This response provides a chronological analysis of the Down Royal races, identifying the TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in each race based on the rankings provided in the ratings report, along with their associated form, race statistics, spotlight verdicts, and assessment.
11.50 Lisburn And Castlereagh City Council 3-Y-O Hurdle
(RTV 2m 190y, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sopelana | C M Collins | Jordan Gainford | 119/104 |
| Wizard Of Odds | W Durkan | Philip Byrnes | 121/65 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are Sopelana and Wizard Of Odds.
Recent Form and Comments
- Sopelana: She was limited on the Flat but got off the mark over hurdles in a 2m2f Ballinrobe maiden in September (soft), demonstrating she relished the stamina test. She has since run well held back on the level.
- Wizard Of Odds: This horse was a Flat maiden winner last year (good). He returned from a break to score on his hurdles debut for his new yard last month in a Cork maiden on good ground, travelling well and winning with a fair bit to spare (the second has been a beaten favourite since).
Spotlight Verdict
Another race in which Gordon Elliott has a fine record in and his representative MANGE TOUT, a half-sister to Impaire Et Passe, could take plenty of beating judged on her win in France. Wizard Of Odds could be the one to follow the selection home.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 3yo 10-12-78.
- Fate of Favourites: 1111411111.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gordon Elliott 6-2-15, Ross O’Sullivan 0-2-2.
Assessment of Top Two
- Sopelana (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Her maiden hurdle win showed she handles a stamina test. Her best chance may come if the ground worsens. She needs to step up significantly from her recent Flat runs.
- Wizard Of Odds (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): He is highly respected following a winning hurdles debut for a new yard, showing he has plenty of ability. His Topspeed rating (65) is relatively modest compared to his RP Rating (121). He is expected to go well.
12.25 Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle (Div I)
(RTV 2m 190y, 4yo+, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalypso’Chance | G Elliott | Jack Kennedy | 132/41 |
| Stepdance | H De Bromhead | Darragh O’Keeffe | 116/78 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are Kalypso’Chance and Stepdance.
Recent Form and Comments
- Kalypso’Chance: A point-to-point winner who claimed his first two bumpers last season at Punchestown and Navan. Although he failed in Grade 1 contests subsequently, he is expected to make his mark hurdling this season and this appears to be a good starting point.
- Stepdance: She completed a hat-trick of handicap wins on the Flat over the summer (at Tramore and Limerick) on decent ground, progressing from a low base. She is a half-sister to a couple of winning hurdlers, suggesting she could take to this discipline.
Spotlight Verdict
Seemingly very little strength in depth and hard to oppose dual bumper winner KALYPSO’CHANCE on hurdling debut. The Guinness Boys has valuable hurdling experience and could be the one to follow the selection home, Lips Freedom isn’t one to rule out, and neither is hurdling debutante Stepdance. The selection’s stablemate Sept Etoiles is worth a look for the future.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo 3-5-72, 5yo 7-14-72, 6yo 0-1-10, 7yo 0-0-7.
- Fate of Favourites: 1121111311.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gordon Elliott 5-5-18, Gavin Cromwell 1-0-6, A J Martin 0-1-4, S R B Crawford 0-1-9.
Assessment of Top Two
- Kalypso’Chance (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Dual bumper winner with Grade 1 experience, offering significant potential. Strongly fancied by the Spotlight verdict on hurdling debut. His Topspeed rating is low (41).
- Stepdance (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Arrives in great Flat form (hat-trick winner) and has a pedigree for hurdling. However, she may struggle if conditions become too wet. A respected debutante, not ruled out.
1.00 Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle (Div II)
(RTV 2m 190y, 4yo+, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Dream To Share | J & T Kiely | Mark Walsh | 126/105 |
| Blake | N Meade | Donagh Meyler | 110/96 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are A Dream To Share and Blake.
Recent Form and Comments
- A Dream To Share: This horse was a top-class bumper performer in 2022-23. His hurdles debut was encouraging, but his jumping proved an issue on more testing ground later. He was subsequently switched to the Flat and recently ran in a premier handicap (never sighted). He returns to hurdles with existing jumping concerns.
- Blake: He won twice on the Flat last season. He was purchased for 125,000gns and finished second in a Cork 4yo maiden hurdle in March, though he was none too fluent. He is back from a summer break. He has reportedly schooled well and could improve on his Cork run.
Spotlight Verdict
The stronger of the two divisions. Top bumper performer A DREAM TO SHARE hasn’t made the transition to hurdling as smoothly as expected but is worth another chance here, having had a recent run on the Flat. Point-to-point and bumper winner Road Exile looks the obvious danger on hurdles debut, while Gordon Elliott’s other runner Whinney Hill and Noel Meade’s recent Flat winner Blake add further depth.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo 3-5-72, 5yo 7-14-72, 6yo 0-1-10, 7yo 0-0-7.
- Fate of Favourites: 1121111311.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gordon Elliott 5-5-18, Gavin Cromwell 1-0-6, A J Martin 0-1-4, S R B Crawford 0-1-9.
