June 12 / 18.48 Roscommon

18.48

Good

Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (Div II)

  • Prize money: £5482.3
  • 2m 0f 46y
  • 19 runners
RTV
View Course
Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (Div II)

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.10
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 4092-3

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Went down narrowly at Naas (2m, yielding to soft) and again made the frame at Wexford (yielding); looks a winner waiting to happen.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

19th Sep 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 165y

15:21 Downpatrick

Only One Plan

11st 13lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: M Flannery

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

11/1

8th

11

5th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:32 Kilbeggan

Only One Plan

10st 4lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: M Flannery

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

12/1

9th

2

11th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 169y

18:55 Ballinrobe

Only One Plan

12st 0lb

J: Conor Owens

T: M Flannery

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

11/2

8/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 08U-P7 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Signs of returning to form when a 12l seventh at Punchestown but he's 1-26 and perhaps placed at best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 165y

17:39 Downpatrick

Presenting Lad

10st 8lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Six-time winner over hurdles and fences; somewhat in and out this year but was very much on a going day when narrowly beaten in a 1m7f handicap chase at Tramore last time; stable does well here and a clear chance if he can reproduce that; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

9/2

2nd

1

16th Aug 2026

Good

1m 7f 140y

16:35 Tramore

Presenting Lad

12st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Mark Michael McNiff

Six-time winner, including over C&D in a novice chase two years ago; form has been in and out over the last 12 months but best effort in that time came over C&D when 4.25l second off 4lb higher in May; below form last twice, pulled up at Wexford 47 days ago; on a good mark if return to this track sparks him up again.

6/1

25/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: U0-7

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Only win in 20 came in a claimer on the AW; yet to show any worthwhile form over hurdles and wouldn't be the obvious answer on her handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

3rd Sep 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

17:15 Kilbeggan

Steps In The Sand

10st 10lb

J: E Walsh

T: Ciaran Murphy

Took a step in the right direction when fourth at Sligo (2m2f, good); built on that when narrowly denied at Bellewstown (20.5f, gd-yld) on latest; nudged up 2lb but is 4lb below her last win and handles any ground; big chance.

13/2

2nd

6

26th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

17:00 Bellewstown

Steps In The Sand

11st 7lb

J: E Walsh

T: Ciaran Murphy

Five-time Flat winner has a record of 2-20 over hurdles, including a win over this trip; posted a decent run at Sligo last time over 2m2f and can be involved with the extra 2f to suit.

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8/00-5

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
AW winner who rather lost his way on the Flat but ran well back over hurdles at Punchestown (2m, good to yielding) and that was after an absence; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

24th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 110y

16:35 Naas

The Virginian

9st 4lb

J: Ross Fagan

T: Padraig Roche

AW winner in 2022; in moderate form over jumps before finishing last back on the Flat here 20 days ago; 7f would have been inadequate but still has serious questions to answer.

20/1

16th

8

(6)

4th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

15:46 Naas

The Virginian

9st 7lb

J: Ross Fagan

T: Padraig Roche

Pretty much tailed off in his last four jumps races split between hurdling and chasing; unlikely to have the gears for this.

50/1

11

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 3f 110y

17:00 Wexford

The Virginian

10st 11lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Padraig Roche

Has been mixing chasing and hurdling recently to no avail; handicapper giving him a chance but hard to be confident in.

33/1

Form: 66000-

Last run: 74 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Barely sighted when 66-1 for his handicap debut in March (2m, yielding to soft) and the hood tried there is now left at home; lots to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

29th Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:05 Cartmel

Mi Sueno

10st 13lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Nick Scholfield

Asserted readily on run-in at Stratford (2m2f, good to firm) on Tuesday and is now 2-3 for Nick Scholfield; effectively only 6lb higher under 7lb penalty here and won't mind the forecast rain; respected in current mood.

3/1

1st

7

25th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

18:45 Stratford

Mi Sueno

10st 2lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Nick Scholfield

Won twice for Paddy Butler in the spring of 2024 on soft; made an immediate impact when scoring for the first time since at Newton Abbot (2m3f, good to firm) last month on stable debut in returning cheekpieces (retained since); not disgraced when runner-up back there on Saturday and remains in decent form; claims.

3/1

2nd

11

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

15:40 Newton Abbot

Mi Sueno

10st 8lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Nick Scholfield

Returned to form with a C&D win on last month's debut for Nick Scholfield, having a few of these in behind and scoring a shade cosily; remains well treated despite a 5lb rise and is the one to beat if backing up that effort.

7/4

Form: 2546-6

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Some hints of winning potential on the Flat and over hurdles, including last time at Tipperary (2m) when beaten in the region of 10l; each-way claims in a new hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

13th Jul 2024

Good

2m 0f 195y

14:05 Wexford

Edge Of My Seat

11st 9lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Aidan Anthony Howard

Dual purpose maiden ran a fine race to be fourth in a Punchestown handicap on return in May; should be a big player if improving from that.

