A strong and lively renewal of this early-season Listed sprint, featuring a blend of proven Listed/Group performers and some interesting improvers. With a strong pace forecast at a track where prominent racers are usually favoured, this could set up for a well-balanced and fair contest.

Strongest Contenders

MY MATE ALFIE (Adjusted Timeform Rating 121)

Profile: Smart performer who racked up four wins in 2024, culminating with Listed success at Naas over 6f. A proven sprinter on a range of going, including heavy.

Trainer: Ger Lyons is in excellent form and regularly does well with his better-class horses early season.

Notes: Makes his seasonal return after 198 days off. Although talented, horses off 60+ day breaks are best watched in the market for late drifts.

Pace and Trip: First official run at 5f, but shaping speedily in his wins. Blinkers retained, which helped last term.


TWO STARS (Adjusted Timeform Rating 115)

Profile: Smart handicapper turned Listed-level prospect. Slammed a good field at the Curragh last month, beating Betsen by nearly three lengths with ease.

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien won the race in 2019 with Urban Beat (similar profile coming from handicaps).

Notes: In-race position (prominent) will suit given today’s pace dynamics. Already match-fit and proven at 5f.


Main Dangers

BIG GOSSEY (Adjusted Timeform Rating 117)

Profile: Consistent and adaptable sprinter, latest success in the Group 3 Gladness Stakes over 7f.

Trainer: Charles O’Brien doesn’t have a recent win in this race.

Notes: Drops back to 5f which isn’t certain to suit; carrying a penalty for his latest win. Effective on soft ground but may find this test a bit sharp.


SIR YOSHI (Adjusted Timeform Rating 104)

Profile: Useful 3yo who shaped encouragingly on reappearance at Dundalk and was Listed-placed last season.

Trainer: David Marnane has an interesting record here – £51 profit to a £1 stake when sending a sole runner to a flat meeting (according to Smart Stats).

Notes: Receives weight from older horses. Still lightly raced and open to further improvement at 5f.


Interesting Outsiders

BETSEN (Adjusted Timeform Rating 105)

Profile: Ran second to Two Stars on penultimate start, and although safely held, that effort showed ability at this level.

Notes: Versatile regarding ground but needs to improve again to trouble the principals. Expected strong pace could actually suit his off-the-speed running style if they go too hard.


ESCAPING THEJUNGLE (Adjusted Timeform Rating 98)

Profile: Fairly useful handicapper who won his final start last year at Bellewstown over 6f, making all.

Notes: Will likely contribute to the strong early pace but might be vulnerable late on against these classier rivals.



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Key Trends & Trainer Notes

Trainer Wins:

Joseph O’Brien (trainer of Two Stars) won this race in 2019 with Urban Beat.


Recent Winners’ Profiles:

6yo or younger sprinters dominate.

Most had a recent run (within the last 45 days) – match fitness a positive.

Form at 5–6 furlongs and on softish ground has been a common thread.


Pertinent Timeform Comments:

“My Mate Alfie looks a sprinter to follow this season” but needs to prove sharpness over 5f.

“Two Stars is the obvious danger” and “well worth his place in this grade”.

“Big Gossey probably vulnerable dropped to the minimum trip under a penalty.”

“Sir Yoshi has place claims” stepping into older horse company for the first time.




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Summary

My Mate Alfie is the horse with the best raw ability based on adjusted Timeform figures, but the slight question mark about race fitness and the new trip means he is no certainty.
Two Stars comes here race-fit, in top form, and is tactically well positioned to take advantage of the strong early pace.
Big Gossey rates a place contender rather than a win bet given the demands of 5f racing at Naas, while Sir Yoshi remains an intriguing outsider, particularly given his weight advantage and trainer’s positive stats.

Given the overall race shape and trends, a small leaning towards Two Stars making experience and fitness count would be logical, but it would be wise to monitor My Mate Alfie’s price movements closely for signs of market support or weakness close to the off.