This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the day’s all-weather race meetings at Dundalk in Ireland and Kempton Park in the UK. By leveraging the quantitative power of TimeWise Master Ratings to identify key contenders and synthesizing expert commentary to assess their chances, this document aims to offer a clear and accessible overview of the day’s action. Each race is dissected to highlight the leading prospects, their recent form, and the nuanced factors that could influence their performance.

——————————————————————————–

Dundalk Race Meeting: Analysis and Verdicts

The eight-race card at Dundalk’s all-weather track presents a series of competitive contests. The following analysis proceeds chronologically through the card, dissecting each race to identify the top-rated horses and evaluate their prospects based on form, race statistics, and expert opinion.

1. The 3.10 Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Available Online Maiden (5f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Heaven’s Wish	235
Woolridge	229

Form & Commentary Analysis

Heaven’s Wish

• Recent Form: 8962 4022 P

• Commentary Summary: Performed well in all three runs at this track and holds a strong chance despite a wide draw on her first try at this distance.

Woolridge

• Recent Form: 8962 754624 H

• Commentary Summary: Ran his best race when second over this course and distance two runs ago and had a valid excuse for his last poor run, making him worthy of another chance.

Key Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 1-1-6, 4yo+ 0-0-1

• Trainer Records: Daniel James Murphy 0-1-1

Expert Assessment

Heaven’s Wish: This filly’s primary strength is her consistent course form, having performed well on all three visits to Dundalk. The quality of her recent conqueror, a market rival with a solid official rating of 77, suggests she is operating at a good level. However, she faces two potential challenges: a wide draw, which can be disadvantageous over sprint trips, and the fact this is her first attempt at the sharp 5-furlong distance. Despite these queries, her proven ability at this venue makes her a leading contender.

Woolridge: As a six-race maiden, his winless record is a clear weakness, as is the temperament issue that reportedly caused him to become upset in the stalls on his last start. His key strength lies in his proven course and distance (C&D) form, specifically a close second-place finish two runs back. With a valid excuse for his subsequent defeat, connections will be hopeful he can put his best foot forward and finally get off the mark.

Spotlight Verdict

Woolridge is likely to confirm previous course placings with Astute Power and the former had an excuse here three weeks ago when behind HEAVEN’S WISH. However, the filly could still come out on top with this drop back to 5f unlikely to faze her. This is a belated debut for Bye Bye Now but she did fetch 82,000euros at a breeze-up sale.

The sprinters have had their say; now a different question is asked over a staying trip in the claimer.

2. The 3.45 Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Claiming Race (1m4f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Porsche Lad	260
Fleetfootsoldier	237

Form & Commentary Analysis

Porsche Lad

• Recent Form: 8884 1202d41 P

• Commentary Summary: A recent winner over a slightly shorter trip here, this horse benefits from an eye-catching jockey booking and has no stamina concerns.

Fleetfootsoldier

• Recent Form: 9255 571192 H

• Commentary Summary: This course specialist is in excellent current form but faces a significant and unproven step up in distance.

Key Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 2-2-10, 4yo+ 2-6-39

• Fate of Favourites: P213

• Trainer Records: C Byrnes 0-1-2, Denis Gerard Hogan 0-1-8

Expert Assessment

Porsche Lad: This contender’s main strength is his recent winning form, having rallied to win a 10.5-furlong handicap here last month for a different yard. The booking of top jockey Colin Keane is a significant positive, signaling clear intent from new connections. Furthermore, the longer 1m4f trip is not expected to pose any problems, making him a fascinating and well-suited candidate for this race.

Fleetfootsoldier: Currently in a rich vein of form, this horse is a four-time winner on the Dundalk all-weather surface and was only narrowly beaten last time out after being denied a clear run. His primary weakness is the substantial step up in distance to 1m4f, which represents a major stamina question mark. However, his current condition is so good that he cannot be completely discounted despite the trip query.

