Pace Angles: The race lacks obvious front-runners and features several hold-up or mid-division types, suggesting an even-to-steady gallop unless one of the claimers (e.g., Porsche Lad or Oranzona) forces it.
Draw Angles: At this trip and track, the middle-to-low draws are usually preferred due to early positioning before the turn – stall 1 (Powerful Hook Head) and stalls 3-7 get the edge. Wider draws, especially 14 (Theophilos), could be a hindrance unless dropped out.
Strongest Contenders:
Cheers Again (Paul Flynn) – Proven
Consistent, rated 102 at peak and well-handicapped on his best. 3-time Dundalk winner who returned to form with a strong third at Leopardstown before weakening late at Dundalk. Proven at 10f, drawn well, and could be primed for a lesser contest like this. Tricky ride but clear class edge.
Ozark Daze (Jack Davison) – Progressive
Rated 89 at best, unlucky on several occasions and often shapes better than the bare result. Noted as unlucky at Roscommon earlier this year and also in a Dundalk maiden. Stamina for this trip is fine, and today’s drop in class is a big positive. Drawn in 7 – workable. Likely to run well.
Porsche Lad (Charles Byrnes) – Promising
Lightly raced 4yo with a win and two placed efforts from his last four. Demoted last time at Dundalk but ran well. Drawn 10 is just OK, and while his temperament is a slight concern, he’s unexposed and has upside. First go at Roscommon but breeding suggests he’ll stay this trip.
Main Dangers:
Dun An Oir (Mrs John Harrington) – Promising
This 3yo has shaped nicely in maidens and ran with credit in a 10f Galway handicap. That stiff finish suggests he’ll get today’s trip fine. Lightly raced, not fully exposed. Drawn wide in 11, which isn’t ideal, and form needs improving, but not without hope at this level.
Mono River (Denis Hogan) – Unproven/Stamina Query
Formerly with Haggas, he’s hinted at ability and consistency. Yet to fully see out this trip strongly in Ireland. Drawn 12 which isn’t ideal. May be one run short of peak again, but rates as a lurking outsider.
Theophilos (G Keane) – Regressive
Returned to form briefly two runs back and has been given excuses in the past (bled LTO). Fair on best AW/turf form last season, but the wheels have come off in recent starts. Drawn wide and needs everything to fall right. Colin Keane up is a positive, but now a risky proposition.
Interesting Outsiders:
Can I Kiss You (James Barrett) – Promising Profile
Only had four starts and shaped well on handicap debut at Tipperary. Still very unexposed and shaped like further would suit. Weight allowance puts her on competitive terms. Could improve past exposed rivals.
Aingeal Dorcha (Andrew Slattery) – Proven at this level
Veteran campaigner who showed plenty in 2022. Big horse who needs decent ground and a stamina test – which this offers. Ran respectably in a higher-grade handicap previously. If retaining ability, could run better than odds suggest.
Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:
- Cheers Again: 8/10 – Suited by distance and ground; proven class-dropper.
- Ozark Daze: 8/10 – Effective at trip; course run better than result suggests.
- Porsche Lad: 7/10 – Progressing but temperament not bulletproof.
- Dun An Oir: 6/10 – Needs to step forward, but profile is upward.
- Mono River: 6/10 – Class-dropper, stamina to prove.
- Theophilos: 5/10 – Big if bouncing back; wide draw and question marks.
- Can I Kiss You: 6/10 – Lightly raced and well-in; dark horse.
- Aingeal Dorcha: 5/10 – On old form, capable; long break is a query.
- Powerful Hook Head: 4/10 – Tends to find little; poor finish record.
- Adial Kedo: 3/10 – Not obviously progressive; this looks tough.
- Vervain: 5/10 – Won weak Cork race but struggled at Dundalk.
- Oranzona: 3/10 – Little in recent runs to recommend; weak finishers.
- La Tulipe Noire: 2/10 – One win in 28; form poor this year.
- Tortola: 2/10 – Hasn’t shown enough yet; stamina and quality doubts.
- Sobriety Blue: 3/10 – Mid-pack in weak races; 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 sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.
Each-Way Angles (15 Runners):
- Can I Kiss You – 7lb allowance, progressive profile, may improve at trip.
- Aingeal Dorcha – Ground/trip combo suits; could hit frame if fit.
- Mono River – Class-drop angle, back to suitable conditions.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Cheers Again – 3/1
- Ozark Daze – 7/2
- Porsche Lad – 6/1
- Dun An Oir – 13/2
- Can I Kiss You – 8/1
- Mono River – 10/1
- Theophilos – 12/1
- Aingeal Dorcha – 16/1
- Others – 20/1+
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary + Professional Punter View
A typical mixed-ability optional claimer. Class droppers and lightly raced 3yos clash. The race is likely to develop into a steadily run event with a tactical sprint, and middle draws will be advantaged.
Smart Play:
Win Bet: Cheers Again – Class edge and in-form yard; handles the surface and should be thereabouts if seeing it out.
Each-Way Saver: Can I Kiss You – Big step forward last time and the extra trip can unlock more. Gets weight and could spring a surprise.
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