Pace & Draw Angles

Pace shape: Weak overall tempo expected; suits those who race prominently or can track leaders.

Tactical bias: A benefit to avoid getting caught too far back in a likely messy-run race.

Beneficiaries of a steady pace: Only A Dollar (strong traveller when on song) may be advantaged.

At risk: Newport, who tends to be held up, could be compromised by a crawl-and-sprint scenario.



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Contender Profiles

Top Rated / Main Contenders:

PRINCE OF AIR (109+) – Well handicapped returning to hurdles from chasing. 3rd in a better-quality chase at Roscommon, down 20 lb over timber. Tactical tweak to front-running tactics a plus. Progressive in context.

EASTMORE (111) – Second off this mark at Down Royal. Useful Flat background. Pulled too hard latest, but that run is forgivable. Strong chance if back to peak form. Market support would be notable.

ONLY A DOLLAR (107) – Travelled well latest before falling two out. Was third in a solid Wexford race prior. Likely suited by weak pace; holds solid place claims.

PHOENIX COWBOY (108) – Repeatedly knocking on the door this spring. Trainer swap to Darragh O’Keeffe in saddle could signal positive intent. Often runs well without quite getting home.

SPLENDID CHOICE (108) – Winner over C&D in May (neck). Next run a complete blowout, but could bounce back. Useful mark if forgiven latest.


Dangers / Respectables:

KAIKOURA (101) – Maiden who’s shaped with some ability, particularly when second in a Limerick maiden. Can outrun odds in this grade.

POLLY POPPINS (103) – Pulled hard and faded latest after a break; better judged on December run. Can go forward and might be dangerous if allowed an easy time.

HIGHLAND EARL (106) – 5th at Limerick (behind Phoenix Cowboy) was a step back in right direction. Could figure late if others tire.


Interesting Outsider:

MASTERSTONEMASON (99+) – Lightly regarded veteran, but traded short before fading in-running more than once. Market watcher. Record of overperforming SP mid-race but underdelivering at the line.


Not Today:

Larkins Lane, Mrs Wemyss, Tedworth, Charity Barnum, Pebble To A Pearl, Spricklestown – Well beaten often and lacking current form.

Newport – A few fair bits of form but not looking progressive, pace could be against.



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Ratings (Out of 10)

Horse Score Notes

Prince of Air 8 Well treated, fit, tactically improving – progressive in profile
Eastmore 7.5 If bouncing back, very competitive – market move important
Only A Dollar 7.5 Track/trip fine, fell when travelling – chance if confidence unaffected
Phoenix Cowboy 7 Consistent, but needs to find a bit extra late
Splendid Choice 6.5 Inconsistent but capable off mark – risky
Polly Poppins 6 May improve for latest but tendency to over-race a concern
Kaikoura 6 Not ruled out – profile okay for this
Highland Earl 5.5 Mild upward trend, may be a place player
Masterstonemason 5.5 Often traded low – not trustworthy late on
Newport 5 Form slipping, race scenario against
Tedworth 4 Needs a lot more – modest base level
Larkins Lane 3.5 Poor profile, multiple pulled-ups
Mrs Wemyss 2 Out of form completely
Charity Barnum 2.5 Long layoff, little encouragement
Pebble to a Pearl 2 Form extremely limited – hooded again
Spricklestown 2.5 Breeding okay, form very poor to date



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Private Tissue Estimate

(Each-way if 8+ runners remain)

Prince of Air – 4/1

Eastmore – 11/2

Only A Dollar – 6/1

Phoenix Cowboy – 15/2

Splendid Choice – 9/1

Kaikoura – 12/1

Polly Poppins – 14/1

Masterstonemason – 16/1

Others 20/1+



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Summary & Smart Play

This is a low-grade handicap with a weak pace predicted, likely suiting those tactically versatile or close to the front early. Prince of Air is a standout returning to hurdles off a far lower mark, having run well over fences in stronger company. He’s a proven and well-handicapped type.

Eastmore appeals as a lightly raced progressive profile in context and would be a danger if he finds his Down Royal form. Only A Dollar remains of interest too, particularly if her fall hasn’t dented confidence.


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Smart Play:

Win Bet – Prince of Air (Proven / Well handicapped over hurdles)

Each-Way Saver – Eastmore (Profile fits and bounce-back angle)


Market moves around Eastmore and Masterstonemason should be watched.