Race Overview
This €22,000 handicap has drawn a small but competitive 7-runner field, featuring a mix of proven handicappers and lightly raced improvers. With no obvious front-runner, the early fractions could be steady, making tactical position crucial.
Historic Gowran 12f+ handicaps on good ground show a slight edge to those drawn low/mid and able to race in the first half of the field.
Contenders
Fleetfoot – OR 94 – Draw 3
- Profile: 13-run Flat career: 3 wins, 7 places, peak RPR 102.
- Positives: In-form – Curragh win (1m4f, June) and 4th of 18 in valuable Galway Festival handicap. Proven at trip and ground; adaptable tactically.
- Negatives: Now 5lb higher than Curragh win; needs to sustain form in smaller-field tactical race.
- Verdict: Solid, consistent performer; statistical top RPR (102) in field this year.
Puturhandstogether – OR 82 – Draw 7
- Profile: Fred Winter winner over hurdles, G1 placed; Flat C&D winner in 2023 (RPR 102).
- Positives: Returns to Flat off same mark as last run in this code; well treated vs hurdle rating (141). Proven at trip and track; trainer 81% RTF.
- Negatives: First Flat start in 12 months; might prefer stronger gallop than forecast.
- Verdict: Well handicapped; serious player if fit.
War Rooms – OR 96 – Draw 5
- Profile: Dante 3rd in 2024 (RPR 106); consistent in 14f conditions races this year; 7th in Royal Ascot 1m4f handicap.
- Positives: Class angle; trainer 50% RTF. Handles good ground.
- Negatives: Winless in 9 since debut; not certain to be fully effective in tactical small field; best form at 10-12f.
- Verdict: Dangerous on class but vulnerable to turn of foot.
Boxing Great – OR 80 – Draw 4
- Profile: 3 career starts – placed in two turf maidens (RPR 96); 2nd over 1m5f at Down Royal latest.
- Positives: Unexposed; proven at trip and ground; possible improver on handicap debut.
- Negatives: Faces much tougher opposition; needs to improve 5-8lb to win.
- Verdict: Dark horse; value each-way contender.
Gambino – OR 82 – Draw 1
- Profile: Won only start – C&D maiden in April (RPR 93).
- Positives: Low draw; potential front-runner in pace-light field.
- Negatives: Massive jump in class; stamina unproven at this trip under pressure.
- Verdict: Could get tactical advantage but vulnerable late.
Saturn – OR 93 – Draw 6
- Profile: 4 wins from 11; peak RPR 101; 1m6f winner in April.
- Positives: Strong on best form; handles good ground; record fresh is decent.
- Negatives: Two heavy defeats since April; confidence to be rebuilt.
- Verdict: Capable if bouncing back but risky on current trajectory.
Soaring Monarch – OR 87 – Draw 2
- Profile: 5 wins from 31; peak RPR 106 (over C&D).
- Positives: C&D form; 7lb claim helps; handles good ground.
- Negatives: Winless since Sept 2024; last win over 10 months ago.
- Verdict: Place claims if race collapses late.
Tactical View
- Likely Leaders: Gambino, Fleetfoot.
- Trackers: War Rooms, Puturhandstogether, Boxing Great.
- Closers: Saturn, Soaring Monarch.
- Impact: Modest early pace likely – favours those handy with turn of foot.
Key Stats Edge
- Top 2025 RPR: Fleetfoot (102)
- Top TS Recent: Fleetfoot (82), Saturn (83 in April)
- Trainer Hotlist: Joseph O’Brien (Puturhandstogether, 81% RTF), Gerard Keane (War Rooms, 50% RTF)
- Unexposed Improvers: Boxing Great, Gambino, Puturhandstogether (Flat)
Private Tissue (101% Book)
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Fleetfoot | 3/1 |
| Puturhandstogether | 7/2 |
| War Rooms | 4/1 |
| Boxing Great | 8/1 |
| Gambino | 8/1 |
| Saturn | 10/1 |
| Soaring Monarch | 14/1 |
Verdict & Smart Plays
- Main Bet: Fleetfoot – in form, best adjusted RPRs, tactical draw.
- Saver: Puturhandstogether – thrown in vs hurdles form, course/trip suited.
- Value EW: Boxing Great – h’cap debut, unexposed, could step up.
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