13:20 Wed 10 May 2023

IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MEDIAN AUCTION MAIDEN

Distance 7f

Prize €16,000 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 10

Going Soft

1. Toughen Up: Demonstrated considerable potential in previous races, particularly in his close second-place finish at Limerick just over two weeks ago. The form of that race has been boosted since, and with the addition of a tongue-tie, he seems a strong contender. However, he hasn’t yet secured a win, which raises slight concerns about his ability to convert his potential into results.
2. Play It Again Zaam: He has shown significant improvement recently, notably placing third in a field of 20 at the Curragh. It’s encouraging that he has been recruited by the winner’s stable, which suggests he is well-regarded. However, he’s been with multiple trainers, which may suggest some inconsistencies in his performance or training.
3. Doctor Nightingale: Despite a disappointing seventh place in a field of 12 at Bellewstown, this horse didn’t appear to be pushed too hard after falling out of contention, suggesting there may be more potential yet to be uncovered. He’s a horse that could improve, but a lack of more solid form could be a potential drawback.
4. Queen Mab: Queen Mab is a half-sister to six winners, indicating a strong lineage. Despite making no impression in her debut three weeks ago, her price indicates some faith in her abilities, and she may improve with racing experience.

In addition to the top-rated horses, Pegula, a half-sister to multiple winners, is worth noting. One of her half-siblings, Fognini, was notably useful at two years old, securing three wins and three second places from seven outings. While her own form hasn’t been mentioned, her pedigree suggests potential. Similarly, Lady Onyx, a second foal out of a 5f winner and half-sister to seven winners, could be one to watch. She’s in capable hands, which may aid her performance.

13:55 Wed 10 May 2023

IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF FILLIES MAIDEN

Distance 7f

Prize €15,000 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 12

Going Soft

1. Alazne: Has shown considerable promise with two placed runs at Dundalk, and the form of her third over a mile in February was confirmed by the runner-up winning a maiden at Leopardstown. Dropping back in distance could suit, but the change in trip is a variable to consider.
2. Finsceal Go Deo: Comes from excellent lineage as the tenth foal out of dual 1,000 Guineas winner Finsceal Beo. Her best performance was a third place in a small-field 6f maiden at Fairyhouse in her final start as a two-year-old. She could be a contender in this race, but will need to improve from her two-year-old form.
3. Hope And Innocence: Showed improvement from her 6f Naas debut when placing fifth in a 7f Dundalk contest. The form of that race has been boosted this season, indicating she could have potential. However, she might still need more experience to truly compete.
4. Tiktok Time: Despite running green on debut at Limerick last month, she showed promise. Her dam is well-related, suggesting potential for improvement. However, her inexperience could be a drawback in this race.

Among those not highlighted by the rankings, Alessia Fernanda Dan is of interest. She is a half-sister to Listed winners Tha’Ir and Flashing Colour, and her stable is beginning to find form after a slow start to the season. In a weak race, she could have a solid chance. Stella Acclamata, the second foal and half-sister to 6f/7f juvenile winner American Star, is another horse to watch. The champion jockey rides her, which could indicate high expectations.

14:30 Wed 10 May 2023

GOLF AT GOWRAN PARK CLAIMING

Distance 1m

Prize €12,000 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft

1. Secret Sauce: Has made a decent transition into handicaps after unremarkable performances in maidens. Notably, he was the runner-up in his first handicap attempt at Bellewstown. Despite a fair fourth over the same course and distance last time, where he hung left off the first bend, he could be a strong contender in this race with the application of new headgear.
2. Redshore City: Has shown ability at this level, as evidenced by his second-place finish to Pub Talk in a similar race at Dundalk in March. Although his performances since have suggested a preference for longer distances, he could still pose a challenge in this race. The shorter trip at Sligo ten days ago might not have suited him, which is a negative.
3. Marco Monaco: Managed to place in a Navan sprint maiden for Sheila Lavery last October, but his performances since have been lacklustre, most notably trailing in last in the Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas. Since joining Tony Martin, he has failed to justify a rating of 76 in two handicap starts, which suggests he might struggle in this race.
4. Indian Outlaw: Has done most of her racing at Dundalk and seems safely held by Secret Sauce based on their Bellewstown running. She’ll be running with cheekpieces for the first time, which could potentially improve her performance. However, the evidence suggests she might find this race challenging.

