Pace Forecast: Even
Pace Bias: Sligo’s tight configuration often suits forward types at this trip, and the pace model reinforces that – hold-up runners may struggle unless there’s an unexpected collapse.


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Strongest Contenders & Tactical Setup:

BOSSING IT (TFR 127p) – Promising

Won his maiden in good style at Kilbeggan (3¼L winner), looking value for more.

Comes from a stout-staying family and shaped like a grinder – ideal for a race where stamina may trump a turn of foot.

5lb claimer aboard offsets a workable opening mark of 103.

Tactically versatile and looks well drawn into this scenario.


SHUDAWUDACUDDAGH (125p) – Promising

Tough sort with a battling attitude, won on hurdling debut in a 16-runner Sligo maiden, holding on well late.

Showed resolution and pace over same C&D, now goes handicapping off a fair-looking opening mark (106).

Yard had a notable winner here earlier in the card. Open to progress again.


SARGENT LIGHTFOOT (133) – Proven

Hard-knocking veteran who ran a big race latest when runner-up in a veterans chase, and won a Punchestown hurdle in April.

Consistent, often goes forward or races prominently – will be suited by this setup.

Big-field win already this season reads well; can’t be dismissed.



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Main Dangers:

SMALLCRAFTWARNING (129) – Proven

Fair hurdler who won a 16-runner event at Clonmel in June before unseating late at Tipperary when still in contention.

Can travel well in mid-div or handy; a bounce-back could see him involved again, though profile is a touch inconsistent.


BALLYSTONE (127) – Proven

Caught the eye at Hexham on seasonal return – left with a lot to do, kept on for fourth.

Has solid form in deeper races, though arguably best over further and with a stronger pace to aim at.

Market support would be significant.



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Interesting Outsiders:

PAHLAVI (131) – Proven

Recent Tipperary effort wasn’t bad, doing best of those on the pace and shaped as though he’d come on for it.

Prominent tactics could see him improve on that, especially if he’s allowed an easy run into position.

Good in-running trading angles and could be a back-to-lay type.


JACK HOLIDAY (128) – Proven

Dual-purpose performer whose better recent form is over fences. Trip/pace setup okay, but inconsistent and quirky.

Others look more solid on current form.



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Others:

ANOTHER CHOICE: Regressive chaser dropping massively in trip – not likely to be sharp enough at this level.

FOR EVERYONE: 9yo with patchy old form and no recent encouragement.

DESERT HAVEN: NR



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Runner Ratings & Suitability:

Bossing It: 8.5/10 – Open to significant improvement, tactically suited, fair mark.

Shudawudacuddagh: 8/10 – Won well here, adaptable, and looks fairly handicapped.

Sargent Lightfoot: 7.5/10 – In form, tactically solid, place chance again.

Smallcraftwarning: 7/10 – Consistent at his best, needs clean round.

Ballystone: 6.5/10 – Eyecatcher, better at further? Needs luck in running.

Pahlavi: 6.5/10 – Tactical angle makes him interesting for place/back-to-lay.

Jack Holiday: 5/10 – Hard to predict, better over fences.

Another Choice: 4.5/10 – Outpaced at this trip.

For Everyone: 3/10 – No recent evidence to suggest competitiveness.


Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form hurdlers returning quickly – Bossing It and Shudawudacuddagh both fall into this “bounce candidate or sharp?” category.


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Each-Way Angles (10 runners):

SARGENT LIGHTFOOT appeals each-way, especially if holding form from recent veterans’ effort.

PAHLAVI might offer place-only value if getting into a prominent rhythm early.



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Horse Tissue Odds

Bossing It 3/1
Shudawudacuddagh 4/1
Sargent Lightfoot 6/1
Smallcraftwarning 13/2
Ballystone 8/1
Pahlavi 12/1
Jack Holiday 16/1
Another Choice 20/1
For Everyone 33/1



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Summary + Smart Play:

Two lightly-raced and progressive hurdlers meet a well-handicapped veteran in a field where tactical speed and grit will count for plenty. Bossing It has form in the book and a pedigree for more, while Shudawudacuddagh handled this C&D and looked tough. The more exposed Sargent Lightfoot remains reliable and value for a place.


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Smart Play:

Win Bet: Bossing It – improver with strong stamina genes and fair mark.

Each-Way Saver: Sargent Lightfoot – reliable, tactically suited, handles big fields.