April 06 / 17.35 Curragh

17.35

Heavy

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  • Prize money: £10260.87
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • 17 runners
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Runners: 17 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

OUR TIP

Form: 6521-7 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won four times over 1m4f, once on soft, for Charlie Johnston; acquired for 20,000gns in the autumn; better for recent stable debut on AW but probably high enough in the ratings at present.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(8)

7th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

17:12 Navan

Edge Of Darkness

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Daniel John Howard

4-20 on turf but hasn't won since 2023; not a bad run over 2m at Listowel (2m, good) after missing the break latest; more needed back in trip, but positive rider booking.

14/1

6th

14

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 40y

16:50 Listowel

Edge Of Darkness

8st 7lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Daniel John Howard

Four-time winner over 1m4f back in the day in Britain; nothing like that sort of form for current yard, mark rapidly descending of late but 5lb outside the handicap here; declared reserve in 7.25 at Down Royal on Friday.

25/1

Abandoned

Form: 12140- D

Last run: 174 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Blew his mark when winning handicap by 11l at Epsom last summer and been off since Christmas; probably best watched here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 87y

Class 3

16:00 Cheltenham

Belgoprince

11st 1lb

J: Daniel King

T: A J Martin

Close up when placed in two run-of-the-mill handicap hurdles this season (2m2f/2m) but he's 0-12 in this sphere now and his two Flat runs in September were disappointing; needs to raise his game.

10/1

Form: 2-2 BF

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Favourite both starts, pipped on soft at Gowran last spring and beaten less than a length on AW in February; up in trip for handicap debut and likely to stay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

22nd Jul 2024

Yielding

1m 4f 178y

20:10 Ballinrobe

Carlo Bianconi

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Was disqualified after winning a Sligo handicap before running well in defeat in stronger handicaps at Cork and Curragh over this trip; should be a big player back to maiden company.

7/4

6th

12

(4)

30th Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:50 Curragh

Carlo Bianconi

8st 7lb

J: John R Velazquez

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Off the mark at Sligo last month but disqualified as rider claimed the incorrect weight; well-backed to gain compensation off same mark at Cork 16 days ago but left with a fair bit to do when staying-on third (Zoffman second) over this trip; 2lb wrong here but interesting to see what tactics top US jockey employs.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 7022-

Last run: 153 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Improved form in two back-end maidens; beaten neck by Bay Of Sanibel over 1m6f at Navan before just failing to get up in C&D contest on heavy; significant that connections have held onto him and likely contender on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(10)

14th Oct 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:39 Nottingham

Neptunes Staircase

9st 6lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: G M Lyons

Irish raider; runaway winner of a Roscommon maiden in July 2024 (1m4f, good); he was then off for 634 days and hasn't recaptured his form in three runs since; no surprise were he to bounce back off his current good mark.

10/1

5th

3

(8)

28th Sep 2026

Good

1m 4f 194y

17:25 Down Royal

Neptunes Staircase

9st 12lb

J: James Ryan

T: G M Lyons

Just two sightings since winning a 1m4f maiden two years ago; has a lot to prove now and the tongue-tie is new.

20/1

13th

5

(10)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

19:25 Roscommon

Neptunes Staircase

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

C&D winner in July 2024; did not appear again until March this year; his Curragh run was inconclusive, and he is best watched in the circumstances.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 4451/7

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Heavy ground winner over 1m2f on final start for Andrew Balding in 2022; not done much over hurdles for this yard, okay AW run last month and fitter for that at least.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

14

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:38 Gowran Park

Eikonix

10st 12lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Bernard Martin Crowley

Has refused to race on three occasions; encouraging return from a break on penultimate start but not as good at Clonmel last week and comes with risks attached.

33/1

9th

14

23rd Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

13:38 Gowran Park

Eikonix

10st 12lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Bernard Martin Crowley

Has refused to race on three occasions; encouraging return from a break on penultimate start but not as good at Clonmel last week and comes with risks attached.

