Pace Forecast: Very Weak
Draw Bias: Neutral
Key Tactical Angle: Lack of pace expected – front-runners or tactical speed at this trip will be vital. Zammawar looks likely to set the pace, but isn’t expected to last. Those with proven tactical speed or the ability to quicken off a steady gallop hold a strong advantage.


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Main Contenders

1. GAME POINT (TFR 87) – Rating: 8/10

Profile: Consistent and reliable, four-time runner-up including recent Curragh effort.

Tactics: Held up usually, but this small field may see a more positive ride.

Surface: Yet to race on AW, but no reason to think he won’t handle it.

Trainer: Ger Lyons has a strong strike rate at Dundalk (21%).

Form Note: Beaten in deeper maidens – sets the standard on ratings.


2. CARTHUSIAN (TFR 82p) – Rating: 7/10

Profile: €340,000 yearling; solid second on debut to subsequent Group 3 winner Scandinavia.

Form Note: Disappointed last time when favourite, but drop in trip here suits.

Trainer: Jessica Harrington; a respected AW operator with a high ceiling for improvement.

Flags: ‘p’ – better likely to come.


3. LOMBARDI TROPHY (TFR 83p) – Rating: 7/10

Profile: Well-bred son of Galileo; both runs showed promise, well-placed latest.

Tactics: Travels kindly; may sit handy.

Trainer: Donnacha O’Brien – very strong with improving types in maidens.

Surface: First time on AW, pedigree strongly suggests he’ll be suited.



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Others

4. ELMAN (TFR 68p) – Rating: 5/10

Profile: Dam a Spanish winner; shaped well on debut not knocked about.

Risk: Still learning, this may come a touch soon for a breakthrough win.


5. ZAMMAWAR – Rating: 2/10

Profile: Well beaten both starts; unlikely to figure even if allowed a soft lead.

Pedigree/Trainer: Modest setup; big leap needed to be competitive here.



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Profile Summary

Proven: GAME POINT – form repeatedly stands up.

Progressive: CARTHUSIAN and LOMBARDI TROPHY – both shaped with ability and more to come.

Promising: ELMAN, but needs more time.

Hold-Up Risks: GAME POINT and LOMBARDI TROPHY may be vulnerable to tactical dawdle.



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Private Tissue (100%)

GAME POINT – 6/4

LOMBARDI TROPHY – 5/2

CARTHUSIAN – 3/1

ELMAN – 10/1

ZAMMAWAR – 100/1



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Summary

GAME POINT brings the clearest form and is overdue a maiden success, though this will be his first AW run. Both CARTHUSIAN and LOMBARDI TROPHY are lightly raced and open to improvement, the former’s second to Scandinavia in May catching the eye given that rival’s subsequent exploits. LOMBARDI TROPHY may offer better tactical positioning than CARTHUSIAN, especially in a race that may turn into a sprint from the bend.


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Smart Play – Professional Punter View

Win Bet – GAME POINT (proven standard, trainer/jockey combination, deserves to win one)
Saver Bet – LOMBARDI TROPHY (has shown enough and may benefit from lack of pace + strong yard)
In a tactical small-field maiden, preference is for those with race fitness and known ability – GAME POINT remains the most reliable option.