August 31 / 16.35 Curragh

16.35

Good

Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Irish Cambridgeshire (Premier Handicap)

  • Prize money: £51304.35
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • 24 runners
RTV
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Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Irish Cambridgeshire (Premier Handicap)

Runners: 24 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £23.00
  • Place: £3.70

Form: 1/564 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Winner in Britain for the Crisfords; ran okay in a Naas handicap in May but disappointing since in a Tipperary conditions race; likely capable of better than he has shown so far in Ireland but others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(8)

1st Oct 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:15 Cork

Wigmore Street

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

held up in rear, headway and went fourth over 1f out, ran on and went third towards finish, no match for first two

11/2

3rd

3

(1)

15th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

17:55 Curragh

Wigmore Street

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

in touch with leaders on inner, midfield halfway, waiting for room over 2f out, ran on well inside final furlong, went third final strides

4/1

1st

5

(6)

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Wigmore Street

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

held up in rear, raced in last 2f out, keeping on but still plenty to do inside final furlong, pushed along and ran on well to lead post

14/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 3-2114 CD BF

Last run: 62 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Very lightly raced but managed to win a heavy ground maiden and a good ground premier handicap over 1m this season; unlucky in running in a premier handicap behind Booyea here in June; still unexposed and could be a big player.
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

40/1

  • Place: £10.20

Form: 829176 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Two wins this year in handicaps at Cork and Killarney; no impression at Cork last time; 1lb wrong and others look more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(2)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Independent Expert

9st 11lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Exposed mare who was 6-44 on turf in Ireland; beaten in claimers on her two starts last month (7f and 1m, turf/AW) so it will be interesting to see how she goes in the market on this first stab at 6f since her only attempt over three years ago; stable debut.

20/1

5th

4

(9)

26th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

17:07 Dundalk (AW)

Independent Expert

9st 10lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Eight wins, two of them here; latest success was over 7f at Naas in March and ran well in big-field contest at the Curragh next time; disappointed when odds-on for Gowran claimer last week, but picked up a few grazes and she's better than that.

3/1

OUR TIP
4th
2 (9)
Coeur Dor

10/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 8-7604 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Only 3lb higher than when touching off Blues Emperor in this race last year; has been consistent in big handicaps this year, not getting the run of the race in the Royal Hunt Cup and finishing well in the Galway Mile; can get into the mix again.
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

Form: 469614 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Six of his eight career wins have come here, including twice in the Bold Lad Handicap and in the Scurry in July; stayed 7f on heavy to win a conditions contest here in November but a truly run handicap over 1m is unknown territory; respected given his track record.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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: 226-20 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Consistent last season and produced a fine effort when second to Booyea in a premier handicap here in June; ran no race in the Ahonoora at Galway and has to bounce back from that; far from impossible though.
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

Form: -31132 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Took a while to get his head in front but recorded back-to-back successes in a Gowran maiden and a Leopardstown handicap over this trip; good effort when second to the well-handicapped Quadruple here three weeks ago; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(5)

11th Oct 2025

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 0y

17:30 Naas

Chicago Fireball

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Back to form after a short break to win at Gowran (7f, good) and from the front he dropped out in a deep handicap at the big meeting at Leopardstown last month; could go well.

10/1

9

(11)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

14:50 Leopardstown

Chicago Fireball

9st 1lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: J P Murtagh

Two 1m wins last year (including on heavy) and back to form after a short break to win at Gowran last month under a positive ride from today's rider (7f, good); 5lb rise seems fair, could go well.

15/2

3

(4)

13th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:05 Gowran Park

Chicago Fireball

9st 4lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: J P Murtagh

Two 1m wins last year, including on heavy ground at this venue; unplaced in four handicap outings this terms; stablemate Shakazia has superior claims.

10/1

Form: 0-4590 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won a Listowel maiden last year; had little luck in running in both the Nasrullah Handicap at Leopardstown and the Galway Mile, but others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

14

(18)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Narmar

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Ex-Henry de Bromhead; Ffos Las winner for current yard in June last year (1m, good to soft), but has beaten just two horses home in his two runs this term.

50/1

11th

1

(7)

7th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

15:27 Windsor

Narmar

9st 9lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Jennie Candlish

In fine form last summer, scoring at Ffos Las (1m) and signing off with an excellent second over 1m2f here; set a lot to do on his return from eight months off when tenth in 7f Thirsk handicap 19 days ago; should strip sharper now and he's very much one to consider back up in trip.

