October 16 / 15.00 Curragh

15.00

Yielding

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £8776.86
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • 17 runners
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Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 310648 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 10st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Without a turf win since August 2022; successful at Laytown early last month; kept busy since, mixed form; stiff task under a big weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

19:20 Windsor

Dontspoilasale

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Won at Dundalk (6f, AW) in January but he's not come close to that form since and was was well held on recent stable debut; now goes back up in trip but he's 1-19 on turf and others are preferred.

25/1

7th

9

(6)

6th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

16:15 Lingfield (AW)

Dontspoilasale

9st 2lb

J: William Cox

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Dundalk regular who's done most racing over further, usually ridden prominently, and been off for three months; would want to see some market confidence for his new yard.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 093506 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Recorded back-to-back 5f wins at Down Royal and Bellewstown in June/July; has been a little too high in the ratings since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

5

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 180y

14:57 Navan

Aurora Nova

9st 8lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Andrew McNamara

Four wins have all been on fast tracks, including last year at Bellewstown (twice) and Down Royal over 5f; standout run this term at former venue when third, never counted after slow start here on latest; opposable.

12/1

9th

9

(6)

7th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 180y

14:52 Navan

Aurora Nova

9st 1lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Andrew McNamara

Made the breakthrough over 6f two seasons ago; her three wins last term were all over 5f, two of them at Bellewstown, where she had a good comeback run in April; closely matched with Aurora Nova on last Sunday's running at Listowel.

8/1

5th

14

(12)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 60y

15:15 Listowel

Aurora Nova

9st 0lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Andrew McNamara

Made the breakthrough over 6f, but her three wins last term were all over 5f, two of them at Bellewstown where she had a good comeback run in April.

11/1

Form: 208707 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Six-time AW winner is 0-16 on turf, unplaced in three visits to this track this season; others much preferrred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

(11)

26th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

18:48 Dundalk (AW)

Sporting Hero

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: William Durkan

Won for a first time on turf at Navan (5f) but then finished last at Naas; loves it around here but stall 11 looks troublesome.

14/1

13th

5

(13)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 205y

15:10 Naas

Sporting Hero

9st 13lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: William Durkan

Prolific AW performer gained a first turf success in emphatic fashion at Navan on latest (5f, gd-yld) under this rider, making virtually all for a 2.25l win; this longer trip fine but raised 10lb and this is a tougher race.

9/2

Form: 433410 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Consistent this year; won a 5f Cork handicap in August; reportedly got upset in the stalls last time; a useful challenger for the stable along with Steel Magnolia.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(10)

7th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:17 Navan

Asdana

9st 7lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

Uneven form since winning over this trip at Cork last August; respectable fourth at Bellewstown, down the field at this venue last time; others are more dependable.

14/1

10th

4

(15)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

13:20 Navan

Asdana

9st 11lb

J: Sam Coen

T: W McCreery

Won over this trip at Cork last August and some fine efforts in defeat since including a fourth at Bellewstown last time; back to her winning mark so considered; can be slowly away.

5/1

4th

8

(12)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

18:30 Bellewstown

Asdana

9st 3lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

Gained first win at Cork last August (5f, good); ended last season with fine second at the Curragh (5f, heavy), overcoming slow start and headed late on; typically needs reappearance run and much better expected now after Curragh effort eight days ago.

14/1

Form: 537149 CD

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Newmarket winner over 5f in August; has to reverse last month's Navan form with Nouvel Espoir; rider has been doing well lately and growing in confidence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(7)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Mary Shoelaces

9st 0lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Two of her three wins have come over C&D, including this race in 2024 off a mark of 60 (now 6lb higher); limited appeal on recent form, but could surprise.

16/1

7th

16

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

17:05 Curragh

Mary Shoelaces

8st 8lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Two of her three wins have come over 5f at this track; has finished last on both starts this term; hard to fancy against that background, despite her liking for this course.

25/1

6th

4

(1)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:40 Down Royal

Mary Shoelaces

9st 2lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Won for the third time (all over 5f) when scoring at the Curragh last October off a 5lb lower mark; well below that level on seasonal debut but can come on for that; has run well in defeat here.

5/1

Form: 907583 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Four of his five wins have been gained at this trip; a creditable third over 6f at this venue 12 days ago; a reproduction would put him in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

(7)

18th Jun 2026

Yielding

0m 7f 45y

17:10 Leopardstown

Mickey The Steel

9st 9lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Has been running well in defeat this term, including a second of 23 over this trip at the Curragh in March; wasn't beaten far when seventh of 21 at Navan 11 days ago (5f); acts on good but best on soft/heavy.

12/1

7th

7

(6)

7th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:17 Navan

Mickey The Steel

9st 9lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Has a decent record at this track, two wins and three seconds from nine visits; solid form this term except a moderate Curragh run over 7f; place chance now after last Sunday's third at Listowel; acts on good but best on soft or heavy.

