December 20 / 16.45 Dundalk (AW)

16.45

Standard

Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Nursery Handicap

  • Prize money: £5743.36
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Nursery Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £22.10
  • Place: £5.40

Form: 007

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 1lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in a couple of turf maidens; just a little better on her AW debut; possibly of some interest now in her first handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

11

(8)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 30y

14:48 Punchestown

Enchanted Garden

9st 8lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Anthony Mullins

All three wins have been at 7f, including at Leopardstown in April; safely held since (excuses last time when favourite) but handicapper has relented and now 2lb below winning mark; interesting.

13/2

9th

1

(2)

15th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 30y

18:45 Killarney

Enchanted Garden

10st 3lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Anthony Mullins

Record of 3-9; might be high in the weights but this is a drop in class from two valuable handicaps at the Curragh and Jack Cleary takes off 5lb; possible.

15/2

5th

10

(12)

29th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

17:20 Curragh

Enchanted Garden

8st 7lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Anthony Mullins

3-4 in 7f handicaps; winner at Leopardstown off 72 on seasonal return (7f, good); carried head awkwardly and hung from 1f out when upped in trip at this track last time; she could play a role now returned to 7f.

8/1

6/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 695227

Last run: 75 days

W: 9st 11lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Came on from his handicap debut when runner-up in a nine-runner contest at Down Royal; beaten half a length in a claimer at Fairyhouse on next start; not as good at this venue in October.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

2

(9)

5th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

The Bear Trap

10st 3lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: John Geoghegan

midfield

12/1

2

(9)

5th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

The Bear Trap

10st 3lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: John Geoghegan

Off the mark at the 18th attempt with a 7f Dundalk maiden win last December; not beaten far at Leopardstown on his return to turf.

12/1

5th

5

(3)

9th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 14y

16:18 Leopardstown

The Bear Trap

9st 8lb

J: Ben Coen

T: John Geoghegan

midfield

16/1

3rd
2 (10)
Blue Soul

10/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 849

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 12lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Fourth over C&D on second of three maiden runs; may be vulnerable on handicap debut; deserted by Colin Keane who has partnered her twice.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(5)

8th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Blue Soul

8st 8lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: G M Lyons

prominent, switched left over 1f out, disputing second inside final furlong, ridden and ran on well to lead towards finish

16/1

1st

9

(5)

8th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Blue Soul

8st 8lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: G M Lyons

prominent, switched left over 1f out, disputing second inside final furlong, ridden and ran on well to lead towards finish

16/1

12th

2

(14)

28th Oct 2024

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 73y

13:00 Galway

Blue Soul

9st 13lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Won on fast ground at Tipperary in July and mostly good runs in defeat since; another fine run on soft at Roscommon last time; up 1lb but should be a player.

7/1

Form: 346355

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Only a head behind Alto Sax here two weeks ago, also closely matched with Special Angel
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(1)

21st Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 207y

17:10 Down Royal

Gregorina

9st 5lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

Won from 4lb higher last year at Hamilton (1m4f, soft); has shown little since and was last seen on the end of a 34l defeat returning from an absence two weeks ago at Fairyhouse (1m2f, good); needs to bounce back.

33/1

8

(18)

6th Jun 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

20:10 Fairyhouse

Gregorina

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Adrian McGuinness

Won twice last summer, at Ballinrobe off 49 and Hamilton off 52; going through the motions at Dundalk earlier this year; capable off this mark on return to turf but drawn wide and might need this after a 114-day break.

33/1

11

(1)

12th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:05 Dundalk (AW)

Gregorina

9st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Well drawn but recent form means a case is hard to make for her.

33/1

OUR TIP
5th
1 (14)
Alto Sax

4/1

Form: 07574 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 12lb

2 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Met trouble in running on handicap debut in a race won by a stablemate here in October; only fourth behind longer-priced stablemate Sumptuary Law last time; still makes plenty of appeal in this grade; Colin Keane can help to overcome any adverse impact of a high draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(4)

20th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:50 Gowran Park

Alto Sax

9st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

Two wins in claimers on turf in May 2024; out of form at Dundalk until winning an apprentice handicap there at the beginning of last month; broke slowly at Leopardstown but finished to good effect, beaten under 3l in a 23-runner field; definite chance.

