Pace Angles + Draw Angles:

A strong gallop is expected with multiple front-runners and pressers in the field (e.g. Faoladh, Dahlia Noir, Vega’s Muse)—this could set up for a closer provided they handle Killarney’s turns. However, historically, prominent racers have an edge at this trip here. Low draws are disadvantaged, meaning inside positions like stalls 1–3 could struggle to hold a place. That complicates matters for Green Icon, Touted Plan, and All Told.


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Strongest Contenders:

DAHLIA NOIR (IRE) – Progressive

TFR 86 | Donnacha O’Brien

Back to 1m after respectable Leopardstown fourth; well-handicapped on peak Gowran win.

Stamina proven up to 1¼m, and forecast strong pace will suit her hold-up style.

Has traded higher in-running previously in similar setups but ran well; cheekpieces on.


VEGA’S MUSE – Promising

TFR 85 | Mrs J. Harrington / Shane Foley

Big step forward at Leopardstown (close third of 18), showing strong late energy.

Wide draw not a major issue given her likely tracking position.

Well-bred and still looks to have upside; profiles as a filly ready to win.


BEAUTIFUL AFFAIR (IRE) – Progressive

TFR 82 | Joseph O’Brien / D. McMonagle

“Horse in Focus” – strong eyecatcher last time at Tipperary when denied a clear run.

Acts on good-to-firm; cheekpieces retained; will need gaps from midfield but strong claims.


NAOI (IRE) – Promising

TFR 79 | Paddy Twomey / WJ Lee

Placed all three starts; third to Bonus Time and Rajala both read well now moving into handicaps.

Well drawn in 14 to track wide and challenge late off strong tempo.

Trainer 27% in races from 7f–10f; respected despite unexposed profile.



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Main Dangers:

FAR FROM DANDY (IRE) – Proven

TFR 78 | C.T. Keane

Best effort was a competitive fourth at the Curragh (behind a strong winner). No luck last time.

Handles good-to-firm; back in more suitable race and gets top jockey up.

Draw could be tricky (12), but not out of it on ability.


FAOLADH (IRE) – Proven

TFR 84 | A. Slattery

Won nicely at Leopardstown two starts back. Still in good form despite defeat at Tipperary.

Consistent and likely to race on pace again, but faces other pace pressure.



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Interesting Outsiders:

ALL TOLD (IRE) – Unexposed

TFR 84 | Joseph O’Brien

Last run excusable (too keen over 1¼m). Drops in trip now and often better than bare result.

Better suited to strongly-run 1m and looks a dark one at a price from stall 13.


VLHOVA – Improving profile

TFR 82 | Kevin Coleman

Smart Stats angle: €30 LSP when trainer has just one runner on the card.

Poor last run but Cork third in big field was decent and she’s well berthed in 10.



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Runner Scores and Suitability:

Dahlia Noir: 8.5/10 – Suited by pace, track, trip; handicapped to go close.

Vega’s Muse: 8.5/10 – Rapidly improving and staying well; promising.

Beautiful Affair: 8/10 – Eyecatcher last time; soft hold-up risk if pace collapses late.

Naoi: 7.5/10 – Trainer/jockey combo strong; draw helps; will improve.

Faoladh: 7/10 – Solid but more exposed; could be pressured early.

Far From Dandy: 7/10 – Competitive form, top rider; wide draw a negative.

Famed Again: 6.5/10 – Hood now on, shaped like he needed comeback; potential to build.

All Told: 6.5/10 – Not shown much yet, but excuses and drop in trip help.

Vlhova: 6/10 – One fair effort in last 3; trainer stat a minor angle.

Edergole’s Angel: 6/10 – On a fair mark but better over further.

Nyman: 5.5/10 – Not ideally placed last time; prefers good ground; place only.

Green Icon: 5/10 – Often slowly away; draw hurts; needs change of fortune.

Red Veil: 4.5/10 – Weak finishing effort last time; cheekpieces may help.

Touted Plan: 4/10 – No obvious upside yet; drawn badly and others more likely.


Advice: Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.


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Each-Way Angles (14 runners):

Beautiful Affair (6/1) – Improving, eye-catching run latest, and will be finishing off strongly.

All Told (20/1) – A speculative each-way play; excuses last time and better trip now.



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Vega’s Muse – 4/1

Dahlia Noir – 5/1

Beautiful Affair – 6/1

Naoi – 7/1

Far From Dandy – 10/1

Faoladh – 10/1

All Told – 14/1

Famed Again – 14/1

Vlhova – 16/1

Nyman / Red Veil / Green Icon / Edergole’s Angel / Touted Plan – 20/1+


Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


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Summary + Smart Play:

A deep and competitive 3yo handicap. The strong pace looks set to benefit progressive closers, though track bias means wide-drawn pressers with stamina also have a shot. Dahlia Noir is now attractively weighted and well set up by race shape, while Vega’s Muse continues to go forward with every run.


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Smart Play:

Win bet: Dahlia Noir – well-handicapped and has the profile for a big run off a strong pace.

Each-way saver: Beautiful Affair – unlucky last time, can burst through late with a clear run.