1. Pace/Draw Overview

A very strong pace is expected, which should set this up for closers, especially those with stamina reserves proven at 1¾m and beyond. Hold-up types with previous success off strong gallops could be well suited. Draw is not usually a significant factor at this trip here.


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2. Key Contenders & Profile Notes

Strongest Contenders

ST FAZ – Arrives in form after a recent chase win at Tipperary. Has previous placed Flat form off higher marks and goes well on soft. Carries a tongue tie, which coincided with that recent improved effort. Timeform note his Flat mark may still be lenient.

RAZDAN – Typically held up and can be slowly away, so pace setup is ideal. Ran a good third at Cork last time and has solid mixed code form. A reliable type at this trip.

ZOFFANIEN – Back from hurdling with two good placed efforts in that sphere recently. Wasn’t beaten far in a strongly contested Curragh handicap last backend. Still on a workable Flat mark.

RAGMANS CORNER – Ran well on Flat handicap debut at Roscommon. Stays well, lightly raced in this sphere and open to further progress. Yard can ready one, market watch essential.


Main Dangers

THE TRUANT – C&D winner in April and backed it up with a fine second here under similar conditions. More exposed than some but rarely runs a bad race when ridden quietly.

GRANITE BAY – Three-time winner in 2024 and won final start at Listowel. Proven at the trip and versatile with regard to ground. Comes off a break, so fitness needs checking.

DISCO BOY – Staying-on third in a solid Gowran handicap latest. Shaped like he’ll stay two miles and comes from off the pace. In-form claimer booked.


Interesting Outsiders

MAKE GOOD – Former useful hurdler, back on the Flat recently. Stayed on well over this trip at Listowel and looks to be building fitness.

MORSE – Can travel well through his races but often flatters to deceive. That said, the booking of McCullagh is eye-catching and he might surprise if things click.

ZARIYGANN – Lightly raced on the Flat and better known over timber, but has strong hurdles form from last year. First run since switching to Brassil. Market check critical.


Hold-up Risks (Needs Luck in Running):

Razdan, The Truant, Zoffanien, Disco Boy, and Ragmans Corner are all likely to be played late, which suits the likely pace but increases risk of traffic problems.


Trainer Trends
No standout past winners in this race for any of the trainers involved, but several (e.g. Fahey, Nolan, McConnell, and Elliott) have recent winners at the track or with stayers.


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3. Ratings (Marks out of 10)

ST FAZ – 8

RAZDAN – 8

ZOFFANIEN – 8

RAGMANS CORNER – 7

THE TRUANT – 7

GRANITE BAY – 7

DISCO BOY – 7

MAKE GOOD – 6

MORSE – 6

ZARIYGANN – 6

MISS GITANA – 6

SIGN FROM ABOVE – 6

LAST AMMO – 5

NANS VIEW – 5

BURREN SONG – 5

GRAPPA NONINO – 5

PALAMON – 5

DESERT FRIEND – 5

THE NAMES JOCK – 4

BLACK GEM – 4

SUNDANCE SIOUX – 4

APOLOGISE – 3

MAKE GOOD – 6


Market Watch Advice:

Runners returning from 90+ days off: Granite Bay, Grappa Nonino, Rich Belief – any market strength for these would be notable.

Second start in handicaps: Ragmans Corner – market strength would suggest retained confidence.

In-form hurdlers reverting to the Flat: St Faz, Zariygann, and Zoffanien all fit this pattern and are worth monitoring pre-race.



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4. Each-Way Angles

With 23 declared, full place terms apply. On adjusted ratings and profile improvement scope, Disco Boy, Zoffanien, Ragmans Corner, and The Truant are all viable each-way plays in a compressed handicap.


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5. Private Tissue Estimate

Horse Estimate Odds

St Faz 6/1
Razdan 7/1
Zoffanien 8/1
Ragmans Corner 9/1
Disco Boy 10/1
Granite Bay 11/1
The Truant 12/1
Make Good 14/1
Morse 14/1
Grappa Nonino 16/1
Zariygann 16/1
Miss Gitana 16/1
Palamon 18/1
Rich Belief 18/1
Desert Friend 20/1
Nans View 20/1
The Names Jock 25/1
Sundance Sioux 25/1
Apologise 33/1
Black Gem 33/1



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6. Summary

A wide-open staying handicap with a strong pace expected, giving hold-up runners a fair shout. St Faz brings winning chase form and could exploit a favourable Flat mark, while Razdan and Zoffanien appeal for consistency and staying power. Ragmans Corner is a dark horse with improvement possible up in trip. Monitor the market closely for returning types, particularly those who have hinted at more to come. A solid each-way race where tactical patience could be rewarded.