Race Conditions

Class: 0–70 Handicap

Distance: 5f

Surface: Turf

Going: Good (Good to Firm in places)

Runners: 20 (E/W terms: 4 places)

Pace Forecast: Very Strong



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Strongest Contenders

TOMARLO (TFR 77) – Solid third to Sarahmae over 5½f last time after doing too much early; has shaped like a winner-in-waiting since returning and could be better suited to this strongly-run 5f in a big field. Still lightly raced and Timeform’s top-rated.

BEANO POWER (TFR 74) – Off the mark at Navan (5f, apprentice race) when beating She’s Smart comfortably. Up 6lb but looked to win with a bit in hand and has a likeable profile for this type of race.

SARAHMAE (TFR 73) – Progressive 3yo filly who won at Tipperary on return; lightly raced and could improve again, but may need the race to unfold ideally off a likely strong gallop.

SURPASS AND SHINE (TFR 78) – Showed more than bare result last time out at the Curragh and better judged on Leopardstown second in April; the return to 5f on decent ground might help.

IRISH RUMOUR (TFR 75) – Won here last season but hasn’t built on that recently. Has a big weight (10st) and may find the pace scenario against him. Market could be key.



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Main Dangers

MY GIRL SIOUX (TFR 70) – Creditable fifth behind Beano Power last time; fairly consistent and might run into a place again if getting cover early.

SHE’S SMART (TFR 73) – Reopposes Beano Power 3lb better off for 1½L defeat; small but game filly who should be staying on at the finish.

STEP BACK IN TIME (TFR 71) – Won nicely two starts back and shaped fine last time in a messy race. Versatile ground-wise and might be slightly underestimated.



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Interesting Outsiders

FAR AT SEA (TFR 74?) – Maiden who posted a much improved effort last time and makes handicap debut here; may improve again but draw and pace may test her.

DARK ENIGMA (TFR 75) – Lightly raced 4yo returning from a long break and went too hard on reappearance. Market might guide.

ZARAGOZA (TFR 72) – Returns after 205 days off; previously trained by Dermot Weld and has won off this sort of mark. Watch market for signs of confidence.



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Trends & Trainer Notes

Trainer Record in Race: Not many repeat winners from specific trainers in the last 5 editions, but the race often goes to a strong traveller from mid-to-high draw.

Recent winners like Mehman (2024), Harry’s Hill (2023) and Iva Batt (2022) all carried near top weights and had solid recent runs.



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Timeform Comments of Note

Tomarlo is described as a horse who shaped better than the result last time and will appreciate today’s conditions.

Beano Power arrives “in fine form” and is “feared”.

Surpass And Shine is seen as one who may come forward with better handling this time.



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Summary

Top Pick: TOMARLO – Brings solid form into a race likely to be run to suit.

Main Threats: BEANO POWER and SARAHMAE.

Each-Way Angles (20 runners): SHE’S SMART and STEP BACK IN TIME look overpriced given recent form.

Market Watch: Keep a close eye on ZARAGOZA and DARK ENIGMA (both off a break), and FAR AT SEA on handicap debut.