This analysis works through the Fairyhouse races in chronological order, identifying the TimeWise Master Top Two rated selections and providing the requested details.
1. 12.15 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (3m 82y)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Al Kalila (IRE) (8/1)
- Kish Bank (IRE) (6/1)
Recent Form and Comments
- Al Kalila (IRE): The horse is 1-7 over hurdles, rated 118. The sole win was achieved on soft ground at Ayr (20.5f). When last seen in April, Al Kalila ran a fine race in a Listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m7f, yld-sft). This is the horse’s chase debut, and it is coming off a 196-day break.
- Kish Bank (IRE): This horse is a point-to-point and bumper winner on soft/heavy ground. It ran out an easy winner of a Wexford maiden hurdle (20.5f, yielding) in April, resulting in a rating of 121. A subsequent run at Punchestown later that month was poor. The horse is bred to improve over fences but lacks a recent run, having been absent for 188 days.
Spotlight Verdict
If Union Station is fit after his break he has the form to figure prominently but the top-rated HITAK has a race-fitness edge over that rival and a repeat of his latest effort at Listowel may suffice. The point-to-point winner Kish Bank is feared on his chasing debut and Al Kalila completes the shortlist.
Race Statistics
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age Groups | 4yo 0-0-2, 5yo 0-0-4, 6yo 4-5-19, 7yo 0-0-5, 8yo 0-1-4, 9yo 0-0-1, 10yo 0-0-1. | |
| Fate of Favourites | 1121. | |
| Trainer Records | Gordon Elliott 1-0-4. |
Assessment of the Top Two
- Al Kalila (IRE):
- Strengths: Showed ability in Listed handicap hurdle company. Handles soft ground. Trainer S Crawford has a 100% run-to-form percentage in the last 14 days.
- Weaknesses: Making chase debut. Long layoff (196 days).
- Suitability: Form suggests ability on yielding/soft ground and stays the trip (2m7f run mentioned).
- Kish Bank (IRE):
- Strengths: Bumper/point-to-point winner on soft/heavy ground. Maiden hurdle win was impressive. Bred to excel over fences.
- Weaknesses: Lacks a run (188 days off). Poor run at Punchestown in April.
- Suitability: Good pedigree and proven ability on testing ground suggests suitability for conditions/sphere.
2. 12.45 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase (3m 82y)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Ballagh Star (IRE) (100/30, approx. 3/1)
- Person Of Interest (IRE) (11/2, approx. 5/1)
Recent Form and Comments
- Ballagh Star (IRE): Gained a deserved second chase win off 4lb lower at Sligo (3m2f, gd-yld) early last month. Had previously run well on soft ground at Ballinrobe (2m7f). The horse is reported to be in fine fettle and should be competitive again. Last ran 34 days ago.
- Person Of Interest (IRE): Won comfortably by 12l at Downpatrick in August (19.5f, good) off 4lb lower. He pulled up at Listowel subsequently but returned to form when third at Clonmel (2m5f, gd-yld) most recently. Last ran 12 days ago.
Spotlight Verdict
A modest affair. BALLAGH STAR has less questions to answer than most and may be able to follow up his Sligo win off 4lb higher. Ossifer Hops disappointed over C&D last time out but has a squeak on his penultimate run at Downpatrick. Aclass has place claims if his stamina holds out and Milanaway has run well here over hurdles and could outrun her likely odds.
Race Statistics
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age Groups | 5yo 0-0-3, 6yo 0-1-11, 7yo 0-3-11, 8yo 4-4-16, 9yo 1-1-12, 10yo 1-0-8, 11yo 0-2-7, 12yo 0-0-4, 13yo 0-2-2, 14yo 0-1-2. | |
| Fate of Favourites | 2U6R32. | |
| Trainer Records | Dermot A McLoughlin 1-0-2, Gordon Elliott 0-1-1, J P Flavin 0-1-1, Liz Doyle 0-1-1. |
Assessment of the Top Two
- Ballagh Star (IRE):
- Strengths: Highly consistent recently with a second chase win recorded last month. Proven over extreme distances (3m2f) and has handled soft ground.
- Weaknesses: Running off a 4lb higher mark than last winning effort.
