June 12 / 18.20 Leopardstown

18.20

Good

Barberstown Castle Stakes (Group 3) (Registered As The Ballycorus Stakes)

  • Prize money: £29256.2
  • 0m 7f 47y
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Barberstown Castle Stakes (Group 3) (Registered As The Ballycorus Stakes)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 39-251 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Showed ability for Diego Dias las season; promising second in 7f Curragh maiden on stable/seasonal debut; encouraging Group 3 C&D fifth next time, meeting trouble in running; made amends when winning 7f Naas Listed (good), seeing off One Smack Mac and Mataariki; each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 1

15:33 Chester

Copacabana Sands

9st 2lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Hooded when winning Naas Listed event (good) and Leopardstown Group 3 (soft) over 7f for Michael O'Callaghan last year; below form tackling firmer ground when fifth in 7f Lingfield Group 3 on return for Andrew Balding (same owner); good chance if recapturing her best.

11/4

5th

1

(6)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Lingfield

Copacabana Sands

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Andrew Balding

Seems tactically versatile; hooded when winning Naas Listed event (good) last May and followed up in Leopardstown Group 3 (also 7f, soft) the following month; left Michael O'Callaghan (same owner) after disappointing on heavy ground in October; Ryan Moore booked and she sets the standard on this stable debut/reappearance; plenty to like.

7/4

25/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 6/16-6

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Listed winner at Cork (6f) on heavy ground on last season's return before lesser run in France; was beaten only 1.25l when sixth of nine in Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh on return 19 days ago but still has a bit to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(7)

20th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

15:40 Curragh

Easy

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Listed winner at Cork (6f) on heavy ground on last season's return before lesser run in France; not beaten far when sixth of nine in 6f Group 2 Greenlands Stakes here on seasonal debut; career-best when second in a 7f Group 3 at Leopardstown last month, with East Hampton fourth and Mutasarref back in seventh.

16/1

2nd

6

(5)

12th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 47y

18:20 Leopardstown

Easy

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Listed winner at Cork (6f) on heavy ground on last season's return before lesser run in France; was beaten only 1.25l when sixth of nine in Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh on return 19 days ago but still has a bit to find.

25/1

8

(5)

24th May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Easy

9st 2lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Andrew Slattery

Listed winner on heavy ground on last season's return before lesser run in France; probably best watched returning from 338 days off.

20/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 01 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made little impact over 1m at the Curragh on debut on soft; left that effort well behind when bolting up in C&D maiden (good) four weeks ago, making rapid headway to close in on the leaders approaching the furlong pole before asserting in style; well worth his place in the field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(1)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Zodiac Bear

9st 10lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Okay fourth in the Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown on return (7f, soft) and built on that when making all and keeping on well to win a 1m Listed race here last time (good); cheekpieces added and drop back to 7f should be okay; having just his sixth career run so improvement still feasible.

11/2

1st

4

(4)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

15:55 Curragh

Zodiac Bear

9st 9lb

J: Ben Coen

T: J P Murtagh

Three of four runs have come at Leopardstown; won maiden there last May (7f, good) and fine 2l third in Group 3 (7f, good) the following month; not seen again until respectable 3l fourth in Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes there (7f, soft) 17 days ago; sharper for that and worth a go at 1m on that evidence; could go well.

11/2

28/1

Form: 714-13 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won 6f Curragh maiden last season and returned with a 7f testing ground success at that venue on handicap debut; kept on well to finish third from 7lb higher on latest but likely to find this step up in class too much.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(6)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Curragh

East Hampton

9st 10lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: David Marnane

Won his maiden over 6f here in 2024 (yielding to soft) and bagged the Madrid handicap at Naas last season (7f, soft to heavy); best run since was when beaten a neck by Diego Velazquez in this race last year (good to yielding); beaten 1.5l behind Big Gossey in a C&D Listed race on return (soft to heavy); not at his best at Leopardstown last time; appears to give his best on softer ground.

