Pace and Draw Angles

This race lacks an obvious trailblazer, suggesting a likely even to slightly muddled gallop. Several low early-positioning factor (EPF) runners will look to be held up, and with no confirmed front-runner, tactical positioning may prove decisive. Being prominent or handy could be advantageous on this sharp circuit.

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Strongest Contenders

May Call You Back – Proven and Progressive
The standout form horse. Now 2-3 since joining Willie Mullins, she won impressively over C&D in May (RPR 92) off a 7lb lower hurdles mark, and scored easily on her next two starts over fences. While her stamina at this trip on the chase course has some queries, her best effort came back over hurdles here and she’s very well-treated on her chase form. Stable is flying (70% rtf), and Brian Hayes retains the ride.

Menas Miracle – Progressive
Improved since handicapping – first-time winner two starts back before running a credible fourth under a 10lb rise at Wexford (RPR 98). Sharp Tramore suits her running style. A well-handled mare with tactical speed and form in the book, she’s one to note if allowed to dictate near the front.

Eastmore – Unexposed and Promising
Big eye-catcher at Down Royal (RPR 107), rallying well after looking held. That run marked a clear step forward with a first-time tongue-tie and confirmed liking for good ground. He had excuses in prior starts (wide draws, early pace collapses) and should be better suited by today’s setup.

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Main Dangers

Miss Maxfort – Promising but Risky
Won a maiden last October and shaped well at Tipperary in July. Recent efforts at Kilkenny and Wexford were less encouraging (regressive pace-adjusted sectionals), but she remains lightly raced and retains upside for this level.

Surviving Murmansk – Exposed but Reliable
Consistent performer who was just denied last time in a tight finish. Races off 73, so still weighted to get involved. The lack of a strong pace might be an issue for his usual mid-to-rear running style.

Agent Tequila – Respected
Ran with some credit at Bellewstown in a stronger field and fits well within this class. However, still a maiden with limited turn-of-foot and may struggle to get past improving sorts.

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Interesting Outsiders

Gekkota – Track Specialist
Ran third here last year and was unlucky (slipped up when travelling well) on latest start. Previous third at Galway (RPR 107) indicates potential if he bounces back. More exposed but has hinted at life from this mark.

Arthur’s Victory – In-and-Out
Best form has come in this grade and she retains ability (RPRs 99–114 this year). Beaten behind a few of these lately but Danny Mullins is an eye-catching booking, and she’s back on her last winning mark.

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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

• May Call You Back: 9/10 – Very well-handicapped back over hurdles. Acts well at track and on ground.
• Menas Miracle: 8/10 – Suited by conditions and trip; tactically sharp and improving.
• Eastmore: 7.5/10 – Likely better than bare form; watch for market support.
• Miss Maxfort: 6.5/10 – Capable but has something to prove. Hold-up type; needs pace and luck.
• Surviving Murmansk: 6.5/10 – Consistent but vulnerable to better-handicapped rivals.
• Gekkota: 6/10 – Feasible claims if avoiding trouble. Reverts to a track he likes.
• Arthur’s Victory: 6/10 – Bounce-back possible, but profile is patchy.
• Agent Tequila: 5.5/10 – Running okay but others have stronger finishing profiles.
• Maralinga: 5/10 – Well-held on last start; better ground may help but not obviously well treated.
• Met Office: 5/10 – Potentially well-handicapped on Flat form but hard to trust over hurdles.
• Benzine: 4.5/10 – Continues to disappoint; weak finishes a concern.
• Theanniversary Man: 4.5/10 – Well held in all efforts; hard to fancy despite some ability.
• Lucky This Time: 3/10 – Four-year-old still learning; limited evidence of competitiveness.
• Cholo: 3/10 – No form to recommend yet.
• Glorious Singer: 2/10 – Longstanding maiden; profile uninspiring.

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

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Each-Way Angles (16 runners declared)

• Eastmore (7.5/10) – Unexposed, strong RPR in a steadily run Down Royal race, on the upgrade.
• Gekkota (6/10) – Returns to favoured track, unexposed here, and was unlucky latest.
• Arthur’s Victory (6/10) – Ground and trip suit; strong jockey booking.

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Private Tissue Estimate

• May Call You Back – 11/4
• Menas Miracle – 6/1
• Eastmore – 13/2
• Miss Maxfort – 8/1
• Surviving Murmansk – 10/1
• Gekkota – 12/1
• Arthur’s Victory – 14/1
• Agent Tequila – 16/1
• Others 20/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary

A well-contested low-grade handicap where proven recent form gives May Call You Back a clear edge. She has thrived since joining Closutton and returns to hurdles off a very workable mark. Menas Miracle is respected for an improving small yard, while Eastmore looks a dark horse to monitor in the market. With several hold-up horses reliant on luck, tactical agility and race positioning will be critical.

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Smart Play

• Win Selection: May Call You Back – Well-handicapped, in form, thriving since joining Willie Mullins. Proven at track and tactically adaptable.
• Each-Way Saver: Eastmore – Unexposed handicapper who looks on a workable mark and was unlucky last time. Value play.