Spotlight Verdict

Denis Hogan holds a strong hand here with four runners and market signals should be noted. The top-rated Loyal Touch is best treated by the race conditions but he lacks a run so preference is for his stablemate PORSCHE LAD. A 10.5f handicap winner here for Charles Byrnes last month, he has form at this trip and Colin Keane is a positive booking. Fleetfootsoldier, Theophilus and Timandi complete the shortlist.

The handicapper steps in for the next two contests, starting with the first division of a competitive middle-distance event.

3. The 4.15 Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap (Div I) (1m2½f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Limestone Red	238
Heart Of Darkness	232

Form & Commentary Analysis

Limestone Red

• Recent Form: 8785 905042 P

• Commentary Summary: A proven course and distance winner who recently returned to form with a promising second-place finish.

Heart Of Darkness

• Recent Form: 9116 000974 H

• Commentary Summary: Although showing fair recent form over a shorter trip, this horse’s sprinting pedigree raises significant stamina doubts over this new distance.

Key Race Statistics

Race statistics are not provided for this specific division.

Expert Assessment

Limestone Red: This horse’s principal strength is his proven effectiveness over this specific course and distance, where he recorded his sole career win in 2023. He confirmed a return to form with a second-place finish five weeks ago, a run which gives him a clear chance in this contest. The retention of a jockey claiming a valuable 5lb is another significant positive, enhancing his prospects considerably.

Heart Of Darkness: His form has been regressive this year, which is a notable weakness. His primary challenge, however, is the significant step up in trip. He tackles this distance for the first time following a fair fourth over 1 mile, but his pedigree is that of a sprinter, raising legitimate doubts about his ability to stay the 1m2½f distance effectively.

Spotlight Verdict

Despite having won only once in a 24-race career, LIMESTONE RED (nap) makes plenty of appeal. His win was gained over C&D in 2023, and last month’s second gives him an edge over Rising Sky. If recovering last winter’s useful form at the venue, Eighty Eight should not be far away. There is a stamina doubt concerning Heart Of Darkness. She could take a share of the money if she stays.

The second division of this handicap presents a similar puzzle for punters.

4. The 4.45 Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap (Div II) (1m2½f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Marians Gal	260
Spy	253

Form & Commentary Analysis

Marians Gal

• Recent Form: 8964 -03361 P

• Commentary Summary: This mare appears to have turned a corner, winning easily over course and distance last time out.

Spy

• Recent Form: 9009 606336 P

• Commentary Summary: A useful hurdler who has let down supporters as favourite on his last two starts at this track.

Key Race Statistics

Race statistics are not provided for this specific division.

Expert Assessment

Marians Gal: Her key strength is the emphatic nature of her recent course and distance victory, where she won easily. This suggests she has significantly improved and “turned a corner” in her career. Her main weakness is the substantial 10lb rise in the handicap she has incurred as a result of that win, which will make this a much tougher assignment, though she remains one to take seriously.

Spy: His primary asset is his background as a useful 120-rated hurdler, which indicates a level of class above many of his rivals. He is also a previous all-weather winner in Britain. However, his main weakness is his recent tendency to let supporters down, having been beaten when favourite on his last two visits to this venue, raising questions about his reliability.

Spotlight Verdict

This looks like a good opportunity for MAPA to step up after a C&D second that was preceded by an encouraging display at the Curragh. A key-race here is a C&D event three weeks ago which Marians Gal won emphatically, with Colugo third and Aingeal Dorcha fourth. Spy, who has let his supporters down on his last two starts, could make his presence felt.

It’s the turn of the juvenile fillies next, with some promising types looking to get off the mark over a mile.

5. The 5.15 DundalkStadium.com Fillies Maiden (1m)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Guardian Of Realm	289
Blissful Bonita	253

Form & Commentary Analysis

Guardian Of Realm

• Recent Form: 9007 32 L

• Commentary Summary: Although defeated at short odds last time, she likely encountered a useful rival and holds a strong chance.

