Pace & Draw Angles:

This looks a steadily run race rather than a burn-up, with Still She Blooms, Purring Along, and possibly Clever And Classy capable of going forward. Draw bias historically mild over this trip at Leopardstown on good ground, but low to mid stalls often enjoy a tactical edge in steadily run races. Notably, several closers are drawn wide and may need luck.

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Strongest Contenders:

Altimara (Proven)

• Finally got her head in front last time, showing improved turf form in a hood. Versatile surface-wise and well positioned draw-wise. The style of her Naas 2nd last backend suggested this mark (67) remains within reach, and the return to Leopardstown looks a positive.
• Sectionals from last win hint she finished strongly, shaped like further may suit in time. Can defy a small rise.

Still She Blooms (Progressive)

• C&D form reads well; consistent, made all to win at Killarney, then caught late when well-backed at Naas in deeper company. Should go well again granted a repeat of that enterprising ride. Drawn 10 but she has early speed and is thriving at present.

Lovely (Promising)

• Landed a handicap first-time at 7f and shaped well when blocked late at Naas. Profile reads like a filly on the up. 400k yearling, bred to stay well and 7f-1m looks ideal. Gavin Ryan booked. Has upside, particularly if the tempo picks up.

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Main Dangers:

Lady Pagasa (Progressive)

• Johnny Murtagh’s filly has improved since switching yards. A bit keen latest but her Lingfield run (staying on over 6f) hinted she wants further. Conditions should be fine, and she’s likely still ahead of her mark if settling.

Clever And Classy (Proven)

• Been in good form in similar races and handled Naas well latest. Needs a bit of cover to settle, but a clean run could see her go close off the same mark (62). Has C&D form.

Bowman (Proven, but vulnerable)

• Seven-time winner who bounced back at Wolverhampton, but turf form is generally less compelling. More exposed and now drawn wide in 13; vulnerable late unless grabbing an uncontested lead.

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Interesting Outsiders:

Rising Sky (Promising)

• Consistent 3yo who ran well in a strong Leopardstown event two starts ago. Unlucky at Naas from wide, and a smoother trip could see her grab a place. Well berthed in stall 4 and lightly raced. Watch the market.

Timana (Unexposed)

• Two solid maiden runs last winter suggest ability, but two handicaps have been underwhelming. Could be better over further, but a potential sleeper if sharp after a break. Drawn 1 and bred for 8f+. Not dismissed lightly.

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Runner Scores and Suitability:

• Altimara: 8/10 – Course-suited and adaptable, upwardly mobile turf form.
• Still She Blooms: 8/10 – Progressive, best form at trip, strong tactical position.
• Lovely: 7/10 – Unexposed, blocked last time, improving filly.
• Lady Pagasa: 7/10 – Needs settling, solid profile for this level.
• Clever And Classy: 7/10 – Reliable, drawn well, just needs to find a bit more.
• Rising Sky: 6/10 – Scopey, could run into the frame with a good trip.
• Bowman: 6/10 – Dangerous on best AW form, turf record inconsistent.
• Purring Along: 5/10 – Best effort two starts ago, might need softer ground.
• Timana: 5/10 – Watching brief, unknown fitness, bred to be better over further.
• Big Baby Bull: 4/10 – Regressive, but hinted at ability recently; draw no help.
• Monzoon: 3/10 – Best AW form; turf wins are scarce.
• Hell Left Loose: 2/10 – Often finds little; unlikely in a straight run.
• Happy For Evva: 2/10 – Form tailed off and now off a break.
• Blue Wood: 2/10 – Shown little turf form of late.

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.

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Each-Way Angles:

With 14 runners, each-way play is viable.

• Rising Sky (EW Angle): Lightly raced 3yo with solid mid-division runs in stronger company; improving and well-drawn.
• Clever And Classy (EW Angle): Hasn’t finished out of the top five in her last four completions; solid and genuine.

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Private Tissue Estimate:

• Altimara – 9/2
• Still She Blooms – 5/1
• Lovely – 6/1
• Lady Pagasa – 7/1
• Clever And Classy – 8/1
• Rising Sky – 10/1
• Bowman – 12/1
• Purring Along – 14/1
• Timana – 16/1
• Big Baby Bull – 20/1
• Happy For Evva – 25/1
• Monzoon – 28/1
• Hell Left Loose – 33/1
• Blue Wood – 33/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

This 7f handicap has depth but may lack pace, favouring those handy or drawn low-mid with tactical speed. Altimara arrives on the up and looks to have turned a corner with the hood, while Still She Blooms has proven consistency and a strong tactical edge. Lovely is a filly to keep on side longer-term but may need luck from a wide berth.

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Smart Play:

• Win Selection: Altimara – won well latest, versatile and can progress further.
• Each-Way Saver: Rising Sky – unexposed, solid recent turf runs, and nicely berthed.