1m 50y, Yielding to Good-Yielding)
Pace Forecast: Strong | Draw Bias: High favoured


—

This big-field handicap over the extended mile looks a well-contested affair, and with 18 declared runners on a turning turf track, both draw and tactical positioning will play a role. A strong early pace is predicted, and with a known bias towards high-numbered stalls, expect the race to favour those able to sit just off the speed and strike late down the outer. Several arrive with recent solid runs in the book, while a few others return from breaks – and for those, watching the market for signs of late weakness or support is essential.


—

Strongest Contender: SECRET MAGICIAN (Timeform Adjusted Rating: 82)

Drawn low in 1, but his prominent style should help him avoid getting boxed in early. A reliable handicapper, he has strong form in big fields and shaped as though coming to hand when not beaten far last time out at Naas. The predicted strong pace should suit his running style, and although the inside draw isn’t ideal given the track bias, he’s likely to race handy and avoid traffic issues. His best form last summer – particularly at Naas and the Curragh – makes him a leading player.

Timeform Comment:
“The predicted strong pace shouldn’t downgrade expectations for SECRET MAGICIAN, as those racing prominently usually have the best of it here.”


—

Main Dangers:

MARTINELLI (Timeform Adjusted Rating: 78)
Returned with a good third in a deep handicap at the Curragh six weeks ago and should strip fitter for that. He remains on a workable mark and has a fair draw in 9, with C.T. Keane booked. The yard doesn’t have a major record in this contest, but Martinelli’s consistency and proven turf form mark him down as a big danger.

EVERYLITTLESTEP (81)
Goes well fresh and shaped better than the bare result when last seen in the autumn. He’s a habitual slow starter, which isn’t ideal in a strongly-run race with high draw bias, but if the gaps appear late, he has the late kick to capitalise. The market will tell the story – if strong, he could easily hit the frame.

STARTING MONDAY (80)
Absent for over six months but has solid form at Limerick and placed in similar company at the Curragh last summer. Trainer Gillian Scott may have him tuned for a seasonal debut, and he looks attractively treated. The wide draw helps, and a prominent ride could put him in the mix. Again, market vibes will be informative.

SUMMER SNOW (77)
Ran better than the result at Gowran nine days ago, when not ideally placed off a modest early tempo. She’s tactically versatile and the draw in 18 isn’t a negative on this track. Her current mark looks about right, but she’s capable of hitting the frame with a bit of luck in running.


—

Other Notes:

Counterculture (80) was disappointing on return and is opposable at the weights unless there’s a strong market move.

Circles (78) didn’t get a run last time and is unexposed at this level on turf; one to note at a price.

Trainers to Note: No standout past winners in the current field, though Adrian McGuinness (MIGDAM) and Denis Hogan (CHURCH MOUNTAIN) have had placed runners in similar events at the track.



—

Final Word:

A solid handicap that hinges on pace and draw. Secret Magician brings both recent form and tactical speed to the table and looks the one to beat if things fall right from stall 1. Martinelli is a solid yardstick, Everylittlestep is the late-run danger, and Starting Monday appeals most at a price if the market speaks in his favour. With a strong gallop forecast, expect a properly run race that rewards those who settle close to the leaders but keep enough in reserve.