April 24 / 19.10 Naas

19.10

Yielding To Soft

Best Of Luck To Our Neighbours Punchestown Ahead Of The 2023 Festival Handicap

  • Prize money: £8092.92
  • 0m 5f 205y
  • 13 runners
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Best Of Luck To Our Neighbours Punchestown Ahead Of The 2023 Festival Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.60
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 20067- CD

Last run: 219 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Smashing handicapper for this yard, seven wins including twice over C&D; had a run under his belt when landing this last year, not so this time, but ran Half Nutz very close over C&D on his 2021 reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(9)

11th May 2024

Good To Yielding

0m 5f 205y

15:05 Naas

Blairmayne

9st 7lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Four-time course winner (three C&D); won here on last season's return from 4lb higher and has the benefit of a recent AW run this time; excuse when 7th on AW latest (blindfold off late) and could go well back here despite his advancing years.

11/1

8th

11

(9)

11th May 2024

Good To Yielding

0m 5f 205y

15:05 Naas

Blairmayne

9st 7lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Four-time course winner (three C&D); won here on last season's return from 4lb higher and has the benefit of a recent AW run this time; excuse when 7th on AW latest (blindfold off late) and could go well back here despite his advancing years.

11/1

7th

2

(13)

5th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

16:55 Dundalk (AW)

Blairmayne

9st 12lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Half of his eight wins have come at Naas, twice around this time of the year; 0-4 on AW and may just need this before anticipated turf return.

12/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 9508-4 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner including off 4lb higher mark here last May (5f, yielding to soft); caught the eye on seasonal/yard debut when fourth of 10 at Bellewstown; did win AW maiden over 6f but best form at 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(4)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 180y

14:47 Navan

Iva Batt

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: R K Watson

Last win was in 2022; inconsistent last year; last of 16 on last week's belated seasonal debut at the Curragh; 5lb out of the handicap then, should at least be more competitive in this lower grade.

33/1

16

(8)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Iva Batt

8st 7lb

J: Neve Bennett

T: R K Watson

Lacks a recent run; inconsistent last season; last win was in 2022; 5lb out of the handicap; has a capable rider but up against it.

25/1

11th

12

(3)

17th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Iva Batt

9st 4lb

J: Paula Muir

T: R K Watson

midfield, weakened 2f out

12/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 9522-0 BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Curragh maiden winner has long appealed as being well enough treated to win one of these sprint handicaps and was runner-up over 5f at Navan and at this venue final two starts last year; 7-2 fav, reared up as stalls opened and slowly away when never a factor at the Curragh on his return; plenty will forgive him that but not really proven over 6f (only had two goes over it).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(14)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 63y

20:25 Curragh

Jon Riggens

10st 1lb

J: W J Lee

T: Edward Lynam

Three-time course winner over 5f/6f on varying ground; most recent run this term was a step in the right direction (considerately-handled never nearer sixth) and could reverse form with a couple of these with top rider replacing inexperienced 10lb claimer; down to a career-low mark.

8/1

6th

1

(8)

4th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:20 Curragh

Jon Riggens

10st 5lb

J: Enola Pollet

T: Edward Lynam

Three-time course winner over 5f/6f on varying ground; poor return to action in March over C&D on heavy; better over 7f last time for this 10lb claimer; trainer has a more obvious chance with Iff In Doubt.

20/1

7th

7

(3)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

Jon Riggens

9st 10lb

J: Enola Pollet

T: Edward Lynam

Three-time course winner over 5f/6f on varying ground; poor return to action over 6f here last month (heavy); tries 7f now and may improve over comeback run but definitely needs to.

20/1

Form: 215-09

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Went close several times in maidens before getting the job done at Down Royal (5f, yielding to soft) in September; fair fifth of 18 in Curragh handicap next time but well held in first two outings this term; should find his level in handicaps in due course.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

(3)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 180y

14:47 Navan

Shoebox King

8st 10lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Modest strike-rate (2-38); now on a long losing sequence a course win in 2023; unplaced in three outings this season; hard to make a case for him at this stage.

25/1

9

(10)

30th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:15 Cork

Shoebox King

8st 11lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Modest strike-rate and comfortably beaten in two runs after a break; now back from another with blinkers back on.

16/1

12th

19

(8)

26th Apr 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

13:40 Navan

Shoebox King

8st 7lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

2-33 on turf; not one of his better efforts at Bellewstown on his seasonal debut; should be sharper now and has the merit of being a C&D winner on soft.