Assessment of Top Two
- A Dream To Share (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Possesses clear class from his bumper career (RP Master 126, TS Master 105). However, his jumping remains a significant concern, especially if the ground softens. He is worth another chance after a recent run.
- Blake (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): High purchase price and strong Flat form. Expected to improve following reports of good schooling. His initial hurdles run suggests he needs to improve his fluency over obstacles. Adds depth to the contest.
1.35 Ampion Testing Handicap Hurdle
(RTV 2m 190y, 4yo+, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wendrock | G Elliott | Mr J H Williamson (5) | 129/109 |
| Arch Empire | G Elliott | Jack Kennedy | 136/116 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are Wendrock and Arch Empire.
Recent Form and Comments
- Wendrock: Had a maiden hurdle win at Leopardstown at 3yo. He was sixth in a Cheltenham juvenile handicap, which was considered “not a bad effort”. He is effectively 8lb lower here due to the rider’s claim. He prefers soft ground. He is returning from a 194-day break, raising a query over his fitness.
- Arch Empire: A Ballinrobe maiden hurdle winner who has run some nice races, although he was below par in his last two outings. Jack Kennedy keeps the ride. The forecast rain is a significant concern for him.
Spotlight Verdict
A competitive heat. With the ground likely to soften Wendrock appeals most of the Gordon Elliott pair, even though Kennedy prefers Arch Empire. Messerschmitt and Ragmans Corner are respected but a chance is taken on BALKO D’ANGE. He’s ground versatile and he should improve plenty for his pleasing seasonal return at Tipperary.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo 1-1-15, 5yo 3-8-37, 6yo 0-7-34, 7yo 4-4-22, 8yo 1-2-11, 9yo 1-0-9, 10yo 0-0-5, 12yo 0-0-2.
- Fate of Favourites: 4002001320.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gordon Elliott 3-4-22, Karl Thornton 1-0-1, Henry De Bromhead 0-1-4, Noel Meade 0-5-10.
Assessment of Top Two
- Wendrock (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Well-treated by the handicapper due to the claim. Likes soft ground. Weakness: Fitness query after a long break. Suitability: Appeals if ground softens.
- Arch Empire (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Retains the faith of his jockey. Has the highest RP master rating (136) among the pair. Weakness: Recent form is below par; ground concerns if rain arrives. Suitability: High potential but needs to bounce back and avoid soft ground.
2.10 Racing TV Handicap Chase
(RTV 3m, 5yo+, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clonbury Bridge | J P Dempsey | Eoin Staples (7) | 121/71 |
| Nastya | H De Bromhead | Darragh O’Keeffe | 123/108 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are Clonbury Bridge and Nastya.
Recent Form and Comments
- Clonbury Bridge: Secured his third chase win in a Fairyhouse handicap three weeks ago. He has been raised 5lb for that win.
- Nastya: Off the mark over fences on her third attempt in a Killarney beginners’ chase 27 days ago. The form of that win has since taken knocks. She is respected on her handicap debut.
Spotlight Verdict
The recent Fairyhouse winner Clonbury Bridge will need a career best to follow up. Midnight Moonshine and CLONMEEN (nap) were third and fourth in that race and the latter, a C&D winner who may have needed that run, is taken to turn the tables on those rivals. Ceanndana has claims if the forecast rain misses but if the ground softens, Le Grand Vert is worth considering and the reserve Small Town Hero is respected if getting a run.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 5yo 0-1-5, 6yo 3-6-22, 7yo 2-5-18, 8yo 2-2-22, 9yo 1-2-15, 10yo 2-2-11, 11yo 0-1-6, 12yo 0-0-1.
- Fate of Favourites: F110232123.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gavin Cromwell 1-0-6, Gordon Elliott 1-5-11, P A Fahy 1-0-3, R K Watson 1-0-3, William P Murphy 1-0-1, C A McBratney 0-1-3, Henry De Bromhead 0-1-3, Liz Doyle 0-1-4, Noel C Kelly 0-2-5.
Assessment of Top Two
- Clonbury Bridge (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): In recent winning form. Weakness: Needs a career best off his 5lb higher mark. Suitability: Must prove capable of continued progression in handicaps.
- Nastya (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Recent winner over fences; good Topspeed rating (108). Weakness: Form of her recent win has been questioned. Suitability: Respected on handicap debut.
2.40 BetVictor Champion Chase (Grade 1)
(ITV4 3m, 5yo+, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Found A Fifty | G Elliott | Jack Kennedy | 170/148 |
| Western Fold | G Elliott | Sam Ewing | 164/140 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are Found A Fifty and Western Fold.
Recent Form and Comments
- Found A Fifty: A high-class novice, he won the 2m Grade 1 Aintree contest and secured a Grade 2 win at this meeting last year. He achieved a career-best win in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse at Easter.
- Western Fold: A tremendously progressive 6yo novice, seeking a five-timer. He impressed with a Galway Plate success and recently beat Affordale Fury in the 2m4f Grade 2 PWC Champion Chase. He could have even more to offer now back at 3m.
