June 30 / 16.40 Curragh

16.40

Good

Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival Handicap (Premier Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51304.35
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • 15 runners
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Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival Handicap (Premier Handicap)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

14/1 (Won)

Form: 1609-1

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Dual handicap winner over 1m1f last term; has been handed a 9lb rise for winning a 7f conditions race at Fairyhouse; probably vulnerable now
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(11)

28th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Curragh

Booyea

9st 0lb

J: W J Lee

T: Thomas Gibney

Won this in 2024 off 4lb higher, his last win; well beaten in repeat bid last season but then chased home Slieve Binnian in hot handicap at Leopardstown; not a bad run on seasonal return at Naas and soft wouldn't have suited on latest; could go well back on faster ground if the new blinkers provide a spark.

18/1

10th

1

(12)

4th Jun 2026

Yielding

1m 1f 0y

20:00 Leopardstown

Booyea

10st 5lb

J: W J Lee

T: Thomas Gibney

Best run last year when second in valuable C&D handicap (good to firm) in first-time cheekpieces off 90; form regressed afterwards but encouraging seasonal return (well-backed) at Naas last month over 1m; down in grade here off a fair mark so one to consider.

6/1

5th

6

(9)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:26 Naas

Booyea

9st 7lb

J: W J Lee

T: Thomas Gibney

Best runs last year came in a valuable Leopardstown handicap (1m1f, good to firm) when second in first-time cheekpieces, and when a close sixth at the Curragh next time in the same headgear; form regressed when headgear left off in two runs afterwards and it doesn't appear here.

16/1

Form: 43226- CD

Last run: 238 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Often runs well in big-value handicaps but on a long losing run and lacks a recent outing; last year's form featured a second to Coeur D'Or in a valuable Galway contest; placed in three of his last four starts; trainer also runs Casanova.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(13)

14th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 30y

18:40 Killarney

No More Porter

9st 13lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

All three wins have been gained at the Curragh; eight of his 17 places have also come at that venue, including a fine second there on his latest start; not guaranteed to produce his best form, though he managed a second placing here in 2023 on his only visit.

9/2

2nd

15

(11)

26th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

17:35 Curragh

No More Porter

9st 3lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

All three wins have been here including one over C&D; was third on return over C&D but was poor at Leopardstown since so has questions to answer now.

18/1

13th

13

(15)

4th Jun 2026

Yielding

1m 1f 0y

20:00 Leopardstown

No More Porter

9st 1lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

All three Curragh wins have been over shorter; has run okay on occasions over this sort of trip but opposable on balance of form and draw not great.

20/1

12/1

Form: -70002 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Returned to form with Fairyhouse second last time off a reduced mark following a series of modest displays; six-time winner at this venue where he has made 33 of his 78 appearances.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(3)

10th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 0y

19:20 Limerick

Verhoyen

9st 13lb

J: W J Lee

T: M C Grassick

Eight-time winner (placed 20 times) who marked his 100th appearance with a fair sixth of 18 at Fairyhouse recently, one place in front of today's rival Jazzy Dancer; almost two years since his last win; might struggle to record another success in the closing stages of his career.

8/1

6/1

Form: 3-211 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Backed up C&D maiden win (form has worked out well) with handicap debut success here; further progress is feasible, but his recent victims, Cheers Again, Casanova and Blues Emperor all have some sort of chance of reversing the form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

4

(2)

28th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Curragh

State Actor

9st 7lb

J: Colin Keane

T: W T Farrell

Dual C&D winner (on good and heavy) in 2024 but no joy since; beaten 1l when third in this last year and 1lb lower now but had the benefit of a recent run that day; might need this after 238 days off but Keane booked so market check advised.

12/1

10th

4

(17)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

15:05 Curragh

State Actor

9st 11lb

J: W J Lee

T: W T Farrell

Won twice over C&D in 2024, including a premier handicap; some good runs in defeat this year including over 1m2f here last time; this trip suits better and handles this ground so is considered.

8/1

Form: 026113 D BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Basically an AW specialist but recent turf form offers encouragement; beat subsequent Naas winner Mr King at Cork before third to today's rival Brains at Roscommon; Velazquez aboard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

21st Jul 2025

Yielding

1m 1f 135y

17:30 Ballinrobe

May Night

9st 6lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Raymond Hurley

Seven-time AW winner is 1-16 on turf; lost way for former yard and starts out for another new stable here; rated 51 and poorly treated by race conditions; others preferred.