14/1

15/2

Form: 90-745 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Seven wins, on all types of ground, in Britain with the last of then being in 2020; has come down a long way in the ratings and ran his best race since joining this yard last year when fourth of 11 in a higher grade contest at the Curragh last weekend; first-time blinkers did him no harm on that occasion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(13)

13th May 2023

Soft To Heavy

0m 5f 0y

15:30 Navan

Aljady

9st 2lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

On a long losing run since winning four races in 2020; has hinted at a return to form this term, reaching the first five on his last three outings; has a bit to find with Jon Riggens on Naas run.

8/1

10

(16)

6th May 2023

Yielding

0m 5f 205y

14:45 Naas

Aljady

9st 7lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

On a long losing run since winning four races in 2020; has hinted at a return to form this term but doesn't look well treated on anything he's achieved in the last two seasons.

16/1

5th

9

(5)

24th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 205y

19:10 Naas

Aljady

9st 5lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Seven wins, on all types of ground, in Britain with the last of then being in 2020; has come down a long way in the ratings and ran his best race since joining this yard last year when fourth of 11 in a higher grade contest at the Curragh last weekend; first-time blinkers did him no harm on that occasion.

15/2

OUR TIP

Form: 04-583 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Likes soft ground and likes it here too, with three of his six wins coming over C&D; winner over 7f at the Curragh last term for Johnny Murtagh; two fair AW runs for this yard either side of poor effort here last month when too keen; often starts slowly but likely to come home well if he gets a good pace to aim at.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

(15)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

13:59 Gowran Park

Half Nutz

8st 11lb

J: E E Ryan

T: James M Barcoe

Six wins but losing run stretches back to September 2022; not terrible efforts over C&D the last twice, but needs to find more to get his head back in front.

12/1

8th

14

(13)

20th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:50 Gowran Park

Half Nutz

8st 10lb

J: E E Ryan

T: James M Barcoe

Six-time winner whose slow-starting tendency is a worry; not a bad run when staying on for fifth over C&D on latest; might struggled to turn the tables on third-placed Staywitherjohnny.

12/1

7th
3 (4)
Verhoyen

12/1

Form: 997-90 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Five wins, four of them at the Curragh where he bolted up over 7f last May; mark hit 97 after that, down a stone now but well held first two starts this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(13)

28th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 25y

15:47 Fairyhouse

Verhoyen

10st 1lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: M C Grassick

Likeable veteran whose last four wins have come over 7f; not a bad run at Gowran latest and on dangerous mark but probably vulnerable to younger legs at this trip.

10/1

4th

1

(15)

5th May 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

20:08 Gowran Park

Verhoyen

10st 2lb

J: W J Lee

T: M C Grassick

Grand veteran probably best at 6f/7f and quiet so far this term.

25/1

11/1

Form: 850-06

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Progressive and consistent over 7f/1m for most of last season with two wins and several placed efforts before form tailed off a little; showed a bit more on his second run back when sixth over 1m at Leopardstown; ran okay when fifth in Navan sprint in October and trainer giving him another whirl over 6f here; ground fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

6

(21)

19th Aug 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

17:10 Curragh

Plunkett

9st 9lb

J: W J Lee

T: Paul W Flynn

Dual winner up to 1m but has been placed over just short of this trip; best run this season came over 1m at Leopardstown; needs a repeat of that.

28/1

7th

16

(9)

1st Aug 2023

Soft

0m 7f 0y

19:50 Galway

Plunkett

9st 11lb

J: W J Lee

T: Paul W Flynn

Dual winner has twice run well in defeat at this track; best run this term came when fifth at Leopardstown last time; has a decent draw and could go well off 2lb lower.

12/1

5th

6

(2)

8th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

18:00 Leopardstown

Plunkett

10st 0lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Paul W Flynn

slowly away

16/1

Form: 600-08

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
12-time winner but has never won on a soft surface; well held first two starts this term and best watched until he gets faster ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(10)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:42 Cork

Only Spoofing

9st 7lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Hardy veteran has won fourteen races on turf, all on good and good to firm ground, but handles an ease; is 15lb lower than when winning at Musselburgh last year and didn't run badly at Bellewstown (5f, soft) on latest; could go well.

10/1

6th

5

(13)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

17:55 Bellewstown

Only Spoofing

9st 9lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Likeable veteran won for the fourteenth time at Musselburgh (5f, good) last April and is 13lb lower now; showed some spark when a 2l fourth at Dundalk on penultimate and was third over this C&D (soft) off 5lb higher in October; can't discount.

