December 20 / 19.15 Dundalk (AW)

19.15

Standard

HRI Best Turned-Out Flat League Handicap (Div II)

  • Prize money: £5386.96
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • 14 runners
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HRI Best Turned-Out Flat League Handicap (Div II)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Scattered showers

OUR TIP

Form: 720223 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Yet to win beyond 1m but touched off in a 10.5f handicap here last month; didn't quite run up to that level over the same trip the following week; claims if he stays.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(10)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Koniag

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Kieran P Cotter

Yet to win on this surface but has gone close on a few occasions before the turn of the year; stays this trip and is a leading contender here.

100/30

1st

4

(10)

27th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Koniag

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Kieran P Cotter

Yet to win on this surface but has gone close on a few occasions before the turn of the year; stays this trip and is a leading contender here.

100/30

Form: 316008 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Belatedly off the mark over 10.5f here in March but still above that winning mark and has been in poor form recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23th

12

(16)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:32 Navan

Highland King

9st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Edward Buckley

AW winner but 0-16 on turf, just fair effort at Down Royal last time; concerns over both trip and ground.

25/1

15

(11)

29th Sep 2025

Good

1m 3f 10y

16:55 Down Royal

Highland King

9st 9lb

T: Edward Buckley

First reserve; AW winner; sent off favourite over hurdles on debut for this yard at Kilbeggan last month but let his backers down; well-treated on old form so not totally ruled out.

Form: 050639

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Won twice on turf in Britain in 2023 and some big runs in defeat on AW last winter; failed to fire over this trip here two weeks ago; first-time headgear reached for here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(14)

15th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 0f 0y

16:40 Dundalk (AW)

Obama Army

9st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Adrian McGuinness

Best form was in Britain in 2023; steadily working his way into form of late, although slow starts haven't helped his cause the last twice; wide draw a negative.

13/2

3

(9)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 1f 110y

17:07 Gowran Park

Obama Army

9st 12lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Adrian McGuinness

Best form was in Britain in 2023; steadily working his way into form of late, although slow start didn't help at Naas on Tuesday when 4.25l off Roderick; this trip his limit.

8/1

5th

7

(4)

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 0y

19:10 Naas

Obama Army

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

Best form was in Britain in 2023; recent fourth placings at Tipperary and Dundalk provide grounds for optimism.

7/1

Form: 005255 BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Most convincing recent effort over this sort of trip when run out of it close home behind Just Another Eagle two weeks ago; probably more effective over shorter but respected all the same.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(9)

26th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:48 Dundalk (AW)

Jawhary

10st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Down the field on turf last time but had been running well here and should still be on a competitive mark; on the shortlist.

3/1

10th

2

(13)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 133y

19:22 Ballinrobe

Jawhary

10st 2lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

Having a good time of it of late on the AW, recording a third win there last month off 55; balance of turf form is on decent ground so could struggle in these conditions.

10/1

1st

6

(9)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

20:15 Dundalk (AW)

Jawhary

9st 13lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Dual course winner (1m4f) during the winter; beaten only 1.5l over C&D off 54 last month before runner-up here over 1m4f on latest; looks sure to give his running once again; shortlisted.

7/4

Form: 703995

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Ordinary efforts in handicaps at up to 10.5f; better effort in a 1m maiden last month; up in trip here with an attractive rider booking but plenty of reasons to oppose.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(13)

20th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Miami Sunshine

9st 11lb

J: W J Lee

T: Adrian Murray

Ordinary efforts in handicaps at up to 10.5f; better effort in a 1m maiden last month; up in trip here with an attractive rider booking but plenty of reasons to oppose.

20/1

13th

5

(13)

20th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Miami Sunshine

9st 11lb

J: W J Lee

T: Adrian Murray

Ordinary efforts in handicaps at up to 10.5f; better effort in a 1m maiden last month; up in trip here with an attractive rider booking but plenty of reasons to oppose.

20/1

5th

7

(1)

29th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Miami Sunshine

9st 3lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Adrian Murray

Distant third in a Gowran maiden before two lesser runs at this venue; plenty to find.

