December 28 / 13.10 Leopardstown

13.10

Soft

Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier)

  • Prize money: £24789.92
  • 3m 0f 0y
  • 29 runners
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Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier)

Runners: 29 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.10
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 6-5421

Last run: 45 days

W: 10st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner at Clonmel in March for Eugene O'Sullivan, and some decent runs after; just failed to land a gamble on debut for this yard at Punchestown; took a big rise in the ratings for subsequent short-priced Navan win; youngster has potential for further progress, and appeals most of stable's ten runners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Maxxum

11st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart stayer over hurdles (dual Grade 2 winner); not done much chasing but returned to this discipline to win small-field contest at Clonmel and his Grade 3-fourth at Killarney was perfectly respectable; jumping will be tested here in first handicap; trainer going for four in a row in this.

11/2

4th

4

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

18:37 Killarney

Maxxum

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Best known for his hurdling exploits but made it 2-4 over fences in winning a conditions chase at Clonmel last month (2m4f, soft); this is harder but he's clearly in good heart and likely to run well.

5/1

1st

3

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:30 Clonmel

Maxxum

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Better known as a hurdler, with seven wins in that sphere up to 3m; was below form at Leopardstown last time in first-time cheekpieces; did win on chasing debut in 2023 but was pulled up on last start in this sphere in 2024; however, is seemingly the choice of Jack Kennedy so commands maximum respect.

11/8

8/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 1702-1 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Smart bumper horse and Grade 2 novice hurdle winner over 2m7f at Limerick last Christmas; ended his time with Joseph O'Brien with a good run in a staying handicap at Fairyhouse in April (Hemlock third); started well for Elliott team when landing the odds in a 2m4f conditions race at Fairyhouse.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

28th Dec 2022

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:10 Leopardstown

Eric Bloodaxe

11st 8lb

J: Mr R James

T: Gordon Elliott

prominent, mistake 3 out, pushed along to lead after 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, soon no chance with winner, ridden out run-in, stumbled run-in, just held second

8/1

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 19P-40 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
2m4f winner here last Christmas and C&D winner off 9lb lower in February; running on the Flat and over fences since September; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

13/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: -3U122 D

Last run: 98 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Backed up an easy Wexford maiden win with fine second in a Galway handicap; again took second at Listowel; likely to make a bold bid to go one better now, since he needs to win in order to have a shot at making the line-up for the Final.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Perceval Legallois

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Talented sort won Paddy Power at Leopardstown in 2024 and valuable handicap hurdle back there at last year's DRF; only 10-1 for last year's Grand National where he fell early on; well back when unseating 4 out in the National last month and pulled up at Punchestown; has worn a tongue-tie before, cheekpieces now added.

16/1

3

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Perceval Legallois

11st 10lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won major 3m handicaps at Leopardstown last season over fences and hurdles; light campaign this term with Aintree in mind but never counted before unseating four out in National last month; fresher horse than most of these so could improve but certainly needs to.

20/1

23

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Perceval Legallois

10st 9lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won major 3m handicaps at Leopardstown over fences (by 7l, going away) and hurdles before starting joint-third favourite for last year's National, but he fell on the first circuit; it's too early to forget his best performance (Christmas 2024) but with nothing to shout about in his two races this winter, this time he could be an outsider.

33/1

Form: 00653- CD

Last run: 244 days

W: 11st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
C&D handicap hurdle winner in February 2021, last four runs on the Flat, featuring 2m Curragh win and second in the big amateur handicap at the Galway festival; respected as sole runner here for the champion trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(6)

24th Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 165y

16:45 Curragh

Maze Runner

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: W P Mullins

midfield

4/1

0

11

5th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 108y

14:30 Galway

Maze Runner

11st 1lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: W P Mullins

Acts well around here; got no real run in the amateur handicap here on Monday; stays 3m and capable of getting into it at his best.

16/1

10th

8

(14)

31st Jul 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Maze Runner

11st 10lb

J: Mr C Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Second in this race last year; not a bad return to action in a 1m4f premier handicap at the Curragh on Derby weekend; 3lb higher than last year and could well be worth a market watch.

33/1

Form: 42-421 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Despite an untidy round of jumping made all for a very easy maiden win over 2m7f at Thurles; needs to jump more fluently but makes some appeal as a progressive young mare.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

23rd Mar 2025

Good

3m 0f 150y

16:38 Limerick

Sainte Dona

11st 9lb

J: Tom Kelly

T: Thomas Cooper

Strike-rate of 1-10 over both hurdles and fences; gave it a good go from the front in a 2m6f handicap chase at Punchestown last time (heavy) and the recent rain has done her prospects no harm; considered.

