Strongest Contender

FAIRYLAND OPERA (Mrs Lorna Fowler, J: J.P. Shinnick (5))
Timeform: 146 | OR: 114 | Form: 8-038221

He’s the one that ticks most boxes. Progressive, well-handicapped, and comes here off a 12-length demolition job at Tramore where he travelled like a class act and jumped fluently. The strong pace forecast is ideal, as he’s settled and finishes strongly — Timeform highlight that “there’s unlikely to be any let-up in the very strong pace which will probably benefit him more than The Story So Far.”

Shinnick takes off 5lb again, and he could still be ahead of the assessor. The 21f win suggests he’s ready to stretch out to 3m, especially given his running style. If there’s a “Go Day” in the field, it’s this one.


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Main Dangers

1. DONT TELL JACK (Joseph O’Brien, J: M.P. Walsh)
Timeform: 139p | OR: 120 | Form: 4736

Massively interesting. The Naas run was deceptively eye-catching — he wasn’t asked for full effort and shaped like a horse being teed up for a step up in trip. Joseph has targeted this race before (won it in 2022 with Prairie Dancer), and this gelding is bred to be a staying type (half-brother to Hillcrest). Looks laid out for this, and Walsh taking the ride suggests serious intent. Potential “Go Day” alert.

2. FISHERY LANE (Willie Mullins, J: P. Townend)
Timeform: 133 | OR: 125 | Form: 25-031P

Ignore the Cheltenham run. Timeform noted he “sweated badly beforehand” and was “pulled up when stiff task presented.” Prior to that, he bolted up at Fairyhouse. With Paul Townend booked, this looks like a bounce-back setup. Mullins has won this race three times in the past decade — when he aims one here, take note. Mullins + Townend + Irish Grade Listed = danger.

3. BLAZE THE WAY (Margaret Mullins, J: D.E. Mullins)
Timeform: 143 | OR: 127 | Form: 1P-337124

Ultra-consistent and battled gamely in a deep Uttoxeter race last time. Timeform notes he “remains unexposed as a stayer,” which bodes well for this new trip. He’s also tactically versatile — handy enough to avoid scrimmaging, but can sit off a mad gallop. Under-the-radar threat.

4. THE STORY SO FAR (Charles Byrnes, J: P. Byrnes)
Timeform: 144 | OR: 118 | Form: 5-6721473

The market has latched on to his January gamble win, but Timeform warns the strong pace could undo him: “likely to be less suited than Fairyland Opera by the scenario.” Byrnes runners are always worth monitoring in a big-field handicap, but jumping has been an issue lately. Borderline “handbrake job” last time — if they go for it here, he’s not far off.


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Who’s Trying? Who’s Not? (Spotting Go Days & Handbrake Jobs)

Trying:

Joseph O’Brien (Dont Tell Jack) – rarely wastes a top conditional like M.P. Walsh on a “sighter.”

Willie Mullins (Fishery Lane, Inn At The Park, Road To Home) – strong hand, Fishery Lane is clearly the main bullet with Townend aboard.

Lorna Fowler (Fairyland Opera) – placed to perfection all season, and now strikes with a progressive type off 114.

Rebecca Curtis (Andy Amo) – travelled over from the UK and won a qualifier at Bangor. No travel for a spin.


Potential Non-Go/Handbrake Jobs:

Cobra Queen – Rachael on board might inflate expectation, but she flashed her tail and weakened tamely on return.

Workinonadream – pulled up last time, didn’t look like a horse in peak health.

All For Rachel – well beaten twice since the summer, big odds, possibly just taking her chance.




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Watch for Trainers With Previous Wins in the Race

Willie Mullins – 3 wins in the last 10 years.

Joseph O’Brien – won in 2022 with Prairie Dancer.

Gordon Elliott – multiple placed runners; sends a strong trio again, but Beaufort Scale and Patter Merchant both have something to prove off recent form.



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Verdict

FAIRYLAND OPERA looks like a proper improver on the right mark, and the way he’s been travelling through races screams “ready for Listed class.” He handles the ground, is unexposed over this trip, and gets weight.

The big dangers are DONT TELL JACK, who has “laid-out job” written all over him, and FISHERY LANE, who is a massive bounce-back threat if you forgive Cheltenham. BLAZE THE WAY and THE MIRACLE MAN could pick up the pieces late for place money if it collapses up front.