A fiercely competitive renewal of this series final, with a large field of 28 runners and a very strong pace forecast, suggesting it may pay to side with those held up or capable of sitting off the speed. This contest often favours progressive handicappers stepping up in trip or class, and several here fit that mould.

🔵 Strongest Contenders

BEYOND YOUR DREAMS (Joseph O’Brien, A. P. Kelly) – TF adj: 128p
One of the more obvious improvers, she was far from disgraced when ninth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, making late headway in a race that didn’t suit hold-up tactics. The Timeform ‘p’ symbol flags her as still progressing, and the step up to 2m3f should bring further improvement. Her Flat pedigree (by Fastnet Rock out of a Galileo mare) hints at untapped stamina. The trainer, though not a previous winner of this race, excels in getting juveniles to peak for second-season handicaps.

THANKSFORTHEHELP (David Pipe, G. P. Brouder) – TF adj: 131
Caught the eye when third at Haydock, travelling well for much of the race before fading late (reportedly lost a shoe). He has cheekpieces and a tongue tie, a combination that’s worked well in the past. Has had wind ops and retains ability. Proven in strongly-run races, and if settling better here, he could pick up the pieces.

FAIRYLAND OPERA (Mrs Lorna Fowler, J. P. Shinnick) – TF adj: 134
Bolted up by 12 lengths last time at Tramore and looks on a fair mark. That was a modest race but she did everything asked. A well-related mare with the Timeform ‘k’ flag for a promising profile. She travels kindly and should appreciate the likely end-to-end gallop. The yard is in decent nick and she’s unexposed.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

BALLYSAX HANK (Gavin Cromwell, C. Stone-Walsh) – TF adj: 136
Timeform top-rated, and while that rating includes novice chase form, it’s worth noting he won over fences at Downpatrick in March and is reverting to hurdles here. The yard has been among the winners at this festival before. However, the Timeform specific pace hint suggests he may struggle to finish strongly in a race with a relentless gallop.

GIANT HAYSTACKS (Ross O’Sullivan, T. P. Harney) – TF adj: 131
Won well at Leopardstown earlier in the season and has looked a stayer in the making. One of a few in this field to boast winning form in deep handicaps, though the pull-up last time is a concern. Could be a player if bouncing back.

PORTNACOO (Harry Smyth, P. Hanlon) – TF adj: 135
Has been prolific in smaller fields and comes here in good heart. His profile is solid, but his best work has come when racing prominently and the very strong pace forecast could find him out in the closing stages. Market support would be telling.

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🌟 Interesting Outsiders

DOCTOR CHURCHILL (Patrick Hayes, S. O’Callaghan) – TF adj: 132
Ran well in a big-field handicap at Fairyhouse last time and has useful back form. Timeform’s specific pace note suggests he may be finishing strongly when others tire. Likely suited by the tempo here and holds genuine place claims at a price.

HOWDOYALIKEHERHOME (Gordon Elliott, J. Coen) – TF adj: 131p
Won well at Down Royal just 17 days ago and is unexposed at this trip. Timeform gives him the ‘p’ symbol for potential, and Elliott has a notable record in similar Punchestown handicaps. Slightly quick turnaround, but he looks an improving sort who may outrun his odds.

SHOWURAPPRECIATION (Jonathan Sweeney, C. Cullinan) – TF adj: 131p
Lightly raced, with a break of 52 days, and showed promise on his seasonal return over fences. He switches back to hurdles from a potentially lenient mark and still has scope to progress. The market may be revealing, especially given the layoff.

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📊 Pertinent Trends & Notes

• Trainers to note: While no single trainer dominates, Henry de Bromhead, Gordon Elliott, and Joseph O’Brien have each gone close in similar festival series races and bring unexposed types here.
• Timeform Pace Forecast: “Very Strong” – a red flag for front-runners or keen-going types.
• Layoffs: Horses like NOUVOTIC (291 days) and SHE’S A FINE WINE (229 days) are worth watching for late market moves — they have talent but may need the run.
• Course & distance suitability: Stamina looks essential — avoid those who fade at 2m or have only won on sharp tracks.

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🧾 Conclusion

A wide-open and deep field, with Beyond Your Dreams narrowly preferred for her class edge and scope. Thanksforthehelp and Fairyland Opera are solid dangers, while Doctor Churchill and Howdoyalikeherhome make most appeal among the each-way outsiders — both shaping as if they’ll enjoy a test of stamina in a fast-run contest.

Advice: Keep a close eye on the late markets for the lightly raced and seasonal returners. The pace map and stamina credentials may prove more important than raw ratings here.