February 18 / 14.52 Gowran Park

14.52

Soft

Tote Fantasy Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £7831.86
  • 2m 4f 20y
  • 22 runners
RTV
View Course
Tote Fantasy Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 22 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £26.30
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 4-1393

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner for John McConnell and big run when third of 10 in a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse in December; jumping needs to improve but may come on for that first run in four months and one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

19th Sep 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

16:35 Navan

Ottoman Style

12st 0lb

J: Ms L A Byrne

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Has pulled up in four of his last six starts, including the last twice at Punchestown and Bellewstown; new headgear combination tried.

33/1

4

4th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 116y

19:48 Bellewstown

Ottoman Style

11st 6lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Lightly raced since winning back-to-back 2m4f handicaps in 2023; encouraging comeback run at Kilbeggan but pulled up on latest at Punchestown; the jury is out.

25/1

3

7th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 116y

16:52 Punchestown

Ottoman Style

11st 9lb

J: Liam McKenna

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Lightly raced since winning back-to-back 2m4f handicaps in 2023; after six months off, his Kilbeggan comeback was encouraging and he's on a good mark if he comes forward from that.

10/1

33/1

  • Place: £10.40

Form: 3-6484

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
19-race maiden; one of her better recent efforts when fourth of five in a Fairyhouse novice hurdle last week but needs to improve for this new trip to defy this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

28th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 131y

17:05 Roscommon

Bynx

11st 6lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Hassett

Has failed to prosper since winning a Flat handicap in June; sole chase win was over 2m at Wexford last year, but stays 2m4f-plus over hurdles.

12/1

14th

8

20th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 100y

15:18 Listowel

Bynx

11st 0lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Martin Hassett

Has been running on the Flat and over fences lately; uneven form but managed a 2m Flat win at Tramore in July; 3-31 over hurdles.

20/1

8th

7

4th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 95y

18:45 Kilbeggan

Bynx

10st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Martin Hassett

Back to winning ways on the Flat at Tramore in July (2m, good); not beaten far in a handicap chase at Wexford in early August (15.5f, good) and 1lb lower now; okay run back on the Flat at Tramore 20 days ago; remains 4lb above sole chase win.

12/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 536521

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Big run when second over C&D in November and followed that up with career best at Tramore (2m6f, heavy); 7lb higher for that here though and she's likely to get different ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

3rd May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 55y

16:50 Punchestown

Ardera Ru

10st 12lb

J: Shane O’Callaghan

T: Eoin Doyle

Four-time winner relished the heavy ground when a surprise winner from Instit in a Listed at Fairyhouse last time; trainer credited a pallet operation for that effort; will do well to repeat that here on this better ground.

16/1

40/1

  • Place: £7.50

Form: F27090

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won from 1lb lower at Cork last season but well below form in three runs at this trip this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

13th Mar 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 150y

13:34 Limerick

Garcon Doux

11st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Philip Fenton

Sole win from 28 hurdling attempts in 2m Cork handicap nearly three years ago; pick of recent form when second there over 2m4f (good) in October, heavy ground probably didn't suit here on latest; on a fair mark and better ground to suit so don't rule out.

8/1

9

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:35 Limerick

Garcon Doux

11st 1lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Philip Fenton

1-27 over hurdles, the win coming over 2m on soft to heavy at Cork in April 2022; back to back decent runs in October-November, including over this C&D but both runs came on good ground; not as good in two runs since but he handles testing ground; not discounted.

15/2

9

28th Jan 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 0y

13:35 Limerick

Garcon Doux

11st 1lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Philip Fenton

1-27 over hurdles, the win coming over 2m on soft to heavy at Cork in April 2022; back to back decent runs in October-November, including over this C&D but both runs came on good ground; not as good in two runs since but he handles testing ground; not discounted.

