SEAN - CURRAGH 

 

There are some big field 6 furlong handicaps today at 4.12 and at 5.20, I'm not really fixated on the Draw here as much as wanting to be where the pace is, evidence of Course form, race fitness as an advantage, especially if on turf and also weeding out those better at Dundalk and trying to find anything that's gone well fresh in the past.

 

It's interesting that in fields of 23 and 26 (so 49 runners) my combined shortlist in total is relatively small.

 

 

I looked at Dream Today who has a high draw that may be an asset but who on past form may need the run, Carlton Bank who could be very well handicapped in a middle berth but who will more than likely need the run is definitely one to add to Trackers whatever happens today, at the head of the market Hightimeyouwon and Riot don't look great value to me despite coming from big Yards and both may need the runs today.

 

Inflection Point who has AW fitness but not such good turf form is one who could run well at a price but i was left with a final list of 4 "with a twist"

 

I'm most keen on BLAIRMAYNE who was runner up in a 65K Premier Handicap over Course and Distance not too long ago here, it has enough form first time out to be strongly considered and from Stall 7 should have enough pace around it and a rail to help. If its 95% ready it has no excuses and a chance I'm happy to take. VERHOYEN romped home over 5 and a 1/2 here in the past, and has its second run of the season and has won second time out before, its winning mark in the mentioned race was 82 and it runs off 88 with a 7lbs Claimer up, so ticks every box for me from Stall 21.

 

CLEVELEYS is an ex Michael Dods horse whose Irish mark is comparable with some solid UK form, it has had a run which is usually needed, best form is at 6 furlongs with some cut in the ground and has a draw in Stall 11. Its only 2lbs above best UK form and another that I can find no excuses for.

 

At a bigger price is DOWNFORCE who has Course and Distance form, runs off a nice mark, has had a run and is best in soft so any early rain will boost its chances. Its the one at a big price that I think most likely to outrun Odds.

 

The twist is BIG GOSSEY who can be very temperamental and throw all chances away at the start, if it goes in to the Stalls without any bother and drawn in Stall 1 it may be easier to load last and to be kept well out of the way then definitely to have a £2 in running bet on the exchanges even with a time delay but it's just too temperamental to back hours before the race in my opinion.

 

 

------- 

 

 

A few who may be better on the AW but with chances here are Blastofmagic and the favourite Samroque. At bigger odds I had a long look at Capach Rua but ultimately couldn't find a spot in the final selections.Cactus Tree comes out quickly following a disappointing run a few days ago and that can be a pointer from the Grassick yard. The only other one I really fear is No Patience who may need further than this but who could sneak an enhanced place late on.

 

I'll put my money though on LEXINGTON LIBERTY who is an ex Richard Hannon horse who ran well for a long way on seasonal debut here, as did CONVERSANT in the same race. Conversant may be suited by any rain and I think both should be looking to place at least.

 

AMAZING EMMA is better at a bit shorter but could really get these on the stretch from stall 4 with the benefit of a run and a rail and at a bigger price I can't resist MASS GATHERING  who has had a run, has good form in the past at Naas as a juvenile off a comparable rating of 68 and a runner up effort too here off a rating of 67 over this trip and the handicapper may have been a little lenient off a mark of 50.

 

 

------