11/2

5th

12

(19)

12th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Leopardstown

Alto Sax

9st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

Two wins in claimers on turf in 2024; out of form at Dundalk until winning an apprentice handicap there 11 days ago; Nicola Burns was unable to claim on that occasion, and her valuable 5lb allowance is in play this time.

11/2

1st

10

(11)

1st Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Alto Sax

8st 10lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

Two wins on turf in 2024; 0-11 on AW; has failed to reach the first six in five visits since last October; jockey booking the only positive.

12/1

Form: 700

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Hard to take much encouragement from two course maiden outings since joining this team after one run in Britain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(3)

13th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Mary Bagot

9st 8lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: M Halford & T Collins

in touch with leaders, prominent 2f out, outpaced when hampered over 1f out, soon no extra

33/1

8th

6

(3)

13th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Mary Bagot

9st 8lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: M Halford & T Collins

in touch with leaders, prominent 2f out, outpaced when hampered over 1f out, soon no extra

33/1

10th

3

(1)

18th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Mary Bagot

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: M Halford & T Collins

Only 2lb higher than when winning here over 1m in March; below that level in three subsequent starts but would have needed the run after a break when poor here latest; good draw and Billy Lee booked; solid claims.

5/1

Form: 509559

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 12lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Managed a pair of creditable runs in nurseries here over 7f and 1m; lost ground at the start over 6f last week, and the run can be excused; feasible that she will rebound from that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

20:50 Stratford

Masonbrook Meadow

10st 2lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

Got off the mark at the 27th attempt under rules at Exeter (2m, good to firm) last October; ran her best since when runner-up at Fakenham (2m7f, good) 26 days ago; her versatility distance-wise holds her in good stead but her win-record is off-putting.

8/1

2nd

6

4th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 95y

Class 5

17:48 Fakenham

Masonbrook Meadow

10st 12lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

Scored off today's mark in first-time cheekpieces at Exeter (2m, good to firm) in October and posted a good effort over 2m4f the following month but was pulled up three weeks ago, after a break, and her Flat pedigree raises doubts over the suitability of this trip.

10/1

10

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 5

15:08 Newton Abbot

Masonbrook Meadow

10st 9lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

Gained her breakthrough victory at Exeter (2m) in October but she's been off since coming in a below-par fourth in 2m4f handicap at Hereford in December; she needs to bounce back.

6/1

25/1

Form: 980

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 7lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Towards the back in three maiden runs including over 5f at this track; first time with visor but does not appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

14

(13)

20th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Dundalk (AW)

Maple Star

8st 7lb

J: Danny Sheehy

T: T G McCourt

Towards the back in three maiden runs including over 5f at this track; first time with visor but does not appeal.

25/1

12th

10

(2)

6th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Dundalk (AW)

Maple Star

9st 2lb

J: James Ryan

T: T G McCourt

Beaten a long way in two maidens over the summer; looks one for handicaps in time.

100/1

8th

7

(10)

13th Jul 2023

Good

0m 7f 63y

17:15 Leopardstown

Maple Star

9st 2lb

J: James Ryan

T: T G McCourt

midfield, outpaced over 2f out, hung left and weakened over 1f out

66/1

Form: 8575

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

2 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Best of three qualifying runs was on debut at Cork on soft; fifth of seven in a 5f nursery here three weeks ago; plenty of improvement required
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(13)

27th May 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

17:20 Tipperary

Signor Ferrari

9st 6lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: P J F Murphy

Four Flat wins divided between turf and the AW; couldn't get going in time when a beaten favourite in latest AW claimer over 7f and returning to further should help; considered.

7/2

8

(13)

27th May 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

17:20 Tipperary

Signor Ferrari

9st 6lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: P J F Murphy

Four Flat wins divided between turf and the AW; couldn't get going in time when a beaten favourite in latest AW claimer over 7f and returning to further should help; considered.

7/2

4th

6

(9)

28th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Signor Ferrari

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: P J F Murphy

midfield, headway towards near side over 1f out, kept on, not reach leaders

6/1

Form: 802550

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Narrowly beaten in 1m Navan claiming maiden for Jessica Harrington, and slightly better form on second start for current yard when second in 7f Gowran nursery; well-exposed sort is now looking regressive; held by Alto Sax on running last time
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(5)

11th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

16:38 Dundalk (AW)

Guest Star

9st 0lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: T G McCourt

Sole win in a 40-race career came in a claimer at this venue last year; recent fourth was in the same grade; handicap form is uninspiring.

