Kilbeggan

Clonshire River

11st 4lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Point winner didn't win in 10 hurdle starts but was often placed, including at this track; off the mark over fences when winning at Limerick in May; beaten 14l off this mark over C&D last time and needs more.

10/1

2nd

8

9th Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 38y

20:00 Kilbeggan

Clonshire River

10st 11lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Won under a positive ride at Limerick (2m4f, good) on return from a break in May off 5lb lower; wasn't suited by the drop to 2m1f at Tipperary on latest; runner up twice here over hurdles so would be no surprise were he to rebound stepped back up in trip.

13/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to three multiple winners including very useful seven-time scorer Vision Des Flos; dam a maiden half-sister to high-class chaser Balko Des Flos, winner of the Galway Plate and Ryanair Chase, runner-up in Grand National.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

7th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 125y

16:30 Roscommon

So Des Flos

12st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Tough task over hurdles last time and wasn't pulling up any trees in handicap chases before that; sights are now lowered considerably but all his three wins have come in the mud.

5/1

3rd

4

28th May 2025

Good To Firm

3m 0f 0y

19:30 Wexford

So Des Flos

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Moderate form in handicaps over fences last season; 35lb inferior to Ash Three Meadow on current chase ratings; very tough task against his stablemate in the circumstances.

10/1

Form: /104-2 D BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Wide margin winner of a Tramore bumper last season; had two tough assignments behind brilliant stablemate Facile Vega in the Grade 1 events at Cheltenham and Punchestown; raced a bit too keenly when second on hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

8th Feb 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

15:50 Fairyhouse

Viva Devito

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Bumper winner; took his form to a new level when runner-up in a maiden hurdle over C&D in December; that form did take a few knocks and he didn't perform to the same level at Leopardstown since but can't be ruled out.

7/4

5th

20

26th Dec 2022

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

12:35 Leopardstown

Viva Devito

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: W P Mullins

Wide margin winner of a Tramore bumper last season; had two tough assignments behind brilliant stablemate Facile Vega in the Grade 1 events at Cheltenham and Punchestown; raced a bit too keenly when second on hurdling debut at Fairyhouse.

12/1

2nd

16

3rd Dec 2022

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:17 Fairyhouse

Viva Devito

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

took keen hold, prominent, mistake 4th, pulled way into lead before 4 out, clear going okay before 2 out, reduced lead when pushed along before last, ridden when headed and no extra after last, no match for winner

9/2

Form: 3-8

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made a good impression when winning a maiden point at Ballindenisk just over a year ago winner; fair third on debut for this yard in a Clonmel bumper in April; faded badly when tried over an extended 2m5f on hurdling debut at Punchestown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

24th Sep 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 4

14:30 Fontwell

Top Speed

11st 4lb

J: David Bass

T: Jamie Snowden

Irish maiden hurdle winner; beaten a long way in three runs for current yard, all handicap chases; could appreciate this return to hurdling and blinkers are given a go (in cheekpieces the last twice), but there are risks.

25/1

3rd

1

9th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

14:40 Newton Abbot

Top Speed

11st 9lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

raced in second, pressed leader after 6th, dropped to last after 7th, soon detached, weakened gradually from 4 out, tailed off

7/1

3rd

4

9th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Uttoxeter

Top Speed

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Maiden hurdle winner for Henry de Bromhead; left that yard under a cloud and his return to fences (stable debut) at Bangor was forgettable (2m1f, good; 20-1); tongue-tie returns with cheekpieces added.

12/1

Form: 1100- D

Last run: 261 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Untroubled in winning both starts in AQPS events in France in October 2021, on good and soft ground; then bought for 150,000Euros; bit slipped through his mouth and he became unsteerable when 14-1 chance in Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; again looked an awkward ride when hooded for Grade 2 Aintree event; remains interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

12th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 165y

17:53 Ballinrobe

Houlanbatordechais

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Dual bumper winner in France; has contested some good races since joining Willie Mullins with his best effort a sixth to King Of Kingsfield in a Leopardstown maiden at Christmas; last time was disappointing but the ability is there to play a leading role.

