September 05 / 18.54 Down Royal

18.54

Good

Children’s Heartbeat Trust Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £5607.44
  • 1m 2f 145y
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Children’s Heartbeat Trust Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 4367-1 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Some AW form for previous yard and immediate return for current yard on returning from 260-day absence at Naas last month when making all in apprentice handicap over this trip (good) in first-time blinkers; 9lb rise but no surprise if she made a bold follow-up bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

23

(4)

14th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

17:35 Curragh

Areana

8st 7lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Has returned from 260-day absence in the form of her life for new yard, making all for today's rider to win over this trip at both Naas and Down Royal (good) in blinkers; up an aggregate of 16lb but remains 7lb out of handicap in this much higher grade.

33/1

1st

10

(2)

5th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 145y

18:54 Down Royal

Areana

9st 7lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Some AW form for previous yard and immediate return for current yard on returning from 260-day absence at Naas last month when making all in apprentice handicap over this trip (good) in first-time blinkers; 9lb rise but no surprise if she made a bold follow-up bid.

9/2

13/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 99-105 CD BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2023 off 68, more recent success came in 1m Bellewstown claimer in July, after which he left Dick Brabazon; well-backed on recent Curragh run and ran okay; back up in trip here and can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:12 Leopardstown

God Knows

9st 11lb

J: Rory Mulligan

T: P Sweeney

Twice second for this yard after being acquired from a claimer last summer; went close over this trip at the Curragh in October; never involved on her comeback there over 7f; needs to bounce back after a below-par run at Sligo; hooded now.

16/1

9th

9

(3)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 2f 158y

15:58 Sligo

God Knows

8st 12lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: P Sweeney

Twice second for this yard after being acquired from a claimer last summer, including a near-miss over 1m at the Curragh in October; never involved on her comeback there over 7f; up in grade and was well beaten in this two years ago; headgear.

16/1

14th

2

(12)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

17:25 Curragh

God Knows

10st 2lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: P Sweeney

Runs well when fresh, second at this venue on her first start of the 2024 season and won a claimer on seasonal debut last year; worth considering on the form of her final two starts of the campaign.

11/2

OUR TIP

10/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 513-86

Last run: 134 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo won over this trip at Navan last October off 58 before close third at the Curragh; two early-season runs below best and returns from summer break off a fair mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:41 Listowel

Calzaghi

11st 12lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

Won a Flat handicap in 2024; tailed off on stable/hurdles debut at Killarney; likeley to be of more interest in handicaps.

33/1

9th

4

9th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 0y

13:53 Killarney

Calzaghi

11st 12lb

J: G B Noonan

T: E McNamara

One of three for trainer; winner of a Navan Flat handicap in 2024 (1m2f, good to yielding); placed in final three starts for Kevin Coleman on differing ground types before being purchased for 29,000gns; brings a Flat rating of 78 to this hurdles/stable debut.

10/1

2nd

3

(3)

20th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 3f 175y

17:25 Gowran Park

Calzaghi

9st 10lb

J: Julian Pietropaolo

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Back from a mid-season break with sound efforts in defeat over 10.5f at Down Royal (good) and Naas (yielding); worth another go at this trip but very testing ground would be a query.

11/2

8/1

Form: -73844

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Some creditable efforts since going handicapping, didn't get the clearest passage at Galway last time over 7f; return to this trip could suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

(12)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:12 Leopardstown

Ohmali

9st 8lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Heavy-ground winner over this trip at Gowran last September; fair form on better ground; below best on soft on seasonal debut at Gowran.

12/1

11th

7

(14)

8th Apr 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 1f 100y

16:55 Gowran Park

Ohmali

9st 9lb

J: W J Lee

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Got off the mark over 1m at this track last September but couldn't cope with a 6lb rise in a better race at the Curragh next time; same mark today and needs more; seems to stay this trip.

8/1

8

(11)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

17:35 Curragh

Ohmali

9st 6lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Off the mark last month over this trip at Gowran, handling heavy ground well under a positive ride to win a shade snugly, having previously shaped with promise; 6lb rise but could well have more to offer, especially in these conditions.

13/2

Form: 6465

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Glimpses of ability in three maidens, didn't really land a blow on handicap debut over this trip at Roscommon last time; remains a possible improver but others look more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(6)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 205y

17:23 Bellewstown

Kevin The Great

9st 6lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

0-8 and yet to trouble the judge but has shown glimmers of ability; hinted more than once last season that he needed further than 1m2f but weakened over that trip on return at Navan last month; blinkers now go on, but this trip is a query.

8/1

6th

5

(2)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

16:48 Navan

Kevin The Great

9st 7lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Mrs John Harrington

Yet to reach the first three; was staying on at the finish at Naas on his final start last seasson; may need a bit further than this to make his presence felt

10/1

10

(10)

12th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 2f 125y

16:55 Naas

Kevin The Great

9st 5lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: Mrs John Harrington

Maiden ran okay in Down Royal handicap over this trip (2.75l off Calzaghi), didn't seem to get home in heavy ground at Gowran on latest; more needed.

