Pace Angles & Draw Angles
- Likely Pace: Even pace; no guaranteed front-runner, several showing early speed but none with habitual lead tactics.
- Draw Bias: With 13 runners and no confirmed bias over 6f at the Curragh on good ground, the draw looks neutral. However, low-to-mid stalls (1-7) may have a small positional edge tactically.
Strongest Contenders
Sir Alfie – Proven
- Profile: 1 win from 4, form figures improving. Raced in maidens before solid nursery debut.
- Latest run (Cork): Plugged on late behind Jack The Bachelor. Previous win at Down Royal came from a battling effort after being headed.
- Timeform Notes: Stout attitude, and bred for further. Likely to improve again for 6f. Drawn well in 4.
- Score: 8/10
Raphello – Progressive
- Profile: Strong run latest over 6f at Sligo, just failing to reel in the winner. Bred to be speedy and tough.
- Timeform Notes: Out of a winning French mare, half to Flotus (Group-placed). Well-treated off 79 if progression continues.
- Score: 8/10
Baker Blue – Promising
- Profile: Good third on debut, consistent since but plateauing. Best form arguably behind Rogue Legend.
- Timeform Notes: Races honestly, but may lack acceleration to finish strongly. Stays 6f, solid yard, well drawn in 2.
- Score: 7/10
Main Dangers
Monte Vista – Promising
- Profile: Three fair maiden runs. Fourth in big Naas field; excuses at Down Royal.
- Timeform Notes: Has shaped as if 6f is right. First-time cheekpieces dropped last time. Wide draw (10) is not ideal.
- Score: 6.5/10
Profit Centre – Unexposed
- Profile: Just 3 runs. Solid fourth at Cork over 5f, staying on well. Bred to improve with racing.
- Timeform Notes: Extra furlong suits. Ran in big fields and coped well. Trainer not in red-hot form, but Ben Coen rides.
- Score: 6.5/10
Interesting Outsiders
Award Ceremony – Honest type
- Profile: Minor place form in five starts. Runs prominently. Handles cut.
- Timeform Notes: Not progressing, but consistent and drawn wide (12). Has form in similar conditions.
- Score: 6/10
Cisterna – Backmarker upgrade
- Profile: One-paced but shaped like a stayer. Full run over 6f could suit.
- Timeform Notes: Needs to sharpen up early but can finish off well. Under-the-radar type.
- Score: 5.5/10
Hold-Up Risk Types
- Enthusiastically, Simmering Seas, Luna Beaux: All have been dropped out or failed to land a blow when ridden patiently. Need a strong pace and luck in running.
- Market check vital for Enthusiastically and Luna Beaux, who have hinted at ability.
Runner Scores & Suitability
- Sir Alfie: 8/10 – Proven over stiff 5f, bred to stay 6f, solid draw.
- Raphello: 8/10 – Strong stamina finish, race shape should suit.
- Baker Blue: 7/10 – Honest; lacks a gear change but consistent.
- Profit Centre: 6.5/10 – Improving; well-handicapped; draw fine.
- Monte Vista: 6.5/10 – Needs to prove she can quicken; fair maiden form.
- Award Ceremony: 6/10 – Runs to a mark; vulnerable to improvers.
- Cisterna: 5.5/10 – Likely to be doing best work late.
- Believe In Glory: 5/10 – Keen; hinted at promise in UK but stiff test here.
- Gelato: 4.5/10 – Strong form two starts back but big blowout latest.
- Luna Beaux: 4/10 – Moderate overall; going neutral; form lacking substance.
- Simmering Seas: 4/10 – Poor recent effort; unproven.
- Enthusiastically: 4/10 – Failed to show any late kick; chance on breeding alone.
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 (13 runners)
- Profit Centre (9-6, Drawn 3): Well-handicapped, staying-on style, lightly raced – could grab a place.
- Cisterna (8-12, Drawn 8): May pick up pieces late off a fair mark if pace collapses.
Private Tissue Estimate
- Sir Alfie: 7/2
- Raphello: 4/1
- Baker Blue: 6/1
- Profit Centre: 8/1
- Monte Vista: 10/1
- Award Ceremony: 12/1
- Cisterna: 14/1
- Believe In Glory: 20/1
- Enthusiastically: 25/1
- Simmering Seas: 25/1
- Gelato: 28/1
- Luna Beaux: 33/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary + Professional Punter View
This is a competitive nursery, but a clear top two are emerging in Sir Alfie, who is solid and proven at a stiff 5f and now steps up in trip, and Raphello, who shaped with real intent last time and is clearly improving. With the pace likely to be even, hold-up types may struggle unless there’s an unexpected burn-up.
Smart Play
- Win Selection: Sir Alfie – Proven, battle-hardened, and shaping as though 6f is ideal.
- Each-Way Saver: Profit Centre – Improving profile, up in trip, could sneak a place from a good draw.
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