Outside the rankings, Miss Langmore could potentially be an overlooked contender. Despite poor form this season, the stable has been performing well, and her fourth place in a Bellewstown nursery could hint at some ability.

15:05 Wed 10 May 2023

IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF FILLIES HANDICAP

Distance 1m

Prize €23,500 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Soft

1. Miramis: Has a good track record with wins over 7f and 1m1f for Sheila Lavery and has been tried at Listed level. There are concerns over her staying power at extended 1m2f as demonstrated in her Sligo stable debut. She will need to reverse form with La Dame Blanche to make an impact in this race.
2. La Dame Blanche: A previous course and distance maiden winner, she also performed well over 7f here in her penultimate start. She drops back in trip after finishing third at Sligo ten days ago and has a solid chance in this race.
3. Esculenta: A fair maiden for Johnny Murtagh and placed six times, but has been somewhat disappointing in comparison to last year’s seasonal debut when she finished third behind top-class Tuesday at Naas. She made a bright start for this stable when second in a maiden at this venue last month, indicating a good chance of improvement.
4. Ellabella: Has had five wins from 15 races at Dundalk, including her latest. However, her record on turf is concerning, with no wins or places from 10 attempts, which is a significant negative for this race.

Overlooked by the rankings but worth mentioning is My Minervina, who won three races for Jessica Harrington and ended her time with the stable with a second place over this trip at Dundalk. Her debut for this yard on AW in Britain last month was low-key, but she should be capable of much better, which could make her a dark horse in this race.

15:40 Wed 10 May 2023

SAVE 33% BUYING TICKETS ONLINE HANDICAP (D.I)

Distance 1m 1f 100y

Prize €10,500 Rated (47-70) Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 20

Going Soft

1. Celtic Revival: This horse has shown clear progress when competing over 1m2f/1m4f at Dundalk during the winter, winning three times and rising 15lb in the process. He placed a respectable third off a revised mark last month. However, there are legitimate concerns about his performance on softer turf.
2. Evening Verse: Both of his victories have come on AW, and he has made several decent runs on turf, including in this race last year. However, his subpar performance on soft turf at Limerick last month raises questions about his current form and potential.
3. A Shin Undine: Although a 15-race maiden, she returned to near her best form at Cork last month, finishing second over 1m. Nevertheless, her best performances have been on better ground, so the predicted rain might not suit her.
4. Narlita: She put in two good efforts for her current yard within three days last month, finishing third at Bellewstown and placing fourth over the course and distance on soft ground. She is down to a competitive mark and handles the ground, which makes her a consideration for this race.

One horse that could be overlooked by the rankings is St Cianans Fire. She showed great progress when returning last September, winning at Punchestown and twice on Dundalk’s AW. Although she has been absent since a no-show at Dundalk in December, she runs well fresh and has some form on softer ground, which could make her a dark horse in this race.

16:15 Wed 10 May 2023

SAVE 33% BUYING TICKETS ONLINE HANDICAP (D.II)

Distance 1m 1f 100y

Prize €10,500 Rated (47-70) Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 19

Going Soft

1. You Owe Me Money: You Owe Me Money holds the top position with a significant lead. The horse has shown consistent performances in the past races and had a recent victory here a week ago. However, the horse is 4lb worse off with Shona Mea this time around, which may make it challenging to replicate the previous victory over the longer trip.
2. Shona Mea: Shona Mea ranks second and has demonstrated strong performances, especially at this venue where two of her three wins have come. Her strong finish in the previous race, despite being second to You Owe Me Money, is promising. With a 4lb advantage this time, there’s a good chance she could reverse the previous result.
3. Wild Shot: Wild Shot holds the third position in the rankings. The horse has had a decent run, with some good performances, but the horse’s recent run was less impressive as it unseated early over hurdles at Punchestown. Moreover, the horse would ideally want better ground conditions, which may affect its performance on the soft ground.
4. Dartington: Despite being in the fourth position, Dartington’s recent form is not too promising. The horse was last in a flat race at Clonmel in September when last seen. Although the horse is down in grade here, the recent form does not make it a strong contender.