Blissful Bonita

• Recent Form: 7973 5 H

• Commentary Summary: A slow start hampered her cause on debut, but she is expected to improve from that initial experience.

Key Race Statistics

• Trainer Records: Joseph Patrick O’Brien 1-0-3, G M Lyons 0-1-1

Expert Assessment

Guardian Of Realm: A Kingman half-sister to four winners, her strong pedigree is a clear asset. She ran well on debut from a wide draw and likely faced a useful opponent when defeated last time, providing a valid excuse. Her primary weakness is having been turned over at prohibitive odds of 2-5, which can be a concern for bettors. Overall, she holds a distinct class edge and has every chance of making amends.

Blissful Bonita: Her main weakness was a slow start on her debut at Thurles, which compromised her chances. However, the fact she was not entirely unfancied in the betting suggests she has shown ability at home. She is expected to improve significantly for that first racecourse experience, making her a plausible contender to get involved.

Spotlight Verdict

Although turned over at prohibitive odds here 19 days ago, GUARDIAN OF REALM probably bumped into a useful horse and she should confirm those placings with the third Glitter And Glory. Moon Vega was further back in the field but this expensive yearling didn’t help herself by starting slowly and improvement looks on the cards, a comment that also applies to Indomiknow and Celtic Melody. The newcomer Satisfy My Soul has an Irish Oaks entry.

The handicapper gets his say with the juveniles next in a competitive 6-furlong nursery.

6. The 5.45 Irishinjuredjockeys.com Nursery Handicap (6f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Coincidental Glory	258
The Right One	255

Form & Commentary Analysis

Coincidental Glory

• Recent Form: 9160 306952 M

• Commentary Summary: Has been a beaten favourite on his last two starts and faces challenges with a wide draw and a heavy weight.

The Right One

• Recent Form: 6783 553324 L

• Commentary Summary: This filly shows solid maiden form and is related to an all-weather winner, but she is also hampered by a very wide draw.

Key Race Statistics

• Fate of Favourites: 2112163331

• Trainer Records: Adrian McGuinness 1-3-9, Daniel James Murphy 1-0-2, Gavin Cromwell 1-0-1, Mrs John Harrington 0-1-3

Expert Assessment

Coincidental Glory: This horse has been beaten as the favourite on his last two outings, with a tendency to race too keenly being a notable weakness. He also faces significant obstacles in this race, including top weight and a disadvantageous wide draw, which combine to make his task more difficult.

The Right One: Her strength lies in her consistent maiden form on turf, having hit the frame in four of her seven starts. Her pedigree, being a half-sister to an all-weather winner, suggests she should handle this surface. However, her chances are significantly compromised by a very wide draw, which is a major negative for this handicap and all-weather debutante.

Spotlight Verdict

There wasn’t much between Royal County Glory and KC BEAR over C&D 12 days ago and the latter may be able to turn the tables if getting a clearer run. Battleforsupremacy and Plushy are others worth considering and Realistic Dream is a very interesting handicap debutante who needs checking in the market.

We move up to 7 furlongs for another two-year-old maiden, where some well-bred contenders clash.

7. The 6.15 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (7f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Golden Trigger	290
Watch Tower	289

Form & Commentary Analysis

Golden Trigger

• Recent Form: 9006 33 P

• Commentary Summary: Has gone very close on his last two starts and holds a leading chance if he can settle better over this shorter trip.

Watch Tower

• Recent Form: 8959 452 P

• Commentary Summary: Ran an excellent race to be beaten just a neck over course and distance last time and should be fitter for that run.

Key Race Statistics

• Fate of Favourites: 2121

• Trainer Records: Joseph Patrick O’Brien 2-1-7, Gavin Cromwell 0-1-2

Expert Assessment

Golden Trigger: His primary strength is his recent form, having finished a close third on debut and an even closer second last time out. He also benefits from a nice draw. His main weakness is his tendency to race keenly, which was evident when he was stepped up to 1 mile. If dropping back to 7 furlongs helps him to settle better, he possesses a leading chance.

