Pace Angle: Even pace predicted. BALTIC BIRD should be better positioned than GRANITE BAY, given the latter’s tendency to come from further back.
Draw Bias: No meaningful bias over this trip on turf.


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Strongest Contenders:

LONDONOFFICECALLIN – Arrives in the form of his life with wins over hurdles at Punchestown and on the Flat at Thurles. Well-handicapped based on hurdle form and stays 1¾m strongly. A consistent galloper, and the form of his 2024 flat win stands up well. Should be up with the pace and hard to pass.

GRANITE BAY – Smart dual-purpose prospect who improved sharply last term, winning three times. Ran a cracker at Navan on reappearance, suggesting he retains all ability. May need some luck in running from mid-division but is well suited to this test and improving.

DAY TRADER – Ex-French dual winner on the flat, now with A.J. Martin. Has been in good nick over hurdles, winning at Limerick last time. Brings tactical speed and stays well. The stable has won this race twice in the last three years, which is a notable pointer.


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Dangers & Interesting Outsiders:

BALTIC BIRD – Has been well placed previously but doesn’t always finish his races as strongly as expected. Useful dual-purpose type who won over fences in May. Ground and trip ideal, but not the most resolute under pressure. Market support significant.

BROSNA TOWN – Better than she showed last time at the Curragh in a big field and was a strong fourth the time before. Solid at this trip, and Dermot Weld’s team is in good form. Don’t dismiss her as she’s a course winner with tactical versatility.

NOT JUST ANY EAGLE – Won a female riders’ event at Leopardstown and often runs well in defeat. Not quite at his best last time but ran into trouble. Outside chance if getting a smooth run.

ROCK OF IRELAND – Has run several solid races this season and was not disgraced last time at Fairyhouse. Likely to be prominent and could hang on for a place with a favourable trip.


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Suitability Ratings:

Horse Rating/10 Comment

LONDONOFFICECALLIN 8.5 In top form, proven at trip, well treated on hurdles form
GRANITE BAY 8 Strong reappearance, suited to track and trip
DAY TRADER 7.5 Good stable, consistent, stays, won over hurdles
BALTIC BIRD 7 Well placed but needs to find more late on
BROSNA TOWN 6.5 Reliable, better than latest suggests
NOT JUST ANY EAGLE 6 Can go well, but not much margin off current mark
ROCK OF IRELAND 5.5 Each-way chance, lacks finishing kick at this level



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Trends & Timeform Flags:

A.J. Martin has won this race twice in the last three years (trainer of DAY TRADER).

Previous winners often had recent flat or hurdle wins – applies to LONDONOFFICECALLIN and DAY TRADER.

Watch for horses who race prominently; running style will be important.



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Private Tissue Estimate:

LONDONOFFICECALLIN – 11/4

GRANITE BAY – 7/2

DAY TRADER – 9/2

BALTIC BIRD – 6/1

BROSNA TOWN – 8/1

NOT JUST ANY EAGLE – 10/1

ROCK OF IRELAND – 12/1



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Summary:

A strong small-field staying contest with multiple dual-purpose performers. LONDONOFFICECALLIN is peaking under both codes and is ideally positioned for a prominent sit. GRANITE BAY brings upside and class if the gaps appear, while DAY TRADER is a serious player if replicating his hurdles form back on the level.

Smart Play:

Win – LONDONOFFICECALLIN: Hard fit, in top form, versatile and tactically solid.
Each-Way – DAY TRADER: Progressive hurdler with good flat form in France and a shrewd yard angle.