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1.55 Fruit Shoot Maiden (1m 1f)

Rank	Horse (TimeWise Top Two)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Total TimeWise Rating (Master Latest / Master Master)
1	Maestro Bernstein (IRE)	A P O’Brien	W M Lordan	2/1	81 / 81
2	Glittering Gem (IRE)	D Weld	C Hayes	3/1	75 / 75

Recent Form and Comments

• Maestro Bernstein (3yo): This superbly bred Wootton Bassett colt built on a middling heavy ground Listowel debut with a 3.75l second at Naas. The two market principals took each other on that day, leaving them vulnerable to an unfancied challenger who ran them down.
• Glittering Gem (3yo): She was a warm order for her maiden debut at the Curragh. She was slow to start but recovered well before ultimately fading late. She finished seventh on her latest appearance 22 days ago.

Spotlight Verdict

Superbly-bred MAESTRO BERNSTEIN improved on his moderate Listowel debut when second at Naas last time. An unfancied rival ran him down after he took on his main market rival on that occasion and this is a good opportunity to get off the mark. Better than her placing suggests on debut, Glittering Gem can give the selection most to do, while Playin Cool has been running consistently and can get involved.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 10-17-127, 4yo+ 0-2-26.
• Fate of Favourites: 5024032451.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): J S Bolger 2-2-10, Andrew Slattery 1-0-3, D K Weld 1-0-9, A P O’Brien 0-1-6.

Assessment of Top Two

• Maestro Bernstein:
  • Strengths: Superbly bred. Has shown marked improvement, placing second on his most recent outing. This race presents a solid opportunity to achieve his first win.
  • Weaknesses: Vulnerability shown in his latest race when others came past late.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable; this is seen as a good chance to break his maiden status.
• Glittering Gem:
  • Strengths: Capable of performing better than her debut placing suggests, and she should be sharper for that initial experience.
  • Weaknesses: Displayed an unreliable starting manner (slow to start) and faded late on debut.
  • Suitability: Expected to be the main danger to the selection.

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2.25 Bahrain Turf Club Knockaire Stakes (Listed Race) (1m)

Rank	Horse (TimeWise Top Two)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Total TimeWise Rating (Master Latest / Master Master)
1	Mutasarref	G M Lyons	R Whearty	9/4	118 / 118
2	Soft Winds (IRE)	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Dylan B McMonagle	25/1	109 / 109

Recent Form and Comments

• Mutasarref (7yo): Has ten career victories, including four at Leopardstown. He won this specific race in 2023. Although not quite at the same performance level this year, he posted a seasonal-best effort when finishing second in the Group 2 Solonaway Stakes here last month.
• Soft Winds (4yo): She has won twice in France (over 1m2f and 1m3f, once on soft ground). She is 0-11 for her current yard this term but has delivered some solid efforts, including a strong-finishing third in a Naas fillies Listed race over this distance a week ago (yielding).

Spotlight Verdict

Twice successful at Group level here last year, MUTASARREF avoids a penalty and looks set to repeat his win in this race two years ago, following a seasonal-best here last month. The selection’s regular rider Colin Keane is claimed here for the unexposed Fingerpaint, who was nearly wiped out on the home turn at Tipperary last time and surely has more to offer. British challenger Sallaal, Queen Of Thunder and Serengeti all hold place claims.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 3-8-42, 4yo+ 7-11-62.
• Fate of Favourites: 0141021431.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): G M Lyons 4-0-7, D K Weld 1-1-7, Mrs John Harrington 1-1-6, A P O’Brien 0-1-5, Joseph Patrick O’Brien 0-3-8.

Assessment of Top Two

• Mutasarref:
  • Strengths: Proven course specialist (four wins) and defending champion of this race. Avoids a penalty. Comes into the race following a seasonal-best performance.
  • Weaknesses: Has not been operating at his very highest level consistently this year.
  • Suitability: High suitability; considered the major player and likely winner.
• Soft Winds:
  • Strengths: Has shown good recent form, including a strong-finishing third in a Listed race over the trip. Proven previous wins on soft ground.
  • Weaknesses: Has failed to win in 11 starts for her current trainer this season.
  • Suitability: Needs more as this looks a tougher race, but holds place claims.

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2.55 Gables Foxrock Cup Handicap (1m)

Rank	Horse (TimeWise Top Two)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Total TimeWise Rating (Master Latest / Master Master)
1	Dark Viper	Mrs John Harrington	K Kennedy (5)	3/1	90 / 91
2	Gloriously Glam (IRE)	Adrian McGuinness	S Coen (7)	7/2	89 / 89

Recent Form and Comments

• Dark Viper (4yo): Belatedly secured his first win over course and distance in March. Since then, he has recorded good runs in defeat, including being beaten by a neck at Naas (7f) and recently finishing a strong-finishing second over this trip at Punchestown last month.
• Gloriously Glam (3yo): Has returned to form recently, winning a Gowran claimer and subsequently being runner-up at Bellewstown. Most recently, she won at Naas 11 days ago (yielding), getting up late while staying clear with the runner-up Fast Tara. She carries a 10lb rise, partially offset by the rider’s 7lb claim.