8/1

10th

10

(6)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Thirsk

Narmar

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Did well once cheekpieces were added last summer, winning at Ffos Las (1m, good to soft) and in the frame on four other occasions; can get it wrong at the start and that may be an issue dropping back to 7f.

10/1

25/1

Form: 311020

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won a Navan premier handicap and a 1m1f Leopardstown handicap; came up short though in big handicaps at Royal Ascot and the Galway Mile; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(1)

13th Oct 2024

Yielding

1m 2f 84y

17:10 Naas

Old Faithful

10st 0lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

soon prominent on inner

7/2

15th

17

(1)

14th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

17:10 Leopardstown

Old Faithful

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

midfield

20/1

9th

16

(15)

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Old Faithful

8st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

midfield

25/1

10th
6 (11)
Quar Shamar

20/1

Form: 5-4674 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
AW winner for Jessica Harrington last year; no impression in a conditions contest at Gowran on her stable debut (Shayzann second); hood tried here but others have more convincing credentials.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(7)

31st Jul 2025

Yielding

1m 0f 98y

14:45 Galway

Quar Shamar

9st 8lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Ross O’Sullivan

AW maiden winner and ran a cracker in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2023 but hasn't repeated that form since; encouraging enough comeback run (after 258-days off) at the Curragh a month ago, staying on late after not clear run; down to an enticing mark and could go well.

10/1

2

(9)

27th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:50 Curragh

Quar Shamar

10st 1lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Ross O’Sullivan

AW maiden winner and ran a cracker in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2023 but hasn't repeated that form since although solid run in Naas Listed last year; reappears for new yard off much reduced mark (23lb below career-high) and interesting to see if new yard can exploit it.

10/1

Form: 900-83

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner and probably more effective over further nowadays; unlucky in running when a good third in a 1m4f premier handicap at Galway last time; others more likely over this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(1)

22nd Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 3f 15y

16:20 Listowel

Soaring Monarch

8st 13lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: James M Barrett

Last year's winner has dropped to 4lb below that winning mark following some poor runs in the interim; but has also run with credit, including when keeping on for a 4.25l fourth at Galway on his penultimate run; not ruled out back to the scene of his victory.

10/1

6th

4

(2)

13th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 100y

19:05 Gowran Park

Soaring Monarch

9st 5lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: James M Barrett

Five-time winner; shaped quite well at the Curragh three runs back (1m2f); badly hampered at the same venue in race won by Fleetfoot; stayed on from off the pace in Galway event in which Fleetfoot was fourth; may get closer.

12/1

13

(18)

1st Aug 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Galway

Soaring Monarch

9st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: James M Barrett

Exposed five-time winner who was quite eyecatching at the Curragh two runs back (1m2f) and met with further trouble in Fleetfoot's race back there a month ago; has a tricky draw to contend with.

14/1

Form: -31213 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Ridden with some aplomb by this rider to win a pair of Leopardstown handicaps this summer; no match for Quadruple or today's rival Chicago Fireball here last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(5)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Giuseppe Cassioli

10st 0lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Gerard O’Leary

Exposed 8yo who remains on a tough enough mark but did go close at Gowran three runs back, in a field of 16 over 1m; rarely seen at Dundalk these days.

5/1

5th

1

(5)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Dundalk (AW)

Giuseppe Cassioli

10st 0lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Gerard O’Leary

Exposed 8yo who remains on a tough enough mark but did go close at Gowran three runs back, in a field of 16 over 1m; rarely seen at Dundalk these days.

5/1

1

(8)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:10 Laytown

Giuseppe Cassioli

12st 2lb

J: Mr P W Mullins

T: Gerard O’Leary

Gained a second win over this trip at Leopardstown last season and successful over 1m since; back to form with 1l defeat at Gowran in July but couldn't build on that a fortnight ago; should be suited by the surface and Patrick Mullins is an eyecatching jockey booking; interesting contender despite not looking particularly well treated at present.

5/1

Form: 253-1 CD

Last run: 41 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Did okay in maidens last season; bolted up in a handicap over this trip here last month; 17lb rise gets her in here and she could be anything in the context of this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

16:25 Leopardstown

Veras Secret

9st 7lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John James Feane

Late-starter but rapid improver in handicaps last year and has stepped up again this year, making all for 4l win in a 7f fillies' Group 3 at this venue in May; found life tougher a fortnight later in Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh over a mile, solid run when 3l behind the high-class Porta Fortuna; made all to win 7f Group 3 here two months ago.

