5.25 Leopardstown – Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden (2yo, 7f, €25,000, good ground)

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Race Conditions, Likely Pace & Draw Angles:

A €25k 7f 2yo maiden restricted to auction purchases ≤ €30,000. No standout established performer – several showed ability on debut.

Pace: Not a confirmed trailblazer; looks a steady-to-even gallop. That could suit those with tactical speed rather than one-paced stayers.
Draw bias: At Leopardstown 7f, a middle-to-high berth often offers best tactical options.


Strongest Contenders & Main Dangers:

Chapel LanePromising / Progressive

Eyecatcher on debut (Navan 13 Jul), third after flying late from an unpromising position. Pedigree (by Tamayuz out of a mare from Japan Cup-winning family) suggests stamina and class. Step up to 7f should be ideal, and connections are adept at bringing them on. Big player.

Princess RosiePromising

Ran a cracker at 125/1 here last month (17 Jul, Leopardstown 7f), finishing 6½l behind Time Bender. Not a fluke – pedigree has depth (half to Nice Spirit; dam 78-rated). Low draw (1) is tricky, but track form in the book makes her a major contender.

Saxon GracePromising

Fourth at Sligo (6 Aug), keeping on despite a blocked passage. Cheap buy but bred to improve over 7f+, being by Saxon Warrior. The more gallop they go, the stronger she’ll be. One to note for progress.

DivelmentProven ability

Fourth then third at Roscommon; ability clear but perhaps flattered first time (when beating a horse who reversed form decisively). Profile suggests solid rather than progressive, but experience could count in a maiden like this. Wide draw (10) isn’t a plus.

Maker’s MarkExposed but competitive

Three runs, best when fourth at Bellewstown (3 Jul, RPR 79). Genuine but lacks a turn of foot. Nursery type long-term, but ability is there to grab a place.


Interesting Outsiders:

  • Wipeawayyourtears – Seventh at Gowran, kept on late from wide draw; could be a sneaky improver if pace is generous.
  • Pliny – Ninth at Sligo but hampered; needs forgiveness, Colin Keane rides, which adds interest.
  • Eleven A – Debut; from Calyx’s first crop, with a strong Juddmonte family. Bred to be better than this grade. Market check essential.
  • Katalpa / Castelluccia / Solomon Islands / L L Koulsty – Cheap buys with limited immediate appeal, but could improve with racing.

Runner Scores & Suitability:

  • Chapel Lane: 8.5/10 – Strong debut, bred to improve, track should suit.
  • Princess Rosie: 8/10 – Course form, progressive filly, but low draw could trap her.
  • Saxon Grace: 7.5/10 – Strong finishing profile, scope for more.
  • Divelment: 7/10 – Honest, but ceiling might be limited.
  • Maker’s Mark: 6.5/10 – Exposed but capable of running into places.
  • Wipeawayyourtears: 6.5/10 – Late finisher, could nick a place if pace strong.
  • Pliny: 6/10 – Forgive last run, strong jockey booking a plus.
  • Eleven A: 6/10 – Debutant, respected on pedigree.
  • Others: 5/10 or lower – Need marked improvement.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for newcomers (Eleven A, L L Koulsty, Katalpa, Solomon Islands).


Private Tissue Estimate (Guide Odds):

  • Chapel Lane – 3/1
  • Princess Rosie – 9/2
  • Saxon Grace – 5/1
  • Divelment – 6/1
  • Maker’s Mark – 10/1
  • Wipeawayyourtears – 12/1
  • Pliny – 14/1
  • Eleven A – 16/1
  • Others – 20/1+

Summary & Smart Play:

This looks a winnable Auction Series maiden without a standout star. The debut of Chapel Lane stands out – he shaped like the best horse at Navan and should step forward over 7f. Princess Rosie has course form in the book and looks the main danger. Saxon Grace appeals as a value outsider, sure to improve with racing.

Smart Play:

  • Win bet: Chapel Lane
  • Each-way saver: Saxon Grace (if 8+ runners on the day)

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