🧾 Race Overview

This race has a history of throwing up future graded performers – Sandor Clegane (2023) and Zero Ten (2019) both went on to compete at a higher level. The average Timeform Rating of past winners is 141, which sets a high bar.

Conditions are described as yielding, which should suit the majority of the field. With plenty of pace on, horses who are strong stayers at the trip or who are typically held up off the speed may be seen to best effect.

⭐️ Strongest Contenders

Champagne Jury (TF Rating 143p)

Gavin Cromwell’s gelding looked a smart bumper winner at Naas and confirmed his potential when runner-up to subsequent Grade 1 winner Honesty Policy on hurdle debut. He’s open to further improvement and Timeform’s top-rated runner here. Up in trip and with a strong pace forecast to suit his running style, he has leading credentials. Notably, Cromwell won this race last year with Backtonormal, and his runners should always be respected in this series.

Comes here fresh.
🧠 Timeform Comment: “Open to improvement, looked a good prospect.”

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Kish Bank (TF Rating 141)

A powerful 23-length winner at Wexford last time, this progressive type for Gordon Elliott has the look of a galloper who may eventually stay further. His wide-margin success came in a strong timefigure, and he handles the forecast going. However, his prominent style may be blunted by the expected strong pace. The Elliott yard has yet to win this final, but the horse is trending the right way.

⛔ Front-runner in a race that may not favour those types.
📊 Form: 1/5221-

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Rockymountainbleu (TF Rating 142)

A consistent performer for P.J. Rothwell and proven at this track, he’s shown useful form and will appreciate the return to further after being outspeeded in a slowly-run affair last time. Often held up, he’s well-suited by a strong pace and may arrive late on the scene. He’s an interesting EW play, particularly if allowed to drift pre-race.

⏱ Returned to 2½m after finding 2m too sharp last time.
🔍 Timeform says: “Seems sure to be suited by step back up in trip.”

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⚠️ Main Dangers

Millforce (TF Rating 140)

Also from the Cromwell yard, this one brings in solid novice form and showed toughness to win at Thurles in March. Rated highly, he’s reliable and battle-hardened, though not obviously progressing as sharply as others. He races up with the pace, which is a slight concern, but his Thurles effort showed he can rally when needed.

📈 Stays 3m; resilient type; form stands up in context.

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Scalpnagoon (TF Rating 140)

A double winner earlier in the year, including a novice at Naas, but was well below form last time at Fairyhouse. While that run can be forgiven given the rise in class and long layoff, he may find this a tough ask from a prominent early position. Still, on peak figures, he’s not far off the main players and comes from a yard that’s had a good spring.

Coral River (TF Rating 137)

Form ties in with key rivals from Leopardstown and Gowran and has been solid without winning at a higher level. Stays this trip well and is best when ridden prominently but with restraint. Can go well again but may lack the raw upside of Champagne Jury.

🧠 Interesting if there’s a pace bias developing late on.

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🧐 Interesting Outsiders

A Tipp For Gold (TF Rating 137)

Consistent and capable, he’s shaped as though a test like this would suit. Ran well when third behind Jacob’s Ladder at Naas in February and has track form from Listowel. If the pace collapses, he may be the type to stay on late and grab a share of the places.

🏇 Third behind a smart type; should stay well.

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Thisistheway (TF Rating 139)

One of the more battle-hardened runners, she has been kept busy through the winter and showed good form in mares’ handicaps. Could be a little underrated here stepping back into mixed company. Yard doesn’t often hit the big meetings, but she’s an honest type.

Runs well fresh; underrated mare.

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🧾 Trends to Note (Last 5 years):

• 4 of last 5 winners were aged 6
• 3 of the last 5 had run at Fairyhouse or Leopardstown on their previous start
• 2 of the last 4 came from the Cromwell yard
• Horses with no run in the last 60 days have a patchy record – market vibes important
• Only one winning mare in the past decade

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🏁 Summary

This looks a strong edition of the Irish EBF Auction Final, with a likely strong pace setting the tactical tone. Champagne Jury looks the most talented and is rightly well-fancied, but any drift would be worth noting. Kish Bank is respected but may be found out late. Rockymountainbleu appeals most at current prices as one who’ll benefit from the race shape. Watch for late support for A Tipp For Gold and Thisistheway in the place markets.