12/1

16/1

Form: 2112-7

Last run: 97 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Dual Chester winner last year at 1m5f; just second start of the year when midfield at same venue (2m) in May and has had a break since; back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

26th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:48 Dundalk (AW)

Grey Fable

9st 12lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Karl Thornton

Both wins came at Chester in 2024; it's been a washout so far this season and remains best watched.

16/1

14th

2

(16)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

20:20 Roscommon

Grey Fable

10st 1lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Karl Thornton

Back-to-back wins at Chester in 2024, but has never won on home soil; moderate form last year and same story in two recent outings; 1m7f too far latest.

10/1

4th

3

(2)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Ayr

Grey Fable

9st 3lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Karl Thornton

Irish raider; won twice over 1m4f at Chester in July 2024 (good/good to soft); mixed efforts since, mainly at 1m2f/1m4f as he didn't seem to stay when tried at 2m.

4/1

Form: 9-1390 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Failed to progress after a successful debut in Britain but got back on track with a stable debut win at Naas (1m2f, good) in June under today's rider; hasn't looked to stay over longer trips since so possible improver back in trip here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

(13)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Miss Nifty

9st 3lb

J: Yudish Geerdharry

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

On yard debut took a 1m2f Naas handicap under today's rider in June and ended a poor run of form with unlucky nose defeat by Longseoir over C&D last month, not clear run and allowing winner first run before running on really strongly at the finish; good chance of overturning that form give a clearer run if handling conditions.

13/2

2nd

10

(13)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Miss Nifty

9st 3lb

J: Yudish Geerdharry

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

On yard debut took a 1m2f Naas handicap under today's rider in June and ended a poor run of form with unlucky nose defeat by Longseoir over C&D last month, not clear run and allowing winner first run before running on really strongly at the finish; good chance of overturning that form give a clearer run if handling conditions.

13/2

2nd

10

(13)

2nd Nov 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Miss Nifty

9st 3lb

J: Yudish Geerdharry

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

On yard debut took a 1m2f Naas handicap under today's rider in June and ended a poor run of form with unlucky nose defeat by Longseoir over C&D last month, not clear run and allowing winner first run before running on really strongly at the finish; good chance of overturning that form give a clearer run if handling conditions.

13/2

Form: 049158

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
First win beyond 1m came in 1m2f Ballinrobe claimer last month for Jack Davison; claimed for 12,000euros and ran okay on yard debut in Gowran claimer, not so good in Dundalk claimer since; handicapper giving him every chance but still opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(3)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 94y

17:50 Roscommon

Bucaneers Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Won a Ballinrobe claimer last summer before struggling in handicaps; took advantage of a reduced mark to score over 1m at Cork; down the field in the charity race at Punchestown; fair sixth when 20-1 shot at Leopardstown last Friday.

10/1

6th

7

(17)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:12 Leopardstown

Bucaneers Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Won a Ballinrobe claimer last summer before struggling in handicaps; took advantage of a reduced mark to beat Land Of The Giants at Cork; can feature again, though cut no ice in the charity race at Punchestown.

8/1

17th

2

2nd May 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

18:35 Punchestown

Bucaneers Spirit

12st 6lb

J: Dave Bennett

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Four Flat wins at 1m-1m1f and rated 66 in that sphere, stamina a query over this trip.

25/1

9th
15 (13)
Tartaraghan

Form: 513287 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
First reserve; sole win came over this trip at Navan in July off 56, equally good form when close third over C&D five days later; needs to improve on recent Naas run though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

16

(10)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

16:45 Dundalk (AW)

Tartaraghan

8st 12lb

T: John C McConnell

Second reserve; belatedly off the mark at Navan in July but form has dipped since a claimer second in August.

8th

11

(12)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

20:00 Dundalk (AW)

Tartaraghan

9st 6lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: John C McConnell

Turf winner is 0-4 on the AW; has failed to fire in handicaps (including over C&D) since second in a Sligo claimer in August; others make more appeal.

16/1

3

(1)

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 205y

14:13 Bellewstown

Tartaraghan

9st 13lb

J: Colin Keane

T: John C McConnell

Only 1-31 but placed plenty of times; however, may need further ideally and wouldn't want rain.

12/1

Form: 57-406

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Both Flat wins came in Beverley handicaps (1m2f/1m4f) last year; mainly hurdling this year, winning at Kelso in May; back on the level when didn't appear to stay 2m1f trip at Pontefract last month; step back in trip to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Spartan Warrior

11st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Maurice Barnes

Won twice on the Flat (1m2f-1m4f) for Ollie Sangster and once over hurdles (2m2f, Kelso) for Rebecca Menzies; beaten 22l and 76l in two starts for new trainer; easing mark isn't enough to recommend.

50/1

10th

11

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Carlisle

Spartan Warrior

10st 4lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Maurice Barnes

Won at Kelso last May (2m2f, good) when with Rebecca Menzies; well beaten on stable debut last time and perhaps best watched for now.

