Pace Angles + Draw Angles:
This looks like an evenly-run handicap. While several runners are generally held up, there’s no obvious trailblazer, though Church Mountain, Porsche Lad, and Vervain may attempt to race handier than usual. Draws 1-5 are usually fine over this trip at Dundalk with no persistent bias, though Kartayaz and Master Garvey face challenges from wider gates (17 and 16 respectively), particularly with hold-up styles.
Strongest Contenders:
- Porsche Lad (Progressive) – Lightly raced and upwardly mobile. Excellent Dundalk profile (first and second in two starts), and strong Timeform notes on a positive trajectory. Fitter for the break, cheekpieces retained, and stays this trip well. Tactically versatile with a handy draw in stall 3. Solid rating uplift and remains capable off current mark.
- Tartaraghan (Proven) – Solid course form (421 at Dundalk), looked better than ever recently. 3lb higher than last win, but no obvious reason she won’t run well again. Handles synthetic surface and appeals as straightforward.
- Master Garvey (Proven) – Dual Dundalk winner, shaped well latest (denied late over 1m). Has a strong AW profile and good value in a lower weight contest here. Booking of Colin Keane a strong plus. Holds up but tends to run on late.
- Vervain (Promising) – Won on handicap debut latest, sticking on gamely. Up 4lb but unexposed and bred to improve for this sort of trip. Good jockey booking in Ben Coen and an improving profile. Slight hold-up risk with draw 15.
Main Dangers:
- Church Mountain (Exposed) – Capable on his day but generally inconsistent, regressive profile, and hard to predict. Won here before but 7yo now and not obviously suited by the pace setup.
- Glyde Ranger (Inconsistent) – Often sluggish at the start but closes late if pace allows. Wide draw no help. Looks opposable for win purposes but not dismissed for minor honours.
- Cala Bonita (Promising) – 3yo with only one solid run, but that was over 7f here. Pedigree and running style suggest this trip will suit in time. Draw 2 helps. Unexposed with scope but still learning.
Interesting Outsiders:
- Together Aclaim (Hard to Catch Right) – Not reliable, but did win off a similar mark this season. Runs best when things fall right and best efforts have come here. Capable if in the mood.
- Tomahawk King (Inconsistent) – Could sneak into minor money, draw okay, but inconsistent and often fades late.
Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:
- Porsche Lad: 8.5/10 – Well-drawn, progressive, proven on surface.
- Tartaraghan: 7.5/10 – Solid track profile, genuine, peaking in form.
- Master Garvey: 7.5/10 – Effective at track/trip, well-handicapped.
- Vervain: 7/10 – Unexposed and improving, poor draw a concern.
- Cala Bonita: 6.5/10 – Unexposed, extra trip should suit.
- Church Mountain: 5.5/10 – Capable but unpredictable.
- Glyde Ranger: 5/10 – Runs on late, poor draw.
- Tomahawk King: 4.5/10 – Blinkered, inconsistent.
- Together Aclaim: 5.5/10 – Difficult to trust but not talentless.
- Tara Power: 5/10 – Well-handicapped but long-standing maiden.
- Ocean Diamond: 4/10 – Little current form, but unexposed.
- Harseva: 4/10 – Lacks win record or strong figures.
- So Messi: 4/10 – Often finishes off well, rarely involved early.
- If Dora Could: 3.5/10 – Inexperienced, stamina to prove.
- Lord Talbot: 3.5/10 – Minor place at best.
- Kartayaz: 3/10 – Big draw negative, form poor.
- Sunny Dude: 3/10 – Trip too sharp, very inconsistent.
“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:
With 17 runners, each-way betting is valid. Master Garvey appeals as a value each-way proposition. He has track form, is well-handicapped, and carries a good jockey in a race that suits his closing style.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Porsche Lad – 4/1
- Tartaraghan – 6/1
- Master Garvey – 13/2
- Vervain – 15/2
- Cala Bonita – 10/1
- Church Mountain – 12/1
- Glyde Ranger – 14/1
- Together Aclaim – 16/1
- Tara Power – 18/1
- Tomahawk King – 20/1
- Ocean Diamond – 20/1
- Harseva – 22/1
- So Messi – 25/1
- Sunny Dude – 25/1
- Lord Talbot – 28/1
- If Dora Could – 33/1
- Kartayaz – 40/1
“Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.”
Summary:
This is a low-grade but competitive handicap where progressive, lightly raced types are preferable over exposed veterans. Porsche Lad looks the most upwardly mobile and tactically suited, with the booking and track form both positives. Master Garvey is a consistent Dundalk performer with the ability to win off this mark.
Smart Play:
- Win Selection: Porsche Lad – lightly raced, progressive, well-handicapped and tactically suited.
- Each-Way Saver: Master Garvey – excellent course profile, strong booking, each-way value.
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