Pace Setup & Draw Angles:

This is a large-field sprint with a very strong pace forecast, and that will heavily influence the outcome. Multiple habitual front-runners line up, notably DABIRSIM FLYER, SPIRIT OF EAGLES, and AN LAOCHMOR, all of whom like to be prominent. The ferocious early gallop should strongly suit closers, with HERO OF THE HOUR and HAVANA NOTION among the most likely to benefit. There’s no strong draw bias at this trip at Down Royal.


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Strongest Contenders + Dangers + Outsiders

HERO OF THE HOUR – Proven
Winner of this race last year, and shaped as though coming to the boil with a strong-finishing second at Bellewstown. Always ridden for a late run, and the expected burn-up sets the race up ideally. Well handicapped off 54 and has a strong record under today’s conditions.

REALTIN FANTASY – Proven
A consistent sprinter at this level who bounced back to form with a narrow second at Tipperary. Usually races close-up, which might be a disadvantage in this likely pace collapse scenario, but he retains a workable mark.

AN LAOCHMOR – Honest
Has been running creditably and was unlucky not to finish closer last time, when short of room. However, his tendency to race freely and on the pace is a negative today. Best when allowed to dictate small-field events.

SPIRIT OF EAGLES – Exposed but Fair
Honest sort who continues to hit the frame but is often slowly away and has struggled to finish off his races. He’ll appreciate the collapse in pace if they go hard, though place prospects seem more likely than a win.

HAVANA NOTION – Interesting Outsider
Close third at Dundalk in March and ran respectably again last time. Another strong finisher with a running style that should be suited by the pace collapse. He’s unreliable, but talented at this level.


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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

HERO OF THE HOUR: 8.5/10 – Proven in race, well suited by pace shape and track.

REALTIN FANTASY: 7.5/10 – Reliable, but racing style not ideal today.

AN LAOCHMOR: 7/10 – In-form, but style a tactical negative in this setup.

HAVANA NOTION: 7/10 – Suited by race shape, inconsistent but capable.

SPIRIT OF EAGLES: 6.5/10 – Each-way chance if he gets going early enough.

MOUNT RUAPEHU: 6/10 – Reappears after a break, class dropper, monitor for fitness.

SOVEREIGN BANTER: 6/10 – Weak profile, but might sneak into minor money.

LAKOTA LADY: 5.5/10 – Best effort at Bellewstown, needs pace to fall apart.

LIVINGSTON RANGE: 5/10 – Better effort two back, may get outpaced early.

DABIRSIM FLYER: 4.5/10 – Out of form and drawn into early pace burn-up.

Others: 4/10 or lower – Poor recent form or tactically compromised.


Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners who have been freshened up or are back on favoured terms.


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Each-Way Angles (12+ Runners)

This race has 15 runners, so each-way terms are in play.
HAVANA NOTION and SPIRIT OF EAGLES both appeal as place prospects at bigger prices, given their racing styles align well with the race shape.


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Private Tissue Estimate:

HERO OF THE HOUR – 4/1

REALTIN FANTASY – 13/2

AN LAOCHMOR – 15/2

SPIRIT OF EAGLES – 10/1

HAVANA NOTION – 11/1

SOVEREIGN BANTER – 12/1

Others – 14/1+


Market watch advised for 2nd-time handicappers or those with “return-to-form” profiles.


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Summary + Professional Punter View

This looks like a classic race where early speed collapses late, handing the initiative to closers with stamina and finishing kick. HERO OF THE HOUR is very well placed to repeat his 2024 win here, coming in off a strong trial run and having ideal tactical conditions. HAVANA NOTION offers value as a place candidate at a bigger price if he settles.


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Smart Play

Win Selection: HERO OF THE HOUR – Proven over C&D, pace collapse sets up his late charge perfectly.
Each-Way Saver: HAVANA NOTION – Inconsistent but suited by shape, could arrive late for place money.