1. 14:12 Thurles Mares Maiden Hurdle (2m)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Total TimeWise Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stepdance | 5yo (263.3160) |
| 2 | Run For Mahler (IRE) | 6yo (258.2381) |
Recent Form and Comments
- Stepdance (TimeWise #1): This 5-year-old won three consecutive races on the Flat this summer, which led to a rise to a Flat mark of 62. Her start to her hurdling career at Navan was “inauspicious,” finishing 22 lengths behind, but she stayed on that day, suggesting she may be better suited to longer distances in the future.
- Run For Mahler (IRE) (TimeWise #2): The 6-year-old was runner-up in bumpers at Sligo and Tramore before achieving a breakthrough win at Down Royal in August on good to firm ground. She had a positive hurdling debut, finishing second at Listowel (2m, yielding), which was deemed “no shame”. She holds an obvious chance and should be thereabouts.
Spotlight Verdict
The expensive point purchase QUALIMITA is given the nod to get her first rules success here, despite proving costly to follow and having disappointed as an odds-on favourite on three occasions. Should the selection disappoint once more, bumper winner Run For Mahler may take advantage following her positive second on hurdling debut at Listowel. Cailin Deas completes the shortlist.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: The runners include mares aged 4 to 7 years old.
- Fate of Favourites: Not explicitly provided in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer James A Fahey has a 60% strike rate in the last 14 days based on his runner profile.
Assessment of Top Two
- Stepdance (TimeWise #1): Her strength lies in her high TimeWise rating and proven Flat fitness (three wins this summer). Her weakness is a poor start to her hurdling career, though she showed staying ability. The current 2m trip may be too sharp, making her suitability questionable until she steps up in distance.
- Run For Mahler (IRE) (TimeWise #2): Her strengths include strong bumper form (a winner in August) and a promising runner-up finish on hurdles debut. She is identified by the Spotlight as the likely main danger. She is highly suitable for the contest based on recent hurdling performance.
2. 14:47 Thurles Leugh Handicap Hurdle (2m)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Total TimeWise Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wing Back (IRE) | 5yo (239.2723) |
| 2 | Bite That (IRE) | 9yo (237.7285) |
Recent Form and Comments
- Wing Back (IRE) (TimeWise #1): The 5-year-old was previously underwhelming in handicap starts but secured a victory at Downpatrick (2m2f, good) in August. He followed this up with a good run, finishing third off a revised mark over the same distance. However, he subsequently fell at the second hurdle when sent off favourite at Clonmel. He should be competitive if achieving a clear round.
- Bite That (IRE) (TimeWise #2): This 9-year-old previously went close at Galway, being headed late on. He finished second in the same race last year before winning, and he enters this race 2lb below his last winning mark, making him an interesting contender.
Spotlight Verdict
Both Downpatrick mainstays Centaq and Wing Back are considered in the mix, with Centaq being the preferred of that pair. However, BOWGATE STREET is taken as the selection, as she looked like she was returning to form when placed at Galway last time, replicating a performance from the previous year before her sole win. She is 2lb below her winning mark.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Runners are 4yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Not explicitly provided in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: S Curling has a 60% strike rate in the last 14 days. D A McLoughlin has achieved 2 placings from 5 runners in handicap starts.
Assessment of Top Two
- Wing Back (IRE) (TimeWise #1): His strengths are his high rating, recent winning handicap form, and running well subsequently off a higher mark. His main weakness is the recent fall at Clonmel. He is highly suitable if he can avoid mistakes.
- Bite That (IRE) (TimeWise #2): His strength lies in being 2lb below his last winning mark and having a history of improving after recent placing in a similar race (Galway). His weakness is a lack of explicit recent comment or top-level form mentioned. He is suitable for this grade and distance.
3. 15:22 Thurles Moyne Rated Novice Hurdle (2m4f)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Total TimeWise Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tassarolo (IRE) | 4yo (315.7032) |
| 2 | Nelson Muntz | 6yo (307.6016) |
Recent Form and Comments
- Tassarolo (IRE) (TimeWise #1): The 4-year-old secured his breakthrough win on hurdles debut at Clonmel (2m, yielding) in April. He subsequently finished runner-up in a Killarney novice hurdle (2m1f, yielding), where he finished 4.5 lengths ahead of Nelson Muntz. He is considered a leading contender based on that recent form.