15/2

Form: 10-592

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Winner on the Flat in September and only beaten 3l back over hurdles when last seen in December; nudged up 1lb and this is deeper but rider is good value for his 7lb claim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(1)

25th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Flying Scotsman

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ben Haslam

Scored over C&D in January off just 1lb lower; absent since a heavy defeat over hurdles in May but the January win came after a 95-day break; visor the headgear of choice today; more appealing than many.

4/1

1

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

18:40 Cartmel

Flying Scotsman

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Seen only once over hurdles since 2023, when pulled up last summer, and his AW win in January came in a low-grade handicap; needs to prove he can still be competitive off a mark this high over jumps.

20/1

1

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

18:40 Cartmel

Flying Scotsman

12st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Seen only once over hurdles since 2023, when pulled up last summer, and his AW win in January came in a low-grade handicap; needs to prove he can still be competitive off a mark this high over jumps.

20/1

Form: /587-5 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won back-to-back in March 2021; lost his way subsequently but ran okay on return from 13 months off last time out and he's back on his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Jul 2023

Good

3m 1f 0y

19:20 Kilbeggan

Papal Lodge

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Peter Fahey

Won his third hurdle race when taking a Thurles handicap in March over 3m; however, has been way below that level since and best watched on chasing debut.

20/1

15th

8

29th May 2023

Good

2m 6f 92y

17:30 Ballinrobe

Papal Lodge

10st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Peter Fahey

Ran no race at Fairyhouse last time but he did it nicely at Thurles the time before (3m, soft) and has won on yielding ground; couldn't discount.

14/1

16th

15

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 155y

16:15 Fairyhouse

Papal Lodge

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Peter Fahey

never better than mid-division, dropped to rear when pushed along and struggling after 8th, weakened and became detached 3 out, eased and tailed off before 2 out

14/1

Form: U1-9P3

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Sole win came over fences; good run when beaten 1l at Fairyhouse last month; rated 13lb lower over timber but has stamina to prove at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 136y

19:05 Ballinrobe

Dont Go Yet

10st 13lb

J: Sarah Kavanagh

T: Edward Cawley

Had some good form last spring and same again this time around; hurdles winner in March, third to Supreme Jet at Wexford and good third of 20 to exciting stablemate in 2m handicap at Punchestown festival; doesn't win often, though.

13/2

3rd

19

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 75y

16:50 Punchestown

Dont Go Yet

10st 3lb

J: Sarah Kavanagh

T: Edward Cawley

Dual chase winner who got off the mark over hurdles at Wexford in March; fair third back over fences at the same venue last time; held by several of these on running in a DRF handicap.

40/1

3rd

16

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

Dont Go Yet

10st 0lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Edward Cawley

Dual chase winner who got off the mark over hurdles here last month in decisive fashion, going clear on the run-in over 2m (soft); second in this race last year (Krabat third) off 7lb higher so obvious claims (1lb wrong).

11/2

Form: 8-0613

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Left his previous form behind when landing a maiden hurdle at Naas in December and solid effort on his handicap debut here (soft to heavy) last month; only nudged up 2lb and he's a big player again, although ground is likely to be quicker this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

13th Oct 2026

Good

2m 7f 95y

15:20 Punchestown

Slane Hill

11st 11lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

Two hurdle wins; lightly raced since a November 2024 success at Navan (2m4f); back from an absence when never a factor in Fairyhouse handicap hurdle in April; may have needed a recent Gowran run, improvement is feasible.

16/1

7th

1

2nd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 40y

16:50 Gowran Park

Slane Hill

11st 12lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Barry Connell

Two-time hurdles winner but on losing run since November 2024 success at Navan (2m4f); back from an absence when never a factor in Fairyhouse handicap hurdle in April; down in grade but another break to overcome.

12/1

11th

15

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 110y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Slane Hill

10st 9lb

J: Mr Finian Maguire

T: Barry Connell

Two-time hurdles winner but on losing run since November 2024 success at Navan (2m4f, gd-yld); below best in handicap chase when last seen at Kilbeggan in August and Sean Flanagan seemingly prefers Hgranca De Thaix.

