Race Title and Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles:
7.37 Gallivan Financial Handicap Chase
€28,000 | 2m1f (Good) | Handicap Chase for 4yo+ | 130 = 11st12lb | 7lb win penalties
Likely Pace: Even to strong – Several pace-forward types (Prince Of Air, Jack Holiday, Good As Hell) suggest a contested lead. This could set it up for a stalker or closer.
No draw consideration (jumps race).
Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders + Trends/Timeform Comments:
- Wonleg – Promising. Lightly raced 5yo who impressed when winning at Wexford last time. Improving jumper, still unexposed over fences, and open to progress. De Bromhead-trained and could still be ahead of the handicapper. Respected.
- Aeros Luck – Proven. Solid Punchestown winner over this trip in June (RPR 132). Subsequent efforts respectable in stronger company. Likely to be more comfortable back down in grade and should get a pace to suit. Slight concern with tendency for jumping errors.
- Prince Of Air – Proven. Admirably consistent campaigner with figures of 3-2-3-3 in his last four over fences. Won two chases in 2024 and placed from this mark recently. Hard to knock, but may find one better treated.
- That’s About Right – Progressive. Big Thurles winner in January and decent fourth last time at Kilbeggan in a race that didn’t pan out tactically. Peak RPR of 130 indicates potential to compete here. Fast pace would suit.
- Embittered – Exposed. Once smart (153 RPR), but veteran now 11 and inconsistently finding the frame. A return to the form of his June Sligo win puts him in contention, but vulnerable to younger legs.
- Be Fierce – Promising. Showed bright ability in just three chase starts. RPR 132 win at Tramore (2m) is strong for this class. Improved fitness likely after recent fourth to Wonleg. Watch market.
- Jack Holiday – Exposed. Veteran with a big C&D fall on last chase try, but figures of 2-1-3 in lower-class contests recently show he’s not a spent force. Hard to catch right; risks outweigh rewards at this level.
- The Dara Man – Regressive. Useful chaser on his day but recent form poor. Pulled up in last two starts and very hard to recommend off current profile.
- Good As Hell – Unreliable. Bounce factor concerns after rare good run at Listowel. Often tailed off. Difficult to trust despite feasible mark.
- Cavalry Master – Out of Form. Once classy novice; now mostly out of sorts. Only one place in nine chase handicaps. Best watched.
Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:
- Wonleg: 8.5/10 – Unexposed and progressive. Trip ideal. Trainer/jockey combo positive.
- Aeros Luck: 8/10 – Solid profile; handles pace and ground; jumping is only concern.
- Prince Of Air: 7.5/10 – Reliable, runs to mark. Less upside but rarely off the board.
- That’s About Right: 7/10 – On right mark, well handicapped if reproducing best.
- Be Fierce: 6.5/10 – Fair type; more to come; still a bit raw over fences.
- Embittered: 6/10 – Form peaked long ago but dangerous if on song.
- Jack Holiday: 5/10 – Needs ideal pace and a clean round. Place shout at best.
- The Dara Man: 3/10 – Hard to support on current run of form.
- Cavalry Master: 3/10 – Fallen from grace. Recent form dire.
- Good As Hell: 2.5/10 – Blinkered mare lacks consistency; best left alone.
Each-Way Angles:
With 10 runners, each-way terms apply.
- Prince Of Air – Honest type with back-form; should be in the mix again.
- Be Fierce – Still scope to progress; fitness improved last time.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Wonleg – 3/1
- Aeros Luck – 9/2
- Prince Of Air – 5/1
- That’s About Right – 6/1
- Be Fierce – 7/1
- Embittered – 10/1
- Jack Holiday – 14/1
- The Dara Man – 20/1
- Cavalry Master – 33/1
- Good As Hell – 33/1
Market watch advised for runners returning from breaks or with limited chase experience.
Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):
An open and pace-influenced race. Plenty of exposed types, with one or two upwardly mobile contenders. Wonleg is the most interesting with his profile and connections; that Wexford win reads well and he still has more to come. Aeros Luck is very solid at this level if jumping cleanly, while Prince Of Air is a dependable each-way option.
Smart Play:
- Win Selection: Wonleg – Lightly raced and progressive, strong yard, ideal setup.
- Each-Way Saver: Prince Of Air – Keeps knocking; due another win in right race.
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