- Suitability: High fitness level and demonstrated ability on similar ground/distance make him highly suitable.
- Person Of Interest (IRE):
- Strengths: Won easily in August. Recent third showed improvement.
- Weaknesses: Stamina is unproven at 3m. Might prefer quicker ground than the soft conditions expected.
- Suitability: Requires stamina to hold up over 3m and potentially better ground conditions to reproduce peak form.
3. 1.15 WTW Willis 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle (2m)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Adrienne (IRE) (3/1, previously listed at 5/1 in)
- Whats New (IRE) (6/4, previously listed at 15/8 in)
Recent Form and Comments
- Adrienne (IRE): A well-exposed Flat maiden, rated 70, placed three times from 13 starts. Has shown good form on soft ground and on AW. Made a satisfactory start over hurdles when finishing third (beaten 8l) at Punchestown. Last ran 21 days ago.
- Whats New (IRE): Rated 66 on the Flat after winning a 1m4f Roscommon handicap (soft). Her hurdling attempts have been eventful: she fell at Killarney, ran out at Gowran, and often tends to jump left. She was runner-up at Galway ten days ago and holds a definite chance. Last ran 10 days ago.
Spotlight Verdict
This looks like a good opportunity for Flat winner WHATS NEW (nap) to open his hurdles account at the fifth attempt. Flat maiden Adrienne shaped well on her hurdling debut and can feature in this company. Searcog has progressed from a low mark on the Flat.
Race Statistics
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age Groups | 3yo 8-16-111. | |
| Fate of Favourites | 11010112. | |
| Trainer Records | Thomas Mullins 1-1-3, Matthew J Smith 0-1-1. |
Assessment of the Top Two
- Adrienne (IRE):
- Strengths: Satisfactory hurdles debut showing promise. Proven effectiveness on soft ground.
- Weaknesses: Exposed on the Flat.
- Suitability: Conditions should suit based on Flat form.
- Whats New (IRE):
- Strengths: Flat winner on soft ground. Holds a definite chance based on recent runner-up performance.
- Weaknesses: Has displayed difficult jumping (fell, ran out, jumps left). Needs to overcome these tendencies.
- Suitability: Has the ability if jumping reliably.
4. 1.45 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Academy Hurdle (2m 1f 30y)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Infinity Succes (FR) (6/1, previously listed at 10/1 in)
- Tipu Sultan (IRE) (10/1, previously listed at 8/1 in)
Recent Form and Comments
- Infinity Succes (FR): Half-sister to five winners, notably the talented Balder Succes. She was beaten 15l when sixth and favourite in a similar race at Cork. She now wears blinkers and is expected to feature with the benefit of that initial run. Last ran 23 days ago.
- Tipu Sultan (IRE): Finished close to Infinity Success in the aforementioned Cork race, splitting her (sixth) and Wee Fallon (eighth). It is suggested he may improve. Last ran 23 days ago.
Spotlight Verdict
Gavin Cromwell’s runner CODE NAME CUBITT is arguably the most interesting of these as a brother to talented mare Brandy Love. An obvious danger is Gordon Elliott’s Flat-bred runner Hygge. An unplaced favourite first time out, Infinity Success may do better with blinkers fitted.
Race Statistics
- Note: No Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, or Trainer Records were explicitly detailed for this specific race in the provided excerpts.
Assessment of the Top Two
- Infinity Succes (FR):
- Strengths: Excellent pedigree (half-sister to Balder Succes). Blinkers applied after debut run, aimed at promoting improvement.
- Weaknesses: Disappointing favourite on debut, beaten 15l.
- Suitability: Potential for significant improvement with experience and headgear.
- Tipu Sultan (IRE):
- Strengths: Showed some promise by running close to Infinity Succes previously. May improve on his debut run.
- Weaknesses: Appeared marginally inferior to Infinity Succes previously.
- Suitability: Needs to demonstrate sufficient improvement to compete with the top picks.