12/1

Form: 1/P30/

Last run: 783 days

W: 11st 9lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
No wins over hurdles since 2019 and has a huge absence to overcome here; can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

12th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 126y

16:52 Naas

Captain Cj

10st 10lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

soon disputed lead, prominent after 1st, joined leaders before 3 out, nudged along and every chance when fell heavily 2 out, fatally injured

16/1

9th

4

18th Feb 2023

Soft

2m 4f 20y

14:52 Gowran Park

Captain Cj

11st 9lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

No wins over hurdles since 2019 and has a huge absence to overcome here; can only be watched.

33/1

20/1

Form: UP5514 D

Last run: 114 days

W: 10st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Career best when landing a 3m handicap hurdle at Tipperary in October and possible didn't appreciate testing ground in follow up bid; off 114 days and may want a bit further now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

4th Oct 2026

Good

2m 6f 180y

15:20 Killarney

Good World

12st 0lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Eoin Griffin

Gained the most recent of five handicap hurdle wins at Fairyhouse last November; best of three runs this season when fourth over 2m5f at Tramore; others preferred here

12/1

7th

7

4th Sep 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 200y

17:45 Kilbeggan

Good World

11st 2lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Eoin Griffin

One of veteran's five hurdle wins came here and stays this far; around 5l behind Mighty Berkshire when fair fourth over 2m5f at Tramore.

14/1

4th

6

14th Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 0y

19:55 Tramore

Good World

11st 5lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Eoin Griffin

Five-time hurdles winner at up to 3m, most recent coming in 2m5f Fairyhouse handicap in November; two runs this year have been poor so much more needed and probably wants easier ground.

14/1

Form: 18/056 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Won his maiden hurdle over this trip; missed all of 2021 and most of 2022 but signs of life when sixth of 13 at Navan last month; workable mark and one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

11th Aug 2024

Good

2m 1f 165y

14:48 Downpatrick

Legacy Thor

11st 2lb

J: J J Slevin

T: S R B Crawford

Form faded after finishing second in a valuable Cork handicap hurdle at Easter 2023; off since December and best watched in a competitive heat.

25/1

12th

8

2nd Dec 2023

Soft

2m 3f 165y

15:10 Fairyhouse

Legacy Thor

11st 5lb

J: Peter Carberry

T: S R B Crawford

Hasn't won since 2020 and was inconsistent last term; showed nothing on his recent return when tailed off at Down Royal; step back up in trip will help at least.

16/1

11th

10

11th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 190y

13:45 Down Royal

Legacy Thor

10st 4lb

J: Peter Carberry

T: S R B Crawford

Back last season after two years off, best effort when a close second in a 2m3f handicap hurdle at Cork in April; best watched after almost seven months off.

33/1

Form: F1-366 D

Last run: 206 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner and signed off last season with a maiden hurdle win over this trip; not quite at that level last summer but return to this distance should suit and she's down to a good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

18th Feb 2023

Soft

2m 4f 20y

14:52 Gowran Park

Sadies Pride

11st 5lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Liam Kenny

Bumper winner and signed off last season with a maiden hurdle win over this trip; not quite at that level last summer but return to this distance should suit and she's down to a good mark.

16/1

Form: 481U66

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Maiden hurdle winner in November 2022; errors cost him on his next two starts but better in a Punchestown novice hurdle last time; stiff looking mark though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 55y

15:30 Fairyhouse

Elusive Guy

11st 1lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Only win in 2m Limerick maiden in 2022 but decent third in this race last year off 3lb higher; pulled up after never travelling over fences recently and blinkers now tried for hurdles return.

16/1

2

20th Jan 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 145y

15:20 Down Royal

Elusive Guy

12st 0lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Only win was over hurdles in 2022; had an outing on the Flat in October, ended last season with a poor handicap chase run at Kilbeggan; up against it.