6/1

5th

3

(3)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 7f 35y

19:00 Leopardstown

East Hampton

9st 9lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: David Marnane

Sole win came in Madrid Handicap at Naas (7f, soft) last year; best subsequent run came when beaten a neck by Diego Velazquez in Group 2 at the Curragh over same trip; started this year positively when 1.5l second to Big Gossey in Listed Gladness 75 days ago, deserving extra credit for where he came from; at his best on soft and big run expected.

5/1

Form: 030-13 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Tried in good company after debut maiden win at Gowran (1m, soft) early last season; best run when third behind the smart Big Gossey at the Curragh (7f) in November; made all on handicap debut at Gowran (7f, heavy) on return before third to Copacabana Sands in Naas Listed; improvement needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(2)

31st Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 110y

16:00 Tipperary

Mataariki

9st 7lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won a 7f Gowran handicap in April; backed that up with 2l third of nine behind today's rival Copacabana Sands in a 7f Naas Listed race before again running with credit when fifth behind the same filly in a Group 3 at Leopardstown; close up in fourth at Galway, stablemate Princess Child was second then, and can uphold the form.

16/1

3

(11)

31st Jul 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

15:20 Galway

Mataariki

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won a 7f Gowran handicap in April; backed that up when 2l third of nine in a 7f Naas Listed race before again running with credit when fifth in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last time (7f, soft); something amiss when in rear in Curragh handicap won by Bellaphina.

10/1

Form: 64291- C

Last run: 235 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Last year's two early-season wins came on soft/heavy; confirmed a liking for testing conditions when landing 1m Listed race here in November from the front; stable first string on jockey bookings but will need the heavens to open up for return run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(8)

7th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

15:27 Navan

Norwalk Havoc

9st 12lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

Four-time winner at 7f/1m, the last two at Listed level; Leopardstown specialist; considerably inferior to stablemate Hotazhell.

14/1

3rd

1

(11)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

15:07 Leopardstown

Norwalk Havoc

9st 10lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Four-time winner at 7f/1m, including two late-season Listed events at this venue on heavy ground; returned with fair seventh of 25 behind Ribee in the Irish Lincoln; appeared not to stay 1m2f in another premier handicap at the Curragh on latest

20/1

OUR TIP

9/2

Form: 121-23 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Stable stalwart; winner of 10 of 24 races, including twice at Group 3 level here last year (including this race) and Group 2 second behind Diego Velazquez arguably better form; two solid efforts in 1m Listed contests here since returning; will give it a good shot again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(6)

10th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

15:05 Leopardstown

Mutasarref

9st 9lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: G M Lyons

Has won ten of his 30 starts, including four times at this venue at 7f-1m; most recent success came at Cork in October 2024 (1m, yielding) but ran some fine races last season, including when third in this; well behind a couple of these on seasonal return here last month but better expected now with that run under his belt; place chance.

10/1

9th

6

(8)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

15:07 Leopardstown

Mutasarref

9st 7lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Ten victories include four here, most notably twice at Group 3 level in 2024; not quite at the same level this year but solid form, most recently seasonal-best when getting up late for second in Group 2 Solonaway Stakes at the Curragh.

5/1

1

(1)

19th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

14:25 Leopardstown

Mutasarref

9st 9lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: G M Lyons

Ten victories include four here, notably this race in 2023 and twice at Group 3 level last year; not quite at same level this year but solid form, most recently seasonal-best when getting up late for second in Group 2 Solonaway Stakes here last month; major player once again.

5/2

Form: 7324-5 D

Last run: 64 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced; won Naas 2yo maiden and solid form at stakes level last season, notably second in Group 3 over C&D and staying on fourth in Group 3 at Deauville (1m) in August; tailed off in first-time cheekpieces behind Mutasarref on return; looks stable second string.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(6)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:10 Leopardstown

Bluedrum

9st 9lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Hasn't added to Naas 2yo maiden debut win although good run when second in this race last year and fourth in Group 3 at Deauville (1m); nowhere near her best in two outings this term, soft ground against her last time; bit to prove now.

12/1

8th

5

(1)

12th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 47y

18:20 Leopardstown

Bluedrum

9st 6lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

Lightly raced; won Naas 2yo maiden and solid form at stakes level last season, notably second in Group 3 over C&D and staying on fourth in Group 3 at Deauville (1m) in August; tailed off in first-time cheekpieces behind Mutasarref on return; looks stable second string.

