Pace & Draw:
Plenty of pace on show here. Genesis (drawn 2) and Little Queenie (6) like to be prominent, while The Highway Rat (3) and Nezeeh (1) can sit handy. Greek Flower (5) and Airspeed (4) tend to come from off the pace, which could play into their hands if they get a tow. With stalls 1–6 all hosting forward-goers, the race looks set for an even-to-strong pace. Draw low–middle looks a plus.
Strongest Contenders
The Highway Rat (OR 99, Draw 3) – Proven
Big weight but classy sprinter who ran to 108 RPR in a Group 2 in July. Has plenty of solid Curragh runs and a prior C&D win off higher. Ran well despite a slow start when third in June (Curragh) and is inching closer to peak turf form. Blinking cheekpieces not a negative. Track and trip ideal.
Little Queenie (OR 87, Draw 6) – Proven
Winner of this race last year off a higher mark. Twice a C&D scorer and in excellent nick earlier in summer, only just denied in June. Last run on AW was solid. Still well-treated given she scored off 96 last August. Trainer confident she’s up to Listed class – class act if on song.
Moltophino (OR 89, Draw 7) – Progressive
Improving sprinter, shaping as though 6f is his best trip, but wasn’t disgraced when finishing strongly over 5f at Cork latest. Curragh win in May was a career best, and he’s been consistent since. Up in grade but still unexposed at this level.
Main Dangers
Genesis (OR 78, Draw 2) – Progressive
Made all to beat Valiant Force last time at Dundalk, and went close in a hot Naas handicap before that. Likes to dominate; if he bags the lead again, could be dangerous even off higher turf marks.
Greek Flower (OR 79, Draw 5) – Ground dependent
High RPRs when the ground eases (ran to 113 at Curragh in July). She’s genuine but likely better on softer. Today’s “good” going may blunt her late kick, though she’ll be finishing off strongly.
Interesting Outsiders
Airspeed (OR 81, Draw 4) – Promising
3yo with pace, by Soldier’s Call. Already won over 5f and ran close in decent nurseries. Still learning and shaped better than bare result last time at the Curragh. Unexposed against older handicappers, might step forward here.
Nezeeh (OR 78, Draw 1) – Resurgent
Twice a winner this summer, including over 6f at Curragh two weeks ago. Consistent in blinkers and now drops back to 5. A stiff finish suits, but this is a deeper race and he may be vulnerable to classier rivals late.
Runner Scores (Suitability /10)
- The Highway Rat – 9/10 (class act, big weight but conditions ideal)
- Little Queenie – 9/10 (won this last year, still well-treated, loves Navan)
- Moltophino – 8/10 (progressive, probably better at 6f but strong finisher)
- Genesis – 7/10 (dangerous if dominating, but harder to control this field)
- Greek Flower – 7/10 (needs softer ground to be fully effective)
- Airspeed – 7/10 (unexposed 3yo, could surprise with weight allowance)
- Nezeeh – 6/10 (in form, but not obviously well-handicapped at this level)
Private Tissue (Guide Odds)
- The Highway Rat – 3/1
- Little Queenie – 7/2
- Moltophino – 9/2
- Genesis – 7/1
- Greek Flower – 8/1
- Airspeed – 10/1
- Nezeeh – 12/1
Summary & Smart Play
This looks a hot sprint handicap with pace all across the low-to-middle draws. The Highway Rat brings the best class form and loves this C&D, while Little Queenie is the clear danger, having won this last year off a higher mark. Moltophino is the improver, likely finishing best of all.
Smart Play:
- Win bet – The Highway Rat (class edge, right trip/track, ran to 108 RPR in July)
- Each-way saver – Little Queenie (course specialist, handicapped to repeat last year’s success)
- Value outsider – Airspeed (progressive 3yo, may find further improvement at this stiff finish).
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