5. 2.15 Sign Up To GavinLynchRacing.com Maiden Hurdle (2m)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Le Labo (IRE) (7/2, previously listed at 2/1 in)
- Whinney Hill (7/4, previously listed at 9/4 in)
Recent Form and Comments
- Le Labo (IRE): Won his bumper debut going away at Thurles last March. Subsequently tailed off in a Grade 2 at Aintree. He is out of an unraced half-sister to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular and is expected to prosper over hurdles. Last ran 213 days ago.
- Whinney Hill: Bumper winner who beat Strong Link. Last season he had an ambitious novice campaign, contesting two Grade 1 events, following a good third in a Leopardstown maiden. He should have enough ability to secure a maiden win if free of physical issues. He wears a tongue-tie for the first time. Last ran 189 days ago.
Spotlight Verdict
Gordon Elliott exposed WHINNEY HILL to top novice company last season. If the tongue-tie does the trick, he has the form to win in this grade. If he fails for any reason, Le Labo is the one most likely to pick up the pieces. Sticwiththeprocess and Khmer are probably the pick of the remainder.
Race Statistics
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age Groups | 5yo 4-12-62, 6yo 4-3-40, 7yo 1-2-16, 8yo 0-0-5, 9yo 0-1-1. | |
| Fate of Favourites | 111421311. | |
| Trainer Records | Gordon Elliott 4-3-12, W J Lanigan 0-1-1. |
Assessment of the Top Two
- Le Labo (IRE):
- Strengths: Impressive bumper debut winner. Excellent pedigree for hurdles (related to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular).
- Weaknesses: Long layoff (213 days). Tailed off in G2 event.
- Suitability: Expected to suit hurdling, but fitness after a long break is a potential concern.
- Whinney Hill:
- Strengths: Superior form having contested high-class novice events. Bumper form is strong (beat Strong Link). First-time tongue-tie may aid performance.
- Weaknesses: Also returning from a layoff (189 days). Must ensure physical issues are absent.
- Suitability: Appears to have the best overall form and should win if performing to his ability level.
6. 2.45 Group Discounts On 6+ Tickets For Winter Festival Rated Hurdle (2m 4f 110y)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Air Of Entitlement (IRE) (5/2, previously listed at 2/1 in)
- Kainsbourg (FR) (2/1, previously listed at 3/1 in)
Recent Form and Comments
- Air Of Entitlement (IRE): Grade 2 mares’ novice winner at Cheltenham (2m1f). Had an easy maiden hurdle win over 2m4f previously. Failed to reproduce Cheltenham form in a Grade 1 event here in April. She is race-fit but must give weight to the geldings. Last ran 198 days ago.
- Kainsbourg (FR): A Grade 3 AQPS winner in France. Opened his hurdles account at Tramore (2m) at the sixth attempt. Recently showed underlined improvement when second in the Persian War at Chepstow last month. He has beaten the useful Strong Link over this trip at Listowel. Last ran 25 days ago.
Spotlight Verdict
Not an easy puzzle to solve, despite the small field. It may be worth taking a chance with the race-fit KAINSBOURG who gets 8lb from the Grade 2-winning mare Air Of Entitlement and 2lb from the year-younger Bacchanalian who tackles this trip for the first time.
Race Statistics
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age Groups | 5yo 0-0-1, 6yo 0-0-3, 7yo 1-1-2. | |
| Fate of Favourites | Not listed in the provided excerpts. | |
| Trainer Records | Gordon Elliott 0-1-1. |
Assessment of the Top Two
- Air Of Entitlement (IRE):
- Strengths: Proven Graded winner. Stable in good form. Proven at 2m4f.
- Weaknesses: Giving weight to geldings. Long absence (198 days). Failed to deliver in G1 last season.
- Suitability: Has the class but faces a tough task giving weight after a break.
- Kainsbourg (FR):
- Strengths: Race-fit and in excellent form, underlined by a second place in a high-class event recently. Receives weight from Air Of Entitlement. Proven over this trip.
- Weaknesses: Took six attempts to win a maiden hurdle.
- Suitability: Race fitness and weight allowance make him a strong contender.
7. 3.15 William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f 110y)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Slim Marvel (FR) (12/1)
- Targa Flavio (IRE) (7/2, previously listed at 4/1 in)
Recent Form and Comments
- Slim Marvel (FR): Has posted some decent efforts in defeat this year and has performed well at Fairyhouse previously. Last time out he was beaten 10.5l at Sligo, and he fell at Listowel on his penultimate start. A drop in trip and the addition of new cheekpieces are expected to help. Last ran 11 days ago.
