TimeWise Chronicles

14:30 Killarney – MD O’SHEA’S TOURIST ATTRACTION MARES HURDLE (Listed, 4yo+)

·

Distance: 2m1f
Going: Good to yielding in places
Runners: 8
Surface: Turf
Class: Listed (Mares Only)
Race Type: Hurdle

Pace / Race Setup

The pace forecast is even, but Killarney over 2m1f can favour mares who either make the running or race prominently. Notably, hold-up types have needed pace to collapse in similar contests, which may not materialise with a balanced field. Prominent racers like Royal Hollow and Hasten Slowly may try to assert early.

Trainer Trends

  • Willie Mullins has 4 wins in the last 10 runnings (including Getaway Gorgeous and Elimay), and runs Adela Icon.
  • Gordon Elliott has won 2 of the last 3 editions, including Shecouldbeanything in 2023. He saddles Royal Eagle and Speculatrix.
  • John McConnell, who runs Hasten Slowly, won the race with Anna Bunina in 2022.

Significant Trends

  • 5 of the last 6 winners were SP 4/1 or shorter.
  • 6 of the last 8 winners were rated 140+ by Timeform.
  • Recent winners often ran at Punchestown or Limerick on their previous start.
  • Mares aged 6–8 have dominated this race.

Contenders and Ratings (Timeform Adjusted Ratings in Brackets)

ROYAL EAGLE (153)

Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Jockey: Sam Ewing | Days off: 176
Useful performer who chased home Jetara in a listed race at Limerick in October. Absent since a poor run in the Lismullen Hurdle but holds the highest Timeform rating in the field. If tuned up, this is the best of the form lines.
Rating: 8.5/10
Market check essential given 176-day layoff.

MOZZIES SISTER (147)

Trainer: Declan Queally | Jockey: S. Fitzgerald | Days off: 10
Reliable profile and ran a career-best when 2nd in a Listed novice at Punchestown latest, finishing strongly in a slowly-run race. Proven at this level.
Rating: 8/10
Each-way angle if field holds.

REDWOOD QUEEN (149)

Trainer: Charles Byrnes | Jockey: P. Byrnes | Days off: 79
Four-time winner last season including a minor race here at Killarney. Capable fresh but usually dropped out early. Has the stamina edge but may find things happening quickly back at 2m1f.
Rating: 7/10
Another to watch for market strength on return.

SPECULATRIX (139+)

Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Jockey: Danny Gilligan | Days off: 24
Unexposed, shaped well at Cheltenham in a Listed mares’ novice when making her move too soon. Represents an improving type and may find a more suitable tempo here.
Rating: 7.5/10
Interesting outsider; value if overlooked.

ADELA ICON (140p)

Trainer: W. P. Mullins | Jockey: B. Hayes | Days off: 38
Lightly raced and now with top connections. Ran with credit in a novice at Naas and could take a step forward. Related to high-class staying hurdlers.
Rating: 7/10
Strong trainer stat and profile suggest potential improvement.

ROYAL HOLLOW (142)

Trainer: A. Slattery | Jockey: C. M. Quirke | Days off: 10
Useful at her best and made a decent return in a Listed Punchestown event. Led early, had mid-race trouble, but wasn’t knocked about. Likely to press the pace again.
Rating: 6/10
Needs more off level weights here.

STORMALONG (143)

Trainer: D. Budds | Jockey: D. J. O’Keeffe | Days off: 63
Consistent mare but rarely wins. Third at Naas last time, staying on late. May find a few too strong again at this level.
Rating: 6.5/10
Place claims at best.

HASTEN SLOWLY (133)

Trainer: J. McConnell | Jockey: Alex Harvey | Days off: 16
Versatile and capable but has struggled to reproduce early season form. Better judged on Punchestown win in a handicap.
Rating: 4.5/10
Others have stronger form.

Summary Rankings (/10)

HorseTFRScoreNotes
Royal Eagle1538.5Class angle, highest rated, fitness unknown
Mozzies Sister1478.0Reliable, strong finish latest
Speculatrix139+7.5Cheltenham eyecatcher, unexposed
Redwood Queen1497.0Fresh angle, 4-time winner, drops in trip
Adela Icon140p7.0Mullins improver, still learning
Stormalong1436.5Consistent, not winning type
Royal Hollow1426.0Will lead, exposed
Hasten Slowly1334.5Outclassed at this level

Each-Way Angle

With 8 runners declared, Mozzies Sister and Speculatrix both offer place value if prices hold up.

Market Advice

Watch closely for support or drift on:

  • Royal Eagle (176-day layoff)
  • Redwood Queen (79 days off)
  • Adela Icon (38 days off)
    These will signal trainer intent, particularly with Mullins and Byrnes runners, who often go well fresh when fancied.

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe