2.52 Curragh – Neville O’Byrne Memorial Irish EBF Fillies & Mares Handicap (1m4f, €26,000, Good)

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Pace / Draw Angles:
Likely to be a steadily-run race unless Heather or Party Dress go forward. Oriole, Shaool and Beauparc are usually ridden patiently, so there’s a risk of a muddling tempo. Draw looks neutral over 1m4f at the Curragh, but low to middle tends to offer tracking options.


Strongest Contenders

Heather (OR 90, Lyons, 7lb claim – 3yo, 9st2lb, Draw 8)Progressive. Big pedigree (sister to Latrobe & Pink Dogwood). Won well on handicap debut at Ballinrobe, then good second at Down Royal. Looked one-paced in Listed class last time but that was quick ground. Back at 1m4f on galloping track looks ideal. Still improving, 3yo allowance a plus.

Shaool (OR 86, Murtagh, 10st, Draw 3)Proven and improving. Took Leopardstown handicap in June, ran well since up in grade/trip. Notebook horse: best when cheekpieces on and with some ease. Handles sound ground too. High weight a test, but her profile is still upward.

La Vita Nova (OR 84, Harrington, 9st12lb, Draw 2)Unexposed stayer. Big-field Curragh form solid (fourth in Premier H’cap, June). Outpaced over 2m at Ascot latest. Looks happier at 1m4f–1m6f. Strong travelling type, yard often targets these Curragh staying handicaps.

Fortuna Vera (OR 80, JPOB, 8st13lb, Draw 9)Dark filly. Big improver at Leopardstown (1m2f win), shaped well at Curragh over 1m6f when 7th of 16, then lost chance when shuffled back at Galway. Strong damline for stamina, looks ready for 1m4f now. Dangerous if it becomes a test.


Main Dangers

Oriole (OR 81, Fahey, 9st9lb, Draw 7) – Consistent mare, Tramore effort better than it looks. Big run at Galway last year (won Premier H’cap). Not many miles on clock for a 6yo and has the class to feature if pace lifts.

Beauparc (OR 80, Keane, 9st8lb, Draw 4) – Lightly raced 5yo, improved this year (two wins inc. Gowran 1m4f). Last two runs below that peak, but goes well fresh. Small danger if yard has her tuned.


Interesting Outsiders

Party Dress (OR 73, McCreery, 9st1lb, Draw 6) – Hard to win with but found form in handicaps and hurdles. Cheekpieces seem to help. Stays well and could sneak into places if it turns into a slog.

Sissi (OR 77, JPOB, 9st5lb, Draw 5) – Maiden winner in May. Looks held by Heather on Ballinrobe form but lightly raced, possible place angle if improving for extra trip.

It’s A Heartbeat (OR 89, O’Donoghue, 9st8lb, Draw 1) – Very unexposed 3yo, maiden winner here over 1m2f. Pedigree suggests further in time, but pitched into a tough handicap early. Market check vital.


Runner Suitability Scores

  • Heather – 8.5/10 (progressive, right trip, allowances help)
  • Shaool – 8/10 (solid, proven, but high weight)
  • La Vita Nova – 7.5/10 (best at this trip, respected but quirky)
  • Fortuna Vera – 7.5/10 (scopey 3yo, needs race to open up)
  • Oriole – 7/10 (consistent, but can be flat mid-race)
  • Beauparc – 6.5/10 (capable but unreliable)
  • Party Dress – 6/10 (stays, but class may find her out)
  • Sissi – 6/10 (lightly raced, may progress)
  • It’s A Heartbeat – 5.5/10 (too soon, market best guide)

Private Tissue Odds

  • Heather 3/1
  • Shaool 7/2
  • La Vita Nova 5/1
  • Fortuna Vera 6/1
  • Oriole 8/1
  • Beauparc 10/1
  • Party Dress 14/1
  • Sissi 16/1
  • It’s A Heartbeat 20/1

Summary

A deep fillies’ handicap where the progressive 3yo Heather brings Classic-family stamina and looks primed to improve again at 1m4f. Shaool is tough and consistent, but weight could just anchor her against improving types. La Vita Nova and Fortuna Vera are the main dangers, the latter especially if stamina is drawn out. Oriole rates a lively each-way at bigger odds given her Galway win and consistent profile.

Smart Play:

  • Win bet – Heather (progressive, scope, allowance).
  • Each-way saver – Oriole (solid handicapper, handles conditions, overpriced).

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