January 20 / 15.20 Down Royal

15.20

Yielding To Soft

Aspall Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £5130.43
  • 2m 4f 145y
  • 11 runners
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Aspall Handicap Chase

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/8 (Won)

  • Win: £1.91
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 50/7P1 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 10st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Limerick run in November was his first after a layoff; lost his chance when hampered four out at Cork and was pulled up; came good when ridden from the front for a wide-margin success in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse last week; has been hit with a massive 17lb rise for that; runs here off his old mark and should win with an adequate round of jumping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

31st Mar 2026

Soft

2m 3f 128y

18:12 Limerick

Shanroe Act

10st 10lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Won over hurdles and fences within five days in January but was pulled-up over hurdles since; this same mark looks stiff back over fences.

10/1

15

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 50y

14:38 Fairyhouse

Shanroe Act

10st 9lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Came good here when an easy 9l winner over hurdles last month (2m4f, soft); sent chasing at Down Royal (2m4, yielding to soft) to take advantage of lower mark and landed the odds by 0.5l; must now run from 17lb revised mark, which makes things a lot tougher.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £7.30

Form: P-98U0

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Twice successful over hurdles; ordinary handicap chase form so far; premature to write off but hard to recommend until he shows some spark again; runs off 12lb lower than current hurdles rating.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

3rd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 0y

17:25 Gowran Park

Luimneach

10st 2lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Likes trip and ground and comes here in fine form; won with something up his sleeve at Kilbeggan, then hung the latch after travelling well into contention at Wexford; up a good bit in grade, but might cope.

4/1

2nd

5

28th Aug 2026

Good

2m 3f 100y

19:07 Wexford

Luimneach

11st 9lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Better hurdler than chaser for Des McDonogh but off the mark chasing at second attempt for current yard when taking 2m5f Kilbeggan handicap last month, appreciating drop in grade and would have won handier but for mistake at last; 5lb rise looks plenty fair and should go well.

7/2

1st

1

24th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 85y

20:30 Kilbeggan

Luimneach

12st 0lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: Conor O’Dwyer

Better hurdler than chaser, though last win came in 2023; 0-9 chasing, standout run when second in 2m5f Down Royal handicap in January off 97; none too fluent and met trouble in running on yard debut here in May; best form is on softer ground; drops in grade.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 0-3005

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles at Naas last season; but has been struggling in recent starts; in rear on handicap chase debut at Clonmel in November; beaten 24l in fifth over C&D last month, 14l behind Tell Nobody Nothin on that occasion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

18th Oct 2026

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

14:20 Sedgefield

Royal Time

11st 5lb

J: Troy Walsh

T: Christian Williams

Won over hurdles in Ireland; now 0-10 over fences after three defeats for Christian Williams, with the best effort the first when third at Bangor in September (3m, good); has a bit to find.

14/1

5th

4

18th Sep 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:47 Newton Abbot

Royal Time

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Christian Williams

1-11 over hurdles in Ireland; 0-8 over fences but made a promising start for this stable when a staying-on third at Bangor (3m, good) two weeks ago; this step back up in trip could help and he's one to consider.

5/1

Form: 434263

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Winning hurdler is 0-8 over fences but has run well in defeat; each-way chance based on C&D third last month, with Royal Time fifth and Baltinglas Hall farther back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 7f 110y

17:02 Downpatrick

Tell Nobody Nothin

11st 4lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

One of two for yard; won decisively at Kilbeggan in April (2m4f, gd-yld) off 6lb lower; pulled up next time at Wexford (25.5f, gd-yld) and tailed off over hurdles here on return from a break on latest; needs to rebound.

20/1

8th

9

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:55 Downpatrick

Tell Nobody Nothin

11st 4lb

J: Joshua Halford

T: Noel Meade

Won a 2m2f maiden hurdle here in 2024 (good); was chasing last season and finally got a win in that sphere at Kilbeggan in April (2m4f, good to yielding) off 96 but pulled up at Wexford last time; Mickey Cohen appears to be the stable's best chance.

15/1

5

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 1f 100y

16:55 Wexford

Tell Nobody Nothin

11st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Won a 2m4f Kilbeggan handicap last time on similar ground; is up 6lb and has questions over this trip as he failed to see out 3m2f at Down Royal two starts back.

4/1

Form: -6F582

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Wins were gained back-to-back in April 2024; looks interesting off his lower chase mark after a fine second in a 24-runner handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

7th Sep 2026

Good

2m 6f 111y

19:11 Galway

Oneforgonzo

10st 12lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Sean Aherne

Winner at Killarney in May but was tailed off over fences at Wexford last time in a 2m3f event; respected if coming back to that earlier form.