33/1

4th

8

(2)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

16:30 Dundalk (AW)

Guest Star

9st 6lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: T G McCourt

Sole win came in a C&D claimer this time last year; hasn't looked like adding to his tally in recent Flat and hurdle starts; last of 14 here last time.

66/1

12th

12

27th Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 40y

19:25 Bellewstown

Guest Star

10st 8lb

J: Paul Kavanagh

T: John C McConnell

AW winner is 0-6 hurdling and no great impact so far in handicaps.

25/1

14/1

Form: 6898

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
One of three runners for Ger Lyons, Colin Keane on Alto Sax; others much preferred following a modest run under Keane here last week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(8)

20th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Dundalk (AW)

Go Go Gonzo

9st 7lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: G M Lyons

One of three runners for Ger Lyons, Colin Keane on Alto Sax; others much preferred following a modest run under Keane here last week.

14/1

8th

3

(8)

13th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

15:45 Dundalk (AW)

Go Go Gonzo

9st 7lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

took keen hold, towards rear throughout

5/1

9th

9

(12)

1st Dec 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Go Go Gonzo

8st 8lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: G M Lyons

Made some late headway in a 6f maiden here a month ago (bit to find with Miss Alaska on that) but didn't get home over today's trip when racing keenly three weeks later; clearly needs to settle better.

10/1

Form: 7806

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Best of her three maiden runs at this venue was over 6f on debut; not far off Alto Sax and Gregorina when a staying on-sixth over 1m in her first nursery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(17)

29th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Special Angel

9st 13lb

J: W J Lee

T: Adrian Murray

0-13 at this venue; won from 8lb lower on turf in September but has struggled in two recent C&D efforts.

20/1

10th

3

(17)

29th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

20:30 Dundalk (AW)

Special Angel

9st 13lb

J: W J Lee

T: Adrian Murray

0-13 at this venue; won from 8lb lower on turf in September but has struggled in two recent C&D efforts.

20/1

5th

5

(9)

15th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

20:15 Dundalk (AW)

Special Angel

9st 13lb

J: David Egan

T: Adrian Murray

in touch with leaders, raced in fourth behind clear leaders after 2f

9/1

13th
3 (2)
Fickou

13/2

Form: 588

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 12lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Navan debut was not without promise (slowly away and not clear run before staying on at the finish); two lesser displays at this venue; this longer trip may help to bring about improvement in her first handicap
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(2)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 1f 100y

16:21 Gowran Park

Fickou

9st 1lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: A Oliver

pressed leader, led after 2f, joined 4f out, headed and weakened gradually from over 2f out

16/1

8th

1

(7)

31st May 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

19:00 Down Royal

Fickou

10st 0lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: A Oliver

Beaten around 6l both handicap starts this year; didn't get home over a little shorter at Limerick but better ground may help and he's down in grade.

8/1

7th

11

(3)

16th May 2024

Soft To Heavy

0m 6f 150y

14:05 Limerick

Fickou

9st 0lb

J: Ben Coen

T: A Oliver

Not beaten far on his return to action at Navan last month; step up in trip will suit but needs to find a bit more to be involved.

20/1

16/1

Form: 516008

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 11lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Disappointing since 1m Bellewstown maiden win on her second start, blinkers tried now; hard to be confident.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

(11)

20th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Dundalk (AW)

Lady Craftsman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Adrian Murray

Disappointing since 1m Bellewstown maiden win on her second start, blinkers tried now; hard to be confident.

16/1

8th

1

(5)

1st Dec 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Lady Craftsman

9st 12lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Adrian Murray

Bellewstown maiden winner (1m) was outclassed in a pair of Group 3 races on soft ground and didn't count on AW debut in C&D nursery in October; stiff enough task conceding lumps of weight all-round here.

14/1

13th

12

(10)

20th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Lady Craftsman

9st 1lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Adrian Murray

A Bellewstown maiden winner over 1m was outclassed in a pair of Group 3 races since on soft ground; certainly has a chance on AW debut.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €241.30
Straight Forecast €160.30
Tricast €1884.89
Trifecta €2289.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Alto Sax

The Irish Sun:

Masonbrook Meadow

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Alto Sax

POSTDATA:

Alto Sax