4/1

4th

11

21st May 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

14:28 Punchestown

Edge Of My Seat

11st 2lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Aidan Anthony Howard

0-11 on the Flat and 0-9 over hurdles; however, has run well enough on the odd occasion to believe she might win a race off this mark.

20/1

Form: P/P50-

Last run: 116 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Ran respectably in a Limerick handicap hurdle on his return from an absence but followed it with a poor run at Clonmel; now back from another break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

29th Aug 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 5

15:15 Cartmel

Getaway Master

11st 4lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Won readily off today's mark at Carlisle (2m3f, soft) in November and is unexposed over staying trips, but was not firing on all cylinders when last seen in the spring; needs to have been refreshed by 108-day break.

20/1

4th

4

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:55 Perth

Getaway Master

11st 5lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

No reason to recommend on strength of modest efforts this year at Chepstow and Hexham (twice); however, the handicapper has cut him some slack, and he sits just 1lb higher than when winning readily at Carlisle (2m4f, soft) last November; best form is on soft/heavy.

16/1

Form: 09/80-

Last run: 382 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Minor maiden form and the same again on his handicap debut at Limerick (2m3f, good); very opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

15th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 4f 73y

14:25 Punchestown

Mr Social

10st 6lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: Eoin Griffin

raced wide, midfield, not fluent 5th, headway and in touch with leaders when not fluent 3 out, went second and pressed winner when ridden before last, mistake last, kept on

13/2

3rd

11

16th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 30y

13:40 Fairyhouse

Mr Social

10st 9lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Eoin Griffin

towards rear, headway from 3 out, went fourth approaching last, ran on well and went third run-in, no match for first two

3/1

Form: 69786-

Last run: 242 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Longstanding maiden who has been chasing and makes limited appeal on this return to hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

10

21st Jul 2023

Yielding

2m 3f 0y

20:30 Kilbeggan

Inaghs Gift

10st 10lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Sean P Hennessy

towards rear

20/1

11th

14

9th Jul 2023

Good

2m 3f 194y

16:20 Sligo

Inaghs Gift

10st 13lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Sean P Hennessy

in touch with leaders, pushed along and lost position 3 out, weakened and towards rear before 2 out

22/1

9th

15

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Inaghs Gift

10st 13lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Sean P Hennessy

Longstanding maiden who has been chasing and makes limited appeal on this return to hurdles.

25/1

Form: 9580/

Last run: 427 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Some promise in one of his maiden hurdles but comes here after some poor runs in points.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

17

25th Aug 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

17:35 Kilbeggan

Lodge Prince

10st 2lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: P F O’Donnell

First reserve; lightly-raced 6yo whose opening handicap effort at Roscommon was moderate; down 3lb but of limited appeal.

Form: 96-7

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Of limited account on the Flat and has cut no ice in three maiden hurdles; similar scenario likely now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

30th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 150y

16:00 Thurles

Destivelle

10st 2lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Ciaran Murphy

Now 0-16 over hurdles; however, not a lost cause on the evidence of recent C&D third placing; split Midnight Eagle and Getaway Henry then, with The Border Boy back in sixth; new headgear combination now.

13/2

18

30th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 150y

16:00 Thurles

Destivelle

10st 2lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: Ciaran Murphy

Now 0-16 over hurdles; however, not a lost cause on the evidence of recent C&D third placing; split Midnight Eagle and Getaway Henry then, with The Border Boy back in sixth; new headgear combination now.

13/2

Form: 3/435-

Last run: 56 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Placed in handicap hurdles last year but this year's exploits in hunter chases and points hardly bode well; new headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Tohellortoconnacht

11st 11lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Placed in handicap hurdles last year but this year's exploits in hunter chases and points hardly bode well; new headgear.

10/1

5th

4

17th Apr 2023

Soft

2m 5f 150y

19:15 Tramore

Tohellortoconnacht

11st 7lb

J: Mr B Lawless

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Placed hurdler had one run between the flags before hunter chase debut at Cork recently, finishing a remote third; slight drop in trip should suit and tongue tie tried but hard to see him playing a major role.

10/1

3rd

6

10th Apr 2023

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

16:10 Cork

Tohellortoconnacht

12st 0lb

J: Mr B Lawless

T: Eoin Christopher McCarthy

Sent to post the market leader at Belclare on point debut/first start for 313 days when fourth of 12 runners; decent enough effort and with the run under his belt, he should tighten up another notch; won't be far away.

3/1

Form: P000-P

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Basement mark is entirely warranted judged on his form to date, having either pulled up or finished tailed off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

14

15th Sep 2023

Yielding

2m 5f 181y

16:15 Ballinrobe

Courthill

10st 0lb

J: Niall Prendergast

T: Michael E Hallinan

Tailed-off over C&D last time and can't be fancied, especially from 4lb out of handicap; cheekpieces tried.