14/1

Form: 664U70

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won a beginners' chase at Wexford in 2024; no sign of his best form this season; dropping in the ratings, but his chance is not obvious.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

6th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 180y

16:38 Roscommon

Bocellis Voice

10st 8lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Weak chase form over the past 12 months and holds a modest hurdles rating; beaten 15l in a Sligo claimer last time (2m2f, good); veteran faces a stiff task once again.

20/1

7th

7

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 2f 0y

17:20 Sligo

Bocellis Voice

11st 2lb

J: Alix Balfe

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Weak chase form over the past 12 months; has a modest hurdles rating; veteran faces a stiff task in this company.

25/1

9th

5

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

19:05 Downpatrick

Bocellis Voice

11st 6lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: Dermot A McLoughlin

Second runner for yard; hurdle and chase winner has been regressive in both those spheres since last autumn; blinkers replace the visor worn last time; needs to turn a corner.

12/1

Form: 23659-

Last run: 270 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Only win was over hurdles in 2022; had an outing on the Flat in October, ended last season with a poor handicap chase run at Kilbeggan; up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 55y

15:30 Fairyhouse

Elusive Guy

11st 1lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Only win in 2m Limerick maiden in 2022 but decent third in this race last year off 3lb higher; pulled up after never travelling over fences recently and blinkers now tried for hurdles return.

16/1

2

20th Jan 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 4f 145y

15:20 Down Royal

Elusive Guy

12st 0lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Only win was over hurdles in 2022; had an outing on the Flat in October, ended last season with a poor handicap chase run at Kilbeggan; up against it.

20/1

8th

8

(12)

9th Oct 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 66y

17:15 Thurles

Elusive Guy

9st 7lb

J: Neve Bennett

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Only win was over hurdles in 2022; record of 0-7 on the Flat; returns from a break after a poor chase effort in April; others appeal more.

25/1

Form: 6033P4

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has been showing a fair standard over hurdles, making the frame in three of his last four outings; lack of chasing experience raises a doubt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

13th Oct 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

16:30 Punchestown

Kazbek

11st 7lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Peter Fahey

Maiden ran some fine races in defeat last season, including over C&D; well below that level in two runs this term and has to return to best.

16/1

9th

8

23rd Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 135y

15:05 Listowel

Kazbek

11st 8lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Peter Fahey

Maiden ran well on testing ground at Punchestown in January but was then pulled up in a chase at Down Royal; suffered the same fate over hurdles at Sligo in July.

25/1

Form: 32423B D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner over hurdles, 0-15 over fences, placed seven times; each-way chance if none the worse for the experience of being brought down over hurdles at Leopardstown last time
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

23rd Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 135y

15:05 Listowel

Warm In Gorey

11st 10lb

J: Ross Sugrue

T: P J Rothwell

Three-time hurdles winner; out of sorts in the first half of the year; recovered his form with third placings during the summer before becoming disappointing again.

16/1

Form: -09030

Last run: 65 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Flat winner for Aidan O'Brien; ran well at Wexford on the first of two hurdle races for this stable; failed to build on that at Navan; in rear on AW subsequently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

8th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 150y

19:35 Downpatrick

Harley Street

11st 5lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Well-bred Flat winner is yet to score over obstacles; well beaten over hurdles four days ago and fell on chase debut previous run; needs his best to get involved.

14/1

15th

10

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

14:10 Down Royal

Harley Street

11st 5lb

J: James Smith

T: Ian Patrick Donoghue

Ran well off 103 at 2024 Galway festival; off the bridle from early when plugging on for third at Wexford (2m4f) in October; poor since; should enjoy the ground, but might find trip a bit sharp.

12/1

Form: 8099-9

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Down the field in two handicap hurdle outings at Fairyhouse last season; a bit better when ninth of 24 on reappearance at the same venue; that run offers mild encouragement; however, he has no chasing experience his stablemate Shanroe Act has the merit of recent winning form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

29th Mar 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 185y

14:42 Downpatrick

Shanroe Nancy

10st 7lb

J: Daniel King

T: Karl Thornton

Hasn't improved for handicaps; pulled up at Down Royal last time; hard to make a case for.

40/1

17

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 86y

15:03 Down Royal

Shanroe Nancy

10st 9lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Karl Thornton

Hasn't improved for handicaps; beaten 38l at Fairyhouse latest; new cheekpieces need to transform.

33/1

8th

14

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 55y

15:30 Fairyhouse

Shanroe Nancy

10st 0lb

J: Daniel King

T: Karl Thornton

Pulled up behind in-form stablemate over fences at Down Royal recently; previous C&D hurdles form leaves him with plenty to find; 1lb wrong.

25/1

Non-runners

Person Of Interest, Toon Town, Baltinglass Hill

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €41.50
Straight Forecast €33.23
Tricast €247.92
Trifecta €685.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Shanroe Act

The Irish Sun:

Kazbek

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Baltinglass Hill

POSTDATA:

Shanroe Act