Spotlight Verdict

Plenty with chances, notably Gloriously Glam, Fast Tara, Dark Viper and Areana but preference is for SUMMER SNOW, whose C&D third when last seen has worked out really well.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 2-6-32, 4yo+ 6-11-72.
• Fate of Favourites: 43020516.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Adrian McGuinness 1-0-8, Michael Mulvany 1-1-3.

Assessment of Top Two

• Dark Viper:
  • Strengths: Course and distance winner. Showing good recent form, particularly strong finishing in defeat. Benefits from a good 5lb claimer.
  • Weaknesses: None explicitly noted in the recent comments.
  • Suitability: Considered right in the mix.
• Gloriously Glam:
  • Strengths: Won her last start. The 10lb rise is significantly mitigated by the jockey’s 7lb claim.
  • Weaknesses: Facing a 10lb rise in the weights.
  • Suitability: Considered one of the runners with chances.

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3.26 Trigo Stakes (Listed Race) (1m 2f)

Rank	Horse (TimeWise Top Two)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Total TimeWise Rating (Master Latest / Master Master)
1	Trustyourinstinct (IRE)	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Dylan B McMonagle	9/4	119 / 119
2	Acapulco Bay (IRE)	A P O’Brien	W M Lordan	4/1	112 / 112

Recent Form and Comments

• Trustyourinstinct (5yo): Has been performing better than ever this term, achieving back-to-back wins in a Listed contest and the 1m2f Group 3 International Stakes at the Curragh. He was below his best, however, when attempting a repeat win in the Group 3 CMG Group Stakes over 1m4f last month.
• Acapulco Bay (3yo): A decent sort who has not added to his 2yo maiden win. Recently, he has been running over further distances and achieved a career-best effort when finishing fourth in the Group 3 CMG Group Stakes over 1m4f here last month.

Spotlight Verdict

Trustyourinstinct had a rare off-day last time but merits plenty of respect on his overall profile, while Acapulco Bay looks the most likely of the Ballydoyle trio. It could pay to take a chance on recent premier handicap winner SHAOL making the transition to pattern company with ground to suit. The once-raced Sharanga is an interesting contender too.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 9-8-55, 4yo+ 1-11-47.
• Fate of Favourites: 1221101301.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): D K Weld 4-2-14, A P O’Brien 3-1-12, Joseph G Murphy 1-0-3, Andrew Slattery 0-1-2, J P Murtagh 0-2-5, Joseph Patrick O’Brien 0-3-8.

Assessment of Top Two

• Trustyourinstinct:
  • Strengths: Excellent form this term with consecutive Listed and Group 3 victories. A big player if he returns to that form.
  • Weaknesses: Disappointing effort last time over 1m4f.
  • Suitability: High chance if able to bounce back to his Group 3 winning profile.
• Acapulco Bay:
  • Strengths: Achieved a career-best rating last month over 1m4f. Considered the leading runner from the A P O’Brien yard in this contest.
  • Weaknesses: The drop in trip (from 1m4f) may not be advantageous. Has not won since his 2yo maiden.
  • Suitability: Expected to be in the mix, particularly as a strong representative of his stable.

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4.00 Christmas Festival Tickets On Sale Now Handicap (1m 2f)

Rank	Horse (TimeWise Top Two)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Total TimeWise Rating (Master Latest / Master Master)
1	Castleheath (IRE)	Ciaran Murphy	S Coen (7)	5/1	78 / 78
2	Katashuna (IRE)	D Weld	C Hayes	9/2	80 / 80

Recent Form and Comments

• Castleheath (4yo): He is a hurdles winner and has a 3-7 turf strike rate on the Flat. He deadheated at the Galway festival and recently secured another win at the Curragh three weeks ago (1m2f, yielding). He is carrying a 9lb penalty now.
• Katashuna (3yo): She broke her maiden at the fourth attempt last month at Navan (1m, good). Her keeping-on style and pedigree suggest she will handle the increase in distance on her handicap debut.

Spotlight Verdict

Handicap debutantes Katashuna and Juniper Sling are interesting, with the former a maiden winner last time. Castleheath is on course for a three-timer on the Flat and he should be thereabouts again despite a 9lb rise. It is the front-running FRANK PICKLE who gets the vote, having faded on his last two runs over further, perhaps the drop in trip can help.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 0-5-31, 4yo+ 5-9-57.
• Fate of Favourites: 31020.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): M D O’Callaghan 1-0-1, Mrs Denise Foster 0-1-1, Paul W Flynn 0-1-1.