16/1

5

(1)

19th Jun 2025

Yielding

1m 1f 0y

19:00 Leopardstown

May Night

9st 11lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: S M Duffy

Seven-time AW winner, 1-15 on turf; unlikely to improve that record on recent evidence; mid-division at Gowran on Sunday.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 628-05 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won back-to-back last season which included a C&D success from 8lb lower in July; later finished a neck second to Coeur D'Or in Irish Cambridgeshire; fifth to State Actor on latest, not far off Cheers Again and Casanova; 7lb claimer up, with a senor rider on stablemate Shayzann
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(7)

26th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

17:35 Curragh

Blues Emperor

9st 12lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: William Harvey

Five wins between turf and AW for Johnny Murtagh; best effort for this yard came when fourth over 7f here but has been below that level twice again since; blinkers added.

16/1

6th

6

(10)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

20:00 Down Royal

Blues Emperor

9st 11lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: William Harvey

Five wins for Johnny Murtagh; poor in opening runs for new yard until a 1l fourth of 17 at the Curragh in April (7f, soft); didn't build on that back at the Curragh last time (1m, good); 12lb below his last winning mark now.

14/1

13th

3

(15)

24th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

17:05 Curragh

Blues Emperor

9st 13lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: William Harvey

Five wins for Johnny Murtagh; signs of a return to form when fourth of 17 here on latest; now 10lb below his last winning mark; one for the short list.

14/1

7th
4 (6)
Shayzann

12/1

Form: 1540-6 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Has struggled in stronger races after winning a 1m Naas maiden a year ago; tongue-tie on for handicap debut; could go well with normal improvement from recent seasonal debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(7)

11th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:00 Dundalk (AW)

Shayzann

10st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: J P Murtagh

towards rear, some headway towards far side 1f out, soon no impression

6/1

23th

4

(5)

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Shayzann

9st 2lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

midfield

10/1

Form: -41328 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Better known as a solid AW performer, in good form on British raids early in the year; other have much stronger turf credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:12 Dundalk (AW)

Benavente

9st 6lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Five of six wins have come here at distances between 1m and 1m4f; well held last twice and takes a marked drop in trip and yard seemingly have a stronger contender in The Liffey.

9/1

8th

7

(1)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Benavente

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Generally reliable performer at this venue, five wins and 12 places from 36 starts; went close against Danonethatgotaway in a 1m4f handicap three weeks ago; took third place behind two higher-rated stablemates in a claimer here last Friday.

6/1

3rd

1

(4)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Benavente

10st 2lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Generally reliable performer at this venue, five wins and 11 places from 35 starts; went close in a 1m4f handicap two weeks ago; good claimer aboard but has to give weight to two higher-rated stablemates.

4/1

14/1

Form: 5-0943

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Winning juvenile for the Coles; returned to form when a decent fourth in a 7f handicap here last month; ran well under a big weight at Limerick last time but this may prove too competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Physique

8st 6lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Micky Fenton

Has gradually come to hand for new stable and made all, unchallenged, over C&D (good) most recently; 3lb ahead of the assessor under a penalty but another easy lead isn't certain; back up two grades.

25/1

1st

4

(2)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:35 Newmarket (July)

Physique

9st 6lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Micky Fenton

Only ever won twice and been dry in almost two years; back in form last time, from the front (given no peace) without the usual hood and that gave something to build on off the same mark; goes on the shortlist.

4/1

2nd

11

(6)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:00 Beverley

Physique

9st 1lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Micky Fenton

Has rejoined Micky Fenton and not seen to ideal effect under an aggressive ride when third of seven in 7f Yarmouth handicap 17 days ago; can make his presence felt off a 2lb lower mark here.

8/1

10th
1 (5)
Coeur Dor

13/2

Form: 188-76 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner, including two big handicap prizes last season; beat No More Porter in the big Mile Handicap at the Galway festival, took Irish Cambridgeshire at the main expense of Blues Emperor; stepped up from seasonal debut with Royal Hunt Cup sixth; could be a factor here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(1)

28th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Curragh

Coeur Dor

9st 4lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Veteran's last win came over C&D in the Irish Cambridgeshire in August 2023; didn't get the clearest of runs when a 2.75l fifth in this last year and 11lb lower now; not beaten far the last twice, fast ground is fine and he's an interesting runner.

