PACE & DRAW ANGLES:

Even pace is predicted. At Leopardstown, prominent runners tend to be favoured at 7f, especially when pace isn’t overly strong.

WIZARD OF ODDS may benefit from this setup far more than AVIATRICE, who’s held up.

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN typically races handily and may trade shorter in running due to a favourable trip/pace setup.



—

STRONGEST CONTENDERS:

BONUS TIME (88p): Progressive type from a strong yard with solid mid-season strike rate. Impressive winner of a Curragh maiden and likely better suited by this step up to 7f. Tactical speed is a plus here. Could be well treated off 89 on handicap debut.

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN (94p): Runner-up on seasonal reappearance in a strong Fairyhouse handicap and possibly compromised by tactics at Naas last time. Still improving and brings a reliable profile to this sharper test.

MISAPPROPRIATION (98): Consistent and shaped better than bare result last time at Limerick. Well-handicapped and has the assistance of Colin Keane. Effective at 7f-1m.

AVIATRICE (94): Backed and ran well off a break when second at Limerick. Likely improver but will need a good pace to be seen to best effect.



—

INTERESTING OUTSIDERS:

JOYFUL PRINCESS (89): Often races freely but improved for blinkers and shorter trip could help her settle better. Decent minor event second behind a good winner.

SHELBIANA (86): Handicap debut after 272-day break. Interesting profile, but fitness and class level a question mark.

WIZARD OF ODDS (96): One good run this season and suited by strong pace scenarios. Needs to bounce back but could sneak a place if pace picks up.



—

SUITABILITY MARKS (Out of 10):

Horse Track Distance Going Total

Bonus Time 9 9 9 27
Sounds Like a Plan 8 8 9 25
Misappropriation 8 8 8 24
Aviatrice 7 8 8 23
Joyful Princess 7 7 8 22
Wizard of Odds 6 7 8 21
Shelbiana 6 6 7 19



—

WHO IS PROVEN, PROGRESSIVE OR PROMISING?

Proven: Misappropriation, Sounds Like A Plan

Progressive: Bonus Time, Aviatrice

Promising: Bonus Time, Shelbiana (though layoff tempers expectations)



—

PRIVATE TISSUE ESTIMATE:

Bonus Time – 11/4

Sounds Like A Plan – 7/2

Misappropriation – 4/1

Aviatrice – 6/1

Joyful Princess – 9/1

Wizard of Odds – 16/1

Shelbiana – 20/1



—

SUMMARY:

This is a tightly-knit three-year-old handicap. Bonus Time looks well treated and is open to further improvement on handicap debut for a strong trainer-jockey combo. Sounds Like A Plan appeals as a solid operator at this trip, especially with a more relaxed tactical ride. Misappropriation may be the one to catch late, especially if things go smoothly mid-race. Aviatrice and Joyful Princess could pick up pieces if the race unfolds strongly late.


—

SMART PLAY:

Win Bet – BONUS TIME (progressive, good yard switch, ideal trip and ground)

Each-Way Saver – MISAPPROPRIATION (consistent, good draw, top rider up, should be in the mix)