Sligo 4.20 Race Preview

This is a very low-grade 0-100 handicap hurdle, a modest contest where finding a horse in any kind of recent form is the key. In a race of this nature, horses with a string of poor placings (0, P, F) are immediately up against it, and recent winners or placed horses have a significant advantage.

Main Selection: TROPICAL IMAGE (11-9)

• Trainer: Eoin Christopher McCarthy
• Jockey: Thomas O’Connor (7)
• Form: …-P26731

In a field of exposed and out-of-form rivals, Tropical Image stands out as the most likely winner. She comes here fresh from a “last time out” victory at Listowel 28 days ago, where she won a very similar 0-100 handicap.

She was given a 9lb rise in the ratings for that 5-length win, which would normally be a concern. However, the booking of 7lb claimer Thomas O’Connor is a masterstroke, as his allowance effectively cancels out most of that penalty. She is a proven stayer, has been placed at Sligo before from three starts, and is the only horse in the field arriving with winning momentum. She is the one they all have to beat.

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Main Dangers

PERZZINI (11-13)

• Trainer: Mrs Lorna Fowler
• Jockey: John Shinnick (3)
• Form: …U1U0/6

Perzzini carries top weight but is arguably the “class” horse in the race, running here off a rating of 99. His recent 6th at Gowran Park 21 days ago was his first run in nearly a year, and it was a very encouraging return. The form comments note he was “challenging after 3 out” before he tired. He is entitled to improve significantly for that run and will be much fitter today. With a 3lb claimer on board to ease the burden, he looks like a major threat.

MOULANE WEST (11-9)

• Trainer: Mark Michael McNiff
• Jockey: Phillip Enright
• Form: …-18547

This 9-year-old is a true course specialist. He is a previous course and distance winner, and his overall Sligo record is excellent, with 1 win and 3 places from 6 starts. He won a similar 0-100 handicap here in May. While his recent form figures aren’t as eye-catching as the selection’s, he has been running creditably in better races and at his favourite track. He has to be respected back at his specialist venue.

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Best of the Rest

• KINBARA HILLS (11-1): His form is poor, but he is race-fit, having run just 13 days ago. His 5lb claimer is a positive, and in a race this weak, he could sneak into a place if the main contenders falter.
• I’M FOR HOME (10-5): Fell on his first attempt over fences last time. Before that, his form wasn’t terrible, with a 3rd at Punchestown and a 5th at Downpatrick. He’s unreliable but could feature if he puts his best foot forward.

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Verdict

It’s very difficult to oppose TROPICAL IMAGE. She is the only proven, in-form, last-time-out winner in the field. The 7lb claim from her jockey makes her look “well-in” at the weights, and she should be able to follow up. Perzzini is the main danger, as he is almost certain to improve from his promising comeback run, while course specialist Moulane West is the most likely to hit the frame.

1-2-3 Prediction:

1. Tropical Image
2. Perzzini
3. Moulane West