Watch Tower: Having earned an official rating of 77 after just three runs, his ability is a clear strength. He was beaten by the narrowest of margins over this course and distance on his latest outing, which came after a 102-day break. He is expected to be much fitter for that reappearance run, making him a leading contender to go one better.

Spotlight Verdict

Thirsty Owl shaped nicely behind WATCH TOWER in a C&D maiden three weeks ago but the Lyons colt can confirm the placings. Golden Trigger is also high on the shortlist and Goldinthesea is respected on debut. The filly Peachy Canyon is another to consider after her eye-catching barrier trial third at Leopardstown.

The Dundalk card concludes with a typically competitive 7-furlong handicap.

8. The 6.45 Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap (7f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Drafted	254
Ballymagreehan	241

Form & Commentary Analysis

Drafted

• Recent Form: 8224 407521 P

• Commentary Summary: A recent course and distance winner whose form has been boosted by the subsequent success of the horse he beat.

Ballymagreehan

• Recent Form: 9116 081323 P

• Commentary Summary: Has been holding his form well since a win here in July but is not helped by a wide draw on this occasion.

Key Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 1-2-9, 4yo+ 2-4-33

• Fate of Favourites: 152

• Trainer Records: R Donohoe 0-1-2, W McCreery 0-1-1

Expert Assessment

Drafted: This horse’s main strength is his proven course and distance effectiveness, having gained his third all-weather win here in October. Crucially, that form has since been boosted by the runner-up, suggesting the 4lb rise in the handicap is fair. This makes him a strong candidate to follow up.

Ballymagreehan: His key asset is his consistency, having held his form well in three runs since winning a 1-mile handicap here in July. The way he finished his last race suggests that the drop back to 7 furlongs is worth trying. His primary weakness is the wide draw, which is not ideal and could compromise his chances.

Spotlight Verdict

A competitive heat. The October C&D scorer DRAFTED has to be considered off 4lb higher. Bamako, Lahore De King and Ballymagreehan also have claims, though the latter’s wide draw is not ideal. Kayamite and Macadam’s Rock could go well at bigger odds.

With the action in Ireland complete, our analysis now moves across the Irish Sea to the evening fixture at Kempton Park.

——————————————————————————–

Kempton Park Race Meeting: Analysis and Verdicts

The evening fixture at Kempton Park features a nine-race card on the Polytrack surface. This surface often favours horses with a sharp turn of foot compared to the more galloping nature of other all-weather tracks. Our analysis will proceed chronologically, dissecting each race to identify the top-rated horses and evaluate their prospects based on form and expert commentary.

9. The 4.25 North Farm Stud Home Of Heros Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Div I) (7f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Pierchic	276
Buckland Belle	197

Form & Commentary Analysis

Pierchic

• Recent Form: 9132 31 L

• Commentary Summary: Showed a good attitude to win last time out and may have more improvement to come.

Buckland Belle

• Recent Form: 9133 4 P

• Commentary Summary: Was beaten 10 lengths on her Chelmsford debut and needs to take a significant step forward, although improvement is possible.

Expert Assessment

Pierchic: A key strength for Pierchic is her recent victory at Chelmsford, where she gamely prevailed in a tight finish, demonstrating a willing attitude. This racecourse experience, coupled with the potential for further improvement, makes her a very strong contender. Her main weakness is that she must carry a penalty for that win, which requires her to concede weight to her rivals, but she may well be up to the task.

Buckland Belle: This filly’s debut at Chelmsford is her primary weakness, having been beaten by 10 lengths and never landing a blow. While any newcomer is open to improvement for the experience, the scale of progress required to challenge the penalised winner is substantial. She faces a stiff task on these terms and would need to show a completely different level of ability to feature.

