Classy 2m6f80y Handicap Hurdle | Going: Good | For 4yo+ | Competitive 12-runner heat

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Pace & Draw Angle

• Likely Pace: My Gaffer and Say It So both like to be prominent, potentially forcing a solid, even gallop.
• Hold-Up Horses: Ballycashin, Mags Nelson, and Sequoiaspirit tend to come late – their chance improves if pace is strong.
• Draw: Not relevant over hurdles here.

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Main Contenders

Proven / Progressive Types

• My Gaffer (118, J P Ryan / D Mullins) – In form, recent chase/hurdle dual-purpose success, tough and stays well. Proven at Killarney. Progressive profile.
• Duty Bound (115, J P Flavin / D Meyler) – Two wins from last three, including career-best latest. Stays, handles good ground, tough battler. Upward curve.
• Mags Nelson (110, R O’Sullivan / D Gilligan) – Improving handicapper, up 7lb for recent Roscommon win. Lightly raced, unexposed at this trip. Could go on again.

Main Dangers

• Dream On Baby (128, E Mullins) – Class angle, Grade 3 form, but can find 2m trips too sharp. Today’s longer test should suit, though big weight and inexperienced 7lb claimer tempers confidence.
• Howdoyalikeherhome (120, G Elliott / J Kennedy) – Stays well, has been running in good handicaps. Pulled up last time but generally consistent. Can bounce back at trip.
• Millstream Lady (120, E McNamara) – Tough mare, consistent, but better on softer ground. Still capable at this trip.

Interesting Outsiders

• Sequoiaspirit (120, R Hackett) – Often runs on late, versatile dual-code horse. Lightly raced this summer, sneaky place chance if strong pace.
• Say It So (112, E McNamara) – Quirky but won C&D last time, thriving under 7lb claimer. Stamina to prove at this trip but has momentum.
• Prince Zaltar (113, P J Rothwell) – Smart hurdler at best (RPR 140) but regressive and mainly chasing lately. Dangerous if rediscovering old hurdles form.

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Runner Scores (Suitability Today)

• My Gaffer – 8/10 strong recent form, trip ideal, top jockey booking.
• Duty Bound – 8/10 progressive, stays well, ground okay.
• Mags Nelson – 7.5/10 unexposed improver, on the up.
• Dream On Baby – 7/10 classy, but weight/claimer a concern.
• Howdoyalikeherhome – 7/10 solid stayer, but inconsistent.
• Millstream Lady – 6.5/10 admirable mare, ground may be lively.
• Sequoiaspirit – 6.5/10 late closer, needs pace collapse.
• Say It So – 6/10 quirky, but thriving, stamina question.
• Prince Zaltar – 5.5/10 well treated if bouncing back to hurdles best.
• Carried With Love – 5/10 only 4yo, lightly raced, stamina doubts.
• Ballycashin – 5/10 more miss than hit, place only.
• Persian Daughter – 5/10 unexposed, but lacks depth of form.

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Private Tissue Odds

• My Gaffer 4/1
• Duty Bound 9/2
• Mags Nelson 11/2
• Dream On Baby 13/2
• Howdoyalikeherhome 7/1
• Millstream Lady 10/1
• Sequoiaspirit 12/1
• Say It So 12/1
• Prince Zaltar 16/1
• Carried With Love 16/1
• Ballycashin 20/1
• Persian Daughter 25/1

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Summary & Smart Play

This is a competitive handicap with plenty of in-form stayers. The Mullins mare Dream On Baby adds class but looks burdened. Duty Bound and My Gaffer bring recent winning form and profile strongly. Mags Nelson is unexposed and rates the improving dark horse.

Smart Play

• Win Bet: Duty Bound – tough, progressive, looks well treated still.
• Each-Way Saver: Mags Nelson – improving young stayer, could be ahead of the handicapper.
• Place Lurker: Sequoiaspirit if the pace collapses late.