14/1

8th

7

(5)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

16:37 Dundalk (AW)

Only Spoofing

8st 13lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Attractive handicap mark, but veteran's 14 wins have come on turf; 0-11 on AW but his 2l fourth over 6f here last time is a reason for hope, as is the drop back to 5f now.

6/1

25/1

Form: 7030-0

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Placed in Navan sprint maiden for Sheila Lavery in October but trailed home last in Birdcatcher Nursery over C&D and little better on seasonal/yard bow at Cork; 1lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(4)

10th May 2023

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 0y

14:30 Gowran Park

Marco Monaco

9st 12lb

J: Ben Coen

T: A J Martin

towards rear throughout, pushed along and detached under 2f out

6/1

10th

13

(9)

24th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 205y

19:10 Naas

Marco Monaco

8st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: A J Martin

Placed in Navan sprint maiden for Sheila Lavery in October but trailed home last in Birdcatcher Nursery over C&D and little better on seasonal/yard bow at Cork; 1lb wrong.

25/1

11th

5

(6)

8th Apr 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

14:20 Cork

Marco Monaco

9st 8lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: A J Martin

prominent

22/1

Form: /5000-

Last run: 222 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Another import from Britain, this one formerly trained by James Tate; front-runner had a fine spell of success as 3yo over the 5f track at Beverley, where she won four races in five starts over that C&D, the last of them on soft; showed little in light campaign last term and picked up for 8,000gns at the autumn sales.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

(11)

24th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 205y

19:10 Naas

Show Yourself

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Another import from Britain, this one formerly trained by James Tate; front-runner had a fine spell of success as 3yo over the 5f track at Beverley, where she won four races in five starts over that C&D, the last of them on soft; showed little in light campaign last term and picked up for 8,000gns at the autumn sales.

20/1

9/1

Form: 38003- D

Last run: 221 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won off this mark first time out at Newmarket (6f, good) last season and has placed form on soft; acquired for 45,000gns in the spring; also won first time out at two so no surprise if she runs a big race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(15)

6th May 2023

Yielding

0m 5f 205y

14:45 Naas

Anadora

10st 0lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Sarah Lynam

Won on seasonal debut at Newmarket last year for Kevin Ryan and more than hinted at a return to form at Pontefract when last seen in September; new yard following 45,000GNS sale and warrants respect given her record fresh.

12/1

2

(6)

24th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 205y

19:10 Naas

Anadora

9st 12lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Sarah Lynam

Won off this mark first time out at Newmarket (6f, good) last season and has placed form on soft; acquired for 45,000gns in the spring; also won first time out at two so no surprise if she runs a big race.

9/1

15th

9

(3)

17th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 York

Anadora

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

raced far side, midfield, in touch with leaders 2f out, ridden and weakening when bit short of room over 1f out

20/1

Form: 5U090-

Last run: 191 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won at Musselburgh (5f, good) first time out last year for Roger Fell and close fourth in Listed race at Ayr next time; lost form thereafter and reappears after 191 days off; had form on soft as 2yo for Karl Burke.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(4)

28th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

14:15 Curragh

Sophies Star

9st 6lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: Mrs Denise Foster

Won twice during a consistent juvenile campaign; won again on her first start for Roger Fell last June but lost her way towards the end of the campaign; made a satisfactory start for this stable at Naas but held by Craft Irish on that running.

16/1

6th

6

(1)

6th May 2023

Yielding

0m 5f 205y

14:45 Naas

Sophies Star

9st 11lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: Mrs Denise Foster

Won on first start for Roger Fell 11 months ago but lost her way towards the end of the campaign; non-runner on testing ground here last month and conditions may be against her again with rain in the forecast.

25/1

5

(10)

24th Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 205y

19:10 Naas

Sophies Star

9st 9lb

J: Gary Halpin

T: Mrs Denise Foster

Won at Musselburgh (5f, good) first time out last year for Roger Fell and close fourth in Listed race at Ayr next time; lost form thereafter and reappears after 191 days off; had form on soft as 2yo for Karl Burke.

14/1

Non-runners

Anadora, Sophie's Star

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €53.30
Straight Forecast €48.75
Tricast €218.12
Trifecta €208.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Half Nutz

RP Ratings (IRE):

Verhoyen

The Irish Sun:

Jon Riggens

POSTDATA:

Half Nutz

TOPSPEED:

Verhoyen