50/1

Form: 0/8-99

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Has won over 1m2f in Britain; not beaten far in a 1m handicap here last month; more needed here back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(9)

20th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Pride Of Hawridge

9st 10lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: S McParlan

Has won over 1m2f in Britain; not beaten far in a 1m handicap here last month; more needed here back up in trip.

40/1

11th

6

(9)

20th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Pride Of Hawridge

9st 10lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: S McParlan

Has won over 1m2f in Britain; not beaten far in a 1m handicap here last month; more needed here back up in trip.

40/1

9th

8

(1)

20th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

16:10 Dundalk (AW)

Pride Of Hawridge

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: S McParlan

Losing run since a Ffos Las win in Britain in 2022; tailed off in two hurdle runs for this yard before low-key return to the Flat here a fortnight ago.

25/1

Form: 805806 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Six career wins include a 10.5f success here; struggling of late although ran okay in a C&D claimer last week; more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

18:37 Downpatrick

Darkened

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

9yo who has had a lot of racing and steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of seven at Clonmel two years ago; however, was running well before finishing second in a claiming hurdle last time and he's now with John McConnell.

4/1

3rd

3

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 3f 100y

18:37 Downpatrick

Darkened

11st 12lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: John C McConnell

9yo who has had a lot of racing and steered clear of fences since finishing fourth of seven at Clonmel two years ago; however, was running well before finishing second in a claiming hurdle last time and he's now with John McConnell.

4/1

2nd

5

14th Apr 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 160y

16:25 Tramore

Darkened

10st 10lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Noel C Kelly

Second runner for yard; dual-purpose; 3-26 over hurdles and rated 98; in good form on the AW in recent weeks and ran well on his only previous visit to this track; goes on any ground, notable jockey booking and not without a chance.

5/1

16/1

Form: 08963

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Returned to some sort of form in a 2m handicap here in November and again back to 10.5f last week; down another 1lb here and not without a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

11

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

14:10 Down Royal

Is She Now

11st 1lb

J: Niall Moore

T: V C Ward

Modest stayer on the Flat; beaten 9l when sixth of 15 at Bellewstown last summer on only handicap start over hurdles.

16/1

12th

7

(6)

11th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

16:38 Dundalk (AW)

Is She Now

9st 5lb

J: Siobhan Rutledge

T: V C Ward

Last run was over hurdles, has an outside chance based on a fourth placing in a 23-runner 1m6f Navan contest last autumn; others have stronger claims.

16/1

4th

18

(19)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:32 Navan

Is She Now

9st 2lb

J: Mark Crehan

T: V C Ward

Dual-purpose maiden hasn't been getting any nearer in maiden hurdles of late; probably best watched back on the Flat.

25/1

Form: 2-8347 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Winning hurdler and better on this surface so far on the Flat; not beaten far over 10.5f here last time and the step up in trip will suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

16:47 Clonmel

Spinning Web

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Hurdle and dual chase winner was poor in this sphere last time after a couple of falls chasing; isn't well-treated at these weights.

25/1

12th

3

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 110y

16:50 Kilbeggan

Spinning Web

11st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Dual chase winner at Thurles last year over 2m5f; not badly treated but probably in need of a confidence boost after two falls over fences; cheekpieces now as well as usual tongue-tie.

8/1

1

31st Mar 2026

Soft

2m 1f 200y

18:42 Limerick

Spinning Web

11st 12lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Ms Margaret Mullins

Dual chase winner at Thurles last year over 2m5f; pulled-up here on final 2025 start and fell at the first on return lately at Navan; seems best watched for now.

6/1

Form: 455262

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Ran well despite some poor jumping in a pair of juvenile maiden hurdles; returned to the Flat when a strong-finishing runner-up to Just Another Eagle over C&D two weeks ago; up 1lb but every chance of turning the tables.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

31st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 80y

16:30 Kilbeggan

Billie Frechette

11st 5lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Dual-purpose Flat winner; 1-6 over hurdles and rated 120; promise in first two chase attempts, earning a rating of 117; beaten 17l into second of 12 behind talented Supersundae here (22.5f, gd-yld) in April; 9l fourth of 10 at Killarney (2m5f, gd-yld) 22 days ago; leading claims.

