Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles:

This Premier Handicap over a demanding extended 1m6f places emphasis on stamina and tactical patience. Ground is good, favouring proven stayers who settle well. No obvious front-runner, suggesting an even gallop, though several can press the pace (Comic Book, Kilmeaden, Granite Bay). Low-to-middle draws are typically advantageous over this trip at Killarney, but tactical positioning outweighs draw over this distance.

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Strongest Contenders:

Granite Bay – Progressive

Unexposed stayer with a sharp upward profile. 3 wins from last 5, including a gritty success over 1m6f at Listowel last year. Ground conditions ideal, and stamina for this trip proven. Ran better than the bare result at Fairyhouse and shaped like one still ahead of his mark. Trainer views him as a stayer in the making. Drawn 9 is a slight concern but can tuck in. Ticks the right boxes.

Ragmans Corner – Progressive

Dual-purpose horse thriving lately. Solid Flat wins and placed efforts under both codes. Comes off a strong third at Galway and second over hurdles – in form, tough, and tactically flexible. Colin Keane booked again, and drawn ideally in 4. Will be staying on when others tire. Big chance if pace is honest.

Kilmeaden – Promising

Lightly raced 3yo from a top staying pedigree (Galileo). Answered temperament queries with a gutsy Galway win over 12.4f. Extra distance could bring more, and trainer sees him as a future stayer. Up 7lb but unexposed and in-hand. Drawn 8 and stepping into deeper waters, but potential remains.

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Main Dangers:

Mo Ghille Mar – Proven

Not the most consistent but won well at Down Royal and shaped okay in deep Curragh handicap. Up in trip again, which suits on pedigree. Same connections as Comic Book. Best form on good ground. Each-way claims from draw 7 if held up for one late run.

Comic Book – Class Dropper

Group-placed filly stepping down from tough black-type company. Fair third behind San Salvador two runs back and stays well. Trainer/owner combo respected at this level. Cheekpieces stay on, and 5lb claim useful. Unexposed at the trip and should improve for it. Draw 10 not ideal, needs cover.

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Interesting Outsiders:

Bibe Mus – Unexposed

Ex-French winner, shaped nicely behind Kilmeaden on Irish debut. Stout Camelot pedigree and will improve with experience and trip. Drawn in 6 and rates an unknown quantity with upside.

Pinot Gris – Dual-code Talent

Solid hurdler with top handicap efforts and has been primed for a tilt at a big flat pot. Travelled well in Curragh handicap before fading. Trip suits, good ground ideal, and trainer knows how to ready one. Live chance if settling.

Autumn Twist – Stamina Angle

Won a Ballinrobe maiden in battling fashion and has been in form over hurdles. Drawn wide in 11 but shapes like he’ll relish this trip and could surprise if pace is strong.

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Runner Scores and Suitability:

• Granite Bay: 9/10 – Unexposed, stays well, handles conditions.
• Ragmans Corner: 8/10 – In-form, dual-purpose, strong stayer.
• Kilmeaden: 8/10 – Promising 3yo, improving, should stay.
• Comic Book: 7/10 – Drops in class, but needs cover and improvement at trip.
• Mo Ghille Mar: 7/10 – Stays, well-handicapped, consistency query.
• Pinot Gris: 7/10 – Talented, but Flat temperament an issue.
• Bibe Mus: 6/10 – Unexposed and likely to improve.
• Autumn Twist: 6/10 – Solid dual-code profile, wide draw a negative.
• Mon Coeur: 5/10 – Veteran, useful mark, but long in the tooth.
• Brosna Town: 5/10 – Doubts about stamina and form.
• Chutzpal: 5/10 – Overachieving type, but vulnerable now exposed.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form hurdlers or dual-purpose types reverting to the Flat.

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Each-Way Angles (12 runners):

Mo Ghille Mar and Pinot Gris stand out as viable each-way options at likely double-figure prices, especially if the pace proves strong late.

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Private Tissue Estimate:

• Granite Bay – 4/1
• Ragmans Corner – 5/1
• Kilmeaden – 6/1
• Comic Book – 13/2
• Mo Ghille Mar – 8/1
• Pinot Gris – 10/1
• Bibe Mus – 12/1
• Autumn Twist – 14/1
• Mon Coeur – 16/1
• Brosna Town – 18/1
• Chutzpal – 20/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

A tactical staying handicap where several arrive with upside. Granite Bay continues to progress and is expected to improve again with a pace setup and proven stamina. Ragmans Corner is a danger on consistent recent form across both codes. Kilmeaden is the intriguing 3yo with staying potential and should be watched for support.

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Smart Play:

• Win Bet – Granite Bay (progressive, solid profile, stays strong)
• Each-Way Saver – Mo Ghille Mar (well-handicapped filly, ready for this trip, strong connections)