11/2

25

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Sainte Dona

10st 6lb

J: Mr R Sugrue

T: Thomas Cooper

Reserve; returned to form when second in mares' handicap over 2m6f at Punchestown last month and she stays 3m; however, this 8yo is just 1-10 over fences and there's a suspicion this task will prove too competitive.

33/1

2nd

4

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 6f 9y

13:30 Punchestown

Sainte Dona

10st 13lb

J: Tom Kelly

T: Thomas Cooper

Is 1-9 over fences; ran alright on her seasonal return at Listowel but two of her last three runs have been poor and she didn't go with much enthusiasm when pulled up on latest at Fairyhouse; others appeal more.

6/1

Form: 0/7-34

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Ran well in the qualifier at Punchestown on latest; closely matched with Lord Erskine on that running; 1-17 record over hurdles is a negative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

28th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 200y

18:50 Limerick

Takarengo

11st 2lb

J: Millie Barcoe

T: James M Barcoe

Dual-purpose; record of 1-31 over hurdles; couple of promising placed efforts after joining this yard last year but modest form so far in 2026 on the Flat and over hurdles; beaten 23l off 2lb higher at Clonmel latest; others preferred.

20/1

8th

11

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 159y

19:50 Clonmel

Takarengo

10st 8lb

J: Millie Barcoe

T: James M Barcoe

No win since 2021; has occasionally run well in defeat; improved from a run on the Flat at Navan in March when going well for this jockey (on her first ride over jumps) at Wexford last month; beaten 8l in fourth, so needs to raise his game another notch.

16/1

4th

4

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:55 Wexford

Takarengo

11st 4lb

J: Millie Barcoe

T: James M Barcoe

No win since 2021 and while he has occasionally run well in defeat, his comeback run on the Flat at Navan last month was poor; should strip fitter but hard to fancy.

28/1

Form: 70-238 BF

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Record of 1-11 over hurdles; beaten favourite on last two starts, including the equivalent Punchestown race; first-time blinkers may help but others seem more reliable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

21st Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

16:40 Perth

Coventry

10st 5lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Lisa Harrison

Unable to justify prominence in the betting when well beaten at Kelso (2m5f, good) this month and remains without a win since 2021; others have much more appealing profiles.

20/1

12

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:08 Perth

Coventry

10st 5lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lisa Harrison

Soundly beaten over 3m here this month and remains without a win since Irish maiden success in 2021; continues to slide down the weights and may benefit from this drop back in trip but still makes only limited appeal.

20/1

Form: 85-132

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Respectable eighth in last season's Champion Bumper following Naas win; useful novice form this season; no match for the smart Hermes Allen in a Grade 2 event at Cheltenham last time; potentially one of the more progressive of the Elliott runners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

18

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Music Drive

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: Kelly Morgan

He's made the frame at 33-1 in the last two runnings of the Cheltenham Festival hunter chase, finishing about 8l behind Barton Snow and Its On The Line last month when third; tackles a new track today and the drop back in trip isn't an obvious positive, but he could still be an each-way contender.

14/1

3rd

12

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Music Drive

12st 0lb

J: Miss Ellie Callwood

T: Kelly Morgan

2022 Champion Bumper eighth and twice placed over hurdles here when with Gordon Elliott; has done well for current team following a long absence, winning over C&D last May after his never-dangerous 13l fourth to Wonderwall in this 12 months ago; needs to get his skates on a bit earlier to improve on that placing and he was beaten by Linelee King in a recent point (after a long break); return of cheekpieces is no bad thing; seems fine on all ground.

16/1

1st

5

2nd May 2025

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 4

18:20 Cheltenham

Music Drive

11st 12lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: Kelly Morgan

prominent, disputing second from 15th, led narrowly before 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well final 110yds

15/8

Form: 213159

Last run: 88 days

W: 10st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has won over a longer trip than this; however, twice unplaced off this mark since that good-ground Ballinrobe successs in August.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

24th Apr 2026

Good

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Noble Birth

12st 0lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Clare Ellam

3-24 over hurdles and 1-8 as a chaser; left Gavin Cromwell after finishing tailed off in a claiming hurdle in early March (tried blinkers); needs a revival and he's got a lot of weight.