A potential overlooked horse could be Brewel Hill. The horse was a course and distance winner last summer and ended the season only narrowly beaten in a similar contest in September on much softer ground. Although the lack of a recent run is a concern, the horse’s course form should be respected.

16:50 Wed 10 May 2023

SOCIETIES WELCOME AT GOWRAN GOLF CLUB HANDICAP

Distance 1m 1f 100y

Prize €10,000 Rated (47-65) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Soft

1. Slaney Tide: Slaney Tide leads the ranking and with good reason. After a busy juvenile campaign, the horse returned to form on the second run back this term, nearly securing a win over 1m1f at Tipperary last month. The 4lb higher rating now could be a challenge, but given the horse’s recent performance, it’s a strong contender.
2. Not Even Maybe: Not Even Maybe stands second and has shown significant improvement in its recent starts. The horse had a strong performance here over 1m a week ago, despite being hampered and not having a clear run. With a fair 5lb rise, and a rider able to use his full claim, this horse could be a tough competitor.
3. Ifitwasme: Ifitwasme holds the third position. The horse put up a decent performance on its debut at Listowel last September and showed a similar level of form on last month’s course and distance comeback. With jockey Billy Lee now taking over and the yard being among the winners, this horse could have potential.
4. Upepo: Upepo ranks fourth. While the horse didn’t show much promise in three late-season maidens, the recent return at Sligo in testing conditions was encouraging. With blinkers now fitted, it’s worth considering, although this doesn’t make it a definite front-runner.

A potential overlooked horse could be Glyde Ranger. The horse troubled the judge for the first time when it came third at Dundalk last month. Although its earlier run in heavy ground at Navan was modest, the recent improvement could be a positive indicator. However, the horse’s performance on soft ground, like the conditions at Gowran Park, would need to be taken into account.

17:25 Wed 10 May 2023

RACING AGAIN MAY 23rd HANDICAP

Distance 1m 6f

Prize €10,500 Rated (47-70) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 15

Going Soft

1. Douglas Dc: Topping the rankings, Douglas Dc is a Tramore maiden hurdle winner with only four flat runs to date. Notably, these include maiden placings at the Curragh and on last month’s comeback at Bellewstown. The fact that his mark remains unchanged makes him a strong contender for his handicap debut, although his limited flat race experience could be a concern.
2. Sequoiaspirit: Coming in second, Sequoiaspirit had an impressive three-timer in 2021 and has shown mixed form in the past year under both codes. The horse lacks a recent run but has a history of performing well fresh. The lack of recent performance could be a downside, but past success suggests potential.
3. Queen Of Seduction: This horse is third in the rankings. She ended last season with a series of solid runs in defeat on softish ground at 1m4f and remains on a fair mark. With her yard performing well, she’s one to consider. However, it’s worth noting that she is yet to secure a victory.
4. Bigz Belief: Fourth in the rankings, Bigz Belief ran a strong race here last month, marking his first flat run in two years. However, a subsequent race at Tipperary may have come too soon, and he failed to meet expectations as the beaten favourite. He’s unproven over this far, which is a concern.

Star Official could be a potential overlooked horse. The horse’s win last year at Killarney (1m4f) came on soft ground, and an encouraging comeback effort at Navan last month in testing conditions suggests the potential to perform well in this race. Also, Barometer has been generally consistent on the Flat last year and wasn’t beaten too far on seasonal return behind a stablemate at Limerick last month. A more forward showing is expected here, which could surprise.