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

6th

7

(11)

1st Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Dontspoilasale

9st 8lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Well backed when landing a third C&D win in January; 7f too far here last week, return to this trip to suit but more needed.

12/1

4th

7

(6)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:12 Dundalk (AW)

Dontspoilasale

9st 8lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Well-backed when landing a third win here (all at 6f) in January; nearly 3l off stablemate The Liffey in 6f claimer two starts back, most recent handicap run was okay; rare foray over 7f here and could be vulnerable.

15/2

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

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

3rd

9

(11)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

18:30 Bellewstown

Aurora Nova

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Andrew McNamara

Won over C&D (good) on this card last year and gained third win of the year over C&D (good) in July off 69; tailed off at the Curragh on return; ground may be against her on this occasion.

16/1

12th

11

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

13:57 Curragh

Aurora Nova

8st 9lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Andrew McNamara

Recorded back-to-back 5f wins at Down Royal and Bellewstown last summer but has been a little too high in the ratings since; back down to last winning mark now and won first time up last term so monitor the betting.

12/1

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

1st

2

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

13:20 Navan

Sporting Hero

9st 13lb

J: Jamie Orr

T: William Durkan

Nine AW wins but is a maiden on turf after 18 runs; however, he ran a cracker on soft ground at Bellewstown last time and this drying surface should suit better; a squeak.

7/1

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

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

10th

10

(11)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

13:57 Curragh

Asdana

8st 10lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: W McCreery

Gained first win at Cork off 67 last August (5f, good) and ended last season with a fine second here behind Staysound Susie (5f, heavy), overcoming a slow start and headed late on; finished last on return last season; market will guide.

7/1

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

10th

8

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:32 Navan

Mary Shoelaces

9st 4lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Eddie & Patrick Harty

Two 5f wins last year, off 63 at Newmarket (good) in August and off 67 on her final start at the Curragh (yielding) for this rider; career high mark now and record fresh suggests she'll need this run after a 212-day absence.

15/2

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

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.

13th

16

(1)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:45 Curragh

Mickey The Steel

9st 1lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Useful sprinter who is suited by soft conditions; third in opening two 6f runs this season here (heavy) and at Naas (soft); upped in trip when runner-up over C&D last time; was 4.75l behind winner Red Charlie that day but now 14lb swing at the weights, although he had race-fitness on his side that day.

8/1

2nd

7

(15)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Mickey The Steel

9st 10lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: Joseph Anthony Murray

Useful sprinter in this grade; suited by testing conditions; worth a shot at 7f after two good runs at 6f in the last fortnight; third here with Merisi Diamond back in sixth; same place at Naas with Eichan San among those behind, not guaranteed to uphold that form.

8/1

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

3rd

11

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:32 Navan

Nouvel Espoir

8st 9lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: James M Barcoe

Three turf wins include one over C&D (yielding) off 5lb lower; sole win last year at Cork (5f, gd-yld) and was beaten just 0.5l off the same mark at Naas on latest (5f, good); raised 3lb for that and this is a deeper race.

7/1

2nd

5

(4)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:03 Naas

Nouvel Espoir

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: James M Barcoe

3-23, the last win coming off this mark at Cork last June (5f, gd-yld); low key start to this campaign and three previous runs here have not been his best; rider booking a positive.

20/1

14th

5

(14)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

13:20 Navan

Nouvel Espoir

9st 9lb

J: E E Ryan

T: James M Barcoe

Three wins including over C&D; well beaten in soft ground on Curragh return but this surface will suit better; inexperienced rider.

16/1

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

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

1st

4

(4)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

17:00 Dundalk (AW)

Buddy Batt

9st 6lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Tracey Collins

A 2yo turf maiden winner for former yard came back from an absence to win twice over C&D during the winter; ran a solid race off this mark in January when didn't get the clearest of runs; can be involved.

4/1

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

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

1st

3

(3)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

14:03 Naas

Arctic Steps

9st 12lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

Two-time 5f winner last year on good ground at Down Royal and Dundalk; runner up twice at Dundalk since joining this stable; modest fifth at Navan on latest (5f, gd-yld); remains 7lb above last turf win.

15/2

5th

3

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

13:20 Navan

Arctic Steps

9st 12lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Ross O’Sullivan

AW winner over this trip in November and fine efforts in defeat back there last twice, including when just behind Sporting Hero; has won on turf so has a shout.

6/1

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

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

4th

2

(5)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

17:42 Dundalk (AW)

Hot To Foxtrot

10st 1lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: John James Feane

Very little mileage on the clock; definite promise in two of her maiden runs, the first of which was in 2023; three handicap attempts in 2025 were poor; much improved when fifth over 7f here a fortnight ago, but has a bit to find with third-placed Winemaker.

13/2

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

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

4th

12

(11)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

17:55 Bellewstown

Steel Magnolia

9st 2lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: W McCreery

Second runner for yard; C&D winner off 1lb higher in October (Only Spoofing second); below best last few runs at Dundalk and has been off since December but has gone well fresh before; can't discount in first-time visor.

10/1

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

1st

1

(3)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:42 Cork

Jordan Breeze

10st 2lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Fine run on seasonal return at Dundalk and again when a 1l second of 15 at Bellewstown (5f, soft) on latest; in the mix again off the same mark.

9/2

2nd

1

(5)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

17:55 Bellewstown

Jordan Breeze

10st 2lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

AW winner ran a fine race from a wide draw on seasonal return at Dundalk (5f) 10 days ago (Jazzit 0.75l behind); handles an ease and should go well again off the same mark.

11/2

2nd

1

(10)

1st Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Jordan Breeze

10st 2lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

In fine form last October under today's rider, winning over C&D off 48 and good second at the Curragh two days later; later same month ran creditably off this mark despite tardy start and absent since; hood now tried on return; draw may not be ideal.

15/2

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