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2.10 Irish EBF Fillies Maiden (Smullen Series) (1m)

Rank	Horse (TS / RPR)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds
1	Amelia Earhart (86 / 99)	A P O’Brien	Jack Cleary (5)	5/4
2	I Hope You Dance (72 / 76)	H De Bromhead	Andrew Slattery	25/1

Recent Form & Comments

• Amelia Earhart: This Camelot filly is one of three runners for the yard. She has been a beaten favourite in all four previous starts, all over 7f. Despite this, she has run well in defeat and holds a high official rating of 94. Her latest run was a respectable fourth in a Curragh Group 3 on soft ground. She is bred to stay the 1m trip.
• I Hope You Dance: This Galiway filly ran midfield in a 7f Leopardstown barrier trial in August. Her racecourse debut at Cork (1m, yielding) yielded a similar outcome, though she finished 1l ahead of Almeiyda. Connections believe she needs to improve plenty to feature here.

Spotlight Verdict

Aidan O’Brien won this race in 2024 with Minnie Hauk and runs three this year. AMELIA EARHART, rated 94, has been expensive to follow but possesses the best form on offer and is hard to oppose. Her stablemate Musical Chimes is beautifully bred and could go well on debut, as could Aravalli. Almeiyda was green on debut at Cork and she can improve plenty on that performance.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: All runners are 2yo fillies.
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of the favourites in the last ten runnings is 1 win.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): D K Weld (4-3-14), A P O’Brien (3-5-26), Mrs John Harrington (2-0-13), Henry De Bromhead (0-2-2), J P Murtagh (0-2-8), J S Bolger (0-1-11), Joseph Patrick O’Brien (0-1-8).

Assessment of Top Two Chances

• Amelia Earhart (Top Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Possesses the best established form (RPR 99, OR 94). Bred to handle the 1m trip.
  • Weaknesses: Has failed to win in four attempts and has been the beaten favourite previously.
• I Hope You Dance (Second Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Has race experience, performing slightly better than a key rival (Almeiyda) on debut.
  • Weaknesses: Her debut performance was unremarkable, suggesting she needs significant improvement (TS 72, RPR 76) to compete in this field.

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2.40 Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden (Smullen Series) (1m)

Rank	Horse (TS / RPR)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds
1	Zia Zabel (47 / 86)	Miss Natalia Lupini	J A Heffernan	11/2
2	Sharkeyboy (69 / 74)	W P Mullins	J M Sheridan	14/1

Recent Form & Comments

• Zia Zabel: This Ghaiyyath colt made a promising debut at the Curragh last month, finishing second behind a ready winner (Spangled Sands). He got worked up beforehand and ran green during the race, but is described as a big scopey colt with potential to play a major role and is likely to improve substantially. He was bought for 200,000 as a foal but only 100,000gns as a yearling.
• Sharkeyboy: This 80,000euros foal ran well for a long way on his Curragh debut last month, eventually beaten by 8l on soft ground. It is anticipated that the better ground expected here may suit him. He is a brother to the French 1m2f AW winner Valzak.

Spotlight Verdict

Ballydoyle run three here, with the market likely the best indicator to their respective chances. The vote goes to ZIA ZABEL (nap), who shaped really well on his recent Curragh debut against a potentially smart sort and looks to have any amount of improvement. Sharkeyboy and Fits Perfect should come on from their debut runs, while Star Chamber needs to improve on what he’s shown so far.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: All runners are 2yo colts and geldings.
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of the favourites in the last ten runnings is 3 wins.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): A P O’Brien (6-5-28), Joseph Patrick O’Brien (1-2-10), Donnacha Aidan O’Brien (0-2-2), Mrs John Harrington (0-3-12).

Assessment of Top Two Chances

• Zia Zabel (Top Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Highly promising debut showing significant scope for improvement. A “big scopey colt”. Selected as the ‘nap’ by the Spotlight.
  • Weaknesses: Ran green and got worked up pre-race on debut. His raw TS (47) is relatively low, relying heavily on potential (RPR 86).
• Sharkeyboy (Second Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Ran well over a long distance on debut; better ground is expected to suit him. Expected to improve from his first run.
  • Weaknesses: Was well beaten (8l) on his sole start.

