IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MARES HURDLE (Killarney, 17:32, 2m 4f 85y, Good, Mares, 4yo+, €11,100)

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Pace Angles + Draw Angles:
This six-runner contest projects to be slowly run, with little obvious pace on paper. EMILY LOVE is expected to be best positioned of the prominent runners, while REDWOOD QUEEN and AD CAELUM may find themselves at a tactical disadvantage if held up off a steady gallop. On a conventional track like Killarney, there are no draw implications, but tactical speed will be at a premium.


Strongest Contenders:

  • EMILY LOVE (Proven and Progressive)
    Comes into this off the back of three consecutive novice wins, asserting late each time over 19–20f on good ground. She travels well and races prominently, a likely asset in a race lacking pace. Her latest Kilbeggan win over Eye of A Tiger (1¾ lengths) is solid, and she’s running to Timeform adjusted ratings of 143+. She’s still relatively unexposed and handles conditions well.
  • REDWOOD QUEEN (Proven)
    The defending winner of this race and was all set to repeat when unseating at the last at Wexford in May. Now with Cian Michael Collins, she’s tactically versatile but typically ridden cold – a hold-up risk today in a tactical affair. Still, her hurdle record (4 wins from 7) commands respect, and on adjusted ratings she’s the joint top on 150.
  • COOKE’S LASS (Promising)
    Only two starts over hurdles, including a debut win at Wexford and a narrow defeat in a novice next time. Her profile suggests she’ll stay well and has scope to improve significantly, though she was brushed aside late at Kilbeggan. She’s from the Elliott yard and wears first-time cheekpieces.

Main Dangers:

  • AD CAELUM (Proven)
    Holding form well this summer and arguably unlucky not to score last time, finishing a close second over a slightly shorter trip. She stays 3m and may find this just shy of her optimum. Being a hold-up type in a tactical contest may blunt her late kick.
  • BELLE THE LIONESS (Proven)
    Returned to form over fences last time and has run to decent marks over hurdles previously. She needs to reproduce her Tipperary chase effort back over timber and is more exposed than some.

Interesting Outsider:

  • KILBUNY SUPERSONIC (Promising)
    Looked a different proposition on hurdles debut when bolting up at Wexford (18 lengths). The bare form is hard to assess, but she impressed visually and could prove better than her 134+ adjusted figure suggests. Faces a major class rise.

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

  • Emily Love: 8/10 – Suited by trip, going, and pace scenario. Track form solid. Well-handled tactically.
  • Redwood Queen: 7.5/10 – Very capable, but hold-up tactics a risk in this small-field crawl.
  • Cooke’s Lass: 7/10 – Going the right way but slightly unproven against stronger opposition.
  • Ad Caelum: 6.5/10 – Honest and consistent but better at 3m and will be ridden patiently.
  • Kilbuny Supersonic: 6.5/10 – Unknown ceiling, won easily on debut, dangerous if improving again.
  • Belle the Lioness: 6/10 – Hardy mare, but less progressive and needs a personal best.

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.


Each-Way Angles (6 runners):
No each-way play applicable due to field size.


Private Tissue Estimate:

  • Redwood Queen – 11/4
  • Emily Love – 3/1
  • Cooke’s Lass – 4/1
  • Ad Caelum – 5/1
  • Kilbuny Supersonic – 6/1
  • Belle the Lioness – 10/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

This mares’ hurdle may be decided by tactical positioning, with the slow pace a key factor. EMILY LOVE is well placed to make her prominent style count, and her profile is solid – she’s reliable, improving, and has already run to useful figures. REDWOOD QUEEN has the highest ceiling on ratings and must be respected if her new yard can keep her sweet. COOKE’S LASS is one to note as a lightly-raced improver.

Smart Play:

  • Win Selection: EMILY LOVE – progressive, tactically suited, and consistent.
  • Saver (No EW angle): REDWOOD QUEEN – risky ride profile but dangerous if delivered correctly.

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