Class 0–100 Handicap | 4yo+ | 3 miles | €6,900 | 4 runners
Going: Good, good to yielding in places
Pace Forecast: Weak
Tactical Note: With a likely steady tempo and a small field, tactical positioning will be key. ASH TREE MEADOW often makes the running and may dictate. Stamina and race fitness could be decisive given the trip and track.


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2. Contenders, Dangers, Outsiders, Trends & Trainer Notes

Strongest Contender

ASH TREE MEADOW (FR) – Top-rated on adjusted figures (Timeform 152), a Grade 3-winning chaser returning to hurdles. Not at best last time in a Killarney chase but has strong back-form and may dominate this small field. Timeform notes he should cope with any pace scenario. Five odds-on defeats in-play is a small caveat but he’s a clear standout on class.


Main Danger

LIEUTENANT MAYNE (IRE) – Still unexposed and stepping up to 3m for the first time, which could unlock more improvement. Won a novice hurdle last time (2¾L, Chepstow) and shaped as though this extra distance would suit. McConnell has a solid profit record with hurdlers stepped up in trip.


Other Runners

TAG MAN (IRE) – Useful type on his day and likely needed the run when well held in a listed Punchestown handicap after six months off. Should strip fitter now. Won over 3m in the past. Trainer Henry de Bromhead has a 22% strike rate at Wexford since 2021.

SO DES FLOS (FR) – Best form is in the past. Has looked regressive in recent chase efforts and has been well beaten in recent starts. Would need a revival to feature here.


Significant Trends

The last five runnings of this race have all been won by favourites or short-priced market leaders.

The last four winners were aged 5 or 6, though only one runner here fits that profile (Lieutenant Mayne).

John McConnell’s runners stepping up in trip for the first time have shown a positive level-stake return.



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3. Runner Ratings (Out of 10)

ASH TREE MEADOW (FR) – 9/10

LIEUTENANT MAYNE (IRE) – 8/10

TAG MAN (IRE) – 7/10

SO DES FLOS (FR) – 4/10


Market Watch:

TAG MAN returns 27 days after a long layoff; any positive market move would be significant.

SO DES FLOS has been out of form but returns from a 36-day break. If backed, he may be expected to bounce back.

Small fields over hurdles often highlight stable intent — watch for market confidence, especially in Lieutenant Mayne, given his unexposed profile at the trip.



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4. Each-Way Angles

Not applicable – only 4 runners declared.


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5. Private Tissue Estimate

ASH TREE MEADOW (FR) – 6/4

LIEUTENANT MAYNE (IRE) – 2/1

TAG MAN (IRE) – 11/4

SO DES FLOS (FR) – 12/1

Stats 📊👇

🔎 Trainer & Jockey Notes

Gordon Elliott (trainer of Ash Tree Meadow and So Des Flos) is in hot form (27% last 7 days), and has a 19% strike with runners off a break.

Henry de Bromhead (trains Tag Man) shows consistent long-term stats, including 23% at Wexford and 17% in this class.

John C McConnell (trains Lieutenant Mayne) has a superb 43% trainer/distance strike rate.

D J Gilligan (rides Ash Tree Meadow) is 43% over the last 7 days and 13% in class. Very sharp young rider in form.

Darragh O’Keeffe (rides Tag Man) has solid course form (18%) and a reliable partnership with De Bromhead (17% strike).



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🏇 Form & Ratings Highlights

Lieutenant Mayne – 11/4

Statistically the most consistent: 57% career win rate, 50% over the past year, and 57% in recent starts.

50% strike over race type and strong return-from-break data.

May lack the pure class of Ash Tree Meadow, but rates solid on recent figures.


Ash Tree Meadow – 13/8

Class horse here on peak ratings. Notched 25–33% win rates across class, distance, going, and recent return metrics.

Wins 43% of the time off similar breaks. On raw ability and profile, he’s the one to beat if tuned up.


Tag Man – 2/1

Consistent and reliable in novice hurdles: 33% in recent starts and 67% strike when favourite.

Strong dam-side stats (40% at trip and going).

Best suited to this trip on breeding and progressing steadily.


So Des Flos – 17/2

Lesser profile than stablemate. Sire Joshua Tree has 18% at this trip, but form is weaker.

Dam side shows 20% strike on this surface, but overall form and figures suggest he’s playing second fiddle.



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🧬 Breeding Stats

Soldier of Fortune (sire of Lieutenant Mayne): 38% at this track/trip.

Fame and Glory (sire of Tag Man): 19% going strike; progeny typically improve for longer trips.

Bonbon Rose (sire of Ash Tree Meadow): less exposed, but profile backed up by performance.

Joshua Tree (sire of So Des Flos): 18% at trip, 19% on race type – numbers solid but not outstanding.



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🧭 Summary

This small field conditions hurdle looks like a tactical affair with the class edge sitting clearly with Ash Tree Meadow, but Lieutenant Mayne brings superior recent form and fitness into the equation.

Ash Tree Meadow – Best horse on paper; wins if fully tuned up.

Lieutenant Mayne – Rock-solid recent profile; could pounce if the favourite needs the run.

Tag Man – Improving, bred for this test, and might sneak through if the others underperform.

So Des Flos – Has the least compelling case and would need a big step forward.