4.50 Kilbeggan – Maiden Hurdle (4yo+, 2m, Good)

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Pace Angle: Moderate-to-strong pace likely. Several runners (Kabylia, Eye Of A Tiger) race handily or press leaders.
Draw Angle: Not relevant under National Hunt rules.


Strongest Contenders

Kabylia – Proven (121 RPR, 165,000€ purchase)
Has placed in all three hurdle starts and won a bumper. Consistent on good ground. Travelled like the winner last time before being outstayed. Cromwell reverts to Keith Donoghue, which looks a strong intent move. She sets the standard on form and tactical speed.

Eye Of A Tiger – Proven (133 RPR, form of 2-3-3-2 in last four)
Often under pressure early but keeps finding. Slightly disappointing favourite at Sligo but has run to a level good enough to win a weak maiden. Trainer is adept with mares and this one stays the trip well. Another good ground effort expected.

Beir Bua – Progressive (113 RPR)
Multiple bumper runs including a win at Wexford. Has stamina and form on decent ground. Well-related and trainer’s fillies often take a step forward from first hurdle start. Jockey takes 7lbs off. Tongue tie stays on after success last time.


Main Dangers

Matt Connor – Regressive (best Flat RPR 85)
Flat winner over 1m2f+ but lost form badly in that sphere. This looks a speculative switch to hurdles. Not a typical Dempsey type to improve significantly on jumps debut. Market support would be revealing.

Dynamic Force – Exposed (Flat RPR 74)
Consistent mid-level handicapper on the flat but no previous hurdles experience. Well-handicapped on old form but not bred for jumping, and his form has flattened out this summer. Others stronger on profile.

Randall Poets Lass – Poor form (RPR 94 peak)
Multiple runs without much finishing effort. Not progressing and remains vulnerable to anything with upside.


Interesting Outsiders

Butch Coolidge – Poor visually but bred to improve (113 NHF RPR)
Related to top stayers. Two runs – poor visually – but ran to a decent level in a Cork bumper. Better ground may help. Yard can land a touch with one suddenly improving.

Ailbhe Ava – Well-bred filly for staying trips (RPR 85)
Fluffed her lines last time, but by Getaway out of a good staying dam. Weak in market that day and made early mistakes. Watch the market.


Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

  • Kabylia: 9/10 – Strong form, handles ground, positive jockey switch.
  • Eye Of A Tiger: 8/10 – Consistent, galloping type, bit one-paced but genuine.
  • Beir Bua: 7/10 – Improving, looks a jumper. Lacks sharpness but tough.
  • Butch Coolidge: 6/10 – Better than it looks on paper; ground will help.
  • Dynamic Force: 5/10 – Reasonable flat form but unproven at all jumping-wise.
  • Matt Connor: 5/10 – Flat talent but poor recent efforts.
  • Ailbhe Ava: 4/10 – Bred to stay but needs to jump better.
  • Randall Poets Lass: 4/10 – Too many poor runs to inspire.
  • Awakening: 4/10 – Slight RPR spike last time but needs more.
  • Miss Bella Vista: 4/10 – Modest, more needed.
  • King Bob: 3/10 – No signs of ability to date.
  • Itsaworkinmaniam: 3/10 – Debutant; watching brief.
  • Top Spin Lob: 3/10 – Flat RPRs fair but no jumps form.
  • Others: 2/10 or less – Unlikely to feature.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form flat horses switching quickly; some can surprise.


Each-Way Angles (Conditional):

With 14 declared, three places available. Beir Bua holds good each-way credentials, especially if priced 8/1+.


Private Tissue Estimate (Top Runners):

  • Kabylia – 2/1
  • Eye Of A Tiger – 3/1
  • Beir Bua – 6/1
  • Matt Connor – 10/1
  • Butch Coolidge – 12/1
  • Dynamic Force – 14/1
  • Others – 20/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their first or second start over hurdles.


Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

A weak maiden in terms of depth but Kabylia and Eye Of A Tiger bring solid and consistent placed form at or above the level required. Kabylia looks tactically sharper and has more improvement to come. Beir Bua appeals as the best of the each-way plays in a field lacking winning form.


Smart Play:

Win Selection: Kabylia – sets a clear form standard and has tactical speed.
Each-Way Saver: Beir Bua – improving mare, value angle if 8/1+.

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