Pace & Tactics: A strong pace is forecast, which typically plays to the advantage of runners who are held up or come with a late run, especially at this trip. Prominent racers can go well here, but in this setup, the fast early tempo may set things up for closers like AUSSIE WARRIOR. Front-runners like GET DOWN TO IT could be left vulnerable late.


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Leading Contenders:

CORNMARKET [108] – Returned from a break and a change of yard to win emphatically at Sligo last time. That 6-length success marked a clear career-best. Quickened clear and stayed on well. Up 6lb but still feasibly treated in this grade, and the return to this track is a plus.

LADIAM [107] – Won over this trip at Sligo last time, hanging on gamely. Has a solid profile in this type of race, likes to be handy which could be a negative given the strong pace forecast. However, he’s in form and should be in the mix.

AUSSIE WARRIOR [107+] – Interesting back over hurdles having landed a gamble over fences two starts ago. A return to hurdling with a strong pace could play to his strengths if held up. Versatile in ground and distance, he’s well handicapped if that Tramore form translates.

ANGELSWORKNOVRTIME [112] – Big rating from Timeform and now second run back from a long layoff. Impressive when scoring at Kilbeggan last season and looks likely to improve from his recent Clonmel run. Each-way claims in a race lacking depth at the bottom.


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Outsiders of Interest:

LADY BEE GREAT [103p] – Lightly raced, open to improvement up in trip. Just eighth last time but earlier second to Eastern Wind reads well. Hood retained, may do better if settled and held up.

GET DOWN TO IT [111] – Lightly raced, returns to a former yard after an uninspiring seasonal debut. The pace could be too strong for her prominent racing style, but there is latent potential.

WENDELL’S LASS [107] – Not the easiest to predict but has bits of form suggesting a place isn’t out of reach with luck in running. Pulled up last time and needs to bounce back.


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Suitability Ratings (Out of 10):

Horse Score

Cornmarket 9
Aussie Warrior 8
Ladiam 8
Angelsworknovrtime 7
Lady Bee Great 6
Get Down To It 6
Wendell’s Lass 5
Mother Ship 5
Stormy Master 4
Lucky Jack 4
Garadice 3
Phildante 3
Others ≤3


Market attention should be given to LADY BEE GREAT and GET DOWN TO IT for any late support; both could represent value if conditions come right.


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Trends and Trainer Insights:

Recent winners: 4 of the last 5 winners were aged 5 or 6 and rated in the 80s or low 90s.

Trainer Norman Lee (LADIAM) and J. S. Cullen (CORNMARKET) have both had recent Sligo winners.

No horse has won this race twice; freshness or form from last-time-out winners is a big plus.



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Horse Odds

Cornmarket 4/1
Ladiam 9/2
Aussie Warrior 6/1
Angelsworknovrtime 7/1
Lady Bee Great 10/1
Get Down To It 12/1
Others 16/1+



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Summary:

Two recent Sligo winners, CORNMARKET and LADIAM, top the shortlist, with the former’s visual impression and weight of victory suggesting he has more in hand. AUSSIE WARRIOR may well improve off his hurdles mark given his chase success, especially with the race likely to be set up for closers.


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Smart Play:

Win Bet: CORNMARKET – Lightly raced for new connections and impressive last time, well-handicapped on that effort.

Each-Way Saver: AUSSIE WARRIOR – Has form in stronger company and returns to hurdles well placed by his trainer.

(19 runners make this an each-way event – 4 places with most firms likely.)