15/8

4th

4

27th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:50 Fairyhouse

Houlanbatordechais

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

didn't jump well, prominent, lost touch before 2 out

9/2

6th

9

26th Dec 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

12:35 Leopardstown

Houlanbatordechais

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

Dual AQPS Flat winner has been disappoininting so far for Mullins yard; beaten 25l in this race last year on hurdling debut and well held on return at Cork earlier this month.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Closely related to bumper/2m hurdle winner Tucanae, half-brother to six winners including Dodging Bullets, winner of the races, including the Tingle Creek and Clarence House in the 2014/15 season, beating Sprinter Sacre on the latter occasion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

12th Jan 2025

Frozen

2m 0f 198y

14:55 Punchestown

Dontstopthemusic

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Martin Brassil

in touch with leaders

9/4

6

12th Jan 2025

Frozen

2m 0f 198y

14:55 Punchestown

Dontstopthemusic

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Martin Brassil

in touch with leaders

9/4

3rd

5

30th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

13:20 Fairyhouse

Dontstopthemusic

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Brassil

in touch with leaders

12/1

Form: 9-238

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Shaped quite well in two bumper outings in October, below-best after running too freely at Wexford on latest; well beaten on hurdling debut at Killarney in the summer but had a possible excuse (blood found in trachea post-race).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

16

20th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

17:50 Kilbeggan

Ringsend John

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Thomas Cooper

in touch with leaders on inner, headway and prominent 2 out, pushed along and outpaced approaching last, no extra run-in

16/1

14

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 2f 190y

16:17 Naas

Ringsend John

11st 7lb

J: L P Dempsey

T: Thomas Cooper

Promise in bumpers; tailed off in trio of maiden hurdles; low-key handicap debut latest and probably best watched for now.

66/1

8th

8

25th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 23y

15:20 Fairyhouse

Ringsend John

11st 8lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Thomas Cooper

towards rear, not fluent on outer 3 out, soon shaken up, pushed along when not fluent 2 out, soon outpaced, rallied and kept on run-in

12/1

Form: 325669

Last run: 98 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner has had plenty of chances over hurdles; placed in four of his ten attempts, and rated 106; makes no appeal in a maiden of this standard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

12th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 166y

18:28 Sligo

Moulane West

11st 6lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Gained his only hurdles win in this race a year ago, making all to win easily on good ground after 200 days off; trying to repeat that feat; also ran well here a couple of times in August before form tailed off.

20/1

2

24th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 11y

16:20 Sligo

Moulane West

11st 9lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Shot up the handicap after winning by 10l over 2m2f at this track in May; some decent efforts in defeat since though was below form at Galway last time; needs his best.

5/1

Form: 37

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Shaped with some promise when third behind Mullins and Elliott runners in a bumper at Kilbeggan in August; plenty of improvement is needed from hurdling debut at Punchestown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

14th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

17:15 Market Rasen

Skip Mahler

11st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mark Walford

Still not convinced he's too accommodatingly handicapped despite a further 1lb drop, but last month's Uttoxeter third (2m, soft) represented a good step up on his British debut effort, and all other place finishes (in Ireland) were gained over right-handers about as sharp as this track.

12/1

3rd

4

26th May 2024

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:45 Uttoxeter

Skip Mahler

11st 7lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

0-10 over hurdles when trained in Ireland and, following a break, was safely held on recent stable debut at Warwick (2m, good); that run might have done him good but others have more pressing claims here; hood refitted; suited by good and soft ground.

10/1

3rd

4

26th May 2024

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 4

16:45 Uttoxeter

Skip Mahler

11st 7lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Mark Walford

0-10 over hurdles when trained in Ireland and, following a break, was safely held on recent stable debut at Warwick (2m, good); that run might have done him good but others have more pressing claims here; hood refitted; suited by good and soft ground.

10/1

66/1

Form: 89

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No threat in maidens at Galway and Gowran, will need to qualify for a handicap mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 114y

15:35 Tipperary

Anstand

11st 12lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Paul Nolan

held up in rear, ridden and no impression before 4 out

22/1

7th

6

31st May 2023

Good

2m 1f 100y

18:00 Wexford

Anstand

11st 7lb

J: James O’Sullivan

T: Paul Nolan

One of the more likely contenders on the basis of form such as a recent Clonmel fourth, beaten only 4l and not quite seeing out the 2m3f trip; this may be closer to his optimum trip.

4/1

4th

9

11th May 2023

Soft

2m 3f 25y

19:18 Clonmel

Anstand

11st 7lb

J: James O’Sullivan

T: Paul Nolan

Runner-up over 2m here in February on soft but well below that form twice since when well-fancied, latest when possibly didn't stay at Tramore; blinkers now tried.

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Winner of five of 54 races on the Flat; fit from action at Dundalk; latecomer to hurdling at almost eight; up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

8th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:20 Tramore

Magnetic North

9st 6lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

Was gaining a 12th win (five in claimers) on the Flat when taking Ballinrobe handicap last month in some style under today's rider; two days later folded quite tamely once headed over shorter trip at Naas, that race may have come too soon; veteran respected.