- Nelson Muntz (TimeWise #2): The 6-year-old won a 2m maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in August. He finished third in a Killarney novice hurdle last time, 4.5 lengths behind Tassarolo.
Spotlight Verdict
The two horses of interest are recent Killarney second and third, Tassarolo and NELSON MUNTZ (nap). Although Tassarolo finished over four lengths ahead last time, the selection is Nelson Muntz, as a return to a right-handed track and the increased distance of this race are expected to help him overturn the deficit. Tatateo may also get involved if he improves his jumping.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Not explicitly provided in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: D Kelly has a 67% strike rate in the last 14 days. D Hogan has a 43% strike rate in the last 14 days (4 wins/7 places/47 runners total).
Assessment of Top Two
- Tassarolo (IRE) (TimeWise #1): His strength is his proven higher level of form than Nelson Muntz in their most recent clash. His weakness is the prediction that the change in track direction and trip may favour his rival. He is suitable for the class and is a strong contender.
- Nelson Muntz (TimeWise #2): His strengths are his status as the Spotlight’s ‘nap’ due to predicted improvement from the increased distance (2m4f) and the return to a right-handed track, which is expected to help him reverse form. His weakness is being decisively beaten by Tassarolo last time. He is highly suitable based on track and trip predictions.
4. 15:55 Thurles http://www.thurlesraces.ie Maiden Hurdle (2m6½f)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Total TimeWise Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tsavo Park (IRE) | 6yo (213.3877) |
| 2 | Additional Time (IRE) | 6yo (209.7886) |
Recent Form and Comments
- Tsavo Park (IRE) (TimeWise #1): This 6-year-old achieved a 3.5-length second in a four-runner point. His form in three maiden hurdles was similar. He weakened into fifth on his handicap debut at Fontwell last time, but the current 2m6½f trip is considered worth a try.
- Additional Time (IRE) (TimeWise #2): The 6-year-old is a point-to-point winner. He showed a better performance in his most recent run compared to his initial poor rules debut. He is identified as a danger by the Spotlight.
Spotlight Verdict
HERONS BUTLER is given a top chance, as he looked booked for third at Clonmel last time when upped in trip (2m4f) before unseating at the second last, a run that would have otherwise made him ineligible for this maiden contest. The danger comes from point-to-point winner Additional Time.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo+. Runners are 4yo, 5yo, 6yo, 9yo.
- Fate of Favourites: Not explicitly provided in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: J Hanlon has a 60% strike rate in the last 14 days (P. Hanlon).
Assessment of Top Two
- Tsavo Park (IRE) (TimeWise #1): His strength is his leading TimeWise rating and potential suitability for the new trip. His weakness is his recent disappointing handicap effort where he weakened. He is suitable, especially if the distance proves beneficial.
- Additional Time (IRE) (TimeWise #2): His strengths include being a point-to-point winner and showing improved rules form recently, marking him as the anticipated danger. His weakness was a poor rules debut. He is suitable and expected to contend if his progress continues.
5. 16:27 Thurles http://www.thurlesraces.ie Hurdle (2m6½f)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Total TimeWise Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hewick (IRE) | 10yo (307.6016) |
| 2 | Moon Dorange (FR) | 7yo (267.3187) |
Recent Form and Comments
- Hewick (IRE) (TimeWise #1): This 10-year-old is a Grade 1 winner (2023 King George). His only subsequent win was over this C&D in a conditions hurdle in March. He ran well in the Aintree National but was well below form in a 3m2f Grade 1 at Auteuil in May, marking this race as a new season starting point.
- Moon Dorange (FR) (TimeWise #2): This 7-year-old is a dual hurdles winner but is a better chaser, having won a valuable 2m5f Cheltenham handicap early in the year. A recent Flat comeback run should ensure fitness.
Spotlight Verdict
Given the disappointing turnout, this is considered a good opportunity for classy chaser HEWICK, who won a similar contest earlier in the year.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 5yo+. Runners are 7yo and 10yo.
