6.32 Tramore – Strand Inn Dunmore East Handicap (1m4f, 3yo+, 0-60 Handicap, €10,000)

·

Ground: Good | Draw Bias: Minor Low Advantage | Race Pace: Even to Mildly Strong


Pace Angles & Draw

There’s a potential for an even-to-mildly strong gallop here. Stepdance, Captain Hanley and Highway Sixty One have previously raced prominently or pressed leaders, which may set the tone. Given Tramore’s right-handed undulating layout and tight finish, middle-to-low draws are historically marginally favoured over this trip, and drawn runners in 1–4 are best placed if pace settles early.


Strongest Contenders

Stepdance (Drawn 3) – Proven & Progressive
Back-to-back wins at Tramore and Limerick suggest she’s thriving this summer. She handled the uphill Tramore finish well, and her RPR of 61 and Timeform comment (“could have some improvement in her”) confirm she’s still well-treated. The surface and trip are spot-on, and the 3lb claimer offsets the penalty.

Captain Hanley (Drawn 5) – Promising
Since switching stables, he’s shown a sharp upward trend, particularly when 5th at Tipperary despite some traffic. Still unexposed at this trip, with scope from his Camelot pedigree. This stiff track could suit his staying profile.


Main Dangers

Gotta Catch’em All (Drawn 4) – Exposed but Capable
Well-handicapped on older form and has run with credit at this trip in better races. His 5th at Tramore last time can be upgraded (did too much early), and he has one of the most tactically adaptable profiles here.

Moondharrig (Drawn 1) – Proven on AW, Regressive on Turf
While he has three wins this year, all came at Dundalk, and turf form has fallen away. Drawn well, but recent turf runs have lacked spark.


Interesting Outsiders

Captain Hanley – Eyecatcher on stable debut and could be a player if building on that effort.
Highway Sixty One – Only 3, with signs of life last time (stayed on late at Down Royal), and any further progress makes him dangerous off bottom weight.
Serafina – Well-bred and once hinted at ability; fitness and recent efforts a concern, but trip should suit.


Runner Scores and Suitability

  • Stepdance: 8.5/10 – Well-suited to track/trip/going, in-form, progressive.
  • Captain Hanley: 7.5/10 – Unexposed stayer, good Tramore debut, respected.
  • Gotta Catch’em All: 7/10 – Proven stamina, better than recent form suggests.
  • Moondharrig: 6/10 – Stays well but may not be as effective on turf.
  • Highway Sixty One: 6.5/10 – Bottom weight 3yo, slight stamina concerns but improving.
  • Serafina: 5/10 – Trip suits but recent form poor, needs revival.
  • Daymer Bay: 4.5/10 – Too inconsistent; stamina questionable at this stiff track.

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 (8 runners)

  • Captain Hanley appeals most on a place basis, especially if he can build on his eyecatching run at Tipperary.
  • Highway Sixty One, while risky, is an improving 3yo and can outrun his odds.

Private Tissue Estimate

  • Stepdance – 3/1
  • Gotta Catch’em All – 9/2
  • Captain Hanley – 5/1
  • Moondharrig – 7/1
  • Highway Sixty One – 10/1
  • Serafina – 14/1
  • Daymer Bay – 16/1
  • Others – 20/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Smart Play

This looks a race where form horses can dominate. Stepdance has won twice in a week and is clearly in the zone – she’s a strong, proven type with more to come. Captain Hanley is the dark horse and shapes as a stayer with upside, now in better hands.


Smart Play
Win Bet: Stepdance – in-form and handles the track; value remains despite the penalty.
Each-Way Saver: Captain Hanley – unexposed staying type, well drawn, promising run latest.

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe