September 05 / 18.54 Down Royal

18.54

Good

Children’s Heartbeat Trust Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £5607.44
  • 1m 2f 145y
  • 14 runners
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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

7th

4

(14)

16th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

17:24 Leopardstown

God Knows

9st 7lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: P Sweeney

Ended last season with fine second placings at Down Royal and the Curragh; especially good effort behind the progressive Syzygy on the second occasion; no sign of similar form in three starts this term.

12/1

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

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

11th

2

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

17:52 Limerick

Calzaghi

11st 12lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: E McNamara

Won a Flat handicap at Navan in 2024; soundly beaten in two outings over hurdles; not a likely maiden winner at this stage.

20/1

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

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

10th

7

(16)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 194y

19:10 Naas

Ohmali

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Harnett

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Won over 1m at Gowran last year on heavy ground but handles better too; stays this trip but has been hit and miss this year so needs his best.

16/1

10th

8

(15)

10th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 0y

18:50 Limerick

Ohmali

9st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

Heavy-ground winner over this trip at Gowran last September and handled quicker ground well at Leopardstown last month when coming from good bit back to finish second to an improver (third won next time); one to consider, despite wide draw.

11/2

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

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

11th

6

(9)

15th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 103y

20:00 Killarney

Kevin The Great

10st 1lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Improved effort on debut for this yard at Navan (1m5f, good) last month when a staying on fourth over 1m5f (good); badly away and didn't handle track at Bellewstown latest so that run forgiven.

8/1

9th

1

(8)

2nd Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 109y

19:51 Bellewstown

Kevin The Great

10st 1lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Gavin Cromwell

Much-improved effort on debut for this stable at Navan (1m5f, good) 25 days ago when keeping on for a 1.25l fourth of 16; should go well again off 1lb higher if in the same mood.

9/2

4th

5

(12)

7th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

16:37 Navan

Kevin The Great

10st 0lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

0-9 for Jessica Harrington; showed promise on a couple of occasions off higher marks last year but two runs this year were poor; new yard now and tongue tie goes on; stamina to prove up in trip.

14/1

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

5th

3

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Firm

1m 4f 65y

20:00 Limerick

Grey Fable

10st 1lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Karl Thornton

Out of form before a Dundalk win in May, down the field behind Deluca Chop at Down Royal; plenty to find on that evidence.

12/1

9th

3

(15)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 207y

17:13 Down Royal

Grey Fable

10st 1lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Karl Thornton

Both turf wins came at Chester in 2024; surprise winner on AW at Dundalk last time given his poor form leading up to it, keeping on well over 1m4f; not certain to back that up off 3lb higher.

7/1

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

9th

2

(13)

20th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 135y

18:40 Ballinrobe

Bucaneers Spirit

9st 13lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Started the season with victory in a 1m handicap at Cork and has kept his form well since without winning; close second over that trip at Bellewstown last time saw him go up another 2lb; new headgear combination tried here and unlikely to be far away; draw is the main negative

5/1

2nd

4

(2)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 195y

18:07 Bellewstown

Bucaneers Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Four-time winner who is in a consistent run of form and he got himself too far back when fourth of 16 at Leopardstown two weeks ago (1m, good); hard to discount.

6/1

4th

4

(10)

18th Jun 2026

Yielding

1m 0f 0y

17:45 Leopardstown

Bucaneers Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Four wins at around this trip, most recently off 60 at Cork in April; decent third at Roscommon last month and filled the same spot at Limerick eight days ago; one to consider again.

3/1

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

11th

1

(14)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 194y

19:10 Naas

Doctor Grace

10st 0lb

J: Gabriella Hill

T: Adrian McGuinness

The latest of her five wins came over 1m4f at Roscommon in May; unseated early next time and 1m1.5f looked too short last time at Gowran; has to rebound.

12/1

11th

4

(6)

12th Jun 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 100y

20:18 Gowran Park

Doctor Grace

10st 0lb

J: Gabriella Hill

T: Adrian McGuinness

Notched third turf win at Roscommon (1m4f, gd) two starts ago, beating Makaiah by 2.25l; stumbled and unseated early lto at Fairyhouse; needs more from career-high mark.

12/1

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

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

10th

6

(3)

20th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 135y

18:40 Ballinrobe

Dancing Steve

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Good level of form last summer culminated in a deserved success in a 1m2f handicap at Navan; very regressive this season, though, and hard to fancy on current evidence.

33/1

10th

2

(1)

12th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

16:20 Dundalk (AW)

Dancing Steve

9st 12lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

Dual turf winner and thrice runner-up here, including in last year's renewal; form tailed off later last year, but better for his return to action.

20/1

13th

3

(9)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 194y

19:10 Naas

Dancing Steve

9st 10lb

J: Cillian Rowan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Won off 2lb lower at Navan last year but lost his form badly at the end of last season; needs a return to his best after time away.

25/1

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

7th

3

4th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 40y

17:15 Bellewstown

Evangelic

11st 0lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: R K Watson

Modest form on the Flat (rated 63); has shown no aptitude for hurdling on his first three starts.

200/1

18th

6

6th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 100y

15:40 Punchestown

Evangelic

11st 7lb

J: Calum Hogan

T: R K Watson

Modest on the Flat in seven starts and didn't show anything in two recent hurdle starts to suggest he's up to winning a maiden.

66/1

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

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