33/1

5th

1

4th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 6f 20y

15:52 Naas

Noble Birth

12st 0lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Three-time hurdles winner; last win in that sphere came in a C&D handicap in February 2024 (2m7f, soft); won a Fairyhouse novice chase in January last year (2m6f, soft); poor over fences this term but some okay efforts over timber; beaten 20l in fourth at Fairyhouse last time (3m, yielding); blinkers replace the cheekpieces and decent chance at this level.

9/2

Form: 4-FF92

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Grade 1 placed as a novice hurdler; went very close over 2m4f at Naas last time, and might have won with a better jump at the second-last where he lost momentum; unknown quantity over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 80y

17:00 Kilbeggan

Vina Ardanza

11st 5lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: C A McBratney

Useful sort for Gordon Elliott early in his career, finished a remote third behind Jonbon and El Fabiolo in a Grade 1 contest at Aintree in 2023; mostly campaigned in points for the last two years, below his best in four outings in that sphere since January.

20/1

7

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:30 Cartmel

Vina Ardanza

11st 2lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: C A McBratney

Irish raider who returned to racing under rules with two underwhelming runs in hunter chases (3m5f/3m) this spring; drops back in trip for this handicap; needs a good boost from the new cheekpieces.

25/1

6th

4

2nd Jun 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

16:50 Listowel

Vina Ardanza

11st 11lb

J: Mr D Higgins

T: C A McBratney

Useful over hurdles and fences at his best for Gordon Elliott; in decent form in open points last season but weakened over 3m5f in a hunter chase at Downpatrick last time; this trip suit better; not ignored.

6/1

Form: 030-52

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Added two Flat wins to his record this year, including 1m6f handicap at the Listowel festival; made a bright return to hurdling when fifth in the Punchestown qualifier; improved on that when second at Navan a week later; could play a leading part now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Lord Erskine

10st 7lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: H Rogers

Admirable dual-purpose veteran is a winner of 14 races; 6-34 over hurdles but time may be catching up with him based on the evidence of his last two runs and was well beaten in this in 2024 off 2lb lower.

40/1

10th

7

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Lord Erskine

10st 11lb

J: Patrick M O’Brien

T: H Rogers

Fine dual-purpose performer won this last year (beating Helvic Dream) off 9lb lower; won twice on Flat afterwards, back from a break when well held back over hurdles at DRF in February; 13yo probably needs a career-best over hurdles to follow up here.

16/1

11th

6

1st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

15:52 Leopardstown

Lord Erskine

11st 1lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: H Rogers

Fine dual-purpose performer is a credit to himself and his stable; won this two years ago but disappointing last year; however, was in good form over the summer and has a chance again.

14/1

Form: 12-884

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner; successful on over 2m6f at Galway last year; fair effort over the same trip at Navan last month, but has a bit to find with Lord Erskine on that evidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

5th Mar 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:25 Wexford

Jiving Jerry

10st 7lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: James M Barcoe

chased clear leader

14/1

5th

11

25th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 4f 23y

14:45 Fairyhouse

Jiving Jerry

10st 4lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: James M Barcoe

Career best came on soft ground over 2m6f but has run with credit over this trip including when beaten roughly 6l in a competitive contest at Navan last month; while 2lb lower here, he might want a bit more cut in the ground, particularly over this distance.

16/1

5th

14

21st Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

13:07 Navan

Jiving Jerry

10st 0lb

J: Cathal Landers

T: James M Barcoe

One of his better recent efforts when fourth behind Lucky Max a fortnight ago but 2lb wrong for this assignment.

33/1

Form: 513-52

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
2021 Chester Cup winner, five-time Flat winner in all; 1-5 over hurdles, win gained over 2m7f at Thurles last season; ran creditably in valuable staying handicaps on Flat this year and took advantage of race conditions to win 1m4f Curragh race; step up in trip will suit after 2m Punchestown run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

29th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 58y

14:30 Punchestown

Falcon Eight

11st 6lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: D K Weld

Chester Cup winner in 2021, also a 2m Curragh Group 3 winner in 2023; seven Flat wins in all; at the veteran stage now; four seasons since his only hurdles success.

20/1

6th

5

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:27 Curragh

Falcon Eight

9st 5lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Veteran who got his seventh Flat win at Gowran last April (1m6f, yielding); hasn't counted in four handicaps since and finished last of the 20 runners at Naas when last seen in October; others preferred.

