Leopardstown 4:05 – Ryanair Handicap Chase (Listed, 2m1f)

Value Plays in a Competitive Listed Handicap Chase

A typically competitive renewal of the Ryanair Handicap Chase, where recent form, course adaptability, and pace positioning will be key. The market has understandably latched onto the Gavin Cromwell-trained Midnight It Is (4/1) after an encouraging third in a Fairyhouse handicap, but there are reasons to think others may represent better value.


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Pace & Tactical Angle

With My Mate Mozzie, Lisnamult Lad, and Midnight It Is all likely to race prominently, a strong pace is expected. This could set things up for a well-handicapped closer or a prominent racer with tactical versatility.


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Value Contenders the Market May Have Overlooked

An Peann Dearg (6/1) – Strong Course Form & Well Handicapped

A course-and-distance winner 37 days ago, An Peann Dearg remains well-treated off 122, carrying bottom weight again. That Leopardstown win came in a competitive race featuring many of today’s rivals, and he travelled smoothly before asserting late.

Why he’s underrated:

Market often undervalues repeat C&D winners in big handicaps.

Front-runners could fade, and his stamina up the straight is an asset.

Trainer Paul Nolan isn’t fashionable, but his horses are very effective at this track.

10/1 last time suggests he wasn’t fully expected, so there’s a possibility of further improvement.



At 6/1, he looks like a strong each-way play.


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Fascile Mode (17/2) – Unexposed Handicap Chase Debutant

Lightly raced over fences, Fascile Mode has the profile of a horse likely to improve now switching to handicaps. His last run, where he finished sixth in a novice chase at Punchestown, was below expectations, but he had previously bolted up in a strong Punchestown novice.

Why he’s overpriced:

Trainer Thomas Mullins has a solid record in these big-field handicaps.

Big step forward possible in first handicap chase – a well-run race should suit.

Jumping has been inconsistent, but if he sharpens up, he could have a lot in hand.



At 17/2, he offers more upside than several shorter-priced runners.


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Shortlist & Betting Strategy

1️⃣ An Peann Dearg (6/1, Each-Way) – Proven over C&D, well-handicapped, tactically versatile.
2️⃣ Fascile Mode (17/2, Each-Way) – Unexposed handicap debutant, potential big improver.
3️⃣ Midnight It Is (4/1) – Obvious contender but priced near his ceiling.
4️⃣ Shanbally Kid (11/2) – Mullins-trained dark horse, but needs to improve significantly.

With An Peann Dearg and Fascile Mode both appealing at current prices, they look like more interesting bets than Midnight It Is, who is solid but well found in the market. If the pace collapses late, a strong closer could emerge, and An Peann Dearg’s proven finishing kick at this track could prove decisive.