2m | Soft to Heavy | 9 runners

This is a proper winter Punchestown handicap — small field, testing ground, and no hiding place. With the two big system horses taken out (Zuzukel, Hereditary Rule), the race has opened right up and it now looks more about who actually handles conditions and stays competitive off their mark rather than raw class.

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Race Shape

There’s no obvious tearaway, so this should be run at an honest but not frantic gallop. In this ground, that usually suits horses who can travel comfortably and keep finding, rather than those needing a sharp turn of foot. Expect it to become a grind from three out.

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Main Contenders

Where Are You Now (IRE)
Lightly raced and first run in a handicap, which is often key in this series. His maiden runs don’t jump off the page, but he’s shaped like a horse who’ll be better once given a mark. Carries a nice weight, should stay, and any improvement puts him right in the mix. Solid favourite profile.

Walk On Annilog (IRE)
Her Leopardstown run was much better than the bare result — finished strongly from the rear in a hotter race and now drops back into a smaller field. The hood stays on, which helps her settle, and she looks one of the few guaranteed to handle soft-heavy ground. Strong contender.

Be Fierce (IRE)
Well treated on older form and now back hurdling after chasing. This trip suits better than some of his recent assignments and he’s run respectably off higher marks in the past. The concern is whether he still has the desire to go through it in this ground, but ability isn’t the issue.

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Each-Way / Place Angles

Jumble Light (FR)
Quietly consistent and didn’t run badly at Navan in much stronger company. He lacks a winning profile but is the type to keep plugging on when others have cried enough. Place claims if it turns attritional.

Trebizond
Veteran who’s better on better ground. He’ll travel for a long way but tends to empty late when it gets deep. Needs things to fall right.

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Opposables

• Metamorpheus – course winner, yes, but recent form is poor and he’s repeatedly failed to cope with heavy ground
• Black Soul – top weight, looks harshly treated and recent runs offer little encouragement

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Verdict

With the obvious angles gone non-runner, this now favours profile and potential over proven class.

Where Are You Now is the one with upside.
Walk On Annilog looks the safest all-rounder in the conditions.
Be Fierce is the wildcard if rediscovering hunger.