Spotlight Verdict

The three newcomers are all of interest, with Asmeralda (second choice) perhaps the pick of them, but PIERCHIC showed a good attitude when winning at Chelmsford 13 days ago and she can defy her penalty.

Another field of promising fillies lines up for the second division of this 7-furlong novice event.

10. The 5.00 North Farm Stud Home Of Heros Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Div II) (7f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Areti	260
Stole My Heart	214

Form & Commentary Analysis

Areti

• Recent Form: 8646 36 P

• Commentary Summary: Has shown clear promise in two useful races at Newmarket and now faces a less demanding task.

Stole My Heart

• Recent Form: 9082 6 M

• Commentary Summary: Was well-beaten on her Wolverhampton debut and needs to find significant improvement.

Expert Assessment

Areti: Her primary strength is the quality of the races she has contested, showing clear promise with a third and a sixth-place finish in two useful 7-furlong events at Newmarket. This race represents a significant step down in class, giving her a major experience edge over her rivals. It would be a surprise if she were not able to put that to good use and go very close.

Stole My Heart: A significant weakness for this filly was her debut performance at Wolverhampton, where she was an unfancied 20-1 shot and finished well-beaten after 6 furlongs. While she is now stepped up in trip, she will need to improve considerably on that initial effort to be competitive in this contest, and others make more immediate appeal.

Spotlight Verdict

As with the first division there are some newcomers of note, with Botagoz, Twinkle Belle and Nochebuena (second choice) all needing a market check. This looks less demanding than the Newmarket events ARETI contested in the autumn though and she can put her experience to good use.

The three-year-olds and upwards get their chance in the first handicap on the Kempton card, a tricky 7-furlong puzzle.

11. The 5.30 Kennet Valley & Heros Celebrate Tullius Handicap (7f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Tenbob Tommy	255
Red Mirage	243

Form & Commentary Analysis

Tenbob Tommy

• Recent Form: 9074 356222 P

• Commentary Summary: A consistent maiden who has finished second on his last three starts, demonstrating he is “knocking at the door”.

Red Mirage

• Recent Form: 8709 337426 P

• Commentary Summary: A previous course and distance placed runner who ran below market expectations last time out.

Expert Assessment

Tenbob Tommy: This horse’s key strength is his remarkable consistency, having finished a good second in his last three starts over 1 mile. This indicates he is in excellent form and close to a win. A potential weakness is the drop back to 7 furlongs; all his best recent form is over the longer trip, and this sharper test could potentially catch him out if the pace is strong.

Red Mirage: A proven performer at this track, having been placed over course and distance twice this year, which stands as his main strength. His primary weakness was his last run, where he performed below market expectations, suggesting a rebound in form is required. However, if he can replicate his penultimate C&D effort, he would be a major player.

Spotlight Verdict

The addition of cheekpieces may enable LEXINGTON JET to get off the mark. Tenbob Tommy (second choice) is another maiden who holds solid claims on recent form, while Red Mirage and Waistcoat are likely players judged on their penultimate efforts, both over C&D.

The juveniles return to the spotlight in what promises to be an informative nursery handicap.

12. The 6.00 Relaxation Awaits At Nirvana Spa Nursery Handicap (7f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Mighty Vega	289
Gorey Gold	276

Form & Commentary Analysis

Mighty Vega

• Recent Form: 8946 501 P

• Commentary Summary: Returned from a long break to win a 6f novice here and is open to improvement with a top jockey booked.

Gorey Gold

• Recent Form: 8841 109432 H

• Commentary Summary: Has been “knocking at the door” in nurseries on his last three starts and is a leading contender.

Expert Assessment

Mighty Vega: His main strength is his recent course win over 6 furlongs, achieved on his return from a 207-day absence. He is open to further improvement now tackling handicaps for the first time, and the booking of Oisin Murphy is a significant positive. His pedigree also suggests he should have no issue with the step up to 7 furlongs, and he looks like a colt with more to offer.