66/1

11th

19

28th Aug 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 14y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Courthill

10st 13lb

T: Michael E Hallinan

prominent on inner

Form: 056-04

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Ran respectably behind a runaway winner at Kilbeggan last week (2m, good to yielding); perhaps a shade high in the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Farceur De Sivola

11st 11lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: John Patrick Ryan

Ran respectably behind a runaway winner at Kilbeggan last week (2m, good to yielding); perhaps a shade high in the weights.

10/1

4th

9

4th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

15:50 Kilbeggan

Farceur De Sivola

11st 5lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: John Patrick Ryan

Lightly raced for a horse of his age; failed to make much impression over a longer trip at Limerick in his first handicap; finished behind Ricky Langford then.

25/1

10th

10

26th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

19:15 Limerick

Farceur De Sivola

11st 1lb

J: Liam Quinlan

T: John Patrick Ryan

towards rear

14/1

Form: 808-

Last run: 363 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Showed a bit more in her final maiden here (good) and could have a future off this low a mark now sent into handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Ballyfinnan Lady

11st 6lb

J: Dillon Butler

T: Mark Fahey

Showed a bit more in her final maiden here (good) and could have a future off this low a mark now sent into handicaps.

14/1

Form: P07-62

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
0-14 but still early days with Gordon Elliott and he kept on to be second at Wexford (2m1f, good) without threatening the winner; unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 120y

14:48 Tipperary

Be My Hero

10st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Long-standing maiden; back from a break with midfield efforts over hurdles at Down Royal and on chasing debut at Limerick (2m2f, good); trip and ground fine but needs to find improvement from somewhere.

33/1

11

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Be My Hero

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Ran respectably over hurdles when returning from a big layoff on most recent start, travelling okay but made a bad mistake at a crucial point; prior to that his form was mediocre; he could play a role if his first run over fences brings about some further improvement.

8/1

11

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Be My Hero

10st 11lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Ran respectably over hurdles when returning from a big layoff on most recent start, travelling okay but made a bad mistake at a crucial point; prior to that his form was mediocre; he could play a role if his first run over fences brings about some further improvement.

8/1

Form: F006-0

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Reserve; dual AW winner and was beaten under 5l when sixth in a 2m good-ground handicap hurdle at Thurles on his penultimate start; jumping let him down last time; not without hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(6)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 10lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: A J Martin

Held up and stays 2m4f; a superb 2024 culminated in his Cesarewitch win at Newmarket off the same mark as today; 2025 campaign went from promising to frustrating (including with trouble in running) to disappointing; however, his fifth of 20 to Believitanducan in Northumberland Vase at Newcastle five weeks ago was a step back in the right direction.

10/1

5th

3

(17)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Alphonse Le Grande

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: A J Martin

Held up; a superb 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate, this race and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; he's back to his last winning mark, but that's having been always behind at 40-1 in the Chester Cup last time; he will surely spark again at some point but it's hard to know exactly when.

10/1

12th

15

(14)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Alphonse Le Grande

8st 9lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: A J Martin

Held up; an excellent 2024 included wins in the Chester Plate on this card (his only run here) and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket; 2025 campaign was initially promising then frustrating, including with trouble in running, but ended up being disappointing; has a recent 1m2f run under his belt and would be competitive off this slightly reduced mark if back on song.

14/1

Form: 98-97

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Reserve; goes handicapping after showing only a smidgeon of promise thus far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Ardad Derek

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has shown little in ten starts; returned from an absence at the start of the month with a middling effort; unlikely to be involved.

33/1

15

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 1f 200y

17:05 Limerick

Ardad Derek

10st 3lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has shown little in ten starts; returned from an absence at the start of the month with a middling effort; unlikely to be involved.

33/1

13th

19

5th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 79y

14:10 Down Royal

Ardad Derek

10st 4lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: John Joseph Hanlon

prominent, not fluent 4th, lost position before 3 out

50/1

Form: 370-P9 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Reserve; 2-35 over hurdles, the wins a long time ago now; didn't run badly last time but an 11yo now and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 46y

18:48 Roscommon

Peace Party

11st 11lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Desmond McDonogh

Reserve; 2-35 over hurdles, the wins a long time ago now; didn't run badly last time but an 11yo now and others appeal more.

9th

10

30th May 2023

Good

2m 0f 40y

19:00 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 0lb

J: E Walsh

T: Desmond McDonogh

Tailed off throughout after starting very sluggishly here four weeks ago; hasn't won for a long time now.

25/1

10

2nd May 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 139y

17:48 Ballinrobe

Peace Party

11st 7lb

J: Kieran Callaghan

T: Desmond McDonogh

Hasn't won in a long time but three times runner-up at this track last summer including in this event; back from a break and has to be respected given his record around here.

8/1

Non-runners

Be My Hero, Alphonse Le Grande, Ardad Derek, Peace Party

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €20.50
Straight Forecast €16.71
Tricast €307.73
Trifecta €977.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Be My Hero

The Irish Sun:

Only One Plan

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Be My Hero

POSTDATA:

Be My Hero