1. Race Conditions, Pace, and Draw Angles

This is a large-field 6f handicap for older horses. The predicted very strong early pace will suit hold-up runners and those drawn high, with a noted historical advantage for runners drawn 17 and wider on this layout. The high draw bias is reinforced by the track’s camber and historical sectionals. Horses racing too freely or who need to get to the front early (e.g. Dynamic Force, Twotolose) may be at a disadvantage unless they can settle mid-pack.


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2. Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers & Outsiders

🔹 Strongest Contenders

White Clover (TFR 71): Recent Listowel winner, quick return, has won at the Curragh. Front-runner with good course record and in-form trainer. May need to avoid a burn-up.

Dynamic Force (TFR 83): Second twice recently; progressive this season but his racing style may leave him vulnerable in this overly-strong pace scenario. Needs cover.

Gordon Bennett (TFR 81): Typically solid at this level and well-handicapped on past Curragh runs. One-paced type who may be suited by collapse in pace.

Secret Magician (TFR 77+): Back on a winnable mark; finished strongly in a deeper race last time. Stamina for 7f is a plus.


🔸 Main Dangers

Tawaazon (TFR 78+): Tends to force the pace, but didn’t run badly behind White Clover last time. Drop back to 6f could help.

Showhound (TFR 81): Below form last time, but had shaped very well here the time before. Has headgear reapplied.

Zaragoza (TFR 77): Good run last time in a deeper Navan sprint, and trainer Dermot Weld’s string is red-hot.


🟠 Interesting Outsiders

Velvet Skies (TFR 75): Often finishes well; strong run behind White Clover latest. Back in form and drawn to swoop late.

Run Forrest Run (TFR 80): Missed break but stayed on well last time; draw and expected pace scenario could be ideal.

Gegenpressing (TFR 79): Another back-runner who finished with running left at the Curragh latest; one for the exotics.

Saturn Seven (TFR 80): Can improve from his reappearance run and has shaped well in big-field sprints here before.


⚠️ Hold-up runners needing luck in running

Velvet Skies, Zaragoza, Secret Magician, Saturn Seven, Run Forrest Run, and Gegenpressing all fall into this category. From high draws and with pace on, several could get the perfect tow—if gaps open.


🔍 Trainer Clues & Notables

Dermot Weld (Zaragoza) is currently red-hot and has won this race in the past.

Gavin Cromwell (Ukiyo) has a notable trainer uplift first time with this 4yo. Market watch essential.

Several runners return from long layoffs (Dagoda, Purring Along, Jacks Inn): market support would be significant.



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3. Runner Ratings out of 10

(Based on adjusted ratings, pace setup, draw, and Timeform insights)

Horse Rating

White Clover 8
Dynamic Force 7
Gordon Bennett 7
Secret Magician 7
Tawaazon 6
Showhound 6
Velvet Skies 6
Run Forrest Run 6
Zaragoza 6
Gegenpressing 6
Saturn Seven 6
Catherine Chroi 5
Altimara 5
Rosato 5
Twotolose 4
Aurora Nova 4
Verhoyen 3
Glen Princess 3
Dagoda 3 (needs market support off layoff)
Nouvel Espoir 2
Kwa Herini 4
Purring Along 2 (watch market, 180-day layoff)
Ukiyo 4 (trainer switch – market check essential)
Jacks Inn 1 (off 382 days)


✅ Market Watch Tips:

Dagoda, Purring Along, Jacks Inn return from long layoffs – market will tell.

Ukiyo makes yard debut for Cromwell – watch for support.

White Clover, Velvet Skies, Tawaazon turn out quickly in form – often a positive.



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4. Each-Way Angles

With 25 runners, there are ample each-way opportunities. Most solid options on value and suitability include:

Velvet Skies (drawn to swoop, form tied to White Clover)

Run Forrest Run (unlucky last time, strong closer)

Zaragoza (Weld angle, last run better than it looks)

Gegenpressing (will be finishing late if they go too hard)



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5. Private Tissue Estimate

Based on Timeform data, pace/draw, adjusted ratings, and recent performance:

White Clover – 11/2

Dynamic Force – 13/2

Gordon Bennett – 7/1

Secret Magician – 8/1

Velvet Skies – 10/1

Run Forrest Run – 10/1

Tawaazon – 11/1

Zaragoza – 12/1

Showhound – 12/1

Gegenpressing – 14/1

Saturn Seven – 16/1

Others – 20/1+



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6. Summary

This is a classic Curragh cavalry charge where a blistering early gallop and a high draw are both crucial factors. White Clover is the right type to go well again, but she’ll need to avoid getting involved too early. Gordon Bennett, Secret Magician, and Dynamic Force all have the ability to land this with cover and timing. However, it could set up for one of the closers—Velvet Skies, Run Forrest Run, or Zaragoza—to come sweeping through late.

A tough puzzle, but an ideal betting race with place value and market clues likely to prove vital.