Gorey Gold: This colt’s primary strength is his consistency in recent nursery handicaps, including at this venue. He has been “knocking at the door” on his last three starts and now returns to 7 furlongs, a trip over which connections will be hopeful he can find the necessary improvement to play a leading role. His weakness is that he’s yet to convert that consistency into a win in this sphere, but he sets a solid standard.

Spotlight Verdict

Gorey Gold should be in the thick of it again, while Bami is unexposed at 7f and Beccadelli (second choice) may have bumped into one at Lingfield last time. STARLIGHT SAMI has shaped nicely in three 6f runs and the extra furlong could spark the requisite improvement.

The step up to a mile is on the cards for the runners in the following novice stakes.

13. The 6.30 Heros Charity Creating Bright Futures EBF Novice Stakes (1m)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Nation’s Hope	348
Killer Whale	188

Form & Commentary Analysis

Nation’s Hope

• Recent Form: 8704 1 P

• Commentary Summary: A smart prospect who scored impressively over course and distance on his debut.

Killer Whale

• Recent Form: 8988 7 H

• Commentary Summary: Made no impact on his debut and may be more of a prospect over longer distances next year.

Expert Assessment

Nation’s Hope: This colt’s key strength was the deeply impressive nature of his C&D debut win, where he showed a smart turn of foot. Being a half-brother to a top-level winner for his powerful yard, he is considered a very smart prospect and looks to hold a distinct class edge. He should prove well-equipped to handle the 7lb penalty for that victory.

Killer Whale: His debut performance, where he made no impact, is a clear weakness. His pedigree suggests he will need longer distances to show his best form, with his dam being a Cesarewitch winner. He looks like a long-term project, making him potentially more interesting over staying trips next season rather than in this contest.

Spotlight Verdict

Bright prospect NATION’S HOPE should defy a penalty for his impressive C&D success. The only other runner with experience needs a huge step forward, while the newcomers don’t set the pulse racing. The pick of those debutants is Genuine Warrior, judged on a combination of purchase price and pedigree.

Speed is the name of the game next, as the three-year-olds tackle a 6-furlong handicap.

14. The 7.00 Heros, A New Life After Racing Handicap (6f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Hunky Dory	266
Expert Agent	259

Form & Commentary Analysis

Hunky Dory

• Recent Form: 9234 542432 P

• Commentary Summary: A consistent ten-race maiden who ran well last week and holds a fighting chance from the same handicap mark.

Expert Agent

• Recent Form: 8650 795054 H

• Commentary Summary: Returns to the all-weather on an attractive handicap mark but has not won in this sphere since April 2023.

Expert Assessment

Hunky Dory: This maiden’s primary strength is his general consistency, which was on display again when running well to be beaten just under a length at Newcastle last week. Racing off the same handicap mark gives him a strong fighting chance to finally get off the mark, and his reliability makes him a solid place contender at the very least.

Expert Agent: A key weakness is his long losing streak on the all-weather, with his last win in this sphere coming in April 2023. However, his strength lies in returning to this surface on an attractive handicap mark, which is now 7lb lower than his last victory. This could make him very competitive if he rediscovers his best form.

Spotlight Verdict

Bottomweight PRODIGAL SON is related to several winners for his stable and, dropped back in trip with the cheekpieces retained, may be able to get off the mark. Fellow maiden Hunky Dory (second choice) is also firmly in the mix, while Hierarchy and Expert Agent are other suggestions for the shortlist.

Stamina will be tested to the full as the stayers take centre stage over two miles.

15. The 7.30 Highclere Castle Horse Feeds Handicap (2m)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
New York Minute	312
Macari	292

Form & Commentary Analysis

New York Minute

• Recent Form: 8990 446111 M

• Commentary Summary: This horse has clicked recently, completing a hat-trick of wins, and another big run is expected.

Macari

• Recent Form: 8418 018331 L

• Commentary Summary: Has enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign and could be suited by the step up to this longer distance.