2/1

4th

3

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:10 Killarney

Billie Frechette

11st 7lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Flat and hurdle winner is rated 120 in the latter sphere after showing consistent form last season; ran well enough on chase bow at Kilbeggan, albeit beaten 17l; can improve from that and be involved.

15/2

2nd

10

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 70y

18:59 Kilbeggan

Billie Frechette

11st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Useful form on the Flat and over hurdles (rated 120); suited by staying trips on the Flat; should be fit for chasing debut after AW run at the beginning of the month.

8/1

Form: 267851 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Returned to form when just holding off Billie Frechette over C&D two weeks ago; up 3lb and unlikely to be much between them once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

7

(15)

20th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:50 Gowran Park

Just Another Eagle

9st 7lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Sole victory from 21 starts came in a 1m4f handicap Dundalk in December 2024; slipped up at Dundalk on her final 2025 start after an excellent second in a 23-runner handicap at Navan; however, that was 1m6f, and this trip may prove inadequate.

12/1

2nd

14

(5)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:32 Navan

Just Another Eagle

9st 4lb

J: W J Lee

T: Patrick J Flynn

Sole victory came on the AW last December; shaped okay at same venue on latest but the majority of her best turf form is on good ground.

10/1

Form: 00U762

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Losing run goes back to May 2022 but signs of a revival when a 6l second here two weeks ago; stable had two winners here last week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

19:30 Tramore

Esticky End

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Flat winner is 0-13 over hurdles; didn't run terribly at Down Royal in December off this mark; should be sharper for latest run at Wexford when made late gains from the back; could outrun likely odds.

16/1

7th

14

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

15:15 Wexford

Esticky End

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Five-time Flat winner (last win in 2024) but yet to trouble the judge in 12 starts over hurdles; some decent runs in defeat when last seen over the winter, finished fifth of 13 at Thurles (2m, good to yielding) and fifth of 20 at Down Royal (2m1f, yielding), flying home after being hampered by a faller; can't be ruled out.

6/1

Form: 40/00- CD

Last run: 385 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner for Pat Martin; failed to beat a rival home in two starts for new yard; best watched after 385 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 44y

16:40 Punchestown

Quiet Desire

11st 9lb

J: Abbie Hilliard

T: John C McConnell

Dual AW winner hasn't seen much action in the last two years and has loads to find.

40/1

13th

16

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 44y

16:40 Punchestown

Quiet Desire

11st 9lb

J: Abbie Hilliard

T: John C McConnell

Dual AW winner hasn't seen much action in the last two years and has loads to find.

40/1

12th

13

(11)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 0y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Quiet Desire

9st 0lb

J: Ruby Kinkaid

T: John C McConnell

midfield

66/1

Form: 054963

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Slow to progress in handicaps; improved effort in blinkers (retained) when third in a C&D handicap last month; claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

15:30 Thurles

Imperial Miss

10st 3lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Dual-purpose maiden went closest to scoring when just denied in a Galway h'cap hurdle over 2m6f last time; prominent runner should be a player again up 2lb.

6/1

8th

9

30th Oct 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

15:30 Thurles

Imperial Miss

10st 3lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Dual-purpose maiden went closest to scoring when just denied in a Galway h'cap hurdle over 2m6f last time; prominent runner should be a player again up 2lb.

6/1

8

7th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 6f 60y

15:20 Galway

Imperial Miss

10st 1lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: Thomas Gibney

Dual-purpose maiden produced her best run in this sphere on latest in a Downpatrick maiden (2m2f, yielding); stays this far and handles soft so don't discount in first handicap hurdle.

12/1

Non-runners

Uberrima Fides, Sing A New Song, Miss Glenville

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Billie Frechette

The Irish Sun:

Imperial Miss

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Jawhary

POSTDATA:

Billie Frechette