12/1

3rd

15

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 60y

15:15 Listowel

Mickey The Steel

8st 13lb

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

First reserve; five-time winner loves the mud and solid placed form over 6f/7f early in the season; has had a break since unplaced run at the Curragh.

Form: 177782 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Has gained all three wins over the minimum trip; improved on 6f form when dropped back to 5f at Navan month; second to a soild yardstick, form has been franked by third-placed Step Back In Time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(5)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

17:45 Curragh

Nouvel Espoir

9st 1lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: James M Barcoe

Gained fourth win of his career at Down Royal (5f, soft) last month; solid overall form this season; close fourth behind Sovereign Cry at Naas two weeks ago, form boosted by the third when scoring at Leopardstown on Thursday.

12/1

4th

7

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:08 Naas

Nouvel Espoir

9st 11lb

J: E E Ryan

T: James M Barcoe

Gained fourth win of career on latest at Down Royal (5f, soft); effective on quicker ground so conditions no concern and has gone well here before but a 6lb rise makes things tougher (never won off a mark this high).

5/2

1st

6

(9)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

18:50 Down Royal

Nouvel Espoir

9st 5lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: James M Barcoe

Won a 5f Cork handicap last season (good to yielding); okay run in same race last time when fourth; overall form this season has been underwhelming; down 2lb now.

11/2

Form: /048-0 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
An 11-race maiden; fourth over C&D on the second of three 2024 starts; in rear at Dundalk on reappearance; hard to be confident.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

14

(1)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:40 Curragh

Buddy Batt

8st 8lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Tracey Collins

3-8 at Dundalk, 1-10 on turf; fair fifth over C&D before unplaced behind Cuban Grey on AW; this looks too competitive for him.

20/1

6th

1

(12)

26th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

18:48 Dundalk (AW)

Buddy Batt

10st 0lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Tracey Collins

Only fifth on soft ground last time but he had previously made it 3-7 here when cosily accounting for Lethimfly in March; only 3lb higher now but his wide draw is worrying.

5/1

5th

5

(5)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

13:50 Curragh

Buddy Batt

9st 5lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Tracey Collins

Three wins from four winter starts at Dundalk; soft going might not be ideal for his return to turf on a mark 16lb higher than when fifth of 16 in a C&D apprentice handicap last October.

6/1

Form: 670130 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
In good form for Jenny Lynch earlier in the season; two changes of stable since then; never in the hunt at Fairyhouse last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:08 Naas

Arctic Steps

10st 2lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Gained second turf win over C&D on penultimate, beating Nouvel Espoir by 0.5l off 4lb lower; disappointed off revised mark at Dundalk latest; return to this track a plus but must prove she can win off this mark.

17/2

9th

8

(6)

26th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

18:48 Dundalk (AW)

Arctic Steps

9st 8lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Has a solid five-race record at this track and returns after winning for a second time on turf at Naas (5f), beating 15 rivals in the process under Patrick McGettigan; has a 6lb rise to deal with, but she's not exposed just yet.

7/1

Form: 3/5-39

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Very little mileage on the clock; needs to reverse 7f Down Royal form with Distillate, but that is not out of the question, given that she is relatively unexposed; may be better suited by this trip into the bargain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(4)

17th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:42 Down Royal

Hot To Foxtrot

9st 8lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: John James Feane

Maiden hasn't built on early promise, but some good runs all the same between turf and AW; third in a big field at the Curragh two starts ago, but a lesser effort on soft over 7f here since; can do better.

8/1

6th

4

(17)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

20:30 Down Royal

Hot To Foxtrot

9st 10lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: John James Feane

Competitive in 6f/7f handicaps on AW this season before posting a very promising third of 20 on her return to turf at the Curragh last time (6.5f, yielding); first-time cheekpieces worn that day retained; up 1lb.

15/2

3rd

23

(17)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 63y

20:25 Curragh

Hot To Foxtrot

8st 11lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: John James Feane

Maiden competitive in 7f/6f handicaps on the AW this season but needs to find more on turf return; cheekpieces replace tongue-tie.

16/1

Form: 543104 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Generally reliable in recent months; deserved her Laytown win, fair fourth over 7f at Down Royal on latest; 7f is her optimum trip, 1-22 record at 5f is a negative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

4

(6)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

0m 5f 180y

14:18 Navan

Distillate

9st 12lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Most recent of her six wins gained at Laytown last September; began the new campaign with a neck second over 7f at Dundalk; has failed to reproduce that form in two subsequent appearances and is now dropped in trip; placed only once from nine Navan runs.

8/1

14th

6

(15)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Distillate

9st 13lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Most recent of her six wins gained at Laytown last September; 1-17 at this venue; given plenty to do finishing strongly for neck second last month, with Alex Belardo 2l back in fourth; that rival turned the tables on her two weeks ago.

8/1

7th

6

(17)

6th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Distillate

10st 0lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

One of two for yard; most recent of her six wins gained at Laytown in September; given plenty to do when thundering home to finish a neck second here (7f) on latest; player up in trip but wide draw to overcome.