Expert Assessment

New York Minute: His obvious strength is his superb current form, having won his last three races in succession since September. This highly progressive profile suggests he has truly “clicked,” and the latest 3lb rise in the handicap is unlikely to be enough to prevent another bold bid to extend his winning sequence.

Macari: This horse has been in excellent form throughout a productive 2025 campaign, winning four times. A key strength is the potential for the step up to 2 miles to elicit further improvement, given he stayed on well to win over 1m4f last time. The main weakness he faces is a 5lb rise in the handicap for that victory, which will demand a career-best effort.

Spotlight Verdict

Dance Time and Macari arrive on the back of wins and can go well but Berkshire Sundance and NEW YORK MINUTE (nap) appeal most. The former flopped behind the selection at Southwell last time but had been progressing well beforehand. That said, something has clicked for New York Minute and a 3lb rise for that latest success may not prevent him completing a four-timer.

We drop back sharply in trip for another competitive 7-furlong handicap.

16. The 8.00 Racehorse Shares For Christmas @racingclub.com Handicap (7f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Homme De Fer	239
My Boy Harry	223

Form & Commentary Analysis

Homme De Fer

• Recent Form: 9214 -44231 P

• Commentary Summary: Is improving with experience and won last week with a bit more in hand than the margin suggests.

My Boy Harry

• Recent Form: 8735 733162 M

• Commentary Summary: Has been running well since the application of a visor and should remain competitive.

Expert Assessment

Homme De Fer: His key strength is that he is clearly improving with experience, getting off the mark at the tenth attempt at Wolverhampton last week. He won with more authority than the narrow margin suggests, indicating he may well be capable of following up. His weakness is that he is “not obviously thrown in” under a penalty, meaning the handicapper may now have his measure, but he is a horse on the up.

My Boy Harry: The fitting of a visor has been a positive catalyst, leading to a win at this track and an excellent second-place finish at Lingfield. This consistent recent form is his primary strength, suggesting he is holding his form well and should remain competitive in a contest of this nature. His proven course form is another plus.

Spotlight Verdict

Dean Ivory looks to have two fair chances with Adace and The Spotlight Kid, while Soar Above should make a bold bid under ideal conditions. Homme De Fer remains capable of better and is second choice but MY BOY HARRY has been running well since fitted with a visor and he is tentatively preferred in a trappy race.

The evening’s action concludes with a tricky 6-furlong sprint handicap.

17. The 8.30 Friends Of Heros Handicap (6f)

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Pinjarra	234
Southbank	231

Form & Commentary Analysis

Pinjarra

• Recent Form: 8431 491371 P

• Commentary Summary: A recent winner who is well-drawn and cannot be ruled out despite a rise in the weights.

Southbank

• Recent Form: 8762 025614 H

• Commentary Summary: A course and distance winner who was not seen to best effect last time out.

Expert Assessment

Pinjarra: His strengths include his recent winning form at Southwell and a favourable draw in stall two for this contest. A potential weakness is the 6lb rise he has received in the handicap for that last victory, which will require an improved performance to overcome, but he arrives in better form than most.

Southbank: His primary strength is his previous course and distance win in October, confirming his effectiveness under these conditions. He has a valid excuse for his subsequent defeat, as he “was not seen to best effect” in a race where the leaders did not come back to the field. He is a strong contender to bounce back to form under more suitable circumstances.

Spotlight Verdict

A few of these have the ability to feature and if wind surgery has the desired effect for Albert Cee then he is potentially thrown in. Spendmore Lane will get the breaks one day, while Guiteau is capable and Papa Don’t Preach should be involved too. SOUTHBANK won well here in October and when only fourth last time it was in a race where the leaders didn’t come back. There should be a good pace on here and he can prove himself to still have his nose in front of the handicapper.

This concludes our detailed, data-driven analysis of today’s all-weather action from Dundalk and Kempton.