If you follow the Flat in Ireland and the UK, you’ve heard the name Robson Aguiar. But as we kick off the 2026 season, the narrative has shifted. No longer just the “secret weapon” behind the scenes, Aguiar is now the man with the name on the door—and he’s already making it look easy.Here is…

This is a proper slog of a race: 29 declared, a mile at the Curragh, and heavy ground. These contests are rarely won by the horse with the prettiest profile. They are won by the one with the right run style, the right draw and the ability to finish when others have cried enough.That is…

A six–runner Class 5 handicap hurdle rarely produces anything complicated, and this looks a race where tactics will matter more than raw ability.The HorseRaceBase pace map points to one likely front runner – Kalkaroo – with the rest either sitting prominently or being held up. Timeform also suggests the pace will be weak, which usually…

Handicap ChaseThis small field Class 4 handicap chase looks tactical rather than gruelling. Both HRB race shape data and the Timeform pace forecast point to the same conclusion – there is very little early speed in the race. With no confirmed front-runner and only one regular prominent racer, the early gallop should be steady.In races…

This is a small four-runner mares’ handicap but it is not as straightforward as it first appears. Tactics will play a major role and the pace scenario could ultimately decide the winner.HorseRaceBase identifies two likely front runners which creates the possibility of early pressure, although Timeform suggests the race could also become tactical. In a…

This small-field novice handicap chase at Chepstow looks likely to be decided by race position rather than raw ability. With only five runners declared and very little confirmed pace in the field, the tactical map becomes the most important factor.HRB’s race shape analysis points to Falco Des Pins as the sole front runner, with only…

The 4.20 at the Curragh looks set up for a strong traveller who can sit just off the heat and finish his race properly. On the evidence from HorseRaceBase and Timeform, that points to Whip Cracker.The pace angle is the key. HRB has this down as a very strong shape with high collapse risk, and…

Small-field staying handicaps often turn tactical and this looks no different with just seven runners lining up. The likely pace isn’t expected to be strong and that immediately points towards those who race prominently rather than hold-up types.Aire Spray arrives here in the best form. Sue Smith’s six-year-old won over this course and distance last…

This Class 3 mares’ handicap doesn’t look overly complicated on paper, but the race shape is likely to decide it.Both the HRB pace map and Timeform point towards a weak early gallop. There is very little natural pace in the field and only Rula Bula looks a guaranteed forward goer, which raises the possibility of…

Natus Vincere Holds All the Tactical CardsThis five–runner Class 5 handicap hurdle looks a straightforward race on paper, and the tactical setup only strengthens the position of the favourite.Both the HRB race shape data and Timeform pace forecast point to a race run at a steady tempo. There are no habitual front-runners in the field,…