25/1

5

(9)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 7y

16:20 Naas

Falcon Eight

9st 4lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: D K Weld

Veteran who got his seventh Flat win at Gowran in April (1m6f, yielding); hasn't counted in three handicap runs since and was well behind in the Irish Cesarewitch latest, although reportedly struck into; others preferred.

40/1

Form: 60-935

Last run: 88 days

W: 10st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Ran poorly over fences on stable debut, previously third behind Noble Birth at Ballinrobe; not one of the trainer's stronger contenders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

17th Dec 2023

Yielding

3m 0f 219y

12:15 Thurles

Slige Dala

11st 11lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: Patrick T Foley

Bumper winner and dual hurdles winner; 0-10 chasing, one of his better efforts when fourth in 2m6f Galway handicap in September; pulled up at Clonmel in October; did not jump well when last of eight finishers here last time Toofareastiswest second then.

16/1

8th

3

30th Nov 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 0y

13:15 Thurles

Slige Dala

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Patrick T Foley

Bumper winner and dual hurdles winner is 0-9 chasing, one of his better efforts when fourth in 2m6f Galway handicap in September; pulled up at Clonmel five weeks ago; fair chance of making the frame if restored to form.

10/1

0

1

26th Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 4f 156y

16:55 Clonmel

Slige Dala

12st 0lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: Patrick T Foley

Bumper winner and dual hurdles winner is 0-8 chasing, one of his better efforts when fourth in 2m6f Galway handicap on latest; drops in grade and not one to rule out.

11/2

Form: F-92F3 BF

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
Seven-time winner, including two over hurdles; scored on the Flat over the summer before running a fine race in the Kerry National when falling at the last; has left Emmet Mullins since a beaten favourite in a conditions hurdle at Thurles in October; 151-rated chaser is 10lb lower over hurdles but has a big burden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

17:15 Aintree

Cape Gentleman

10st 8lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Initial promise as a novice (October 2021) has not been fulfilled; probably best run since when staying on in the 3m Kerry National last September only to fall at the last; unraced beyond that distance; changed hands and left Emmet Mullins before penultimate start; latest was a step back in the right direction but he has a lot to prove.

100/1

4th

1

8th Feb 2023

Soft

2m 7f 124y

13:45 Fairyhouse

Cape Gentleman

12st 0lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Seven-time winner, including twice fences; scored on the Flat last summer; left Emmet Mullins after a hurdles run at Thurles in October; down the field in the Pertemps qualifier at Leopardstown on first start for this stable; form has become erratic but merits respect in this company.

11/2

16/1

Form: 2P-222 BF

Last run: 138 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Chase form in the first half of the season included a second placing in the Midland National Chase at Kilbeggan; ran off 134 then; has a solid hurdles record and could go well off her 126 mark here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

12th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 52y

17:13 Roscommon

Popong

11st 2lb

J: Hugh Morgan

T: Henry De Bromhead

Below form over hurdles the last twice but she was runner-up in this 12 months ago off 2lb higher and might be interesting if the new headgear provides a lift.

10/1

10th

3

15th May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

18:25 Killarney

Popong

11st 5lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

Beaten a long way out at Leopardstown when last seen and has been off another five months; probably needs a bit further than this these days.

22/1

17th

13

28th Dec 2022

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:10 Leopardstown

Popong

10st 11lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Henry De Bromhead

midfield

16/1

40/1

Form: /P08-0

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Struggled over hurdles at Haydock in November, two fair placed efforts at Dundalk recently; probably not one of the stable's main hopes here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Tronador

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

in touch with leaders, not fluent 6th

12/1

16th

19

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 4f 97y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Tronador

8st 6lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Olly Murphy

Ex-Gordon Elliott, third in this race last year from out the back off 2lb higher; won over hurdles in May on debut for Olly Murphy and not disgraced here next time, before a poor show over hurdles 25 days ago; not impossible if that latest run can be forgiven.

18/1

10th

2

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Tronador

11st 10lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: Olly Murphy

sweating, took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 7th, no impression from 4 out

6/1

Form: 9-4236 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
A long time since the most recent of his fur wins over hurdles; unplaced over fences in Cork National last time; fair run in a 3m handicap hurdle prior to that, but this is more competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

22

28th Dec 2022

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:10 Leopardstown

Dromore Lad

10st 5lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: James Andrew Fahey

midfield

40/1

6th

15

6th Nov 2022

Soft

3m 4f 0y

16:13 Cork

Dromore Lad

10st 0lb

J: G B Noonan

T: James Andrew Fahey

Romped home off 5lb higher mark in this race two years ago, his only chase win to date; has been running quite well for new yard this year including when third over hurdles at Gowran last month, which was clearly a prep for this; 2lb wrong but more importantly a feather-weight on his back which could be crucial.