Spotlight Verdict
Much could depend on just how much rain arrives, but if the ground doesn’t soften too much then it could pay to side with the experienced novice WESTERN FOLD, a chaser on the up and who doesn’t have any stamina issues, unlike stablemate Found A Fifty. Two-time winner Envoi Allen demands obvious respect, as does Spillane’s Tower whose best effort came on his seasonal return last term.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 6yo 0-1-2, 7yo 3-3-12, 8yo 3-3-15, 9yo 3-1-17, 10yo 1-2-9, 11yo 0-0-3.
- Fate of Favourites: 1101223413.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gordon Elliott 4-1-22, Henry De Bromhead 3-1-12, Noel Meade 2-2-9.
Assessment of Top Two
- Found A Fifty (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): High-class form at shorter trips (RP Master 170). Weakness: First attempt at 3m, raising stamina concerns. Suitability: Major player if he stays the distance.
- Western Fold (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Highly progressive and proven over staying trips (doesn’t have stamina issues). Weakness: The likelihood of softening ground is a factor in his preference over others. Suitability: Experienced novice on the upgrade, preferred by the Spotlight verdict on condition of the ground.
3.15 Kildress Plumbing Chase (Grade 2)
(RTV 2m 3f 120y, 4yo+, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefox | G Elliott | Jack Kennedy | 161/144 |
| Gorgeous Tom | H De Bromhead | Darragh O’Keeffe | 157/116 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are Firefox and Gorgeous Tom.
Recent Form and Comments
- Firefox: Preferred by Kennedy. He is rated smart over both hurdles (151) and fences. He is 2-2 at this track (bumper and C&D beginners’ chase). He was beaten 4.5l in a Grade 1 novice in April (sft-hvy). Forecast rain is not an inconvenience.
- Gorgeous Tom: Won a Grade 3 novice last year. He ran well (fourth) behind Croke Park and Firefox in the Drinmore. He can go well if ready for his seasonal reappearance. Weakness: He is best on nice ground, and the forecast rain is a worry.
Spotlight Verdict
Gordon Elliott holds a strong hand here with the dual Grade 1 novice winner Croke Park and FIREFOX, who is preferred by Kennedy. The selection won a beginners’ over C&D first time out last season before running well in defeat in graded company ahe is taken to maintain his unbeaten record at this venue. Gorgeous Tom has to concede 3lb to the selection and his best form is on nice ground so the forecast rain is a worry for him.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo 0-0-1, 5yo 0-1-1, 6yo 3-2-16, 7yo 5-2-20, 8yo 2-2-12, 9yo 0-1-2, 10yo 0-0-1, 11yo 0-0-1.
- Fate of Favourites: 1113121411.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gordon Elliott 4-4-16, Henry De Bromhead 2-0-4.
Assessment of Top Two
- Firefox (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Stable’s primary contender, unbeaten at Down Royal, and handles predicted conditions. Highly rated and possesses Grade 1 potential. Suitability: Leading chance, taken to win by the Spotlight.
- Gorgeous Tom (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Grade 3 winner capable of a big run on reappearance. Weakness: Concedes 3lb and is vulnerable if the ground softens. Suitability: Needs ideal conditions to perform at his best.
3.50 Eventsec (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race
(RTV 2m 190y, 4yo+, GD-YLD)
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Latest Master Rating (RPR/TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chichester Park | A Martin | Conor Clarke (7) | 110/61 |
| Lexington Wood | P Fenton | Mr H C Swan | 102/58 |
The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses are Chichester Park and Lexington Wood.
Recent Form and Comments
- Chichester Park: A point-to-point winner. He made a very pleasing start under Rules in a Listowel maiden hurdle last month, finishing third (beaten 4.25l), a performance subsequently boosted by the runner-up. He is declared to run here on Friday.
- Lexington Wood: His two starts were at Punchestown. He was beaten 19.5l on debut and 12l when fourth in June.
Spotlight Verdict
Gordon Elliott has farmed this race over the years. He relies on the point-to-point winners With Nolimit and BALLYFAD this year and narrow preference is for the latter, though the market should reveal plenty regarding their respective chances. Chichester Park looks the main danger if taking his chance (due to run 4.20 here on Friday).
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo 8-6-46, 5yo 2-8-31, 6yo 0-1-9, 7yo 0-0-3.
- Fate of Favourites: 1111111121.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Gordon Elliott 9-2-13, S R B Crawford 0-1-11.
Assessment of Top Two
- Chichester Park (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Demonstrated good form when recently placed in a maiden hurdle, with the form boosted. He is due to run on Friday, meaning fitness is high, but the quick turnaround is a factor. Suitability: Considered the main danger by the Spotlight analyst.
- Lexington Wood (Strengths/Weaknesses/Suitability): Four years old, suggesting scope for improvement. Weakness: Needs massive improvement based on his rules form so far. Suitability: Needs to step up significantly to compete with the leaders.
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