2/1

Form: 953387

Last run: 2 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Best effort when third in a 5f maiden at Bellewstown in July; seventh behind Jordan Breeze at Dundalk on Tuesday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(15)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Tino Pai

8st 11lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Best effort when third in a 5f maiden at Bellewstown in July; seventh behind Jordan Breeze at Dundalk on Tuesday.

12/1

7th

5

(8)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Tino Pai

9st 9lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Third in a Bellewstown maiden in July but hasn't kicked on from low marks in handicaps.

12/1

Form: 982862

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Good effort when second behind a progressive rival over 5f at Tipperary in April on handicap debut; failed to build on that on two subsequent starts; a breakthrough is feasible judged on her second placing at Bellewstown a fortnight ago; rider is beginning to make an impact.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(14)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

19:44 Bellewstown

Steel Magnolia

8st 13lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: W McCreery

May prefer slower ground but wasn't far behind Platino Bianco and Happy Henry last week at Naas and she's likeably consistent.

5/1

4th

17

(3)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 5f 0y

17:40 Naas

Steel Magnolia

8st 13lb

J: Megan Telford-Kelly

T: W McCreery

Third runner for yard; best form has come over this trip on soft ground, winning at Bellewstown last autumn; fine efforts back there and at Cork this season; drying ground isn't in her favour.

12/1

3rd

13

(1)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:42 Cork

Steel Magnolia

9st 2lb

J: W J Lee

T: W McCreery

Won off 1lb higher at Bellewstown (5f, soft) last October; close fourth back there on seasonal return in April; player again off the same mark with forecast rain in her favour.

13/2

Form: 890401 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Has a fixed 7lb penalty for a narrow win under this rider at Dundalk on Tuesday; on the upgrade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:08 Naas

Jordan Breeze

9st 6lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Won at Cork in May off 2lb lower (5f, soft); struggled off this mark twice since, including when well behind Nouvel Espoir at Down Royal on his favoured easy ground latest; others make more appeal.

14/1

6th

5

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

18:50 Down Royal

Jordan Breeze

9st 6lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Built on runner-up finishes over 5f at Dundalk and Bellewstown (soft) to score at Cork (soft); never dangerous off revised mark at Navan next time (5f, good); possibly best with a soft surface so watch the weather.

11/2

11th

13

(16)

7th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:17 Navan

Jordan Breeze

9st 6lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Has developed into a reliable sort this season; second to An Laochmor at Dundalk and also runner-up to Alnofoor at Bellewstown before a well-deserved Cork win; apprentice has a good record on him; has stronger credentials than most

6/1

25/1

Form: 40400- D

Last run: 303 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 44

Form & Verdict
Lacks a recent run; inconsistent last season; last win was in 2022; 5lb out of the handicap; has a capable rider but up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(4)

22nd Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 180y

14:47 Navan

Iva Batt

9st 0lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: R K Watson

Last win was in 2022; inconsistent last year; last of 16 on last week's belated seasonal debut at the Curragh; 5lb out of the handicap then, should at least be more competitive in this lower grade.

33/1

16

(8)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Iva Batt

8st 7lb

J: Neve Bennett

T: R K Watson

Lacks a recent run; inconsistent last season; last win was in 2022; 5lb out of the handicap; has a capable rider but up against it.

25/1

11th

12

(3)

17th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Iva Batt

9st 4lb

J: Paula Muir

T: R K Watson

midfield, weakened 2f out

12/1

Form: -46008

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 43

Form & Verdict
Yet to reach the first three in 14 attempts; fourth on two occasions for Gavin Cromwell; same placing over this trip at Fairyhouse in June on first run for this stable; moderate run in a claimer at Laytown last time; 6lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

(3)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Marks One

8st 7lb

J: Shay Wallace

T: Michael G Cleary

Yet to reach the first three in 14 attempts; fourth on two occasions for Gavin Cromwell; same placing over this trip at Fairyhouse in June on first run for this stable; moderate run in a claimer at Laytown last time; 6lb out of the handicap.

33/1

8th

6

(5)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

16:30 Laytown

Marks One

10st 3lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Michael G Cleary

Yet to reach the first three in 13 attempts; fourth on two occasions for Gavin Cromwell; same placing over this trip at Fairyhouse in June on first run for this stable; failed to stay 1m at Bellewstown last week.

14/1

15th

8

(5)

26th Aug 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 195y

17:25 Bellewstown

Marks One

9st 6lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Michael G Cleary

Has been running okay of late without threatening a breakthrough win; okay mark and good draw so don't rule out.

14/1

Form: 00-900

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 40

Form & Verdict
Very weak form; no apparent chance from 9lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18

(4)

16th Oct 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Fort Star

8st 7lb

J: Yudish Geerdharry

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Very weak form; no apparent chance from 9lb out of the handicap.

66/1

Non-runners

Amanirenas

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €73.10
Straight Forecast €56.58
Tricast €528.91
Trifecta €616.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Nouvel Espoir

The Irish Sun:

Steel Magnolia

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Sporting Hero

POSTDATA:

Nouvel Espoir