Pace / Draw Angles:
A big-field 21-runner sprint over 5f. Historically at Naas the stands’ side (high numbers) can hold an edge in sprints. Recent meeting here showed the bias, with low-drawn runners disadvantaged when gravitating away from the pace. Expect a strong gallop: several habitual front-runners (Step Back In Time, Ballysax Lil’ Mick, An Laochmor) plus pacey 3yos like Jordan Breeze and Therussiancomposer. Could set up nicely for a closer if they avoid traffic.
Strongest Contenders
- Lismacbryan (9/10) – Returned to form last time when 4th of 18 here despite moving across to the unfavoured stands’ side. 6f winner last backend, cheekpieces now added, drop to 5f no problem. Big chance if securing a handy sit. Progressive profile compared with exposed rivals.
- Ballysax Lil’ Mick (8/10) – Finally off the mark at Tipperary latest, with some of these behind. Up 6lb but confidence boosted and this trip/ground suits. Dangerous if repeating.
- Step Back In Time (8/10) – Consistent mare who made all at Navan in June. Runs off a stiffened mark but remains competitive at this level. Prominent style could be a positive with a middle draw.
- Pinmoney (7.5/10) – Career-best second at Sligo in first-time cheekpieces, strong late run from off the pace. Tongue-tie added. Still unexposed at this level and open to improvement.
Main Dangers
- Lismacbryan Hill (7/10) – Ran better than result last time from poor track position. Consistent filly who often runs her race but doesn’t win often. Each-way claims if track bias suits.
- An Laochmor (6.5/10) – Still a maiden but keeps threatening; shaped well at Tipperary, travelled strongly before fading. Likely to be thereabouts if things drop right.
- Distillate (6.5/10) – More effective at 6f/7f but capable off this mark. If pace collapses, could run into a place.
Interesting Outsiders
- Jordan Breeze (6.5/10) – Just his second handicap when 4th at Cork, shaped as though more to come. Lightly raced 3yo, possible improver.
- Rift Valley (6/10) – Ex-Fanshawe filly, hinted at ability in Britain; lightly raced and interesting on Irish handicap debut.
- American In Paris (6/10) – Won here in July (6f) but form dipped since off revised mark. Not dismissed if bouncing back.
Exposed / Risky Types
- Livingston Range (5.5/10) – Not won for a long time, form inconsistent, but second at Fairyhouse in May shows ability still there.
- Only Spoofing (5.5/10) – Admirable old sprinter, but consistency waning at 11yo. More place material.
- Theriverrunsdeep (4/10) – Won this race last year but nowhere near that form now.
- Wayne R Walker / Dark Enigma / Ellomate (2–3/10) – Very hard to fancy on current evidence.
Runner Scores
- Lismacbryan 9/10
- Ballysax Lil’ Mick 8/10
- Step Back In Time 8/10
- Pinmoney 7.5/10
- Lismacbryan Hill 7/10
- An Laochmor 6.5/10
- Distillate 6.5/10
- Jordan Breeze 6.5/10
- Rift Valley 6/10
- American In Paris 6/10
- Livingston Range 5.5/10
- Only Spoofing 5.5/10
- Lakota Lady 5/10
- Therussiancomposer 5/10
- Whatswrongnow 5/10
- Theriverrunsdeep 4/10
- Stopitnowjulia 3.5/10 (long layoff)
- Wayne R Walker 2/10
- Dark Enigma 2/10
- Ellomate 2/10
- Fort Star ? / Untested (market check required)
Private Tissue (my odds)
- Lismacbryan 4/1
- Ballysax Lil’ Mick 6/1
- Step Back In Time 6/1
- Pinmoney 8/1
- Lismacbryan Hill 10/1
- An Laochmor 12/1
- Distillate 12/1
- Jordan Breeze 12/1
- Rift Valley 14/1
- American In Paris 14/1
- Others 16/1+
Each-Way Angles
With 21 runners and enhanced places likely, the race screams each-way play. Horses who shaped well against track bias last time (Lismacbryan, Lismacbryan Hill, Ballysax Lil’ Mick) all tick the box. Pinmoney also looks primed to improve.
Summary & Smart Play
A typically wide-open low-grade Irish sprint with plenty of exposed runners but a few with upside. The form line from Naas earlier this month (where stands’ side bias was strong) looks key: Lismacbryan did best of those against the grain and can go one better with cheekpieces added. Ballysax Lil’ Mick arrives off a confidence booster and is respected, while Step Back In Time remains solid at the level. Unexposed Pinmoney looks the best each-way bet at the prices.
Smart Play:
- Win bet – Lismacbryan
- Each-way saver – Pinmoney
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