20/1

8th

8

(12)

9th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 66y

17:15 Thurles

Elusive Guy

9st 7lb

J: Neve Bennett

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Only win was over hurdles in 2022; record of 0-7 on the Flat; returns from a break after a poor chase effort in April; others appeal more.

25/1

Form: 1-654 C

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m maiden hurdle on his debut at this track and bounced back from a couple of lesser efforts when fourth of 18 at Limerick in December, seemingly appreciating more of a stamina test; interesting if he can build on that over this intermediate trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

17th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 20y

14:52 Gowran Park

Backintheroom

11st 1lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Paul Nolan

towards rear, mistake 8th, pulled up before last

20/1

8th

4

27th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 2f 0y

13:40 Fairyhouse

Backintheroom

11st 10lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Paul Nolan

Half-brother to his trainer's Pertemps winner Mrs Milner, so stamina should not be an issue; however, little of note in his form since a maiden hurdle win at Gowran on debut in March 2022; was staying on in fourth when falling at the last on his handicap chase debut in a 2m4f contest at Naas last month.

8/1

0

3

17th Dec 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 4f 100y

14:55 Navan

Backintheroom

11st 11lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Paul Nolan

midfield

9/1

Form: 556050

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in seven handicap hurdle starts this term; on a stiff enough mark for what he's done in recent times; return to further may help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

18th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 180y

14:30 Killarney

Zoffanien

11st 5lb

J: John Shinnick

T: Terence O’Brien

Has hit the frame in both handicap hurdle outings in 2025, the latest when runner-up at Cork beaten 2l in April; mixed signals on the strength of that form but fit after respectable Flat outing last month and feasibly treated on old form.

9/1

10

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:05 Navan

Zoffanien

9st 11lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Terence O’Brien

Three-time hurdles winner and 2-12 on the Flat; has run well on every outing since joining this yard, including four Flat runs in the second half of last year; stayed on well when second over hurdles at Cork when last seen; will be doing best work late.

14/1

Form: 566/6F D

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 11lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner over hurdles but shown very little in two starts since returning from a lengthy absence; reverts to hurdles with a fair bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

18th Oct 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 92y

15:00 Limerick

Pakens Rock

11st 6lb

J: Niall Moore

T: Donncha Duggan

Winner of ten races; off for almost a year before his return at Listowel last month; should be better for the outing; younger horses preferred.

25/1

9th

16

24th Sep 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

16:17 Listowel

Pakens Rock

11st 0lb

J: Niall Moore

T: Donncha Duggan

Prolific winner over hurdles/fences, most recently 2m2f Kilbeggan handicap hurdle in April 2025; not seen since yard debut fourth of seven in Killarney handicap chase in October so perhaps best watched.

25/1

7

25th Jul 2025

Good

2m 4f 5y

19:40 Kilbeggan

Pakens Rock

11st 5lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Darren Collins

Three-time course winner, twice over fences in 2023 and won over hurdles here in April; struggled in a better race than this over C&D latest; this easier and can't be dismissed given his liking for this venue.

18/1

Form: -4U059

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Promise in a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse in December on his first try at 2m4f; couldn't build on that at Leopardstown over Christmas and only fourth when 3-1 on the Flat last month; might be able to resume progress back up in trip over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

22nd Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 120y

16:30 Navan

Global Export

10st 8lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Gavin Cromwell

in rear

14/1

3rd

5

1st Mar 2025

Heavy

2m 4f 90y

16:20 Navan

Global Export

10st 3lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Gavin Cromwell

towards rear, headway from 4 out, in touch with leaders on inner 3 out, went third 2 out, no impression when bad mistake last, kept on

10/1

Form: 2360-4

Last run: 104 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
No wins over hurdles since 2019; appreciates a marathon trip these days and won't be suited by this test; off 104 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(2)

20th Jun 2024

Good

1m 7f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Mister Fogpatches

11st 7lb

J: Ms C A Walsh

T: P A Fahy

Pretty useful over fences on his day but was tailed off on Flat debut at Listowel in September over 1m6f and shown very little over jumps since.

