19 Declared
Pace Forecast: Weak
Draw Bias: Not applicable
Pace Angle: Prominent racers tend to be favoured here. A steady gallop will hinder closers like ARNACOEUR and benefit tactical speed types such as TACKLETOMMYWOOWOO.


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Leading Contenders & Tactical Notes

TACKLETOMMYWOOWOO (TFR 108) – 8/10
Improved markedly for the step up to this trip when second at Listowel in a big-field event. Lightly raced, with scope to progress further now his stamina is being properly exploited. Will likely race prominently, which suits the forecast pace. Watch for support.

ARNACOEUR (TFR 114) – 7.5/10
Steady stayer who finished strongly to win over this trip at Wexford. Often held up, so needs things to fall right tactically. The forecast weak pace is a negative, but he’s unexposed at the trip and clearly in form.

SOUTHGATE AVENUE (TFR 108) – 7.5/10
Ran a career-best when second over 2¾m at Limerick and the extra yardage may help again here. Hasn’t always backed up efforts consistently but worth noting on recent improvement.

KINGKONG CIERGUES (TFR 109) – 7/10
Consistent in low-grade handicaps and returns from a break. Fair chance on form if ready to go. Market check essential given 100-day layoff.


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Other Runners to Note

RIDEAU CANAL (TFR 113) – 6.5/10
Well-handicapped veteran who showed signs of life again at Punchestown. Well suited by a test at the trip, but a weak pace would be a concern. Risky hold-up runner.

THE LITTLE YANK – 6/10
Plenty of experience and won’t be fazed by this field. May find one or two improving types too strong, but place claims with luck in running.

FILL THE TANK (TFR 110) – 5.5/10
Course and distance winner and likely came on for return at Listowel. Represents a trainer profitable when running a sole entry. Outsider with a squeak.


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Ratings (Suitability Out of 10)

Horse Score Comments

Tackletommywoowoo 8 Promising stayer, ideal setup
Arnacoeur 7.5 In-form but hold-up tactics risky
Southgate Avenue 7.5 Progressive, trip suits
Kingkong Ciergues 7 Consistent, 100-day break
Rideau Canal 6.5 Well treated, but hold-up type
The Little Yank 6 Reliable, lacks upside
Fill The Tank 5.5 C&D winner, place angle
Others ≤5 Need major improvement or appear regressive



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Private Tissue Estimate

Tackletommywoowoo – 4/1

Arnacoeur – 5/1

Southgate Avenue – 11/2

Kingkong Ciergues – 6/1

Rideau Canal – 10/1

The Little Yank – 12/1

Fill The Tank – 16/1

Others – 20/1+



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Summary

This 3m handicap is likely to favour those racing prominently. Tackletommywoowoo has strong claims after a breakthrough effort last time and may improve further. Arnacoeur brings winning form but could be undone by race tempo. Southgate Avenue is on an upward curve and one to monitor closely.