10/1

3rd

1

(2)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 1f 0y

19:30 Leopardstown

Coeur Dor

10st 0lb

J: Sam Coen

T: D K Weld

Four-time winner but not since Irish Cambridgeshire win of 2024; definite encouragement on penultimate run at this track (1m2f) when beaten 3.5l in sixth; kept on well to take 1l third at Cork (10.5f, good to yielding) on latest; off a winnable mark and drop in trip is in this veteran's favour.

11/4

3rd

7

(11)

24th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 100y

19:45 Cork

Coeur Dor

9st 5lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Four-time winner but not since Irish Cambridgeshire win of 2024; definite encouragement on second start back off reduced mark without quite staying this trip at Leopardstown; blinkers now replace visor and now 11lb below career-high mark but stamina remains a concern at this trip.

10/1

12/1

Form: 43-416 D BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Two decent AW runs in early winter and came on nicely from turf debut in April to land 1m Navan fillies' maiden last month; unplaced favourite at Leopardstown on handicap debut, plenty to prove as a result.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(10)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 30y

17:42 Killarney

Concluding Call

9st 4lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: W McCreery

Navan maiden winner over 1m; two low-key handicap displays before creditable run at 50-1 when fifth in a Galway Listed race in which Princess Child finished second; again faces a huge task.

14/1

5th

3

(12)

1st Aug 2024

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

15:55 Galway

Concluding Call

9st 7lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: W McCreery

Navan maiden winner (1m, yielding) hasn't made the expected impact in handicaps; very tough task now upped in class.

33/1

11th

14

(12)

30th Jun 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:40 Curragh

Concluding Call

8st 7lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: W McCreery

Two decent AW runs in early winter and came on nicely from turf debut in April to land 1m Navan fillies' maiden last month; unplaced favourite at Leopardstown on handicap debut, plenty to prove as a result.

12/1

9/1

Form: 09-434 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Losing run stretches back to 2021; back on a mark that gives him a realistic chance; form of C&D third in April has been advertised strongly by Royal Ascot winner Crystal Black; split Cheers Again and Blues Emperor when fourth to State Actor last time; solid each-way hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(2)

16th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 40y

17:20 Killarney

Casanova

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Seasoned handicapper has deteriorated considerably this year, never counting in a Ballinrobe claimer on latest; very hard to be confident in.

14/1

6th

6

(7)

4th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 195y

16:40 Bellewstown

Casanova

9st 6lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Adrian McGuinness

Has struggled in eight starts since winning a 1m1f Listowel handicap last autumn; rated 85 after that success, now 15lb lower but even so can be given a chance at these weights; good 7lb claimer aboard.

4/1

Form: 001-33 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Three from three on AW; 0-11 on turf but has run some good races in defeat including on his reappearance at Cork; improved a little on that with C&D third behind State Actor, just in front of Casanova and Blues Emperor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(9)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Cheers Again

9st 3lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Paul W Flynn

Has a record of 3-5 at this track and ran well enough over 1m2.5f in a premier handicap last time; probably didn't get home over that trip after a wide passage and can do better today.

10/1

10

(8)

15th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:10 Dundalk (AW)

Cheers Again

9st 0lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Paul W Flynn

Three course wins over 1m; best run this term when third at Leopardstown last time over 1m1f; this trip is a query but can be involved if staying.

12/1

15th
13 (14)
Brains

12/1

Form: 082313 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
11-time AW winner; gained his second turf success at Roscommon last month (May Night third) and has reached the first three on his last four starts; good 5lb claimer booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(3)

30th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 94y

18:30 Roscommon

Brains

10st 1lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: R Donohoe

Veteran winner of 14 races (11 on AW); shaped well in his opening two turf runs this year; second over 7f at Leopardstown (yielding to soft) and fourth over C&D (good); a bit below that level at Gowran on latest.

9/1

6th

1

(10)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

13:59 Gowran Park

Brains

10st 2lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: R Donohoe

Veteran has shaped very nicely the last twice at Leopardstown (7f, yld-sft) and Roscommon (7.5f, good); close third off 3lb higher over C&D last summer; big chance with the step back up to 1m sure to suit.

11/4

12/1

Form: 5/331 D

Last run: 84 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Ground was heavy when he made a winning handicap debut at Leopardstown; solid form on AW so good ground should not present a problem.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast €181.80
Tricast €5317.28

Selections

The Irish Sun:

State Actor

POSTDATA:

Concluding Call

TOPSPEED:

No More Porter

SPOTLIGHT:

Casanova

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Verhoyen