12/1

1

(8)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:10 Leopardstown

Veras Secret

9st 12lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John James Feane

Late-starter but rapid improver in handicaps last year and has stepped up again this year, making all for 4l win in fillies' Group 3 over C&D in May; found life tougher a fortnight later in Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh over a mile, albeit solid run when 3l off classy Porta Fortuna; down in grade and trip and front-runner could take plenty of catching.

9/4

4th

8

(1)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:30 Curragh

Veras Secret

9st 2lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: John James Feane

Huge filly was a late-starter but a rapid improver in handicaps last year, including winning over C&D; ran away with a 7f Group 3 at Leopardstown on return last time; stays this trip well and is a big player if this doesn't come too soon after such a big performance.

4/1

14/1

Form: 2-0032 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Well-backed when returning to form with a third at Leopardstown (1m, good) and again went off favourite when narrowly missing out at Galway last time; essentially off the same mark as that day with James Ryan taking off 3lb; turn looks near; cheekpieces tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(6)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

14:30 Cork

Genuine Article

9st 8lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gerard Keane

Only two wins from 22 Flat starts, placed nine times; below best on seasonal debut in Curragh event won by today's rival Key Witness.

16/1

15th

4

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 0f 0y

15:42 Curragh

Genuine Article

9st 7lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gerard Keane

Consistent handicapper last season; last win came at Galway festival over 1m on soft in July; good effort over C&D when short head second in Irish Cambridgeshire in August; acts on all ground; last two hurdle runs of limited significance and should be fitter than most after them.

16/1

7th

3

(21)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Genuine Article

9st 11lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Gerard Keane

Has a modest win record but usually runs well in defeat; won at Galway and fine runs since including in the Cambridgeshire here; 7f was maybe a bit too short last time but has to be considered back to 1m.

14/1

Form: 1-1231 CD

Last run: 99 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Bang there in all four races this season, latterly making pretty much all in a big field over C&D in late May; 1lb wrong here but has a top 5lb claimer on board and is on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(4)

20th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

15:00 Leopardstown

Global Energy

10st 0lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

in touch with leaders, dropped to midfield 3f out, outpaced under 2f out

11/2

1st

7

(6)

24th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:55 Listowel

Global Energy

9st 8lb

J: W J Lee

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Four-time winner; last victory came on penultimate start at the Curragh off 80 (1m, good); no impact off revised rating back there on latest start (2.25l behind Narmar); remains 3lb above his last winning mark and others have more pressing claims.

13/2

15th

23

(22)

31st Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Global Energy

8st 7lb

J: Wayne Hassett

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

prominent

10/1

16th
3 (1)
Booyea

12/1

Form: 09-118 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Up 17lb for winning a Fairyhouse handicap and a premier handicap here in June; did not really get a clear run of things in the Galway Mile; down 2lb but has it to prove off this mark.
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: 31104- D

Last run: 401 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Mostly progressive last season before finishing down the field in the Britannia at Royal Ascot; bounced back from that with a fourth at Leopardstown when perhaps stretched by 1m1f on soft ground; absence of more than a year is a clear concern coming into a race like this; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

14th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

14:37 Cork

Fort Vega

9st 5lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Better than ever last summer, winning over C&D (good) and career-best in Scurry Handicap at the Curragh over an extended 6.5f in July; matched that effort when beaten just a neck by Headmaster in the Habitat Handicap back at the Curragh on seasonal return (6f, good); entitled to improve and he's in the mix off 2lb higher.

15/2

2nd

8

(16)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Fort Vega

9st 9lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Better than ever last summer, winning at Cork and career-best when second in Scurry Handicap here over extended 6f; bit keen and not quite at same level in Listed at Galway festival when last seen; may just need this comeback run.

20/1

7

(7)

3rd Aug 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

16:00 Galway

Fort Vega

9st 7lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Holding his form well this season, winning over this trip at Cork and was finishing second for the third time when beaten 1/2l by Go Athletico in Scurry Handicap at the Curragh on latest; still-improving 5yo up to a career-high but one to consider from a good draw.

