Joseph O'Brien has an excellent record in this contest and Mataariki is likely to hold the best chance of his pair. Independent Expert and Sara Valentina have conditions to suit and make the shortlist, but INDIGO FIVE won in the manner of a very progressive horse at the Curragh last month and the form received a nice boost on Saturday. Tai Tam Bay won't be far away if she sees out the trip. [Adrian Wall]
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Fourth in the Lincoln on return; produced a career-best when comfortably winning at the Curragh (1m, soft) last month off 90; Apercu (fourth) gave the form a nice boost when winning at Cork on Saturday; 8lb higher now but drop in trip is fine and will have the fitness edge over some of these.
Four-time winner and has placed at this track three times from four attempts; won twice last year, including an early-season handicap at Cork (7f, heavy); respectable seventh of 27 in the Lincoln on stable debut last month; entitled to go well.
Maiden winner who won her second handicap start at Punchestown (1m1f, good) with a nice bit in hand under prominent tactics; beaten favourite from 9lb higher at Navan in October but wasn't far behind; unproven in these conditions.
Decent effort when a close third here (good to firm) in August off 81; won fillies' handicap at Fairyhouse (7f, good) in September off 79; 193-day absence to overcome and the ground is a concern.
Has failed to add to her score since winning 1m Bellewstown maiden at three for Johnny Murtagh; placed once for Joseph O'Brien last season; will enjoy these conditions and is closely matched with Sara Valentina and Heart Of Darkness on latest Naas run.
Bolted up at this course (1m, soft) on her debut 12 months ago; third behind now 106-rated Big Gossey at the Curragh in November; out of her depth in AW Listed at Chantilly when last seen in November; stable won three of the last four runnings of this race; respected.
Won an ordinary maiden at Limerick (6.5f, soft to heavy) last May; mixed form since then, although one of her better efforts on return when third of 15 at Naas over this trip last month; loves the mud and stable in form; contender.
Won C&D maiden (good) with plenty in reserve on debut last September; never landed a blow (no luck in running and eased) in Naas Listed a month later; 5yo remains unexposed entering handicap company.
Won 6f Dundalk maiden last April; would have been closer in Cork Listed a month later had she enjoyed a clear run; bought out of Paddy Twomey's yard for 25,000euros in November; three okay runs for this yard, fourth of 15 at Naas (7f, soft to heavy) last month; chance.
Sole win came last April at Naas (6f, yielding); generally reliable filly who ran well on return when third over 6f at the Curragh last month; yet to convince she truly wants 7f, especially on ground this deep, but still warrants plenty of respect.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