20/1

0

25

27th Dec 2023

Yielding

3m 0f 100y

15:00 Leopardstown

Mister Fogpatches

10st 8lb

J: Richard Condon

T: P A Fahy

never better than midfield, detached 3 out (usual 4 out), pulled up approaching last

50/1

6th

7

3rd Dec 2023

Soft

3m 5f 130y

12:55 Fairyhouse

Mister Fogpatches

10st 12lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: P A Fahy

prominent, soon went second, lost position after 3 out, no extra from 2 out

25/1

Form: F2PP24 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Bounced back from a couple of poor runs when runner-up in a beginners' at Tramore and it was another good run in defeat back over timber at Fairyhouse last week, shaping like he might want a return to a bit further; can give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Prince Zaltar

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Won over hurdles on stable debut in September and was third in valuable chase at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December; struggled in heavy-ground hurdle last month but he's better than that and now returns to fences on a good mark; might be the answer.

9/2

8

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:10 Warwick

Prince Zaltar

10st 12lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

3m winner over fences in Ireland and made a winning debut for this yard over hurdles in September (2m5f, good to soft); his subsequent defeats, all over 3m and divided between hurdles and fences, suggest his current mark is on the high side.

5/1

Form: 8115-0

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won back-to-back handicap hurdles in summer of 2021; low-key return from 521 days off here last time and has stamina to prove; wears first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

15:22 Downpatrick

Baltinglass Hill

10st 7lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Three-time hurdles winner, the latest at Roscommon in the summer of 2024 off 11lb higher; returned when mid-division in 19.5f course handicap chase 18 days ago; others preferred.

25/1

8th

15

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

17:04 Downpatrick

Baltinglass Hill

10st 1lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Three-time hurdles winner is yet to score from 14 starts over fences; pulled up when last seen in this sphere at Wexford in April; tailed off over hurdles at Punchestown last time.

25/1

16th

15

13th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:20 Punchestown

Baltinglass Hill

10st 12lb

J: Tiernan Power Roche

T: P J Rothwell

Spent most of last season over fences; mid-division over hurdles at Clonmel on latest after being pulled up in consecutive chases; almost two years since the most recent of his three wins.

25/1

Form: 84B322 BF

Last run: 69 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
First reserve; only narrowly denied again last time out and a 3lb rise is fair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

18

18th Oct 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

16:00 Limerick

Positive Thinker

10st 0lb

T: Michael J McDonagh

Best form in 2023; consistent, if frustrating, in 2024; off for a year before failing to recapture his best form in three runs last season; struggled over hurdles at Gowran recently; 5lb out of the handicap; second reserve.

11th

11

2nd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 40y

16:50 Gowran Park

Positive Thinker

11st 0lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Michael J McDonagh

Put together a string of consistent, if frustrating, placed efforts over fences in 2024; off for a year before failing to recapture his best form in three runs last season; best watched after another absence.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 743137 D

Last run: 74 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Second reserve; winner at Tramore in October but hasn't built on that since; 1lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

18:29 Downpatrick

Game And Glory

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: P J Rothwell

Dual hurdles winner but was pulled up on her last visit to the track in a chase and pulled up last time over hurdles at Thurles.

33/1

14th

21

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Game And Glory

11st 9lb

J: Christopher Shuker

T: P J Rothwell

Two-time hurdle winner but rated just 87, pulled up latest, up against it here.

40/1

Non-runners

Prince Zaltar, Positive Thinker, Game And Glory

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €391.90
Straight Forecast €424.30
Tricast €4379.39
Trifecta €620.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Slane Hill

The Irish Sun:

Backintheroom

TOPSPEED:

Positive Thinker

RP Ratings (IRE):

Slane Hill

POSTDATA:

Slane Hill