Pace/Draw Angle: With a standard pace forecast and hold-up types typically at a disadvantage over this trip at Sligo, preference is for runners who race prominently or force the pace. SMACKWATER JACK and DUNANY POINT are expected to be tactically advantaged under these conditions.
Strongest Contenders:
- DUNANY POINT (7/10): Landed a major gamble at Bellewstown (making all, 3l winner). Raised 7lb but still unexposed and could progress again. Prominent racer. Timeform Adj Rtg: 105+
- TRUE DESTINY (7/10): Dual course winner and runner-up in this race in 2023. Reliable profile here and ran respectably latest. Has a high Timeform Adj Rtg of 112 and merits respect, though often needs things to fall right.
- DIVILABOTHER (7/10): Runner-up in a novice event last month after a layoff, clear of third, and that form looks solid. Remains a maiden but this is easier. Timeform Adj Rtg: 110
- THE STRIKER DYLAN (6.5/10): Consistent before a 219-day break; runner-up three times last season. Fair adjusted rating (108) but market check needed due to layoff.
- SMACKWATER JACK (6.5/10): Veteran who showed a revival when second at Gowran and might go well again if in the same mood. Racing prominently will help. Timeform Adj Rtg: 112
Main Dangers:
- COIS FHARRAIGE (6.5/10): First start for Gavin Cromwell. No form of note yet, but market vibes important given trainer change. Adjusted rating unclear.
- KLASSMAN (6/10): Modest but fairly reliable sort. Market support would be notable. Races prominently, which suits this track.
- RESTLESS SON (5.5/10): Not without ability; fair efforts last two starts but overall strike rate is poor. Adjusted Rtg: 106
Interesting Outsiders:
- MANHATTAN BROOK (5.5/10): Showed first sign of life when fourth last time. Could improve again, and Rachael Blackmore is a notable booking.
- EVANS SECRET (5/10): Consistent but lacks finishing kick. Could sneak into the frame if others underperform. Timeform Adj Rtg: 106
- MR MCWHINNY (4.5/10): One-time useful type, now inconsistent but has a fair adjusted rating of 112. Watch market.
- MIGHTY SOLDIER (4.5/10): Flattered by earlier form? Likely place chance on a good day but hard to trust.
- SMARTEST LONGSHOT: COIS FHARRAIGE – no recent form, but the switch to Cromwell could signal intent. Market critical.
Layoff Watch (90+ days):
- THE STRIKER DYLAN (219 days)
- EVIES COURT (275 days)
- SMACKWATER JACK (66 days)
- COIS FHARRAIGE (246 days)
Keep an eye on any strong support or significant drift for these.
Not Rated Highly (3 or lower out of 10):
- PENSION PLAN (2/10)
- RUN AWAY MERIDA (2/10)
- BEN PURPLE (1/10)
- EVIES COURT (2/10)
- CORNMARKET (2/10)
All have shown little to recommend them on recent form or ratings.
Trainers to Note:
- Noel Kelly won this race in 2023 with TRUE DESTINY.
- Gavin Cromwell has a good record improving new recruits from small yards.
Tissue Estimate (Guide Odds):
- Dunany Point – 9/2
- True Destiny – 6/1
- Divilabother – 6/1
- Smackwater Jack – 8/1
- Cois Fharraige – 8/1
- The Striker Dylan – 10/1
- Klassman – 11/1
- Manhattan Brook – 12/1
- Evans Secret – 14/1
- Restless Son – 14/1
- Mr McWhinny – 16/1
- Mighty Soldier – 16/1
- Others 20/1+
Each-Way Angles (18 runners): 4 places
- Divilabother (trainer in form, good last run)
- True Destiny (course form, solid adjusted figure)
- Klassman (consistent and pace-suited)
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