A typically trappy low-grade Irish handicap hurdle, but with several who look like they’ve been working towards a mark.

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Shortlist & Key Form Angles

Mother Ship (Hanlon, OR 87, 11-1p)

• In the frame twice this summer, best RPR 104.
• Stayed on well into 3rd at Sligo (2m4f) from off the pace.
• Still unexposed in handicaps, looks primed for a big run.
  Score: 8.5/10

Jaadil (D Fitzgerald, OR 82, 10-6)

• 4yo filly, lightly raced, improving with experience.
• 2nd to Garnacho at Bellewstown (RPR 100) reads well at this level.
• Pulled hard at Ballinrobe last time, but mark is workable.
  Score: 8/10

Tropical Image (E McCarthy, OR 85, 10-13tp)

• Runner-up at Sligo in June (RPR 103).
• Didn’t figure last time, but cheekpieces/tongue-tie combo worked when she hit the frame.
• Staying trip may help.
  Score: 7.5/10

Ballinoe Blaze (E McCarthy, OR 94, 11-8p)

• Best recent RPR 106 when 3rd at Limerick in April.
• Strong finisher, but inconsistent. Needs things to fall right.
  Score: 7/10

Cullagh Pride (S Fahey, OR 89, 11-3)

• Long-standing maiden, but went close at Cork in May (2nd, RPR 106).
• Poor since, but worth noting she comes alive on good ground.
  Score: 7/10

Close Enough (Hallahan, OR 81, 10-9)

• Veteran mare, sole win at Limerick (RPR 106).
• Fair 2nd at Wexford in July, but struggled upped in grade since.
  Score: 6.5/10

Gaoithe Glory (E McNamara, OR 98, 11-12t)

• Looked promising in bumpers, best RPR 103, but tailed off in hurdles so far.
• Handicap debut, hard to gauge. Could improve, but risky.
  Score: 6/10

Others:

• Boola Times, Jetaway Sheldon, Swing Time, Creadan Grace, Red Night Sky, Doyentohurl, Niosfearabolt – all shown little, need massive step forward.

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Tactical Shape

• Likely pace: Tropical Image & Close Enough could go forward, setting things up for a closer.
• Best suited: Mother Ship (hold-up), Jaadil (tracker), Ballinoe Blaze (closer).

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Private Tissue Odds (my view)

• Mother Ship 3/1
• Jaadil 4/1
• Tropical Image 6/1
• Ballinoe Blaze 7/1
• Cullagh Pride 8/1
• Close Enough 10/1
• Gaoithe Glory 12/1
• Others 16/1+

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Verdict

This looks set up for Mother Ship, who has shaped like a winner in waiting in two strong handicaps this summer. Jaadil appeals as the main danger with her scope for improvement, while Tropical Image is a lively outsider if the cheekpieces work again.

Smart Play:

• Win bet: Mother Ship
• Saver: Jaadil (EW)
• Tricast perm: Mother Ship – Jaadil – Tropical Image / Ballinoe Blaze