20/1

Form: 7159-5 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won 7f Group 3 at Deauville last August on good ground; fifth in the National Stakes; ended the season on a low note in French Group 1; slowly into stride when disappointing in 6f Navan Listed on return but Dylan Browne McMonagle prefers him to Mataariki; blinkered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(5)

16th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

19:10 Leopardstown

Cowardofthecounty

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 3 winner over 7f at Deauville as a 2yo; lost way last season but back to form this term; runner-up to City Of Memphis in conditions race at Gowran (7f, soft) and won conditions race at Fairyhouse (7f, good); fair third of six in a 1m Listed race at the Curragh on latest.

7/1

3rd

2

(5)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

15:55 Curragh

Cowardofthecounty

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 3 winner as a 2yo; lost way last season but back to form on last two starts; runner-up to City Of Memphis in conditions race at Gowran (7f, soft) and won conditions race at Fairyhouse latest (7f, good); much more needed up in class and trip and looks yard's second-string on rider arrangements.

15/2

1st

2

(9)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:45 Fairyhouse

Cowardofthecounty

9st 11lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Group 3-winning 2yo over this trip but didn't fire in three runs last year; the best of two runs this term came at Gowran last time when ahead of Tina's Indian; the filly that won that event, City Of Memphis, has since won twice at Group level; a big player.

7/4

12/1

Form: -12165 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Three 7f wins on Tapeta for this yard, including a Listed in March; took an early bump in Group 3 at Newmarket in April and never settled; never got going in 6f Group 2 Duke Of York Of Clipper Stakes on latest but British raider is a player here if he gets a strong pace to aim at.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Royal Zabeel

10st 3lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Appleby

Respectable fifth in this year's Victoria Cup; prevailed last Saturday to take C&D record to 2-2 and overall strike-rate to 7-23; incurs 6lb penalty but Conor Whiteley takes off a useful 5lb; major player.

8/1

1st

3

(7)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Royal Zabeel

9st 12lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Down the field in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) but was on the unfavoured far side and prior to that he ran well when fifth of 21 in the Victoria Cup there (7f, good); won over C&D last August; chance.

6/1

20th

10

(3)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Royal Zabeel

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

A strike-rate of 4-7 on AW includes two Listed wins, at 7f and 6f; not quite so good on grass as yet but he has a 7lb lower turf mark and indicated he could make it pay when an excellent fifth in the big-field Victoria Cup over 7f here (good; has won on good to firm) in May, not ideally positioned there as it turned out; one to consider back at 6f.

18/1

11/1

Form: 4-1318

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Won at Royal Ascot and runner-up at Breeders' Cup as a 2yo; comfortably justified favouritism over 1m at Dundalk in March despite having raced only at sprint trips prior; tough task from top weight in valuable 1m Newcastle handicap on latest; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(6)

12th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

14:00 Dundalk (AW)

Valiant Force

10st 4lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Struggling on turf this season but won his last start over C&D in February and, overall, he has won five times at this venue over a variety of trips; second behind Eclairage in this last season; a return to form would come as no surprise but David Egan prefers Ipanema Queen.

16/1

13th

1

(7)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:05 Curragh

Valiant Force

10st 0lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Sole win on turf in the 2023 Norfolk Stakes; has won five conditions races at Dundalk since, the most recent over 5f in February; has struggled since then; drop in class after contesting a Listed race and C&D Group 2 in May; was 20lb higher at his peak; still an entire.

12/1

9th

10

(11)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Valiant Force

9st 5lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Sole win on turf in the 2023 Norfolk Stakes; has won five conditions races at Dundalk since, the most recent over 5f in February; has struggled since then, most recently last Sunday at Naas; out of his depth here.

50/1

Non-runners

Comanche Brave, One Smack Mac

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €45.20
Straight Forecast €45.09
Tricast €383.07
Trifecta €540.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Comanche Brave

POSTDATA:

Royal Zabeel

TOPSPEED:

Norwalk Havoc

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Comanche Brave

The Irish Sun:

Comanche Brave