3.40 Killarney – ML Lynch Civil Engineering Beginners Chase (2m1f, Good)

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Beginners chase, €11k pot, for horses yet to win over fences. Surface is good – fair ground for jumping, with Killarney generally a track that can suit handy types but isn’t draw-dependent like the Flat.

Pace/Shape:

  • Likely a reasonable tempo. Hashtag Pretender and Downmexicoway have made the running before, both being prominent types.
  • Addragoole and Tonaghneave Well tend to sit handy.
  • Not many confirmed hold-up horses, so race shouldn’t be falsely run.

Strongest Contenders

  • Addragoole (Gavin Cromwell / K Donoghue) – Progressive hurdler, multiple strong runs in handicaps, including a Cork third and Wexford second (both rated 130 RPR). Won his maiden comfortably at Clonmel. Profile says he’s the type to take well to fences – straightforward, consistent, stays 2m+ well, and has already shown he handles good ground. Cromwell 80% rtf suggests stable form. Proven & progressive.
  • Hashtag Pretender (Barry Connell / Sean Flanagan) – Finally got his maiden win last October at Gowran, then ran well in a Navan handicap (128 RPR). Lightly raced since moving from France, keeps hitting the frame. Jumps well and has tactical speed. Ground no issue. Could be a “go day” type – worth respecting. Promising but often finds one too good.
  • Tonaghneave Well (Cromwell second string / Stone-Walsh claim) – Consistent novice hurdler, won at Downpatrick in June (RPR 131). Notebook says he’s versatile trip-wise and improving. Course bumper winner at Killarney adds weight. Unexposed 5yo, could progress again. Promising & unexposed.
  • Downmexicoway (Henry de Bromhead / D O’Keeffe) – Maiden hurdle winner at Down Royal, but hasn’t kicked on since. Pulled up twice, well beaten in Graded company. OR 133 flatters him a bit. If jumping well, class could tell, but recent efforts underwhelming. Risky, regressive form.

Main Dangers / Outsiders

  • Bright Legend (Denis Hogan) – Has run to 126 RPR in handicaps, but first chasing start at Galway was poor (6th of 9, 24L behind). Flat pedigree (Zoustar) suggests fences might not be natural. Still a fair hurdler, but needs to prove it over fences.
  • Glens Sensation – Pulled up/tailed off repeatedly, no meaningful form. Uncompetitive.
  • Sense The Tension – 9yo with little form, unseated when well beaten in a chase. Outclassed.

Runner Scores (Suitability /10)

  • Addragoole – 8/10 (consistent, progressive hurdler, ready type for fences, proven at trip/ground).
  • Hashtag Pretender – 7/10 (strong maiden hurdler, decent handicap form, but prone to finding one too good).
  • Tonaghneave Well – 7/10 (unexposed, still learning, has winning form at track; could step forward).
  • Downmexicoway – 6/10 (has the class on paper but inconsistent, poor last two runs).
  • Bright Legend – 5/10 (solid hurdler, chasing debut unconvincing).
  • Glens Sensation – 2/10 (well beaten in handicaps, little encouragement).
  • Sense The Tension – 1/10 (limited form, out of depth).

Private Tissue Estimate

  • Addragoole – 2/1
  • Hashtag Pretender – 3/1
  • Tonaghneave Well – 4/1
  • Downmexicoway – 7/1
  • Bright Legend – 8/1
  • Glens Sensation – 50/1
  • Sense The Tension – 100/1

Summary

This looks like a match between Addragoole, who has the best hurdling form and should make a smooth transition to fences, and the Cromwell second string Tonaghneave Well, who is progressive and won a bumper at this track. Hashtag Pretender is a danger if delivering his hurdles form over fences, while Downmexicoway has the highest official rating but looks regressive.

Smart Play:

  • Win bet: Addragoole – progressive hurdler with rock-solid handicap form, should be primed for chasing.
  • Each-way saver: Tonaghneave Well – unexposed 5yo, course form, still improving, could easily step forward.

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