8/1

10/1

Form: -05685 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Narrowly beaten by Coeur D'Or in this race last year and ran close to his best race since when just run out of it late in the Galway Mile; 5lb lower than last year with the same rider on board and no surprise if he went close.
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

19th
9 (18)
Plume Noire

20/1

Form: 18-120 D BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won a Naas handicap in May and was unlucky not to get up in a 7f fillies' premier handicap here in June; soundly beaten when favourite for the Galway Mile last time; not discounted here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(6)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

18:40 Leopardstown

Plume Noire

9st 4lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Gerard Keane

Won Naas handicap on 2024 seasonal debut; unlucky not to get up Curragh fillies' premier handicap before soundly beaten in Galway Mile and Irish Cambridgeshire; made a bright start for this stable at the Curragh in May; absent since but can go well fresh.

12/1

5th

4

(10)

24th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Plume Noire

9st 10lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gerard Keane

Won Naas handicap (1m, good) on return last May; unlucky not to get up in C&D fillies' premier handicap (good) in June off 87; soundly beaten in Galway Mile and Irish Cambridgeshire but goes well fresh and looks well treated on stable debut.

22/1

5th

4

(10)

24th May 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Plume Noire

9st 10lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: Gerard Keane

Won Naas handicap (1m, good) on return last May; unlucky not to get up in C&D fillies' premier handicap (good) in June off 87; soundly beaten in Galway Mile and Irish Cambridgeshire but goes well fresh and looks well treated on stable debut.

22/1

50/1

Form: 040006 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner was unlucky not to win a good prize early in the season; form has tailed off though with three bad runs at Galway and again at Naas last Sunday; hard to fancy.
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: 410-13 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won a Naas handicap after eight months off and followed that with a very solid effort in a competitive Galway handicap; any rain will help his cause.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

7

(19)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Facethepuckout

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: M D O’Callaghan

Recorded seventh career win at Limerick in June (good), some of earlier wins came in more testing conditions; recent runs well below best so needs to bounce back.

16/1

20th

7

(19)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Facethepuckout

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: M D O’Callaghan

Recorded seventh career win at Limerick in June (good), some of earlier wins came in more testing conditions; recent runs well below best so needs to bounce back.

16/1

20th

7

(19)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Facethepuckout

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: M D O’Callaghan

Recorded seventh career win at Limerick in June (good), some of earlier wins came in more testing conditions; recent runs well below best so needs to bounce back.

16/1

14/1

Form: -45101 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Consistent performer since joining Ger O'Leary this season, and ground-versatile too; two wins at Roscommon this season over 1m2f on good and 7f on heavy; gets in here with his winner's penalty and an interesting runner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(2)

26th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

18:45 Curragh

Sea Eagle

10st 2lb

J: Danny O’Leary

T: Gerard O’Leary

Dual-purpose; two-time Flat winner in 2024 off 2lb lower at Roscommon over 10.5f (good) and off 3lb lower 7.5f (heavy); in process of running a big race on return from break when unseating in maiden hurdle at Tramore in April; could go well.

14/1

2

19th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

14:43 Tramore

Sea Eagle

11st 12lb

J: Thomas O’Connor

T: Gerard O’Leary

Dual Flat winner (good/heavy) in 2024 is rated 82 in that sphere although ran nowhere near that figure in Dundalk claimer when last seen in October; previously runner-up in 2m2f Downpatrick maiden hurdle so entitled to respect on that run.

13/2

23th
4 (5)
Shayzann

10/1

Form: 0-6732 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Good third in 1m1f premier handicap at Leopardstown and ran almost to the pound with the runner-up when second at Gowran; could be on a competitive mark and the choice of Ben Coen.
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: 401508

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won a 7f handicap at Fairyhouse in June, his eighth career win, but below par twice at Galway and will have to step back up in a big way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(6)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Current Option

10st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Adrian McGuinness

took keen hold, prominent, joined leader over 4f out, led under 3f out, headed over 1f out, lost second when lost action inside final 110yds, eased towards finish, looked to go wrong

3/1

4th

3

(6)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Current Option

10st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Adrian McGuinness

took keen hold, prominent, joined leader over 4f out, led under 3f out, headed over 1f out, lost second when lost action inside final 110yds, eased towards finish, looked to go wrong

3/1

2nd

9

(9)

18th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:25 Dundalk (AW)

Current Option

8st 8lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Adrian McGuinness

Once very useful sort with eight turf wins but is yet to win on AW; fine effort from the front over inadequate 6f (rider dropped whip) here last Friday and one to consider back at his optimum trip and rider's valuable claim.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €183.10
Straight Forecast €124.79
Tricast €5638.76

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Sea Eagle

The Irish Sun:

State Actor

SPOTLIGHT:

Vera's Secret

TOPSPEED:

Current Option

POSTDATA:

Sea Eagle