50/1

5

30th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

14:07 Sedgefield

Spartan Warrior

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Rebecca Menzies

1-8 over hurdles, the win gained off 1lb lower mark at Kelso (2m2f, good) in May; disappointed on both recent Flat starts, though, and arrives here with a point to prove.

8/1

8/1

Form: 252104 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Admirably consistent this year and enjoyed stepping up to 1m5f to win here in July; didn't land a blow down in trip at Naas and over 1m4f at Tramore when staying on late after a slow start; back in trip and grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 210y

16:52 Fairyhouse

Doctor Grace

10st 0lb

J: Gabriella Hill

T: Adrian McGuinness

Recorded third turf win earlier this month at Roscommon under positive ride from today's rider (1m4f, good), overcoming wide draw and having been hampered; 5lb rise takes her back to a near career-high mark so interesting to see if she can back that up.

11/2

1st

8

(17)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 46y

19:53 Roscommon

Doctor Grace

9st 9lb

J: Gabriella Hill

T: Adrian McGuinness

Four-time winner is 2-19 on turf; 1lb lower than when winning at Down Royal last July (1m5f, good); stayed on well for second over 10.5f at Dundalk latest; player back on turf.

11/2

2nd

7

(8)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

20:15 Dundalk (AW)

Doctor Grace

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

Second runner for yard; has won here and regularly placed; however, recent efforts have been below-par and was behind Jawhary last time; others have stronger credentials.

7/1

12th
13 (9)
Ribee

12/1

Form: 572205

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Shaped nicely to finish second in first two handicaps at Gowran and Sligo (10.5f, good); too fresh at Galway on the back of a break and trip inadequate at Bellewstown so still potential improver back at 1m2f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(4)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

15:07 Leopardstown

Ribee

9st 7lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Michael Mulvany

Enjoyed a terrific spell last October, notching three wins and two places during a hectic spell; maintained his rate of improvement when beating 24 rivals in the Irish Lincoln on return; not as effective over an extended 1m2f in a Listed race at Naas; back to form quickly to take second in a 1m2f premier handicap at the Curragh; this is probably closer to his optimum trip.

14/1

2nd

5

(16)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

16:17 Curragh

Ribee

9st 12lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Michael Mulvany

Enjoyed a terrific spell last October, notching three wins and two places during a hectic spell; maintained his rate of improvement when beating 24 rivals here in the Irish Lincoln on return; fine run came to an end in 10.5f Listed at Naas and he's probably better over shorter.

13/2

5th

1

(6)

22nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 2f 125y

16:22 Naas

Ribee

9st 7lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Michael Mulvany

Enjoyed a terrific spell last October, notching three wins and two places during a hectic spell; maintained his rate of improvement (from a handicap low of 62 to his present 98) when beating 24 rivals in last Sunday's Irish Lincoln; suited by the ground and the only runner with race-fitness; has to be taken seriously, although others have stronger claims at these weights.

15/2

Form: 922160 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
C&D second in June before winning at Navan off 64, didn't count over 1m4f at the Curragh latest but can't be safely ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(16)

26th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Dancing Steve

9st 6lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Both wins have come on turf but plenty of solid AW runs in defeat; however, has been poor the last twice and needs to get back to his best.

22/1

13th

2

(17)

5th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 145y

18:54 Down Royal

Dancing Steve

9st 13lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: Adrian McGuinness

C&D second in June before winning at Navan off 64, didn't count over 1m4f at the Curragh latest but can't be safely ruled out.

8/1

14th

6

(14)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:37 Curragh

Dancing Steve

9st 9lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

2-21, doubling his tally in a 1m2f good-ground handicap at Navan in July; led but dropped out to be sixth in a Racing League handicap at Wolverhampton (9.4f); he's better than that and stays 1m4f; each-way claims.

10/1

Form: 730-4

Last run: 127 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 3yo; placed in Newbury maiden last year but tame comeback run in Redcar handicap (7f, good-to-firm) in May before leaving Charles Hills; marked step up in trip on yard debut with hood tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

13

26th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

18:00 Ballinrobe

Evangelic

10st 12lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: R K Watson

Modest on the Flat for Charles Hills; heavy defeat in Downpatrick maiden hurdle latest; others preferred.

100/1

7th

10

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 180y

17:00 Downpatrick

Evangelic

11st 4lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: R K Watson

Was badly regressive on the Flat last autumn and can only be watched on hurdles debut.

66/1

17th

14

(9)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

14:42 Curragh

Evangelic

9st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: R K Watson

First two runs for Charles Hills were decent, both at 7f on good to firm; two poor recent runs for current yard over longer trips and now drops markedly in distance.

50/1

Non-runners

Loingseoir, Alto Sax, Ina Mina

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €27.50
Straight Forecast €27.29
Tricast €118.34
Trifecta €12.70

Selections

POSTDATA:

Dancing Steve

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Bucaneer's Spirit

SPOTLIGHT:

Areana

The Irish Sun:

Dancing Steve

TOPSPEED:

Bucaneer's Spirit