33/1

9th

12

15th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 202y

15:05 Clonmel

Eikonix

11st 0lb

J: Philip Donovan

T: Bernard Martin Crowley

didn't jump well, in touch with leaders, prominent on inner home turn, weakened before 2 out

14/1

Abandoned

Form: 3-9974 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Often placed but very hard to win with; it all clicked for her over C&D in October when she beat Narlita; fit from AW and will go on the ground so each-way chance at a venue where she generally runs well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

12th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

14:17 Cork

Pachmena

12st 0lb

J: James Smith

T: Matthew J Smith

Dual-purpose Flat winner yet to score over timber; soundly beaten first two starts for this yard over hurdles at Sligo and on the Flat at Bellewstown; revival required.

11/1

2

(5)

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 205y

14:48 Bellewstown

Pachmena

10st 1lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Matthew J Smith

Dual-purpose mare whose best recent Flat form has come over 1m4f-1m6f; beaten 20l in a 25.5f handicap hurdle on latest; headgear worn that day discarded; this trip surely too sharp.

20/1

Form: /3100-

Last run: 215 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Killarney maiden winner over 1m3f last summer for Ger Lyons but soundly beaten in two handicaps; too keen on stable debut over hurdles at Limerick; should find his level in due course; tongue-tie fitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(1)

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

20:00 Tramore

Voice Of Reason

10st 4lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: William Delahunty

Much better record on AW (three wins from nine starts, placed four times); 1-12 on turf and needs to improve on recent efforts.

20/1

10th

8

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:30 Curragh

Voice Of Reason

9st 11lb

J: Sadhbh Tormey

T: William Delahunty

Much better record on AW (three wins from nine starts); 1-11 on turf and needs to improve on recent efforts; very capable claimer booked.

14/1

8th

3

(5)

12th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 40y

19:20 Fairyhouse

Voice Of Reason

10st 0lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: William Delahunty

Dual-purpose sort is 1-10 on Flat turf; won on the AW at Dundalk (1m4f) off 3lb lower in January and ran well at that venue following that; well beaten back on turf at Gowran 11 days ago (1m4f, yielding); suspicion he's not as effective on this surface.

25/1

Form: 01-

Last run: 171 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Left course debut well behind when beating Neptunes Staircase by a neck at Navan in October (1m6f, soft); scopey sort and well bred so there could be plenty more to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Bay Of Sanibel

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Both wins were over 1m6f at Navan; she's not had that much racing for her age but is yet to make a serious impact at Listed or Group 3 level.

14/1

8th

3

(8)

31st May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 1

14:58 Haydock

Bay Of Sanibel

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Both wins were over 1m6f at Navan; she's not had that much racing for her age but is yet to make a serious impact at Listed or Group 3 level.

14/1

5th

7

(4)

26th Apr 2025

Yielding

1m 6f 0y

15:25 Navan

Bay Of Sanibel

9st 0lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

in touch with leaders disputing third, weakened inside final furlong

33/1

Form: /2212- C BF

Last run: 167 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Likeable mare has been brought along steadily, off the mark in 1m2f maiden here in September and second when favourite for Leopardstown handicap over same trip the following month; first try at this trip which she's bred to get but she'll need to settle to do so and might be a bit fresh on her return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

5

(16)

13th Oct 2024

Yielding

1m 3f 214y

15:25 Naas

Nostringsattached

9st 7lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Andrew Kinirons

In great form earlier this season notching up back-to-back handicap wins at Cork off 75 and Gowran Park off 82; not disgraced in a Cork Group 3 (1m4f, good) on her penultimate start but well-beaten in a Listed heat at Gowran Park on latest; probably up against it in this company.

33/1

10th

7

(12)

10th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 4f 0y

18:15 Galway

Nostringsattached

9st 9lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Andrew Kinirons

Showed improved form earlier this year, winning handicaps over approx 1m2f at Cork and Gowran; creditable run in a Group 3 over this trip since; a bit to find but handles ground.

