Pace/Draw Angles
The pace is predicted to be even, which may favour those who can race prominently without being forced to lead. According to Timeform’s positional hints, Navigator Jack is likely to adopt a forward position, while Popova may not be best suited if forced to wait off a steady early gallop. Prominent runners such as Howdoyalikeherhome, Major Barry, and Jet Setting Jim could gain tactical advantages.
Strongest Contenders
HOWDOYALIKEHERHOME (Gordon Elliott) – Rating: 8/10
Lightly raced for her age and improving. Built on earlier promise to win a Down Royal novice handicap hurdle just a month ago. Up 4 lb but open to further progress and was strong through the line. Timeform Adjusted Rating of 140+ is competitive. Trainer has won this race before (2024 with Uhtred), and yard is in decent nick. Looks the one to beat.
CAFE CON LECHE (Charles Byrnes) – Rating: 7/10
Returned to form when second at Cork (100/1) under today’s rider, Mr A.D. Bustin. Has failed to complete over fences but is fairly useful back over hurdles and appears suited by this trip. Byrnes is always to be watched in staying handicaps, especially with market support. Adjusted figure of 142 puts him in the frame.
BILLY LEE SWAGGER (P.J. Rothwell) – Rating: 7/10
Fourth in a deep Punchestown handicap on last run (from 25), travelling well into the straight before flattening out. That run suggests a win may not be far away off a mark of 110. Timeform adjusted rating of 140. Worth noting Rothwell trained the 2023 winner of this race (Prince Zaltar).
Main Dangers
ANY ROAD (E.J. O’Grady) – Rating: 6/10
Mixed form this term but his mark is workable (128) and had some decent mid-winter form behind stronger types. Could be a lurker if bouncing back. Trainer currently cold.
BLACK BAMBOO (John Joseph Murphy) – Rating: 6/10
A good second off this mark last year at Killarney. Not shown much over fences but a return to hurdles makes sense, and he’s capable at this level. Timeform adjusted figure of 145, but last two runs were underwhelming. Would benefit from market support.
MAJOR BARRY (P. Kiely) – Rating: 6/10
Ran better than finishing position suggests at Fairyhouse last time and is fairly treated on last season’s wins. Trainer has a notable positive ROI with single runners in hurdles. 21f trip suits. Could be primed for a “go” day.
Interesting Outsiders
JET SETTING JIM (John Queally) – Rating: 5/10
Lightly raced but pulled up when last seen. Hard to assess but had useful chase form previously. Trainer/jockey combo not strong recently.
MY GAFFER (J.P. Ryan) – Rating: 5/10
Pulled up last time over fences. Earlier hurdles form was fair and gets D.E. Mullins back on board, but others are preferred unless support arrives.
BRILLIANT LIGHT (J.J. Hanlon) – Rating: 4/10
Only modest over hurdles so far. Did win on the Flat and has shaped well in a few races, but would need a big step up to feature.
LUCKY ZEBO (Henry de Bromhead) – Rating: 5/10
Was progressive last year but well held when last seen in December. De Bromhead has booked himself to ride, which is interesting, though horse has been off 134 days.
NAVIGATOR JACK (Eoin Griffin) – Rating: 4/10
Front-runner on past evidence but hasn’t shown form to suggest he can go close off current mark. Layoff of 229 days and no major support lines.
DESERT CAVE (Cian M. Collins) – Rating: 3/10
Recent runs uninspiring and long layoff (163 days) with trainer having few recent runners. Hard to recommend on balance.
POPOVA (Henry de Bromhead) – Rating: 5/10
Lightly raced mare with one good novice win over fences. Back to hurdles after 197 days and will improve for the run. Market will be telling.
Timeform Trends & Comments
- Trainers to note: Gordon Elliott (2024 winner), P.J. Rothwell (2023), Charles Byrnes (trainer strike rate jumps significantly when money comes).
- Timeform Notes: Billy Lee Swagger (Horse in Focus) noted for strong closing effort last time. Navigator Jack flagged as likely to race prominently but has traded low in-play without finishing off races.
Marks Out of Ten (Based on Profile, Recent Form, Ratings)
| Horse | Rating (/10) |
|---|---|
| Howdoyalikeherhome | 8 |
| Cafe Con Leche | 7 |
| Billy Lee Swagger | 7 |
| Any Road | 6 |
| Major Barry | 6 |
| Black Bamboo | 6 |
| Jet Setting Jim | 5 |
| Lucky Zebo | 5 |
| My Gaffer | 5 |
| Popova | 5 |
| Brilliant Light | 4 |
| Navigator Jack | 4 |
| Desert Cave | 3 |
Each-Way Angles (13 runners)
E/W options revolve around Billy Lee Swagger, Major Barry, and Black Bamboo, all of whom are proven at the trip and carrying competitive marks. Any Road also fits the bill as a potential rebounder from a better race.
Tissue Estimate
| Horse | Tissue Odds |
|---|---|
| Howdoyalikeherhome | 7/2 |
| Billy Lee Swagger | 6/1 |
| Cafe Con Leche | 13/2 |
| Major Barry | 8/1 |
| Black Bamboo | 10/1 |
| Any Road | 10/1 |
| Popova | 12/1 |
| Lucky Zebo | 14/1 |
| Jet Setting Jim | 16/1 |
| My Gaffer | 16/1 |
| Brilliant Light | 20/1 |
| Navigator Jack | 25/1 |
| Desert Cave | 33/1 |
Note: Keep an eye on the market for support or significant drifts—especially for Popova, Navigator Jack, Lucky Zebo, and Desert Cave, all of whom return from layoffs of 90+ days and could indicate stable intent closer to post time.
TimeWise Chronicles 
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