Going: Good to Firm in places | Runners: 12
Pace Forecast: Strong | Draw Bias: N/A

---

Pace and Draw Angles:

This is a 1m2½f handicap with a forecast strong pace, which usually suits late closers at this track. Key pace influence will be FRANK PICKLE, TARTARAGHAN, and FERVENT (if jumping sharply). Horses who can conserve energy early and settle midfield or worse are preferred. The draw is not typically crucial over this trip.

---

Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders:

FERVENT (Promising):
Unbeaten in two handicaps and open to significant improvement. Overcame greenness to win twice at Fairyhouse, staying strongly and asserting late. Still looked raw last time and shapes as a stayer in the making. The pace and track should suit. Drawn well and gets Seamie Heffernan again. Big player if he handles the rise in grade.

ANGELO PIO (Progressive):
Won two in a row here, including over course and distance last time. Displayed a good attitude to see off Paddydaddy despite pressure, and the tongue tie has clearly helped. A 6 lb rise demands more, but he’s thriving and again gets McMonagle. On a roll and handles all conditions.

OZARK DAZE (Interesting Outsider):
Consistently unlucky in running this season – notably at Roscommon where he was repeatedly blocked. Forgive the Ballinrobe run (wrong trip) and note first-time cheekpieces could sharpen him. Strong pace suits, and he’s attractively weighted if he sees daylight.

TARTARAGHAN (Progressive):
Finally broke through at Navan five days ago and is turned out quickly. Well-handicapped still if she backs that up, but she’s been patchy and might find this deeper. A forward-going filly, she may face pressure up front.

ENGINES ON (Regressive profile, off long break):
Not seen since November. Did win a massive-field Curragh handicap but wasn’t obviously ahead of the mark then. Yard switch adds a query, and likely better for the run.

---

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

• FERVENT: 9/10 – Unexposed improver, stays well, race setup ideal.
• ANGELO PIO: 8/10 – In form, won C&D, slightly exposed now but thriving.
• OZARK DAZE: 7/10 – Unlucky this term, drawn for a hold-up run, cheekpieces a positive.
• TARTARAGHAN: 6/10 – Front-runner, quick turnaround after win; may be vulnerable late.
• KEILAH: 6/10 – Stays well, but hard to catch right; needs things to fall her way.
• FRANK PICKLE: 5/10 – Going the right way, but still learning; strong pace a slight concern.
• NOCTURNAL: 5/10 – Better than recent form suggests, trainer adept with single runners.
• PURPLE SKY: 4/10 – Needs more; big field form doesn’t look strong.
• RICH BELIEF: 3/10 – Well held on return; now looks a hurdler.
• ENGINES ON: 3/10 – Long layoff, tough ask first up.
• MILVERTON: 2/10 – Poor form and profile unsuited to race shape.
• SMAOINEAMH SILE: 2/10 – Lost her way and likely to be outclassed.

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

---

Each-Way Angles (12 runners):

With 12 declared, this is a solid each-way opportunity. OZARK DAZE is a strong each-way proposition at current prices, especially with the application of cheekpieces and favourable pace.

---

Private Tissue Estimate:

• FERVENT – 3/1
• ANGELO PIO – 4/1
• OZARK DAZE – 6/1
• TARTARAGHAN – 8/1
• KEILAH – 10/1
• FRANK PICKLE – 12/1
• Others – 16/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

---

Summary:

A well-contested handicap with a strong gallop expected. FERVENT stands out as the most upwardly mobile and best suited by the tempo. ANGELO PIO is thriving and tough to rule out, but may be nearing his ceiling. OZARK DAZE is the value play – better than bare form and very much a “go day” signal with headgear and a return to ideal conditions.

---

Smart Play:

Win Selection: FERVENT – unexposed, strong stayer, well drawn and still improving.
Each-Way Saver: OZARK DAZE – unlucky lately, well weighted, and gets pace and equipment to suit.