Race Profile & Conditions: A competitive 5f apprentice handicap worth €6,900 featuring 9 runners aged 3yo+. The ground is described as good to firm in places. The pace forecast is “Even,” with a significant hint that prominent racers are favoured at this course. Horses racing close to the speed tend to thrive unless the pace becomes overly strong.

No significant draw bias is reported here due to the straight 5f configuration at Tipperary, where pace rather than post position often determines outcomes. THERIVERRUNSDEEP is likely to benefit from this, while AN LAOCHMOR, despite similar pace attributes, may be disadvantaged by others competing for a forward position.


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Key Contenders & Race Analysis:

SKILLMAN AVE – Drops slightly in class and returns to 5f, which may suit. Ran a solid race at Listowel and has the versatility to race prominently. Appears to be on an upward curve. Rating: 8/10

THERIVERRUNSDEEP – Dual 5f winner in 2024; well-treated if fit after a 278-day break. Prominent racer in a race lacking pace pressure. Trainer Seamus G. O’Donnell’s runner needs a market check. Rating: 7.5/10

AN LAOCHMOR – Consistent of late without winning. Has placed efforts at this trip but may find it hard to dominate with other pace angles. Wears visor again. Rating: 7/10

THIS AIN’T TEXAS – Lightly raced, bred to need further, and seems to be looking for 6f/7f. Still, unexposed and drops back in trip here. Rating: 6/10

UKIYO – From the in-form Cromwell yard. Poor recent form but has shown glimpses. Needs to settle better early. Second run off a layoff. Rating: 6/10

CAVALIER APPROACH – Big odds, tailed off last time, and appears regressive since changing stables. Rating: 4/10

TWINKLING TOES – Absent 266 days and showed little after debut promise. Trainer has no notable record in the race. Market check advised. Rating: 5/10

REALTIN FANTASY – C&D winner and course specialist. Looks regressive but gets 7lb claim. Rating: 6.5/10

HAVANA NOTION – Two good efforts in this race in 2023/2024 and trained by J. J. Feane, who has won this race twice in last three years. Back at C&D. Races freely and may need luck if held up again. Rating: 7/10



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Runners Summary Ratings (Out of 10):

Skillman Ave – 8

Theriverrunsdeep – 7.5

An Laochmor – 7

Havana Notion – 7

Realtin Fantasy – 6.5

This Ain’t Texas – 6

Ukiyo – 6

Twinkling Toes – 5

Cavalier Approach – 4



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Trends & Tactics Watch:

Trainer J.J. Feane has won this race in 2 of the past 3 years and again runs HAVANA NOTION.

Havana Notion and Theriverrunsdeep are both course winners, an asset in this grade.

Prominent runners favoured: Skillman Ave, Theriverrunsdeep, Realtin Fantasy.

Watch market for horses off >90 days (Twinkling Toes, Theriverrunsdeep).

Second start angle: Ukiyo may come forward now.



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Private Tissue (Est.):

Skillman Ave – 7/2

Theriverrunsdeep – 9/2

Havana Notion – 6/1

An Laochmor – 6/1

Realtin Fantasy – 10/1

Ukiyo – 12/1

This Ain’t Texas – 12/1

Twinkling Toes – 16/1

Cavalier Approach – 25/1



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Summary & Smart Play: Skillman Ave looks best placed to capitalise on a return to sprinting and a slight class drop. Theriverrunsdeep, though returning from a layoff, is well-handicapped and tactically suited. Havana Notion represents a proven angle with trainer Feane’s recent record in the race and could run into the frame again.

Smart Play:

Win bet: Skillman Ave

Each-way saver (9 runners): Havana Notion (trainer trend, track form, price value)


Market support for Theriverrunsdeep would be significant. Watch for late moves.