5/2

4

(12)

25th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 84y

19:10 Naas

Magnetic North

9st 8lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

11 time winner on the Flat; some good runs for Rebecca Menzies, highlighted by a selling handicap hurdle win last December and two placed efforts over 1m4f at Catterick in April; his stable debut 12 days ago at Limerick was okay when seventh of 12 (1m3f, good); declared to run in 7.50 Ballinrobe on Monday.

11/1

1st

11

(16)

23rd Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 9y

19:50 Ballinrobe

Magnetic North

9st 7lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

11 time winner on the Flat; some good runs for Rebecca Menzies, highlighted by a selling handicap hurdle win last December and two placed efforts over 1m4f at Catterick in April; his stable debut 12 days ago at Limerick was okay when seventh of 12 (1m3f, good).

16/1

Form: 5-

Last run: 289 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off on his sole bumper start; has shown ability in points winning twice, a maiden at Bandon in February and a winner of one in commanding fashion at Boulta last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

19:20 Fontwell

Kitsilano

11st 12lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: David Bridgwater

Both wins on heavy, latterly a 2m chase at Leicester in February; creditable third at Plumpton next time but didn't jump well when remote fourth over 2m5f here (good to soft) four weeks ago; on the back of that the cheekpieces he's worn on his last five outings are replaced by a first-time visor.

12/1

4th

1

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

15:30 Fontwell

Kitsilano

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: David Bridgwater

The ground was heavy for his hurdle win in Ireland (2m3f) and when scoring by 8l at Leicester two runs ago (2m), opening his chase account after wind surgery; ran okay off this 7lb higher mark at Plumpton (soft) latest but drying conditions might not be favourable.

11/4

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two failures to complete in point-to-points in May; some promise until falling at the last on debut; favourite on second attempt, but pulled-up; hooded now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

6th Oct 2024

Good

2m 6f 180y

15:25 Killarney

Littletwinklestar

10st 6lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W J O’Doherty

Third in a 2m5f Ballinrobe handicap hurdle last season; off for a year until August and has struggled on her first three outings for this stable.

20/1

15th

13

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 5f 80y

18:50 Tramore

Littletwinklestar

11st 1lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: W J O’Doherty

Third in a 2m5f Ballinrobe handicap hurdle last season; not as good subsequently; pulled up in a recent maiden at Kilbeggan; tongue-tie on now as well as usual hood.

20/1

15

6th Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 0y

17:10 Kilbeggan

Littletwinklestar

10st 11lb

J: Carl Millar

T: W J O’Doherty

took keen hold, led

25/1

25/1

Form: 05

Last run: 142 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Useful on the Flat (2-25 and placed 13 times, rated 84); more on his plate now when fifth in a 2m3f maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan in August.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

28th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 0y

19:20 Limerick

Cozone

12st 0lb

J: James Smith

T: Matthew J Smith

Bounced back with a bang when easily winning at Downpatrick (2m6f, yielding to soft) off career-low mark on return in March; failed to back that up from 10lb higher at Down Royal but remains fairly treated on pick of old form.

7/1

6th

1

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

15:35 Down Royal

Cozone

12st 0lb

J: James Smith

T: Matthew J Smith

Bounced back to form with a bang at Downpatrick (2m6f, yielding to soft) when defeating runner-up Coppola by 7.5l off a career low mark; hefty 10lb hit for that, but this three-time hurdles winner has won off a mark of 106 before; big player.

15/4

Form: F/0

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Recent 1m4f Dundalk handicap winner at a modest level; previously struggled over hurdles at Down Royal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

13th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 195y

13:30 Wexford

Sand Castle

11st 4lb

J: Eoin G Kelly

T: Adrian Murray

midfield, bad mistake 6th

33/1

8th

12

(1)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 4f 175y

16:30 Down Royal

Sand Castle

9st 1lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: Adrian Murray

Sole win in 21 Flat starts came on AW; not bad efforts last month at Sligo and Navan but needs to find a bit extra.

8/1

Form: 04

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Improved from Galway debut when fourth at Limerick, a lot more progress required now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

31st Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 70y

17:42 Limerick

Elsannah

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Dual winner for Shane Crawley at around 3m; should strip fitter for her return from a mammoth absence at Navan 10 days ago; this trip may be on the sharp side though.

16/1

7th

6

21st Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:32 Navan

Elsannah

10st 9lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Progressive in staying handicaps three seasons ago for Shane Crawley after showing modest form 2m early in her career; in a new stable after a mammoth absence; tongue-tie fitted.

16/1

Form: 0U

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Never in contention on debut at Naas; huge price at Punchestown when unseated at third.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Sep 2025

Soft

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

16:30 Newton Abbot

Papa Barns

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Tried chasing twice in Ireland and was an 11l second of 18 in a 2m handicap in one of those; only had three hurdle starts for Olly Murphy and the best was the opening one when second off 3lb lower at Worcester; has to be feared in a first-time tongue-tie.