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3.15 Mongey Communications Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3) (1m 1f)

Rank	Horse (TS / RPR)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds
1	Thread Of Gold (49 / 101)	W P Mullins	J M Sheridan	15/8
2	Listentodwindblow (83 / 92)	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	M W Hassett	50/1

Recent Form & Comments

• Thread Of Gold: This Ghaiyyath gelding landed a rare 2yo maiden win for champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins on debut at the Curragh (7f, good). It was an impressive performance. He is expected to stay this 1m 1f distance. His pedigree gives mixed messages regarding suitability to easier ground.
• Listentodwindblow: A maiden after three starts, he has shown some promise in valuable sales’ races recently. He holds an Official Rating (OR) of 89. He requires significant improvement when stepping up to this Group 3 grade.

Spotlight Verdict

Willie Mullins’ Curragh debut winner Thread Of Gold can go well if handling easier ground but his pedigree suggests that’s not guaranteed. Aidan O’Brien holds a strong hand with three runners and PIAZZA SAN MARCO, an impressive all the way winner on soft at Galway last time, is narrowly preferred over Christmas Day. South Island and Nil Bua Gan Dua appeal most of the remainder.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: All runners are 2yo only.
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of the favourites in the last ten runnings is 5 wins.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): A P O’Brien (2-10-22), Joseph Patrick O’Brien (2-0-11), Donnacha Aidan O’Brien (0-1-2).

Assessment of Top Two Chances

• Thread Of Gold (Top Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Impressive debut performance; expected to handle the trip well. Trainer Willie Mullins is running him in a Group 3 after one outing, suggesting high regard.
  • Weaknesses: Questions remain regarding his ability to handle easier ground. Low raw TS (49).
• Listentodwindblow (Second Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Has demonstrated ability/promise in past runs. Holds a reasonable RPR (92).
  • Weaknesses: Requires “plenty of improvement” to compete at this level given his current rating (OR 89) and lack of wins.

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3.50 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (7f)

Rank	Horse (TS / RPR)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds
1	Minerva (85 / 104)	A P O’Brien	R P Whelan	11/10
2	Take A Bow (32 / 67)	A P O’Brien	Jack Cleary (5)	4/1

Recent Form & Comments

• Minerva: This Frankel filly has substantial experience compared to her rivals (six runs). She has chased home smart types at Leopardstown and the Curragh. Her best performance yet was when running prominently in cheekpieces in the Group 3 Weld Park Stakes at Leopardstown last month, only losing second in the final strides on soft ground. She is rated 98 and is considered the one to beat.
• Take A Bow: This No Nay Never filly is a half-sister to five winners. In testing conditions on her Curragh debut, while tongue-tied, she finished nearly 9l behind a stablemate and the favourite. She should benefit from that experience, but she is considered the lesser likely contender among the Ballydoyle challenge, and blinkers are added for this run.

Spotlight Verdict

Although still a maiden after six attempts MINERVA sets a high standard and is hard to oppose. Stablemates Take A Bow and Garden Party could make the frame, while Johnny Murtagh’s pair Shamlia and Divine Legend are worth watching for future reference.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: All runners are 2yo fillies.
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of the favourites in the last ten runnings is 4 wins.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): A P O’Brien (4-6-21), Mrs John Harrington (1-4-11), Donnacha Aidan O’Brien (0-1-1), J P Murtagh (0-1-7).

Assessment of Top Two Chances

• Minerva (Top Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Holds the highest RPR (104). Has Group 3 placed form and significant experience. Proven ability on soft ground and raced prominently last time. Hard to oppose.
  • Weaknesses: Remains a maiden after six runs.
• Take A Bow (Second Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Expected to improve significantly from a disappointing debut run. Headgear (blinkers) added.
  • Weaknesses: Finished almost 9l behind the winner on debut in testing conditions; considered the stable’s second string. Very low TS (32) compared to Minerva (85).

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4.20 Killavullan Stakes (Group 3) (7f)

Rank	Horse (TS / RPR)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds
1	Dorset (94 / 113)	A P O’Brien	Jack Cleary	2/1
2	Yaupon De Replay (71 / 106)	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	C D Hayes	9/4

Recent Form & Comments

• Dorset: Another Wootton Bassett colt for the yard. He beat a smart sort in a Curragh maiden at this 7f trip. He returned to the same course and distance last month to win the valuable Goffs Million, seeing it out well after being committed early. He also performed creditably when sacrificed in a pacemaking role (hooded) in the Group 1 National Stakes. He has to be respected.
• Yaupon De Replay: This Yaupon filly made an immediate impact as a 20-1 winner of the Listed Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse last month (6f, yielding). She came from well off the pace, demonstrating a good turn of foot. She has every chance of staying this 7f trip and is respected.

