The expected strong pace could disadvantage front-runners like Pillar of Hope but may bring more patiently-ridden types into the contest. Hold-up horses will need a clear passage in a big-field scenario. No draw bias reported.


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Key Contenders

ZIPSTER (88, TFR 88, 17 days off) – Lightly raced since joining G. O’Leary. Has shaped well on recent Irish turf starts, notably when third at Roscommon from a hold-up ride off a career-low mark. Still well treated and has acted on a range of surfaces. Needs some luck in running from the rear but on the shortlist.

ALPHA CAPTURE (92+, TFR 92+, 306 days off) – Interesting profile for W. P. Mullins and C. T. Keane. Campaigned sparingly but his Galway second when last seen was full of promise. Has a tendency to be held up and his finishing style means he needs gaps to appear late. Market support would be significant given the long layoff.

THE REAL SCREAMER (87, TFR 87, 9 days off) – Returned to form with an easy win in a claimer last time and has mixed it with solid handicappers earlier in the campaign. Quick turnaround suggests he’s in good order. Could be a danger if he gets a prominent early position behind the pace.

TACHOS (89, TFR 89, 239 days off) – Trained by Dermot Weld, who is in excellent form. Was consistent last summer and ran well at Navan when last seen. Makes seasonal reappearance and could sneak into things late. Market move would be notable after 239 days off.

UNTERBERG (87, TFR 87, 30 days off) – Bounced back to form with a close second at Cork last time and goes off the same mark. Handles a variety of goings and will likely be delivered late again.

FLYING BAY (89, TFR 89, 306 days off) – Unexposed after just four career starts. Showed improved form to win a Galway maiden last summer. Hasn’t been seen since but clearly has potential to rate higher. Market support crucial.


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Interesting Outsiders

TRIBAL MOON (89, TFR 89) – Solid polytrack efforts and should stay the trip. Headgear retained. Each-way claims with a smooth trip from a midfield slot.

PILLAR OF HOPE (90+, TFR 90+) – Well-handicapped on synthetic efforts but often races prominently and could be softened up in this pace scenario.

SPECKLED MEADOW (89, TFR 89) – Won over C&D last season and is a ‘horse-for-course’ type. Out of form recently but cannot be ignored completely back at this venue.



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Trainer Trends

Dermot Weld (Tachos) – Hot form currently. One to note.

Don Browne (Speckled Meadow) – Won this race in 2024 with this horse.

Paul Flynn (The Real Screamer) – Comes here quickly after a win; stable capable of landing these races when striking form.



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Runner Ratings (Out of 10)

Horse Rating

ZIPSTER 8.5
ALPHA CAPTURE 8
THE REAL SCREAMER 8
TACHOS 7.5
FLYING BAY 7.5
UNTERBERG 7.5
TRIBAL MOON 7
PILLAR OF HOPE 7
MOYASSR 6.5
LOINGSEOIR 6.5
SPECKLED MEADOW 6.5
KAPTAIN BAY 6.5
WHIST 6.5
RAMPAGE 6
ZEPHRON 5.5
STORMIE OUTLOOK 5.5
BILL SILVERS 5.5
SPACE WARRIOR 5.5
CAPTAIN HANLEY 4.5


Market watch recommended for Alpha Capture, Flying Bay and Tachos – all returning from 90+ day breaks.


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Each-Way Angles (8+ Runners)

With 19 runners, there’s scope for multiple each-way plays. ZIPSTER, TRIBAL MOON, and UNTERBERG fit the profile of horses who could outrun their odds and place off attractive marks.


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Private Tissue Estimate

Zipster – 6/1

Alpha Capture – 7/1

The Real Screamer – 15/2

Flying Bay – 8/1

Unterberg – 10/1

Tachos – 10/1

Tribal Moon – 12/1

Pillar of Hope – 12/1

Moyassr – 16/1

Speckled Meadow – 18/1

Others – 20/1 bar



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Summary

This is a typically open Leopardstown handicap where the pace scenario is likely to favour closers, but hold-up types must get the breaks. Zipster is the most solid option on recent form. Alpha Capture has scope off this mark if ready, and The Real Screamer returns quickly after a win. Watch the market closely for movers among those returning from layoffs, notably Tachos and Flying Bay, while Unterberg offers value on consistent efforts.