1. Race Setup

• Trip: Stiff 6f at the Curragh—tests stamina as well as speed.
• Pace: No confirmed trailblazer, but Washington Street and Desert Power have gone forward in the past. Likely an even gallop.
• Draw: Big field spread across track, but on good ground stalls 5–12 usually safest.

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2. Strongest Contenders

Washington Street (OR 75, 3yo, Draw 15, Lyons/Carroll)

• Multiple seconds (Navan, Curragh, Gowran) – keeps finding one too good.
• RPRs 83–88 suggest he’s already at a handicap-winning level.
• Ground/trip fine, trainer in form.
• Negative: High draw (15) risks being stuck wide if they come middle.
• Verdict: Sets the form standard – obvious one to beat.

Glory To Be (3yo filly, Draw 3, Grassick/Lordan)

• Consistent maiden – placed Cork 6f (RPR 81).
• Handles 6f strongly; best effort came here at the Curragh on debut.
• Positive: Drawn low (3), can sit handy.
• Verdict: Solid each-way credentials – honest filly who will be finishing off.

Desert Power (4yo gelding, Draw 11, Lynam/Ryan)

• Three maiden placings last year (RPR up to 87).
• Shaped as though stiff 6f would suit.
• Comeback run in handicap was poor (missed break, wrong side).
• Verdict: If back to 2024 form, he’s a big player, but fitness/attitude a slight doubt.

Cecco (3yo grey gelding, Draw 1, Stack/Sheridan)

• Consistent maiden (best RPR 72) – lacks finishing kick.
• Likely handicapping project.
• Verdict: Place at best – limited on bare form.

Men Of Honour (3yo colt, Draw 12, Slattery/Slattery)

• Third at Galway maiden (RPR 79).
• Strong finish suggests stiff 6f will suit.
• Verdict: Definite each-way player, though may prefer a bit further in time.

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3. Outsiders with Some Interest

• Bluebelardo (3yo filly, Grassick, Draw 7): Blinkers improved her, fair Naas run (RPR 67). Place squeak if repeating.
• Arklow Lad (3yo, Draw 8): 8th at Galway on debut – looked one-paced. Needs more but not hopeless.
• Cali Case (3yo, O’Callaghan, Draw 14): Two poor runs, but from sprinting sire Showcasing – market move worth watching.
• Yutori (3yo filly, Draw 13): Debutant by Acclamation – nicely bred, no form yet.

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4. Likely Red/Blue Team Split

Red Team (can win): Washington Street, Glory To Be, Desert Power, Men Of Honour.
Blue Team (place possibles / pace influences): Cecco, Bluebelardo, Arklow Lad, Cali Case, Bennu, Java Wood.

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5. Runner Scores (/10 suitability)

• Washington Street – 9/10 (solid level, just needs luck in running)
• Glory To Be – 8/10 (consistent filly, low draw a plus)
• Desert Power – 7/10 (capable but risky after flop)
• Men Of Honour – 7/10 (Galway run promising, stiff 6f should help)
• Bluebelardo – 6/10 (improving with blinkers, place chance)
• Cecco – 5/10 (limited but reliable)
• Cali Case – 5/10 (showed little, but trainer angle)
• Arklow Lad – 4/10 (one-paced)
• Bennu – 3/10 (one poor run, long absence)
• Java Wood – 3/10 (modest Dundalk debut, out of depth)
• Others (Snowballs, Be Good Or Begone, Cash Me, Glory To Be’s stablemate, Yutori, Mise Freisin) – 2–4/10 range.

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6. Private Tissue (my odds line)

• Washington Street – 2/1
• Glory To Be – 4/1
• Desert Power – 5/1
• Men Of Honour – 11/2
• Bluebelardo – 12/1
• Cecco – 14/1
• Cali Case – 16/1
• Arklow Lad – 20/1
• Bennu – 25/1
• Java Wood – 33/1
• Others – 25/1+

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7. Summary & Smart Play

This maiden revolves around Washington Street – consistent, high RPRs, and trained by Lyons, who does well with these types. He sets the form bar.
Glory To Be looks the chief danger, an honest filly with solid Cork form and a low draw.
Men Of Honour appeals as the each-way play – Galway form strong and stiff 6f right up his street.
Desert Power is the wildcard – if he bounces back, he’s good enough.

Smart Play:

• Win bet: Washington Street (form horse, best ratings)
• Each-way saver: Men Of Honour (shaped well at Galway, progressive type)
• Value outsider: Glory To Be (solid filly, well drawn, could nick this if fav underperforms).