A competitive renewal of this Leopardstown 10f handicap, where pace is expected to be fierce and tactics will be crucial. Timeform’s “very strong pace” forecast suggests that frontrunners may pay the price, and late runners with stamina and a clean trip could come to the fore. Historically, Dermot Weld has done well in races like this, and any of his entries warrant serious respect — especially in early-season turf handicaps where his team often hits form fast.


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Strongest Contender: MIGDAM (FR)

Trainer: Adrian McGuinness
Jockey: Adam Caffrey
Timeform Rating (TFR): 99 | In Play Strength (IPS): 91

Well-handicapped and coming in off a promising return to turf when staying on over a mile here last month. Now back up in trip, which suits ideally, and running off a mark of 73 that’s workable based on his past form. McGuinness’s yard is quietly going well, and the stiff finish at Leopardstown will suit. Timeform notes he’s run creditably on return and acts on all ground — this setup could be ideal for a big run from just off the pace.


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Main Dangers:

SACRED OATH (IRE)

Trainer: D. K. Weld | Jockey: C. D. Hayes
Timeform TFR: 95
Returned from a break with a strong run at Dundalk over 10.7f. She won a maiden before that and seems to be improving. Acts on soft and polytrack, and she stays 12f — so this 10f pace burn-up could play perfectly into his stamina. Timeform says she’s been in good form and usually races prominently. Big player for a trainer who knows how to target these races — Weld trained Dancing Approach to win this in 2021.

EXPOUND

Trainer: Denis Hogan | Jockey: J. M. Sheridan
TFR: 95
Ran a blinder off a break at Leopardstown over 8f, shaping like this step back up to 10f is exactly what he wants. He’s a course performer with form in big fields and will be closing late. Hogan’s horses have run well fresh this season and Timeform highlights him as a front-runner with good 2024 turf form. If he gets cover and rhythm, he’ll be finishing fast.

SACRED BINNIAN (IRE)

Trainer: David Marnane | Jockey: L. T. McAteer
Consistent sort who handles all ground and stays this trip well. Timeform notes he’s fairly useful and races prominently, and he has the profile of a horse who could benefit from sitting just off the early heat. May need luck from stall 14 but has a formline with Pepper Noir and Pralognan, which ties in with a few of today’s key rivals.


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Also Worth a Look:

DUTCH GOLD (IRE)

Trainer: Noel Meade | Jockey: J. A. Powell (3)
Running off last winning mark, and Timeform note he went under half his Betfair SP last time when showing signs of a return to form. This stable is in decent nick, and he’ll love a pace meltdown. Could sneak into the mix late at a big price.

PRALOGNAN (FR)

Trainer: A. J. Martin | Jockey: Seamie Heffernan
Has a series of solid AW runs behind him and caught the eye in a big-field turf handicap last time. Timeform calls him “fairly useful” and notes consistent efforts on polytrack. Not flashy, but reliable and capable of getting involved late off a strong pace.


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Verdict:

This looks set up for a closer, and MIGDAM has the right mix of turf form, tactical setup, and race fitness to land a blow. Sacred Oath brings a classy profile and a potent trainer in Weld, while Expound could be the one to capitalise if things fall apart late. Dutch Gold is an appealing outsider for those digging for value, and Slieve Binnian is too solid to ignore in wider perms.