October 27 / 19.00 Dundalk (AW)

19.00

Standard

Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Pat Smullen Mercury Stakes (Group 3)

  • Prize money: £28716.81
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • 12 runners
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Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Pat Smullen Mercury Stakes (Group 3)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Showers

33/1 (Won)

  • Win: £28.90
  • Place: £6.10

Form: 311433 CD

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Speedy filly has progressed well in handicaps this year, including two C&D wins; right up to her best in Tipperary Listed on latest when typical front-running third to Twilight Jet; likely pace angle here but looks to have it to do.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(1)

14th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

18:33 Cork

Dun Na Sead

9st 7lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Daniel James Murphy

Speedy front-runner; progressive in handicaps last year, including two 5f Dundalk wins; ran fast in Tipperary Listed race last August, fading late into third behind today's rival Twilight Jet; made all to win 5f Group 3 at Dundalk last October; a long way below her best on reappearance in Naas event in which Twilight Jet was second.

10/1

8th

5

(2)

19th May 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:20 Naas

Dun Na Sead

9st 7lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Daniel James Murphy

prominent, soon raced in second, weakened inside final furlong, eased inside final 110yds

6/1

8th

5

(2)

19th May 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:20 Naas

Dun Na Sead

9st 7lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Daniel James Murphy

prominent, soon raced in second, weakened inside final furlong, eased inside final 110yds

6/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 331490 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Horse

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Three AW wins in France and at Newcastle and turf wins include Group 3 at Deauville and Chantilly Listed this summer; well below best however last twice in Flying Five and Prix de l'Abbaye (not clear run); talented sprinter has to be respected on first visit to Dundalk.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Bouttemont

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Y Barberot

midfield, headway when switched right over 1f out, ran on well towards near side inside final furlong, went second post, no match for winner

7/2

9th

2

(5)

10th Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:55 Curragh

Bouttemont

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Y Barberot

Group 3 winner over 6f at Deauville last season and gained a second stakes win when landing a Chantilly Listed event in June on a rare attempt at this trip; fair fourth over 6f at Deauville on latest; others appear more speedy.

12/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: -21532 CD BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Five-time C&D winner, including this event in 2021; in fine form this year, belated first turf win before good efforts at same track in valuable handicaps and most recently just held by Harry's Bar over C&D, having been slowly away and denied a clear run at a crucial time; increasing tendency to start slowly a concern but major chance if getting a level break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

4

(12)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 63y

14:50 Curragh

The Highway Rat

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: A Oliver

Best known for AW exploits, also effective on turf; second to Bodhi Bear in a 5f handicap at Navan; visor now replaces blinkers following a below-par Dundalk run last Sunday.

12/1

6th

2

(7)

12th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

14:00 Dundalk (AW)

The Highway Rat

9st 13lb

J: W J Lee

T: A Oliver

Back on song when just failing to reel in the winner at Navan on latest; four C&D wins to his name, including a Group 3, and is 5lb better off for a 1.75l defeat behind Valiant Force in a rated race here in February; third in this last year and should go well again.

7/2

2nd

1

(4)

7th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:42 Navan

The Highway Rat

10st 0lb

J: Sam Coen

T: A Oliver

Five-time AW winner; both turf wins have come over this C&D on yielding and soft ground; pleasing seasonal return over 6f at the Curragh last month, not far behind Bodhi Bear; eased 1lb, yard in fine form and leading claims.

7/2

6/1

Form: 3-9608

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Hasn't added to debut 2yo maiden win of last year but only just beaten in Lowther at York next start and this year at Group 1 level beaten 3l in Commonwealth Cup at Ascot and under 5l in Nunthorpe at York; well below best down in grade on latest albeit in very strong Ayr Listed when soft ground didn't suit; cheekpieces now tried for AW debut and has to be respected on overall form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(8)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Queen Me

9st 11lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Kevin Ryan

in touch with leaders, smooth headway disputing second under 2f out, kept on but lost two places towards finish

6/1

8th

8

(4)

22nd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 1

14:50 Ayr

Queen Me

9st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Won on debut last July (6f, good to soft) and placed in 2yo Group races the next twice (including here); respectable sixth in Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) and, although she failed to threaten in last month's Nunthorpe, she could be firmly involved now back down in grade.

