A wide-open apprentice handicap where a strong gallop looks likely, potentially setting things up for those who can travel well off the pace and finish strongly. Several contenders arrive in good heart, while a few with longer layoffs could improve sharply if market support arrives late. Notably, recent renewals of this race have favoured experienced 6yo+ handicappers, with the last three winners all fitting that bracket. William Durkan has also won this race before and is represented again.


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Leading Contenders

ZIPSTER (TFR 91)
Progressive and now with G. O’Leary, this gelding caught the eye on his stable debut when denied a clear run in a hot Leopardstown handicap. That fifth came despite traffic issues and he shaped as though still ahead of the assessor. Has winning form in both the UK and Ireland and now steps into an apprentice event from a handy mark. Given the strong pace forecast, his hold-up style and strong finish are well suited to conditions.

COMFORT LINE (TFR 89)
A solid, reliable handicapper who continues to run well and boasts consistent form at 7f–10.5f. Adrian McGuinness keeps him ticking over nicely and his third at Leopardstown behind Enchanted Garden reads well. A strong pace suits, and his experience in deeper handicaps should stand him in good stead here. Timeform note his performances remain steady and he’s particularly effective when able to settle mid-pack off a decent tempo.

MOYASSR (TFR 88)
Returned with a fine fourth behind the same Leopardstown winner as Comfort Line, shaping like a horse who’d come on plenty for the outing. His previous Dundalk success showed a nice change of gear, and the drop back to 1m from a mile and a furlong looks a positive move. First-time tongue tie worked well last time and cheekpieces may help again here. Should be on the premises if avoiding trouble.

JA’MARR (TFR 88)
Three-year-old with a progressive profile last backend, winning two nurseries. Didn’t get the clearest run at Southwell on reappearance but stayed on nicely once in the clear. Steps into open-age company here but receives a weight-for-age allowance. The type to do better second run back and is one of only two 3yos in the field, giving him a lighter burden. Market confidence would be a plus given this sharper test.


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Main Dangers

ROCK ETOILE (TFR 89)
A triple winner in 2024 including two at Dundalk. Off 139 days and might need the run, but has shaped well after breaks before. Was below form last time out but had been consistent before that. Races prominently and will need to settle early if the strong pace materialises. Watch for support.

PORT LOUIS (TFR 88)
Showed signs of a return to form last time when eighth in the same Leopardstown race contested by several rivals here. That effort came after a slow start and he finished well late on. While he’s yet to fully deliver on early promise, Noel Meade’s gelding is now well handicapped and could sneak into the mix if things fall right.

LOUGH LEANE (TFR 86)
Formerly with David Simcock and now with Maurice Ahern. Won five races in 2024 and signed off with a gritty effort overcoming a pace bias. Absent for 197 days and makes yard debut—has a fair mark, but market support would be telling.


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Interesting Outsiders

SHIGAR (TFR 88)
Durkan’s only runner on the card and the trainer has won this race in the past. Has ability—won at Navan last summer—but was disappointing on final start at Dundalk and returns from a 207-day break. Breathing operation now behind him, and while capable, he’s best watched in the market.

HURRICANE HELEN (TFR 83)
Comes here off a win at Navan under this rider, and while her profile is inconsistent, she can go well in the right conditions. The big field and likely strong pace will suit, and she’s effective over this trip. Worth including for each-way purposes.

EL BELLO (TFR 87§)
Not always the easiest to catch right but did run well last time and is another who could benefit if the race collapses late. The § symbol suggests he’s still of interest from his current mark.


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Other Notes

Trainer Watch: William Durkan (Shigar) has a positive record when sending just one runner to a meeting. He won this race in 2022 and 2024 with 6yo handicappers.

Profile Angles: Horses rated 84–91 have dominated this race in recent years, particularly those aged 6+ who are race-fit.

Timeform Smart Stat: Durkan is showing a +£13 profit to £1 level stakes when having one runner at a Flat meeting.



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Verdict

Zipster looks the most likely winner after his unlucky Leopardstown effort and could prove too strong granted a clearer run. Comfort Line and Moyassr arrive in solid nick and should be in the mix late, while Ja’Marr remains open to further progress and looks a big each-way player if settling early. Rock Etoile and Port Louis look viable longer-priced place angles, with market support for Shigar or Lough Leane worth noting carefully.