7/1

Form: 62-2P9

Last run: 151 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Won twice over hurdles at the 2019 Galway festival; two chase wins last season; close second in a 3m handicap hurdle at Aintree in the spring before chasing home Rock Road in the Mayo National; lame when pulled-up in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan, below best at Galway and absent since; may need this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

25th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

11st 7lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Enhanced his good record here when inheriting first place over 3m5f in May (same mark) and the drop back to 2m5f found him out when fourth to Charlie Uberalles two months ago; this race is a better fit; third 12 months ago on heavy ground.

5/1

4th

6

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 5f 34y

Class 2

16:30 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

11st 4lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Three-time course winner, most recently when awarded 3m5f veterans' chase here (good to soft; second past the post) last month; versatile regarding ground but would appeal more over further than 2m5f.

5/1

1st

2

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Ilikedwayurthinkin

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Won four races last season, two over 3m1f here (good/soft), one at Ayr (3m, good) and one over 3m6f at Newcastle (good); 8lb higher than for last win but a contender.

5/2

Form: 1P-47

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m4f Navan maiden hurdle on debut in January, beating today's rival Hemlock; lightly-raced sort, needs to show improvement from his first handicap at Punchestown when Takarengo and Lord Erskine finished in front of him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 155y

16:15 Fairyhouse

Jaycean

11st 3lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Gordon Elliott

midfield, in touch with leaders when ridden but weakened quickly after 3 out, dropped to rear when pulled up before 2 out

20/1

5th

1

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 49y

16:15 Thurles

Jaycean

11st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Maiden hurdle winner last season was keeping on over this trip at Musselburgh last time when falling heavily at the last, his second consecutive departure; could still have more to offer if his confidence isn't too damaged.

16/1

6

5th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

14:55 Musselburgh

Jaycean

11st 6lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear

10/1

Form: 481-59 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Gained a first win since 2018 at last season's Punchestown festival; deserved that having run well in defeat several times; should be sharper for last month's Naas run, but could manage only fourth when favourite for this race last year and is 4lb higher now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

27th May 2024

Good

2m 6f 131y

17:30 Ballinrobe

A Great View

10st 5lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Denis W Cullen

midfield, towards rear halfway

20/1

13

27th May 2024

Good

2m 6f 131y

17:30 Ballinrobe

A Great View

10st 5lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Denis W Cullen

midfield, towards rear halfway

20/1

Form: 2171-

Last run: 337 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won twice last season; appreciated the step up in trip when getting off the mark over 2m4f at Wexford on heavy ground; absent since a 2m novice win in January, stable appears to have stronger staying candidates.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

17th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 20y

14:52 Gowran Park

Rodaniche

11st 8lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Struggled last season and same story on both outings this term, blinkers tried now; trainer appears to have stronger candidates

20/1

0

10

20th Jan 2024

Frozen

2m 4f 0y

13:55 Navan

Rodaniche

11st 2lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

never better than midfield, mistake 5th

33/1

8th

5

31st Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 3f 15y

14:45 Punchestown

Rodaniche

11st 5lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Maiden hurdle winner on heavy but struggled in handicaps last season; absent since February and questions to answer on return.

12/1

Form: D42253-

Last run: 256 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won a summer bumper at Perth last year for Robert Widger; second in a couple of maiden hurdles at Navan before out of his depth in the Ballymore; stayed well when third on handicap debut at Fairyhouse in April (Eric Bloodaxe, runner-up); lacks a recent run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

4th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

14:35 Musselburgh

Hemlock

11st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

in touch with leaders on inner

9/4

3rd

4

21st Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 0y

12:32 Navan

Hemlock

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Won a summer bumper at Perth in 2021 for Robert Widger; second in a couple of maiden hurdles at this venue (including the corresponding race) before out of his depth in the Ballymore; stayed well when third on handicap debut at Fairyhouse in April; struggled in a Pertemps qualifier on reappearance; place claims on last season's form.