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 14310-

Last run: 158 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Trainer did well last year with this nicely-bred sort who's had physical issues over the years; won first time out over 1m5f and also scored over 2m in the autumn; ground fine and although he's up into a higher level of competition now, hasn't had much racing and could improve a bit more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(4)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 70y

17:20 Limerick

Nostra Casa

9st 11lb

J: Killian Leonard

T: Leonard Paul Flynn

Four-time winner; modest efforts since joining this yard; has plenty of work to do to get closer to Lough Leane judged on latest Gowran run; would want it softer; others preferred.

33/1

7th

3

(18)

2nd Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 40y

15:52 Gowran Park

Nostra Casa

9st 13lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Leonard Paul Flynn

Four-time winner; needs to step up on the form of two races over longer trips this season; finished behind Migdam at Ballinrobe last time.

16/1

3

(18)

2nd Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 40y

15:52 Gowran Park

Nostra Casa

9st 13lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Leonard Paul Flynn

Four-time winner; needs to step up on the form of two races over longer trips this season; finished behind Migdam at Ballinrobe last time.

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 62381-

Last run: 253 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Off the mark over 1m5f at Down Royal on nicer ground last summer but some of his soft-ground maiden form was creditable and ran okay over hurdles on testing ground in January; hood worn then stays on and not out of this under Lee.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

14:45 Market Rasen

St Faz

10st 7lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Hurdle/chase winner who has won four times on the Flat since moving to current yard earlier this year; lacks recent match practice over jumps and that could count against him in this competitive a race.

16/1

9th

14

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

St Faz

9st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Usually races prominently; 4-7 for new yard this year, including two wins on Southwell Tapeta (unraced here); fifth to Shrimp Shady in Chester Plate and ran well again when second at Thirsk last time; each-way chance.

12/1

2nd

11

(3)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

St Faz

9st 0lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Usually races prominently; won four of his six starts for new yard this year, including when returned to turf for eight-runner race at Musselburgh (2m, good) in April; has excuses for the two defeats, on latest occasion fifth of 17 in the 2m2f Chester Plate despite the work he had to do to front-run from wide draw; one to note.

7/1

Abandoned

Form: 63122- D BF

Last run: 159 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Thrived over this trip on testing ground in the autumn, winning at Bellewstown before finishing second here (behind Pachmena) and at Galway; the question is whether she'll be in the same form after a five-month break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

20th Oct 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Narlita

11st 9lb

J: Miss M Walsh

T: H Rogers

Last win came over this trip on heavy ground at Gowran last year and is penalised 7lb here for that; some fine runs in defeat this year but faces a tough task against some of today's rivals.

14/1

3rd

1

(2)

1st Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 4f 77y

15:55 Bellewstown

Narlita

9st 11lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: H Rogers

C&D winner in 2023; both wins have come on heavy ground; some decent efforts in defeat this year; got little luck in running at Listowel; got going too late at Down Royal on Monday; big ask on these terms.

12/1

7th

4

(6)

28th Sep 2026

Good

1m 4f 194y

13:59 Down Royal

Narlita

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: H Rogers

Both wins have come on heavy ground; some decent efforts this year and was raised 6lb for a good run in Listed company; got little luck in running at Listowel a week ago and can do better; rain would help.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 48085- D

Last run: 302 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Two wins at three on quick ground in small-field contests for Andrew Balding, one of them over this trip; placed in five of her six hurdle starts for this yard and has been handling heavy ground well lately; race fitness gives her an each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(7)

4th Oct 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Whimsy

11st 2lb

J: Ms A M Connolly

T: Anthony McCann

Three-time Flat winner in Britain (including on soft) and also winning hurdler; never sighted on recent comeback run, but more expected of here.