- Targa Flavio (IRE): This nine-race maiden has shaped nicely in his two starts this year. He was beaten 4l when third of 17 runners at Listowel (2m, gd-yld) most recently. The step up to this longer trip could lead to improvement, and he runs for an in-form yard. Last ran 40 days ago.
Spotlight Verdict
This won’t take much winning and Targa Flavio is a definite contender stepped up in trip but he has to prove he handles testing ground. EL REGALO also shaped like this longer trip might suit over 2m here last time and he has run well on soft on the Flat so he is preferred. Without Exception needs checking in the market on his return and Live To Laugh and Boola Times are others worthy of consideration.
Race Statistics
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age Groups | 4yo 1-1-18, 5yo 3-5-27, 6yo 1-9-40, 7yo 2-2-22, 8yo 0-1-13, 9yo 1-1-5, 10yo 0-0-1, 11yo 0-0-3, 12yo 1-1-3. | |
| Fate of Favourites | 230031244. | |
| Trainer Records | Terence O’Brien 1-0-1, Dermot A McLoughlin 0-1-5, P J Rothwell 0-1-2. |
Assessment of the Top Two
- Slim Marvel (FR):
- Strengths: Has run well at Fairyhouse previously and is attempting a useful mark. Race fit.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent recent form (fell, well beaten).
- Suitability: Cheekpieces and drop in trip could spark revival.
- Targa Flavio (IRE):
- Strengths: Representing an in-form yard. Step up in trip is expected to suit based on recent 2m run.
- Weaknesses: Maiden. Needs to prove he can handle testing ground.
- Suitability: Potential for improvement over the new distance, but soft ground remains a query.
8. 3.45 Christmas Party Jackpot Jingle At Fairyhouse 13th December Handicap Hurdle (3m)
TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Based on Total TimeWise Rating)
- Better Times Ahead (IRE) (9/2)
- Ney (IRE) (5/2)
Recent Form and Comments
- Better Times Ahead (IRE): Touched off in a valuable Punchestown handicap chase in May. He is rated 15lb lower in the hurdles sphere and has previously run acceptably at Fairyhouse. This is his first run over hurdles since April 2022 and he is returning from a 197-day break.
- Ney (IRE): Was in fine form over fences earlier this year, completing a double with wins at Punchestown and a 3m2f novice chase here (soft). He is a winner over timber and conditions should suit his return to hurdles. He wears a first-time tongue tie. Last ran 255 days ago.
Spotlight Verdict
Edward Buckley’s Ney is on a hat-trick after back-to-back chase wins but might just need this after 255 days off. The same sentiment applies to Better Days Ahead and Sights Unseen might prefer quicker ground so it could pay to side with KING KONG CIERGUES. His last two runs have been pleasing, he went close over 2m4f on heavy here in February and he’s bred to stay this trip. Nettuno Italia looks a potential danger.
Race Statistics
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age Groups | 4yo 0-1-3, 5yo 2-2-13, 6yo 0-1-8, 7yo 1-2-10, 8yo 0-0-2, 9yo 0-0-3, 10yo 0-0-3, 11yo 0-1-2, 12yo 0-1-1, 13yo 0-0-2. | |
| Fate of Favourites | 1P3. | |
| Trainer Records | Gavin Cromwell 1-0-1. |
Assessment of the Top Two
- Better Times Ahead (IRE):
- Strengths: Significant drop in mark compared to his chasing rating (15lb lower). Placed highly in a valuable chase.
- Weaknesses: Long absence (197 days). Reverts to hurdles after a two-year absence in that sphere.
- Suitability: Must prove fitness and ability to transition back to hurdles.
- Ney (IRE):
- Strengths: Excellent recent winning form over fences, including here on soft ground. Conditions are suitable for his return to hurdles.
- Weaknesses: Very long layoff (255 days); may need the run.
- Suitability: If fit, the proven soft ground form and recent winning habit make him a big chance.
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