Assessment of Top Two

• Castleheath:
  • Strengths: In excellent form on the Flat, aiming for a third consecutive turf win. Has a good turf strike rate (3-7).
  • Weaknesses: Hit with a 9lb rise, though his recent win was strong.
  • Suitability: Expected to be strongly involved in the finish.
• Katashuna:
  • Strengths: Maiden winner last time out. Pedigree and running style suggest she should be suited by the increased distance.
  • Weaknesses: Making her handicap debut.
  • Suitability: Considered an interesting contender with potential improvement.

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4.35 Bahrain Turf Club October Handicap (Premier Handicap) (1m 4f)

Rank	Horse (TimeWise Top Two)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Total TimeWise Rating (Master Latest / Master Master)
1	Retracement (IRE)	J P Murtagh	Ben Coen	6/1	95 / 95
2	Zoffman (IRE)	Noel Meade	C T Keane	10/1	94 / 96

Recent Form and Comments

• Retracement (4yo): Has shown a steady return to form in 1m2f Curragh handicaps. He quickened up well to assert late on his most recent run on Thursday (yielding), despite being held up. He shapes as if the step up to 1m4f will be beneficial.
• Zoffman (6yo): He has two Flat wins, including this race in 2022 off an OR of 85. His standout Flat performance recently was a close fourth in a Curragh premier handicap over this trip. He has been unconvincing recently over 2m, suggesting the return to 1m4f may suit.

Spotlight Verdict

Retracement makes a quick return after scoring at the Curragh on Thursday and rates a big threat, but perhaps more value could be had in the lightly raced and progressive three-year-old RAILWAYVIEW LADY. Other likely dangers include Immutable, Navy Waters and Bottler’secret.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 4-6-26, 4yo+ 4-15-95.
• Fate of Favourites: 02021100.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): A J Martin 1-0-9, Noel Meade 1-3-7, A Oliver 0-1-1, Gavin Cromwell 0-1-2, J P Murtagh 0-2-4, Mrs John Harrington 0-2-8.

Assessment of Top Two

• Retracement:
  • Strengths: Strong late burst and win recently. Expected to appreciate the 1m4f distance.
  • Weaknesses: Requires a career-best effort given the mandatory 7lb penalty he must carry after his quick return win.
  • Suitability: Rates a big threat, especially if the extra distance provides further improvement.
• Zoffman:
  • Strengths: Course winner (won this race previously). Has run well at this trip recently. The drop back from 2m is expected to be beneficial.
  • Weaknesses: Recent form over longer distances was not convincing.
  • Suitability: Strong credentials based on previous course form in this race.

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5.10 Watch Every Irish Race Live On Racing TV Handicap (7f 24y)

Rank	Horse (TimeWise Top Two)	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Total TimeWise Rating (Master Latest / Master Master)
1	Skippinandajumpin (IRE)	Joseph Patrick O’Brien	Dylan B McMonagle	4/1	72 / 72
2	Queen Aethelflaed (IRE)	Andrew Slattery	A J Slattery	5/1	71 / 71

Recent Form and Comments

• Skippinandajumpin (3yo): Was soundly beaten in maidens, but his mark is considered workable in handicaps. She has a tendency for slow starts. She was an eyecatcher in a large-field Curragh handicap three days ago, finishing well despite being repeatedly denied a clear run while running as 9-4 favourite.
• Queen Aethelflaed (3yo): Immediately scored a win in handicap company at Thurles ten days ago (1m, good to yielding). She won only by a neck and appeared to tire late on. She carries a 5lb penalty now.

Spotlight Verdict

It was an eye-catching run by SKIPPINANDJUMPIN (nap) in a big-field Curragh race three days ago when sent off favourite and denied a clear run before finishing well. She can make amends here. Another denied a clear run last time was The Blue Panther and he has won off higher marks in the past. Queen Aethelflaed and Pandion Power are others who bring interesting form to the table.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 2-8-36, 4yo+ 6-10-75.
• Fate of Favourites: 43020012.
• Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Joseph Patrick O’Brien 1-0-2, Denis Gerard Hogan 0-1-3, J P Murtagh 0-1-2, John C McConnell 0-1-3, Miss Natalia Lupini 0-1-1.

Assessment of Top Two

• Skippinandajumpin:
  • Strengths: Recent eye-catching performance where she finished strongly after suffering interference. Mark seems within her capabilities.
  • Weaknesses: Prone to slow starts.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable; selected as the nap, expected to compensate for her recent luckless run.
• Queen Aethelflaed:
  • Strengths: Recent winner in a handicap. Shorter trip may aid her stamina following her latest effort.
  • Weaknesses: Appeared to tire late in her recent win, and carries a 5lb penalty.
  • Suitability: Brings interesting form into the race.