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

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

10th

12

(9)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

20:20 Roscommon

Edge Of Darkness

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Daniel John Howard

Four-time winner over this trip back in the day in Britain; Irish form is moderate in both codes, second in claimer here in 2024; a tad better when beaten 6l (led) at Navan latest and Keane rides.

16/1

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

9th

2

(12)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 4f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Neptunes Staircase

9st 13lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: G M Lyons

Off the track since dominant maiden win at Roscommon in July 2024 (1m4f, good); handles testing ground and has C&D form so he needs checking in the market.

11/2

1st

5

(8)

2nd Jul 2024

Good

1m 4f 20y

20:20 Roscommon

Neptunes Staircase

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

in touch with leaders, smooth headway and went second halfway, led going best over 2f out, soon ridden clear, went further clear inside final furlong

9/4

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

9th

3

(16)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 40y

14:34 Gowran Park

Voice Of Reason

10st 1lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: William Delahunty

Dual-purpose; 1-9 on turf on the Flat; won on the AW (1m4f) off 4lb lower in January and has generally held form well since; hasn't won on turf since 2023, however, and others make more appeal.

12/1

5th

3

(7)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Voice Of Reason

9st 12lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: William Delahunty

Winner on turf and over hurdles; has developed into a capable AW performer, notching three wins and four seconds from eight runs here; no match for Beauparc last week, not guaranteed to avenge that loss despite altered terms

5/1

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

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

5th

16

(14)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

St Faz

9st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Seen mostly over jumps in his Irish days; getting hampered at the start prevented his usual prominent ride on penultimate outing but he's otherwise swept all before him for new yard this year, including when returned to turf for eight-runner race at Musselburgh (2m, good) 12 days ago; has 3lb penalty (the same as he's due to go up anyway) but wide draw is the chief worry.

11/1

1st

4

(5)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

St Faz

9st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Seen mostly over jumps in his Irish days; 3-3 on AW (1m6f/2m) last month upon joining this stable, before a lesser show three weeks ago when getting hampered at the start prevented his usual tactics; not ruled out on return to turf.

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

6th

3

(5)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 2f 158y

15:58 Sligo

Narlita

9st 10lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: H Rogers

Had looked fairly exposed but found more improvement last term and has carried that on with two excellent runs at the Curragh this spring, latest when third behind two progressive sorts over 1m2f; ground not being as soft as she'd like is one concern, as is a poor strike-rate for one of her ability.

4/1

3rd

16

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

16:17 Curragh

Narlita

8st 10lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: H Rogers

Rewarded for her consistency with a Gowran win in October (1m4f, heavy) before signing off with close-up fourth at Galway; took the Irish Lincoln by the scruff of the neck on return when trying to make all, giving way late to finish fifth; step up in trip will suit.

12/1

5th

18

(3)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

16:20 Curragh

Narlita

8st 7lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: H Rogers

Second on this card last year; was rewarded for her consistency (in the frame three times in a row) with a Gowran win before signing off with a close-up fourth at Galway; could go well on return.

12/1

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

8th

2

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 45y

19:10 Punchestown

Whimsy

12st 0lb

J: James Smith

T: Anthony McCann

Record of 1-19 over timber; three-time winner on the Flat has placed in two starts in that sphere since falling over hurdles at Leopardstown in March; recent form suggests she's fit and healthy but poor strike rate over hurdles is off-putting.

14/1

2nd

6

(3)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

Whimsy

9st 2lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Anthony McCann

Had three seasons with Andrew Balding, including three wins, and has been with this yard since July 2023, including for two wins (one over hurdles) and plenty of place returns; third over 1m4f in her only two Flat runs in the last 13 months, including under Patrick McGettigan 17 days ago, and her very solid Flat record for this trainer suggests she will be on the premises.

7/1

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