A competitive low-grade handicap chase rounds off the early evening action at Tipperary. Thirteen runners line up over the minimum trip, with the pace expected to be even, but historically favouring those that race prominently. This could suit a couple with proven tactical speed and front-running tendencies.

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Leading Contenders

BIG ISLAND (IRE)
Trainer: W. J. Lanigan | Timeform Rating: 126
Returned from a break with a career-best effort when narrowly denied in a 2m1f Limerick handicap chase, jumping and travelling fluently throughout. That was his clearest indication yet that he can deliver over fences, and the slight drop back in trip on a track that suits prominent racers looks a positive. Lightly raced in this sphere and open to more. The Timeform pace hint notes this race could suit him better than others if it sets up steadily. Must be taken seriously.

IN THE TRENCHES
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Timeform Rating: 121
A consistent maiden over hurdles, placed in nine successive outings, and now backing that up with similar solidity over fences. Third on his latest start at Tramore behind Clarens, and now enters handicap company off a workable mark. Stable in solid form, and jockey Keith Donoghue has a 42% strike rate when riding chase favourites. Profiles well, and while he lacks the upside of some, he’s very dependable.

MOUNT FERNS (IRE)
Trainer: Eric McNamara | Timeform Rating: 111p
Very much one to keep on side after a quiet chasing debut at Clonmel in March, where he shaped better than the result in a steadily run contest. The ride was under scrutiny, though later cleared by the authorities, with the horse reportedly hanging badly. Has shown fair form over hurdles and represents a yard capable of getting one to progress in this sphere. Timeform’s ‘p’ symbol indicates he is open to significant improvement, and market support would be notable.

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Main Dangers

ELUSIVE PRINCE (IRE)
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Timeform Rating: 101
Ran a promising race at Clonmel on seasonal return, suggesting he may come on plenty for that effort. Still unexposed as a chaser and makes his handicap debut for a trainer with a 19% strike rate in this context. Rachael Blackmore retains the ride, and he could build on his prior hurdles form now stepping into handicaps. Interesting on profile, but one to monitor closely in the market with just one recent run in six months.

ITSALONGLONGROAD
Trainer: Charles Coakley | Timeform Rating: 115+
Experienced and often competitive in similar company, including a chase win at Ballinrobe last September. Led for a long way before fading at Tramore last time in a race that may have stretched his stamina. Back to 2m, and likely to go forward again from a low draw. Vulnerable to improvers but capable of getting into the mix if things fall right.

ONEBRIGHTBLUEROSE (IRE)
Trainer: Kevin A. Murphy | Timeform Rating: 117
Improved significantly over fences of late, including a narrow defeat at Tramore when racing from 10-0. That performance hinted at further potential, and while now competing off a slightly higher mark, she remains feasibly treated. Has early tactical pace and may be able to grab a good position. A player if reproducing that recent effort.

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Interesting Outsiders

MIDNIGHT EAGLE (IRE)
Trainer: Aengus King | Timeform Rating: 95
Won a modest Limerick hurdle last time but has shown only limited form over fences so far. Still, that was a career-best effort and she could be going the right way. Yet to prove conclusively she can transfer that improvement to chasing, but not dismissed.

WARM IN GOREY (IRE)
Trainer: P. J. Rothwell | Timeform Rating: 98
Lightly raced over fences but has struggled with errors and hasn’t reproduced hurdles form in this sphere. Won over hurdles at Thurles in the autumn but flopped at Fairyhouse last time. Might need more ease in the ground and a stronger gallop. Best watched unless the market speaks positively.

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Trends and Notable Trainer Pointers

• Winning Profiles: Three of the last five winners had run in the previous 30 days, suggesting recent form is a positive.
• Phillip Enright, rider of Added Bonus, has ridden a winner in this race previously (I’ll Be That Lady, 2022).
• Horses returning from breaks of over 60 days should be approached with caution unless supported. This applies to Inchidaly Copper (214 days), Mount Ferns (84 days), Big Island (37 days) and Warm In Gorey (159 days).
• Trainer Gavin Cromwell continues in fair form and saddles a solid contender in In The Trenches.

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Conclusion

BIG ISLAND sets the standard on his recent Limerick second and is tactically well-positioned for how this race might unfold. IN THE TRENCHES continues to knock on the door and now gets his chance in a handicap. MOUNT FERNS is unexposed and appealing on chasing profile, while ONEBRIGHTBLUEROSE offers each-way value in a field of thirteen, provided she can build on her Tramore effort.