4/1

11th

15

(1)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Queen Me

9st 8lb

J: James Doyle

T: Kevin Ryan

Went close in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes here (6f, good) last August on her second 2yo start and ran well for a long way when sixth in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) last time; lightly raced and this first attempt at 5f may be a plus but she has plenty to find on form.

40/1

OUR TIP
5th
1 (10)
Arnhem

16/1

Form: 301303 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Win here came three years ago and recorded career-best when far outrunning his mark in conditions event over this trip early this month in finishing third to Harry's Bar and The Highway Rat (Big Gossey fourth) under a prominent ride; more needed here and wide draw does him no favours.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

He did well after joining this yard last year and he's on a handy mark; he should get back on track sooner or later but this 10yo has failed to shine on his last three outings, over C&D on last two starts.

25/1

9th

15

(5)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Jim Goldie

Veteran whose form has dipped in last two outings, latest over C&D eight days ago; doesn't look as if he's about to improve his poor strike-rate (long time between drinks).

20/1

8th

8

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Jim Goldie

Good turf spell in the autumn included a winning yard debut at Haydock (good) and a close second over C&D (soft); has run well on AW since but looks to have his share of weight; trainer runs five and won this in 2024.

14/1

11/2

Form: 224128 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 10lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Sole win came in minor C&D event last month, better form when second in C&D Listed next start; some decent turf form in defeat although below best latest on soft in Cornwallis at Newmarket (hampered and eased); good draw but others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(2)

12th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

13:25 Dundalk (AW)

Alabama

9st 8lb

J: Mark Crehan

T: A P O’Brien

Smart 5f form at two, a winner here and second three times in Listed contests, once here; two runs in stakes company over 6f this year, ran okay at Navan but last of six at Naas; this is his trip and has to be respected on first run in a handicap.

4/1

6th

2

(7)

19th May 2024

Good

0m 5f 205y

15:55 Naas

Alabama

9st 5lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

pressed leader, bit short of room and lost second halfway, dropped to rear over 1f out

16/1

6th

2

(7)

19th May 2024

Good

0m 5f 205y

15:55 Naas

Alabama

9st 5lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

pressed leader, bit short of room and lost second halfway, dropped to rear over 1f out

16/1

Form: 631243 CD BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Better than ever this year on turf, winning valuable Bold Lad handicap at the Curragh for the second time and finished second in Group 3 at same track; below that level twice since however, including fourth to Harry's Bar over C&D.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(3)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Entering legendary course specialist status after adding a tenth win at the venue in a Listed race last time (6f, good); prior to that he won a C&D Listed contest in March (soft to heavy) when seeing off East Hampton by 1.5l; got closest to subsequent Group 1 winner Comanche Brave when a 2l second in a 6f Group 2 here on penultimate (good); always a danger around here and should go well again.

11/4

1st

1

(5)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

14:10 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Gallant grey veteran is an eight-time course winner and no signs of slowing down this season; won Listed race here in March (7f, sft-hvy) and another cracking run when runner up in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes here in May (6f, good, Fregada 2.5l behind); goes on any ground, was fourth in this last year and another big run likely on the cards here.

11/4

2nd

2

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 5lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Splendid veteran showed he retained enthusiasm when winning the 7f Gladness Stakes in March, his ninth Curragh win on his 50th visit; found 5f too sharp at Naas last time; runs in this event for the fourth consecutive year, second at 25-1 in 2023, ninth in 2024, third behind James Delight at 33-1 last season; asking a lot now in a strong edition.

12/1

Form: 555301 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
A maiden on turf but was recording his 15th success on the AW when winning good-class C&D conditions event early this month (for the second time) under today's rider, coming off strong pace when holding The Highway Rat, Arnhem and Big Gossey; rider unable to claim here so more required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(2)

14th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

20:10 Dundalk (AW)

Harrys Bar

9st 13lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Has 15 AW wins to his name and been running well in defeat lately, including behind Daamberdiplomat; below his best in a C&D claimer last time so will have to improve upon that.

