Race Shape & Draw Angles

• Pace: Looks an even gallop setup. Bolger’s Slaney Drive tends to race prominently, and O’Brien’s pair (Saratoga, Direct Approach) could be handy. Etawa and Lifting Sails are more likely to be held up.
• Draw: Over 1m2f at the Curragh there’s no strong bias, but low/mid draws often enjoy a smooth passage. Stall 1 (Saratoga) and 2 (Hamadhan) are well positioned.

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Strongest Contenders

Slaney Drive (Bolger) – Proven/Progressive

• Strong pair of runs in good maidens (RPR 86/84). Honest, sticks on well, and pedigree suggests 10–12f is right. Bolger yard 100% rtf% last 14 days. The most solid piece of form on offer.

Saratoga (Aidan O’Brien) – Promising

• Brother to Leger winner Capri. Debut 3rd (RPR 83) at Killarney, shaping as though more to come over further. Ballydoyle often brings these along steadily—trainer 5 winners in last 14 days. Big improver angle.

Etawa (Dermot Weld) – Promising but Unproven

• Consistent filly, best RPR 85. Bred to improve at this trip, but hasn’t yet put it together. Better ground a plus. Still holds potential, though temperament slight concern.

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Main Dangers

Hamadhan (Murtagh) – Unexposed

• Fifth last time in a strong Leopardstown maiden (RPR 70). Needs a step forward but bred for this trip. Stable in good form.

Lifting Sails (Harrington) – Interesting Outsider

• Only one run, shaped well for 2nd at Limerick (RPR 79). From last year’s winning stable in this race. Likely improver, especially with stronger pace.

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Less Likely Contenders

• Baron Blake – Jumps type, limited Flat ability, profile not strong enough.
• Bartholomew / Direct Approach / King Winner / Bright Night – Yet to show any worthwhile form; more likely to need handicaps.

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Runner Scores (Suitability out of 10)

• Slaney Drive – 9/10 (solid, progressive, right trip)
• Saratoga – 8.5/10 (pedigree screams improvement, could leap forward)
• Etawa – 7.5/10 (consistent but not entirely convincing in finish)
• Hamadhan – 6.5/10 (needs more but not without chance)
• Lifting Sails – 7/10 (potential improver, stable angle)
• Bright Night – 5/10 (unproven, watching brief)
• Baron Blake – 3/10 (unlikely to feature)
• Bartholomew – 2/10 (nothing shown yet)
• Direct Approach – 4/10 (O’Brien factor only, pedigree suggests further)
• King Winner – 2/10 (profile weak, exposed for ability level)

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Private Tissue Odds

• Slaney Drive – 5/2
• Saratoga – 3/1
• Etawa – 9/2
• Lifting Sails – 7/1
• Hamadhan – 8/1
• Bright Night – 14/1
• Direct Approach – 20/1
• Baron Blake – 33/1
• King Winner – 40/1
• Bartholomew – 50/1

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Summary & Smart Play

This looks a match between Slaney Drive (form standard-setter) and Saratoga (big Ballydoyle improver). Etawa is consistent but might lack the final gear, while Lifting Sails is the dark one with scope from a winning stable in this race last year.

Smart Play:

• Win bet – Slaney Drive (solid maiden form, guaranteed to run his race).
• Each-way saver – Lifting Sails (trainer angle, promising debut, should improve with pace).