Pace Angles + Draw Angles:
An even pace is likely with no absolute front-runner but several “pressers” drawn across the field (notably Giuseppe Cassioli in 4, Solomon Coop in 8, and Sinbad My Dad in 13). No notable front-end dominance but low-to-mid draws (stalls 2–6) have fared best over this C&D on good ground in recent seasons – a slight advantage.
Strongest Contenders:
Giuseppe Cassioli (Drawn 4)
Proven & consistent veteran. Won this race in 2024, has run consistently off higher marks this season, including solid efforts at Gowran and Leopardstown. Handles all ground and gets on well with 7lb claimer Kennedy. Draw and pace scenario suit. Lacks upside but looks rock-solid.
Artful Approach (Drawn 15)
Progressive profile in the spring for Stephen Thorne. Good Leopardstown 2nd in June and excuses on slower ground since. Reverts to ideal conditions and could bounce back, but wide draw a negative. Will need luck from off the pace.
Presence (Drawn 2)
Potentially ahead of mark based on late-2024 form. Has struggled on testing ground and wasn’t disgraced in Listed company. Well drawn, ground ideal, cheekpieces off. Return to better ground and booking of Kennedy back aboard are positives. Unexposed at 1m1f.
Amemri (Drawn 1)
Rapid improver this year with 5 wins, including turf success at Limerick. Last effort on yielding ground forgivable. Well drawn in 1, and back on a sound surface. Donagh O’Connor replaces claimer. Might still have upside but career-high mark now demands more.
Green Icon (Drawn 5)
Improving 3yo, excellent Curragh 3rd last time in a huge-field handicap (RPR 81). Cheekpieces retained, good draw, and still looks well-treated. Promising rather than proven, but holds the best speed figure (92) in the field.
Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders:
Unterberg (Drawn 7)
Well-handicapped dual AW winner who bolted up last time over this trip. Turf form has lagged behind but that win was impressive and could translate. Fair draw and another step forward puts him in the frame.
Sinbad My Dad (Drawn 13)
Improver with hurdles experience, now back on the Flat. Strong late run to win latest and will enjoy the strong gallop. Hold-up risk from wide draw but clearly in good heart.
Colpe Cross (Drawn 9)
Interesting dark horse. Caught the eye twice in maidens and now makes handicap debut off 75. Yard in form and bred to appreciate this trip. Could surprise if she stays and progresses.
Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:
- Giuseppe Cassioli: 8/10 – Strong profile, well drawn, trip/ground ideal.
- Artful Approach: 7/10 – Needs luck from stall 15 but holds form on good ground.
- Presence: 7/10 – Lightly raced, interesting angle at trip with good draw.
- Amemri: 7/10 – Super consistent, form line strong but now at ceiling.
- Green Icon: 7/10 – Unexposed 3yo, upwardly mobile.
- Unterberg: 6/10 – Dangerous if turf form translates.
- Sinbad My Dad: 6/10 – Improving but wide draw and running style risky.
- Colpe Cross: 6/10 – Handicap debutant with potential; needs to stay.
- Nakasero: 5/10 – Strong earlier form but regressive lately.
- No More Porter: 5/10 – Hard to catch right but back to a winnable mark.
- Grizabella: 5/10 – Effective when able to dominate, may not get that here.
- Keilah: 4/10 – Tries hard but may find this too competitive.
- Solomon Coop: 4/10 – Inconsistent, last run poor.
- Maarisha: 4/10 – Unexposed, 1m1f could suit, but this is a big ask.
- Red Hugh O’Donnell: 3/10 – Poor profile, not progressive.
- Hutton Glen: 2/10 – Well held last time and risky proposition.
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 (16 runners):
- Presence – Attractive price likely, ideal draw, progressive turf profile.
- Green Icon – Well-treated and form lines franked.
- Unterberg – Potentially thrown in if recent win was no fluke.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Giuseppe Cassioli – 9/2
- Presence – 6/1
- Green Icon – 13/2
- Amemri – 7/1
- Artful Approach – 15/2
- Unterberg – 10/1
- Colpe Cross – 14/1
- Sinbad My Dad – 16/1
- Nakasero – 16/1
- Grizabella – 20/1
- No More Porter – 25/1
- Keilah – 25/1
- Solomon Coop – 33/1
- Maarisha – 33/1
- Red Hugh O’Donnell – 40/1
- Hutton Glen – 50/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary + Professional Punter View (“Smart Play”)
This is a deep, competitive handicap with several closely matched veterans and improvers. Giuseppe Cassioli has the most solid profile – proven at the track and in-form off his current mark. Presence is the most interesting from a progression standpoint – her form from late 2024 is well above this grade, and she’s now returning to optimal conditions.
Smart Play:
- Win Bet: Giuseppe Cassioli – Has held form all season and this is his race profile.
- Each-Way Saver: Presence – Well-handicapped filly returning to optimal conditions with a live 5lb claimer.
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