Pace Angle: Forecast even pace. At this trip on the round course, those racing prominently often hold an advantage. With little evidence of strong or contested pace, prominent types may find conditions to suit. Draw is neutral.


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1. Contenders & Profile Standouts

Fervent – A standout on adjusted ratings (Timeform 74), returned off a 7-month break to win over 10f here with ease. Raised in trip and could improve further. Still unexposed, and the booking of Seamie Heffernan is a positive. Front-running style ideal for the setup.

Tatum – Recent Leopardstown winner in first-time blinkers. Timeform rating of 68. Acts well on good ground and ran well at Cork previously over a similar trip. Noel Meade’s string has been in decent order and repeat performance would see her involved.

Game Phoenix – Runner-up at Cork (10.4f), finishing off well despite early trouble. Timeform 70. Extra yardage looks in favour and rated a danger if again settled early. Hold-up style needs some luck in this field.

The Mighty Penny – Making handicap debut. Modest maiden form but has a decent pedigree and shaped with some encouragement in better maidens than this. Trainer John McConnell does well in these lower-tier staying events. Notable market check.

Whats New – Races prominently and kept on well over 9.5f latest. Step up in trip may suit based on running style. Timeform 69. Slightly awkward passage last time, so more to come possible. Acts on the surface.

Stepdance – Returns from a 259-day break but has posted consistent efforts on polytrack at 10–12f. Worth market watch. Trainer Henry de Bromhead not noted for flat staying handicappers, but this one has each-way credentials if fully tuned.

Interesting Outsiders:

Silas Marner – Dual-purpose sort with recent hurdles form. Not ruled out if stamina comes into play late.

Arthur Rose – Blinkers kept on; fair efforts at a mile recently. May lack tactical speed for this trip.

Fascinating Shadow – Fourth at Cork last time. Has bits of form in similar company and capable of placing.

Goonyaboyya – Absent over a year but has placed over further. Acts on good and polytrack. Needs a strong market signal.


Hold-Up Risks:

Glyde Ranger, Game Phoenix, Goonyaboyya – all rely on being delivered late and could suffer if the pace proves steady.


Trainer Trends:

No standout trainer record in recent renewals, but John McConnell and Noel Meade are both respected in staying handicap company at this level.



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2. Marks out of 10

Horse Rating Comments

Fervent 9.5 Hard-held winner last time; trip ideal; front-runs.
Tatum 8.5 Recent win solid; respected again.
Game Phoenix 8 Strong finish LTO; risk of trouble in running.
Whats New 7.5 Consistent; step up in trip could suit.
The Mighty Penny 7.5 Unexposed in handicaps; needs watching.
Stepdance 7 Long layoff but stays and some fair form.
Fascinating Shadow 6.5 Place claims if repeating Cork effort.
Arthur Rose 6 Will need to improve stamina-wise.
Silas Marner 6 Dual-purpose; could pick up pieces late.
Randall Poets Lass 5.5 Some form; not obviously progressing.
Synchronize 5.5 Patchy but connections persevering.
Goonyaboyya 5 Long absence; place form in 2023.
Others ≤5 Poor recent form or regressive profiles.



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3. Each-Way Angles (21 Runners)

With 21 declared, this is an each-way betting race. The four standout win/place options are:

Tatum – in-form and still progressing.

Game Phoenix – late closer but consistent.

Whats New – runner-up potential, strong staying profile.

Fascinating Shadow – could nick a place if race sets up well.


Market check advised for:

Stepdance (off 259 days)

Goonyaboyya (off 366 days)

The Mighty Penny (first handicap)

Mischief Man (2nd start in handicap – typical improvement zone)



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4. Private Tissue Estimate

Horse Price

Fervent 5/2
Tatum 6/1
Game Phoenix 13/2
Whats New 15/2
The Mighty Penny 10/1
Stepdance 12/1
Fascinating Shadow 14/1
Others 20/1+



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5. Summary

A deep 0–60 staying handicap where Fervent is the clear standout on recent evidence and profile, and should take a lot of beating if repeating last week’s effort. Tatum and Game Phoenix look likeliest to challenge, while Whats New is well-positioned if getting the trip. Keep a close watch on market moves, especially for The Mighty Penny on his handicap debut and any significant gambles on those returning from lengthy layoffs. Hold-up types may need luck if the pace slackens.