Track & Pace Angles:

Leopardstown’s inner track over 9f typically favours horses up with the pace. Despite the strong early gallop forecast, it may still reward those who can race handily or quicken from midfield. Stamina over 10f or further is a positive. No specific draw bias in this large field.


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Key Contenders:

CARVALHAL [71]: Consistent this season with three solid efforts over a mile to 10f. Acts well on firm ground, stays this trip, and races prominently. Vulnerable to a better turn of foot but has a solid base. 7/10

FLIER [68]: Runner-up over C&D last time in a strong 17-runner field. Has returned to form and handles fast ground. Could improve again but tends to race from the rear, needs luck. 7/10

NOBLE ANDY [63]: Powered away to win over C&D in June, value for more than the margin. Up 6 lb but thriving and this pace setup should suit. 7/10

CLEOPATRA’S NEEDLE [67]: Course specialist who bounced back last time. Trip is borderline sharp and may need stronger stamina test, but chance on peak figures. 6/10

THEGOOSEISCOOKED [64]: Good second last time, holds form on soft and fast ground. Back-to-back placed efforts make him one to include in exotics. 6/10



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Live Outsiders:

UNTERBERG [68]: Inconsistent but recent form fair. More effective at 10f+ but not without hope. 5/10

BLUE WOOD [68]: Regularly competitive without winning. Hard to place confidence but may sneak a place. 5/10

GLENCULLEN [66+]: Could surprise now dropped back in trip after solid 1m efforts. Improving profile. 6/10



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Hold-Up Risk / Needs Luck in Running:

FLIER, FLEETFOOTSOLDIER, CLEOPATRA’S NEEDLE, SHARE THE TREASURE all come from off the pace and could struggle if pace collapses late or traffic problems occur.



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Trainer Trends:

Mark Fahey (Noble Andy) profitable with one runner at flat meetings.

Harry Rogers (Cleopatra’s Needle) excels at targeting course regulars.

A. Slattery (Sobriety Blue) positive when applying first-time headgear.



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Ratings (Track/Distance/Going/Class/Pace Suitability):

Horse Suitability Rating

CARVALHAL 7
FLIER 7
NOBLE ANDY 7
THEGOOSEISCOOKED 6
CLEOPATRA’S NEEDLE 6
GLENCULLEN 6
UNTERBERG 5
BLUE WOOD 5
OTHERS ≤4



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Carvalhal 6/1

Flier 13/2

Noble Andy 7/1

Cleopatra’s Needle 8/1

Thegooseiscooked 9/1

Glencullen 10/1

Blue Wood 12/1

Fleetfootsoldier 14/1

Unterberg 14/1

Master Garvey 16/1

Others 20/1+



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Summary:

Plenty with claims in this competitive low-grade handicap. Carvalhal has solid consistency, Flier arrives off a career-best, and Noble Andy is a last-time-out C&D winner. The pace may hurt deep closers, so position in running will be key. The large field does allow each-way betting options.


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Smart Play:

WIN – CARVALHAL (consistent, stays, races prominently, ticks most boxes)
E/W – FLIER (career-best last time, value in price with big field again)

Keep an eye on market support for GLENCULLEN and CLEOPATRA’S NEEDLE — both are capable if getting the right run and are well treated on best form.