9/2

15

28th Dec 2022

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:10 Leopardstown

Hemlock

10st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

in touch with leaders

20/1

Form: -FU491

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won over 2m4f at Fairyhouse early this month; not badly handicapped but previous 3m form unconvincing; finished behind a few of these in the Punchestown equivalent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

30th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 100y

17:00 Listowel

Whatsavailable

11st 12lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

His three hurdle wins came at Fairyhouse on good ground at 2m4f-3m but nothing since late 2024; some cracking runs in defeat though, including when third off this mark at Cork (3m, yielding); challenging for the lead when unseated at the third last at Wexford last time; down to an attractive mark.

8/1

2

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

15:50 Wexford

Whatsavailable

11st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: M F Morris

His three hurdle wins have come at Fairyhouse up to this trip; has run some cracking races in defeat including third off this mark at Cork last time; a player with a repeat.

6/1

Form: 4337-6 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Ran in cross-country chases last season, unplaced over an inadequate trip on latest; hard to make a case for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

12th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

19:43 Killarney

Plan Of Attack

11st 7lb

J: Mr B Finn

T: Henry De Bromhead

led narrowly, headed and raced in second 3rd, led again before 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened final 110yds

13/2

4th

10

12th May 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

19:43 Killarney

Plan Of Attack

11st 7lb

J: Mr B Finn

T: Henry De Bromhead

Two-time winning chaser rated 129; 3-10 in point-to-points; won by 6l at Punchestown in February and creditable effort in the St James's Place at Cheltenham in March; last of four on latest at Quakerstown; place chance.

13/2

7th

15

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Plan Of Attack

12st 0lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: Henry De Bromhead

Has a good record on the cross-country course here but is no longer the force of old, for all that he's been more than holding his own in recent points; readily opposed.

40/1

Form: /FPB3-

Last run: 255 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
2021 Grand National winner; failed to complete on his first three outings last season, including when brought down at Valentine's when bidding for Aintree repeat; moderate third in a Cork Grade 3 event in April; now given first hurdles start in almost four years; 29lb lower in this spehre, fascinating entrant but is best watched on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

28th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 37y

Class 2

12:40 Cheltenham

Minella Times

12st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Henry De Bromhead

Has produced no effort of note since winning the Grand National two seasons ago, latterly back over hurdles in a Pertemps Qualifier at Leopardstown; this different test might float his boat but he's riddled with risks right now.

9/1

19

28th Dec 2022

Soft

3m 0f 0y

13:10 Leopardstown

Minella Times

10st 7lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

towards rear, hampered by faller 4 out

16/1

Form: 0-8U08

Last run: 45 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Best form at Navan; has been out of form since finishing a creditable third in this event 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 80y

14:30 Thurles

Futurum Regem

10st 11lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

Flat/hurdles winner; unplaced in five consecutive handicap chase outings since July; failed to make an impact in a Flat handicap last week.

16/1

13

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 80y

14:30 Thurles

Futurum Regem

10st 11lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

Flat/hurdles winner; unplaced in five consecutive handicap chase outings since July; failed to make an impact in a Flat handicap last week.

16/1

14th

20

(24)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:32 Navan

Futurum Regem

9st 0lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Hugh Paul Finegan

Two hurdle wins and sole Flat win came in 1m6f Bellewstown handicap last summer (good); recent chase form not encouraging.

20/1

Form: 640-54 BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Beaten favourite when fourth over 2m4f at Fairyhouse; 6lb out of the handicap; reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(3)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Hardy Bloke

8st 4lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

8yo former hurdler/chaser who turned his attentions to the Flat last summer; enjoyed a solid spell in soft-ground staying handicaps in the autumn and produced a career best in this code when winning over C&D (Dreams Adozen fourth) on his reappearance in April; found the Northumberland Vase too warm when last seen two months ago but he's not discounted.

8/1

18

(17)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Hardy Bloke

8st 12lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

8yo who is a former hurdler/chaser; enjoyed a solid spell in soft-ground staying handicaps on the Flat last autumn, and produced a career best in this code when winning by 3l on his reappearance at Southwell (2m, Tapeta) two months ago; a 5lb rise isn't harsh and he could be involved.

16/1

1st

7

(3)

30th Apr 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

20:40 Southwell (AW)

Hardy Bloke

9st 2lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

nudged along early, in rear, steady headway and in touch with leaders over 3f out, headway to lead over 1f out, kept on well

7/2

Non-runners

Whatsavailable, Futurum Regem

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €27.90
Straight Forecast €20.66
Tricast €515.24
Trifecta €830.20

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Music Drive

SPOTLIGHT:

Maxxum

The Irish Sun:

Perceval Legallois

RP Ratings (IRE):

Coventry

POSTDATA:

Music Drive