9/1

14th

3

(17)

2nd Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:08 Navan

Whimsy

11st 13lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Anthony McCann

Useful Flat performer, winning three times and placing on a further nine occasions from 17 turf starts; took third at Gowran in April (1m4f, soft) and went one place better when beaten a neck at Musselburgh next time (2m, good); has often been frustrating, as shown by hurdles record 1-20; second eight times.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 689-

Last run: 172 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner and maiden hurdler; ran okay in first Flat maiden at Galway festival but stiff task on handicap debut after five months off on ground that is probably deeper than she wants.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

4th Aug 2025

Good

2m 2f 100y

16:30 Cork

Young Lucy

11st 8lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: A J Martin

Course bumper winner is 0-10 over timber; went close on the Flat behind stablemate Pralognan at Newcastle last time out; ground (sft-hvy) was a valid excuse when pulling up at Fairyhouse on her last run over timber; conditions more suitable now; could go well.

5/1

Abandoned

Form: 6/040/ BF

Last run: 548 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
AW winner in Britain and has won over hurdles on good ground for this yard; didn't show much in three outings over jumps last year and been off since May; outsider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

17:35 Tipperary

Rumi

11st 12lb

J: Mr A T Feeney

T: M J Phillips

Flat winner in April 2024 but really lost his way when last seen; not ruled out given his strong record fresh; new yard; off 267 days.

20/1

11th

1

(4)

9th Oct 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:57 Navan

Rumi

10st 1lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: E J O’Grady

1m5f winner at Gowran in April off 1lb lower; however, well beaten back on the Flat 16 days ago (1m6f) after two runs over fences; others might be too quick at this trip even if returning to form.

16/1

14th

8

(8)

23rd Sep 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 6f 55y

17:25 Listowel

Rumi

9st 13lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: E J O’Grady

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form: /67/7-

Last run: 262 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner not beaten far when mid-division on Flat handicap debut at Killarney (1m3f) in August but has been off since the following month and doubt he wants it this heavy; tried in blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(12)

18th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 4f 180y

20:30 Leopardstown

Valleyoftheeagles

10st 1lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Martin Hassett

Hurdle winner is a Flat maiden but has been largely consistent in defeat this term; a cracking run last time in the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh and should go well with a repeat.

9/2

2nd

8

(17)

28th Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

20:25 Curragh

Valleyoftheeagles

9st 11lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Martin Hassett

held up in rear

12/1

9th

17

(18)

26th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Valleyoftheeagles

8st 7lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Martin Hassett

0-9 on the Flat but has hit the crossbar in two recent starts at this sort of trip at Gowran; up 3lb for latest effort though and this is tougher so he's opposable.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 0993-0

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Modest maiden's best run was when third on heavy ground over 9.5f at Gowran last autumn; well held on last month's return over 1m here and far from sure to stay this far.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

(12)

1st Apr 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

17:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Broad Daylight

9st 7lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Kevin Bishop

11-race maiden who became disappointing on turf for Jim Bolger; picked up for 4,000gns last summer and although out of a half-sister to an AW Listed winner, still has enough to prove upped in trip on stable debut after a year off; market informative.

33/1

12th

4

(12)

1st Apr 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

17:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Broad Daylight

9st 7lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Kevin Bishop

11-race maiden who became disappointing on turf for Jim Bolger; picked up for 4,000gns last summer and although out of a half-sister to an AW Listed winner, still has enough to prove upped in trip on stable debut after a year off; market informative.

33/1

6th

13

(11)

10th Apr 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

14:15 Leopardstown

Broad Daylight

8st 7lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: J S Bolger

Maiden ended last season with a good third at Gowran on heavy; both runs this term leave him with plenty to find though; 1lb wrong.

16/1

Verdict

A competitive finale featuring a trio of runners who won or went close in maidens and could be well treated on handicap debut. NEPTUNES STAIRCASE is one of them and he has form over C&D on heavy so gets the nod albeit there’s nothing between him and Bay Of Sanibel on their running over a bit further at Navan. Carlo Bianconi is the other lurker to note while of the more grizzled handicappers, Pachmena, Nostra Casa and Whimsy make each-way appeal on ground that they handle. [Mark Nunan]

Selections

POSTDATA:

Whimsy

SPOTLIGHT:

Neptunes Staircase

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Edge Of Darkness

TOPSPEED:

Pachmena

The Irish Sun:

Whimsy