A competitive apprentice handicap where the 3yos may hold the edge over a largely exposed older division. The likely strong pace looks important, as several of the main contenders have been doing their best work late.

Main Contenders

Neon Eyes
Finished a close second to Amrum at Gowran when the pair pulled clear of the remainder. Gets a 2lb swing for a neck defeat and shaped as though this extra distance would suit. Strong pace is a positive and remains relatively unexposed after only two handicap starts.

Amrum
Frankel colt who improved markedly on handicap debut at Gowran. The form looks solid and both pedigree and post-race comments suggest 1m3f will suit. Stall 17 is not ideal and he may need things to fall right from off the pace, but further improvement is likely.

Elusive Duke
Best of the older horses. Narrowly denied at Gowran last time and has become well treated compared to last season’s form. Low draw and expected pace setup are positives. Looks likely to run his race again.

Oust
Progressive 3yo who has run well in both handicap starts. Strong stayer at the trip and should be competitive, though Timeform’s pace projection may not be quite as favourable for him as for some of the closers.

Interesting Each-Way Types

Casheldale Lass
Course-and-distance winner. Forgive the Fairyhouse run and her Leopardstown second puts her right in the mix. Cheekpieces return.

Priorstown
Murtagh handicap debutant. Hasn’t achieved much in maidens but the opening mark could underestimate him. Draw 18 makes life difficult.

Glendower
Returned from hurdles with two improved Flat efforts and now looks feasibly handicapped. More interesting than his odds suggest.

Others

Ohmali has bits of form that give him a chance but is inconsistent and drawn wide.

Doctor Grace won at Roscommon in May but failed to back it up and now carries top weight.

Forlio is on a workable mark but needs more than he has shown recently.

Race Shape

Likely pace from Casheldale Lass, Doctor Grace and possibly Anchors Away. If they go hard, it should favour runners coming from midfield or further back.

Verdict

The Gowran form is the strongest recent piece of evidence in the race and it would be no surprise if it dominated again.

Neon Eyes looks the one most likely to improve for this trip and can reverse form with Amrum on slightly better terms.

Shortlist

1. Neon Eyes


2. Amrum


3. Elusive Duke


4. Casheldale Lass



Fair Odds

Neon Eyes – 3/1

Amrum – 5/1

Elusive Duke – 6/1

Oust – 8/1

Casheldale Lass – 10/1


Betting Verdict

Neon Eyes is the most solid option.
Elusive Duke appeals as the best value play.
Amrum remains the horse with the highest upside but has a tougher task from stall 17.