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6:52 Cork – NFP Irish EBF Platinum Stakes (Listed, 7f, 3yo+, Good)

Race Overview

• Race Type: This is a Listed race, considered a trial level for Group 3/Group 2 races, featuring a mix of genuine stakes horses and ambitious handicappers.
• Course & Trip: The race is run over Cork’s straight 7f. This track is generally fair, but a strong pace and a slight headwind can favour “cover-and-pounce” types. It often presents a steadier early pace, emphasising a sharp turn of foot. There is no significant stalls bias, though a high draw can be advantageous if the pace is on the middle-to-far side.
• Going: The going is Good, which is suitable for most of the runners in the field.
• Field Size: There are 9 runners, meaning each-way terms are 1/5 odds for the first three places.
• Pace Map: There is no guaranteed trailblazer in the field. Rahmi and Gutsy Girl are the most likely to push forward early. East Hampton, Super Sox, and Chantez are expected to track the leaders, while Dance Night Andday will likely sit mid-division. Fingerpaint and Murkala are anticipated to be held up. A steadier early pace is possible, which would suit horses capable of quickening from three furlongs out.

Runner-by-Runner Briefing

• 1 – East Hampton (Adj Rtg 122)
  • Profile: A rapidly progressive 3yo gelding who comes into this race on the back of a career-best performance, finishing neck second to Diego Velazquez in the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes (RPR 120). This is comfortably the best single piece of form in the field.
  • Positives: He benefits from a 3yo weight-for-age allowance, is proven over 7f, and his peak figure is well above Listed standard. He is improving, versatile regarding ground, and can finish strongly. He is considered “the one to beat”.
  • Negatives: He has yet to win above handicap level and has not previously raced at Cork. His G2 run was in a slightly tactical race.
  • Verdict: He sets a clear standard; a repeat of his last run should be good enough to win, especially with the drop in class.
• 2 – Dance Night Andday (Adj Rtg 118)
  • Profile: A 5yo mare who is thriving this term, having finished second in a valuable Curragh handicap and then a neck second in a Leopardstown Group 3, recording a career-best RPR of 118.
  • Positives: She is consistent, handles big fields and tactical races, loves 7f, and has proven form at Cork. Her peak RPR is only 2lb behind East Hampton on the adjusted scale. She thrives on good ground.
  • Negatives: Wins are hard-earned, and she may again find one too strong. Her best runs often come when a strong pace collapses, and her win strike-rate in this grade is low.
  • Verdict: A rock-solid each-way player and the main danger to the favourite.
• 3 – Super Sox (Adj Rtg 116)
  • Profile: The defending champion of this race, having won it last year (RPR 106). She subsequently placed in Group 3 races.
  • Positives: She loves Cork and this 7f trip, handles varying ground, and is expected to be fitter after her low-key seasonal return at Naas. Her trainer, P Twomey, has a strong 37% strike rate this year.
  • Negatives: This renewal appears stronger than last year’s. Her RPRs suggest she needs improvement to beat East Hampton at his best.
  • Verdict: She has strong place claims and offers value if underestimated in the market, particularly with pace to sit behind.
• 4 – Chantez (Adj Rtg 111)
  • Profile: A 3yo filly who was a Listed winner at two and showed improved signs when finishing third in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last month.
  • Positives: The application of first-time cheekpieces could sharpen her up, and she possesses tactical speed. The trip and ground are ideal, and she is still lightly raced.
  • Negatives: She needs to improve by 6-7lb to win this race and hasn’t yet beaten older males.
  • Verdict: A fringe place chance; she could surprise if the headgear has the desired effect and the market speaks for her.
• 5 – Rahmi (Adj Rtg 106)
  • Profile: A consistent handicapper who won a Naas 7f premier handicap when last seen (October 2024), but has been off for 306 days.
  • Positives: He has a strong RPR profile in big-field 6-7f handicaps, and 7f on good ground suits him well. He is a strong finisher.
  • Negatives: Historically, he tends to need a run after an absence, and stepping up to Listed class off a layoff will be demanding.
  • Verdict: He needs to run a career best off a layoff and is vulnerable for the win, though place possibilities exist if he is fully tuned.
• 6 – Fingerpaint (Adj Rtg 104p)
  • Profile: A Juddmonte filly by Kingman who won her debut 7f maiden at the Curragh.
  • Positives: She is blue-blooded with a pedigree that screams Pattern level, and her trainer, D.K. Weld, is known for greatly improving horses on their second start.
  • Negatives: This is a massive class hike from a maiden to a Listed race, and she lacks raw experience against battle-hardened rivals.
  • Verdict: She is a long-term project and is opposable for a win or place today; more of a notebook horse than a betting one.
• 7 – Gutsy Girl (Adj Rtg 103)
  • Profile: Primarily a sprinter, with her best form at 5f/6f. She was Listed-placed at Naas over 5f in May.
  • Negatives: She is unproven at 7f, and stamina is a significant doubt. Her last Ayr run was disappointing, and her Cork run in April was modest. She is likely to be outpaced early and could fold late if pressured.
  • Verdict: Hard to recommend for a win or place.
• 8 – Murkala (Adj Rtg 101)
  • Profile: A Curragh handicap winner off a mark of 80 earlier this season (RPR 110). She ran modestly in her first Listed try at Galway.
  • Negatives: She needs to find significant improvement (around 10lb) to compete at this level, as her best form has been in handicaps.
  • Verdict: Not a likely factor and probably not good enough for this Listed standard.
• 9 – Tango Flare (Adj Rtg 95)
  • Profile: A former Listed-placed sprinter and course winner, but his form has dipped badly this term and is nowhere near that level in 2025.
  • Verdict: He is easy to oppose given his current drop in form and is better suited to high-end handicaps.

Tissue Odds (100% book)

• East Hampton: 2.50 (6/4)
• Dance Night Andday: 5.00 (4/1)
• Super Sox: 6.50 (11/2)
• Chantez: 13.0 (12/1)
• Rahmi: 17.0 (16/1)
• Fingerpaint (p): 19.0 (18/1)
• Gutsy Girl: 26.0 (25/1)
• Murkala: 34.0 (33/1)
• Tango Flare: 67.0 (66/1)

Pro Punter Smart Plays

• Win Bet: East Hampton
  • He is the clear form pick and a genuine Listed/Group horse facing mostly handicappers. He receives a weight-for-age allowance, and his peak RPR is superior to the field. Any price of 2.25 (5/4) or better represents value.
• Each-Way (if 8+ runners): Super Sox
  • As a course winner who is now fitter for her reappearance, she has a strong C&D record. She is a solid each-way value, especially at prices of 6/1 or higher.
• In-Play Angle: Dance Night Andday
  • If the early fractions are steady, expect her to shorten in-running with her strong finish. There is potential for a “back-to-lay” strategy.
• Avoid: Fingerpaint
  • She is too raw for this significant jump in class from a maiden to a Listed race and is best avoided at current market prices.