- Fate of Favourites: Not explicitly provided in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: J Hanlon has a 60% strike rate in the last 14 days (P. Hanlon). C Byrnes has a 33% strike rate in the last 14 days (5 wins/32 runners total).
Assessment of Top Two
- Hewick (IRE) (TimeWise #1): His immense strength is his Grade 1 winning profile and previous C&D conditions hurdle victory. His weakness is returning from a break since May and being below his best in his last Grade 1 outing. He is highly suitable and expected to win given the lack of competition at this level.
- Moon Dorange (FR) (TimeWise #2): His strength is his high TimeWise rating and fitness from a recent Flat run. His weakness is having to find a “fair bit to find on all known form” compared to Hewick. He is suitable for the distance but unlikely to pose a serious threat to the favourite.
6. 17:00 Thurles Premier County Mares Handicap Hurdle (2m6½f)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Total TimeWise Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladies Well (IRE) | 5yo (234.4459) |
| 2 | Sallap (IRE) | 5yo (212.3723) |
Recent Form and Comments
- Ladies Well (IRE) (TimeWise #1): Her progressive form in handicaps led to a 2m7f Ballinrobe win in August (good). She was subsequently well held at Listowel, where she was hampered, off a revised mark. She needs to bounce back here.
- Sallap (IRE) (TimeWise #2): She won recently at Clonmel over this trip, finishing clearly ahead of Great Bird. A subsequent 10lb rise seems acceptable.
Spotlight Verdict
There appeared to be no fluke about SALLAP‘s recent Clonmel win over Great Bird, and she is selected to confirm the form, particularly as her 10lb rise is partially offset by the booking of talented 7lb claimer Michael Kenneally. Milanaway and Navy Waves appeal as each-way prospects.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Mares 4yo+. Runners range from 5yo to 10yo.
- Fate of Favourites: Not explicitly provided in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: A Slattery has a 40% strike rate in the last 14 days. S Curling has a 60% strike rate in the last 14 days.
Assessment of Top Two
- Ladies Well (IRE) (TimeWise #1): Her strength is her proven ability to win in handicaps at a staying trip (Ballinrobe win) and her highest TimeWise rating. Her weakness is the need to bounce back following her Listowel run off a revised mark. She is suitable if returning to her August form.
- Sallap (IRE) (TimeWise #2): Her major strength is her non-flukey recent winning form over this trip at Clonmel. The 10lb penalty is mitigated by the 7lb claimer. Her weakness is facing the 10lb penalty. She is highly suitable and is the Spotlight selection.
7. 17:35 Thurles Munster Flat Race (2m)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Total TimeWise Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bradleys Row (IRE) | 4yo (151.5519) |
| 2 | Sacramental (IRE) | 7yo (147.6170) |
Recent Form and Comments
- Bradleys Row (IRE) (TimeWise #1): This 4-year-old has had three previous runs, logging finishes of eighth, seventh, and seventh.
- Sacramental (IRE) (TimeWise #2): The 7-year-old has very limited form, including pulling up on a previous start.
Spotlight Verdict
The selection is Press The Button, a 5-year-old who is well-bred (sister to a useful hurdle winner, closely related to a bumper winner). He fell last on his second point-to-point in January but is now with a respected yard, so market strength must be noted. Bradleys Row may be best watched unless the market speaks positively.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo+. Runners are 4yo, 5yo, and 7yo.
- Fate of Favourites: Not explicitly provided in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: W Mullins has an 85% strike rate in the last 14 days (50 wins/148 runners total). G Cromwell has a 46% strike rate in the last 14 days (8 wins/91 runners total).
Assessment of Top Two
- Bradleys Row (IRE) (TimeWise #1): His strength is having the highest TimeWise rating in the field. His primary weakness is his previous modest form (0-3). His suitability depends entirely on major, unproven improvement, indicated by the need to watch the market.
- Sacramental (IRE) (TimeWise #2): His strength is his position as the second-highest TimeWise rated horse. His severe weakness is a lack of worthwhile prior form (including a pulled up result). He is likely an outsider.
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