13/2

2nd

2

(3)

28th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

15:50 Dundalk (AW)

Harrys Bar

10st 2lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

Has 15 AW wins to his name, including eight at this venue but none since October 2023; did well to get within 3/4l of Valiant Force over 5f here in October and again took second behind that useful sort over this trip three weeks ago; stable 6-24 here this year; excellent chance at these weights.

8/11

2nd

3

(2)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

16:50 Dundalk (AW)

Harrys Bar

9st 13lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Stephen Thorne

pressed winner, challenging when ridden over 1f out, kept on but no match for winner

4/1

25/1

Form: 517175 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won her fourth turf race when taking Tipperary conditions event in August and wasn't too far off her best on rare AW run early this month in finishing little over 2l off Harry's Bar in C&D conditions event; career-best needed to feature here though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

8

(9)

24th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

19:50 Curragh

Lady Tilbury

9st 7lb

J: W J Lee

T: P Twomey

Won twice over the minimum at Tipperary last season; however, needs to prove she's as effective at this trip and might need this on yard debut returning from 210 days off; fitted with first-time tongue-tie.

8/1

15th

8

(9)

24th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

19:50 Curragh

Lady Tilbury

9st 7lb

J: W J Lee

T: P Twomey

Won twice over the minimum at Tipperary last season; however, needs to prove she's as effective at this trip and might need this on yard debut returning from 210 days off; fitted with first-time tongue-tie.

8/1

9th

9

(11)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Lady Tilbury

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: David Marnane

dwelt start, towards rear of midfield

25/1

10th
10 (12)
Pillow Talk

25/1

Form: 270343 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
York Listed winner as a 2yo and seasonal-best over same C&D on latest when good third in apprentice handicap in first-time visor; AW debut here and lots to find on turf ratings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(12)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Pillow Talk

9st 11lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: K R Burke

midfield

25/1

3rd

2

(1)

10th Sep 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:55 York

Pillow Talk

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: K R Burke

Listed winner over C&D as a 2yo; also ran well over C&D on her reappearance at the Dante meeting here and confirmed her liking for the track with a close fourth in a 0-105 handicap at the Ebor meeting; won't need much extra for the addition of a visor to play a part.

6/1

4th

7

(5)

23rd Aug 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 York

Pillow Talk

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: K R Burke

bumped start

13/2

14/1

Form: -32630 C

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Progressive handicapper last term, winning Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh; solid form in stakes races this term until below best in Group 1 on latest; just fourth AW run here, having won maiden here early last year; bit to find at the weights but good draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(3)

5th Oct 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

14:15 Curragh

Ano Syra

9st 3lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: John James Feane

led, soon joined, led again 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish

13/2

7th

9

(6)

29th Sep 2024

Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Ano Syra

9st 4lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John James Feane

in touch with leaders

16/1

11th

12

(16)

15th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Ano Syra

9st 3lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John James Feane

raced near side, midfield

66/1

Form: 0-7618 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Very smart 2yo who went the wrong way in a light 3yo campaign after winning a Group 3 first time out; returned to winning ways in first-time blinkers in Listed event at Tipperary (5f, yielding) last month but dropped out tamely on soft ground in Curragh Group 3; stiff enough task on AW debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

(9)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Twilight Jet

8st 12lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Won by 4l last Saturday to complete a Lingfield turf double; raised a whopping 12lb but is still well treated on best form, which includes close second (off 4lb higher) in this contest in 2025; fighting chance.

14/1

1st

1

(6)

30th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:42 Lingfield

Twilight Jet

10st 0lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Ex-Irish 7yo who had a much higher mark this time last year; well backed all day and on course when winning over C&D 12 days ago, and there's every chance he can defy a 3lb rise under Ashley Lewis, who has plenty of experience for his 3lb claim in this company.

Evs

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €142.00
Straight Forecast €88.83
Trifecta €670.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bouttemont

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Harry's Bar

TOPSPEED:

Alabama

The Irish Sun:

Bouttemont

POSTDATA:

Harry's Bar