6.37 Killarney – Bunkers Killorglin 40th Birthday Handicap Chase (0–100, 2m7f100y, Good)

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Pace Angles + Tactical Shape

This is a large field handicap chase over 2m7f, and it lacks a committed front-runner. Several runners have raced prominently in the past, including Gaelic Des Chastys, Definiteadare, and Zolpharine, but most tend to be ridden patiently or mid-division. The likely scenario is a steady early tempo, potentially leading to a messy or tactical gallop. Expect some mid-race positioning moves before stamina kicks in.

The good ground is key — many here are better on yielding/softer — so proven or adaptable types on this surface have an edge.


Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders

  • Gaelic Des Chastys (Proven): A model of consistency over fences with multiple close seconds and a narrow win. Reopposes in the same race he should’ve won last year. Rated 98, he’s still fairly treated. Will be popular, especially after being caught only on the line last time when rider misjudged. Blinkers have improved focus; trip and ground ideal.
  • A Nod To Getaway (Proven): Reliable staying handicapper who won over hurdles at this track last season. His chase form is progressive, and he posted a career-best RPR (101) last time. Needs to tidy up his jumping but has been finishing well. Good ground is a plus. Potential pace angle too if reverting to front-running tactics.
  • Zolpharine (Progressive): Dual chase placed recently, including a strong 106 RPR when 2nd at Kilbeggan. Has form at this trip and looked better the further he went. Has fitness and recent form. Ground fine. Will be competitive if jumping holds up.
  • Woodie Wango (Interesting Outsider): Improved form since going chasing, notably a good 3rd last time in a stronger race. Has run to a good level over this trip and remains lightly raced in this sphere. Trainer-jockey combo interesting (Mullins up now).
  • Definiteadare (Exposed but solid): Veteran but often placed in similar events. Looks held by a few of these on recent form, but has a place squeak if others underperform. Jumping can be untidy but stays well.

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

  • Gaelic Des Chastys: 8.5/10 – Suited by trip/ground, consistent, and weighted to win one of these.
  • A Nod To Getaway: 8/10 – In good form, needs fluent round, stays well.
  • Zolpharine: 7.5/10 – Promising chase form, stamina assured, improving.
  • Woodie Wango: 7.5/10 – Could take a step forward again; likes a trip.
  • Definiteadare: 6.5/10 – Consistent but likely place material only.
  • Carlas Big Jim: 6/10 – Poor jumper, weak finishers; needs soft ground ideally.
  • Amyr: 3/10 – Uncompetitive and tailed off every start; hard to fancy.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners switching codes or wearing first-time headgear.


Each-Way Angles (10 runners)

  • Zolpharine – Well handicapped on recent second, consistent and game.
  • Woodie Wango – Interesting improver; lightly raced chaser with upside.

Private Tissue Estimate

  • Gaelic Des Chastys – 7/2
  • A Nod To Getaway – 5/1
  • Zolpharine – 11/2
  • Woodie Wango – 13/2
  • Definiteadare – 8/1
  • Carlas Big Jim – 12/1
  • Amyr – 20/1

Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This is a winnable 0–100 staying handicap where most of the field have exposed profiles or jumping issues. Gaelic Des Chastys was unlucky last time and again bids to win a race he lost on the line 12 months ago. A Nod To Getaway is a reliable yardstick and should run well if jumping fluently. Zolpharine and Woodie Wango are the two unexposed chasers with room to improve at this level.

Smart Play

  • Win Bet: Gaelic Des Chastys – Reliable, in form, well-weighted and ready to capitalise.
  • Each-Way Saver: Zolpharine – Holding form well; upwardly mobile chaser who stays.

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