5/1

7th

5

29th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

18:48 Fontwell

Papa Barns

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Ex-Irish 8yo; ran poorly at Uttoxeter last month and is now 0-21 over hurdles but was clear second to a progressive rival on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) two starts ago and has good claims if judged on that.

7/2

5

25th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:12 Uttoxeter

Papa Barns

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

0-22 under rules, but having been well supported he ran his best race so far when second of ten on stable debut at Worcester (2m, good to soft) last month (first and fourth have won since); up 5lb but still 1lb well in and shortlisted if building on that.

4/1

Form:

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three-time turf winner for the Johnstons; ended British career with a first AW win in a 1m2f contest at Chelmsford in October; posed no threat on stable debut at Dundalk; 100-1, jumped poorly and tailed off on hurdling debut at Punchestown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

12th Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 145y

Class 5

14:58 Huntingdon

Victory Star

11st 9lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: C Byrnes

Five-time Flat winner; 0-8 over hurdles but having only his third race for Charles Byrnes and better was expected of him when last seen in October (2m2f, good) as he went off favourite; would be of strong interest should his backers return.

5/2

9th

9

12th Oct 2024

Good

2m 2f 110y

14:50 Fairyhouse

Victory Star

11st 3lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

midfield, slightly hampered 6th

10/1

6th

12

16th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 0y

18:30 Clonmel

Victory Star

11st 3lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: C Byrnes

towards rear

9/4

Form: 00

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Useful money-spinner on Flat with 7-49 record; yet to show any aptitude for hurdling
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(11)

8th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 30y

16:55 Navan

Takeachancejimmy

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Twice a winner here over shorter but on a long losing run and hasn't convinced over this trip in the past.

20/1

8

(2)

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 205y

14:13 Bellewstown

Takeachancejimmy

9st 9lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Went close over C&D in April off 6lb higher but not a lot to shout about in the meantime.

20/1

4

(1)

21st Jul 2025

Yielding

1m 1f 135y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Takeachancejimmy

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Nigel Thomas Slevin

Veteran; six-time turf winner went close in a 1m handicap at Bellewstown in April off 59; three moderate efforts since and now drops into claiming company but has C&D form figures of 211 so return to this venue could revive; interesting.

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a 7f Laytown maiden in September in first-time tongue-tie; surpassed that form with third of 19 in a 1m handicap at the Curragh in October; excellent Flat pedigree, half-brother to Irish St Leger winner Royal Diamond, and to Pattern winners Princess Highway and Mad About You.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(11)

24th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 100y

19:45 Cork

Coeur Dor

9st 5lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Four-time winner but not since Irish Cambridgeshire win of 2024; definite encouragement on second start back off reduced mark without quite staying this trip at Leopardstown; blinkers now replace visor and now 11lb below career-high mark but stamina remains a concern at this trip.

10/1

6th

2

(11)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:32 Leopardstown

Coeur Dor

10st 1lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: D K Weld

Four-time winner; on a long losing sequence; towards the rear on seasonal debut at the Curragh; now 9lb below career-high mark but needs to show a spark of revival.

14/1

16th

7

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

16:17 Curragh

Coeur Dor

9st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Smart sort is only 4-29 but has run well in defeat many times in quality races including when beaten 2.5l into fourth over C&D off 95 in October; this ground could be a bit too testing for him on return but the veteran could still go well.

25/1

Form: 46

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Kept on nicely when fourth on debut in a maiden at Ballinrobe in September; no impact when 33-1 at Thurles early this month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

15th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

12:23 Southwell

Hamartia

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Back on track with last month's Huntingdon fourth (3m, good), but once again couldn't tease out her resources for long enough and the change of headgear looks worth a go; player if that works with mark never lower.

9/2

5th

6

15th Nov 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

12:23 Southwell

Hamartia

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Back on track with last month's Huntingdon fourth (3m, good), but once again couldn't tease out her resources for long enough and the change of headgear looks worth a go; player if that works with mark never lower.

9/2

4th

2

8th Oct 2024

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:35 Huntingdon

Hamartia

11st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Neil Mulholland

Twice runner-up over fences in May, including over C&D, but she turned in a below-par seventh back hurdling at Worcester (2m7f) last month; she needs to bounce back.

8/1

Non-runners

Coeur D'or, Hamartia

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €8.10
Straight Forecast €7.05
Trifecta €57.10

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Viva Devito

SPOTLIGHT:

Dark Raven

The Irish Sun:

Dark Raven

TOPSPEED:

Viva Devito

POSTDATA:

Viva Devito