Spotlight Verdict

An interesting little contest. Ballydoyle representatives Daytona and Dorset have identical official ratings, albeit both are looking a bit exposed. The former [Daytona] gets preference here back on easier ground, although all three other rivals are much less exposed and could improve enough to feature.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: All runners are 2yo only.
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of the favourites in the last ten runnings is 1 win.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): A P O’Brien (5-5-23), J S Bolger (1-2-10), Joseph Patrick O’Brien (1-1-6).

Assessment of Top Two Chances

• Dorset (Top Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Recent high-profile win in the Goffs Million demonstrates high quality. Has experience at Group 1/2 level. Very high RPR (113) and TS (94).
  • Weaknesses: Might be starting to look exposed compared to rivals.
• Yaupon De Replay (Second Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Impressive Listed winner showing a strong turn of foot. Less exposed than the O’Brien runners and expected to handle the 7f trip.
  • Weaknesses: Stepping up in class to Group 3 for the first time.

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4.50 Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden (7f)

Rank	Horse (TS / RPR)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds
1	Circle Of Life (30 / 79)	A P O’Brien	R P Whelan	9/2
2	Unauthorized (44 / 79)	Aidan Melia	R P Cleary	5/1

Recent Form & Comments

• Circle Of Life: This Dubawi colt comes from a top family (brother to a high-class sprinter). He has put in a couple of underwhelming efforts in Curragh maidens, with testing conditions likely unsuitable last time. He has a bit to prove at this stage.
• Unauthorized: His recent Curragh fifth (beating three of today’s rivals) marked a step in the right direction. He could improve enough again to feature in what is described as a potentially ordinary maiden for this venue. He holds an Official Rating (OR) of 78.

Spotlight Verdict

This doesn’t look the strongest of maidens for the venue and on breeding DRUIDS GLEN stands out, being a brother to this year’s Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Lake Victoria, a top juvenile of last year. Stablemate Circle Of Life has lots to prove at this stage, more likely threats could come from Unauthorized, barrier trial winner Karrygrant and Listowel disappointment Now Maybe who seems sure to appreciate this better ground.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: All runners are 2yo colts and geldings.
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of the favourites in the last ten runnings is 1 win.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): A P O’Brien (5-10-27), Donnacha Aidan O’Brien (1-0-1), Mrs John Harrington (1-1-7), Joseph Patrick O’Brien (0-1-9).

Assessment of Top Two Chances

• Circle Of Life (Top Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Exceptional breeding (Dubawi colt from a top family). Potential for improvement, especially if ground is better.
  • Weaknesses: Form so far is underwhelming, suggesting he has “lots to prove”. Very low TS (30).
• Unauthorized (Second Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Showed recent progress with a fifth-place finish at the Curragh. Might be competitive in this grade of maiden. High RPR (79).
  • Weaknesses: Needs to continue improving to be a factor.

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5.20 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap (1m)

Rank	Horse (TS / RPR)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds
1	River Ara (83 / 85)	A P O’Brien	Jack Cleary (5)	3/1
2	Invincible Will (69 / 85)	Gavin Patrick Cromwell	R Whearty	7/1

Recent Form & Comments

• River Ara: This St Mark’s Basilica filly demonstrated nice improvement on her second start, finishing runner-up to a subsequent Group 3 winner in a Cork maiden. When upped to 1m at Cork, she finished third, coming from well back. She is open to further improvement at this trip, and the rider’s 5lb claim is a positive.
• Invincible Will: After plenty of experience (seventh attempt), this horse finally got off the mark in a Curragh nursery last month, securing a neck win late on. He can be keen, and a tongue-tie has been added alongside the hood for this run. He is running off a 6lb higher mark, which is considered steep, meaning he needs to improve again.

Spotlight Verdict

Only getting going late on over this trip at Cork last time RIVER ARA looks to have more to offer at this distance and gets the vote over Hamiyan and Iamimmaculate. Nod Of Approval is a potential improver upped in trip.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: All runners are 2yo only.
• Fate of Favourites: In the only result provided for the last 5 years, the favourite finished third.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): G M Lyons (1-0-1), Joseph Patrick O’Brien (0-1-2).

Assessment of Top Two Chances

• River Ara (Top Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Proven improvement trajectory, especially since moving up to 1m. Strong finishing style suggests she is likely to suit the distance. The 5lb claimer is advantageous.
  • Weaknesses: None explicitly detailed, highly favoured by the Spotlight.
• Invincible Will (Second Rated):
  • Strengths/Suitability: Recent winner (Curragh nursery); connections are utilizing equipment (hood/tongue-tie) to manage keenness.
  • Weaknesses: The 6lb rise is described as steep, necessitating further improvement. Can be keen during races.