This is a potential minefield and the safest choice is probably SHOWHOUND who is taken to confirm the form of his Irish debut with El Bello. Notforalongtime, though more readily identified with Dundalk, is worth considering on his Cork second last time. Finsceal Annie also comes into the reckoning on Dundalk form. Tony Martin's import from Poland, Haeret In Pectore, is a potential dark horse. [Alan Sweetman]
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Two wins from his 15 starts for Richard Fahey, landing 6f maiden at Ayr in 2023 and 7f handicap at Newcastle in January; started brightly for Danny Murphy with C&D second last month, clear of El Bello; leading contender.
Has been running over further since two early-season 7f runs last year; failed to stay at Cork last month; this should suit better but needs to find improvement to make the breakthrough.
Gained eighth AW win in a Dundalk claimer in March (7f) 1-20 on turf, the win coming in 2020 when trained by Clive Cox; recent Cork second was encouraging; each-way claims.
Sole win came on the beach at Laytown last year; took a step in the right direction when runner-up in a claimer at Dundalk in March; towards the rear at Leopardstown; turf form is relatively weak.
Suited by a sound surface on turf;, definite chance based on overall winter form at Dundalk; rider's considerable experience is an asset in a race like this.
Winner of 11 races for Ado McGuinness over 7f/1m; claimed in December and first run for new yard when down the field in another AW claimer last month; mid-division over a longer trip at Gowran last month.
His 1-23 record on turf is a concern; several good runs last year, including over 5f at this track; slowly away when strong in the betting over 1m at Bellewstown early last month; down the field over 6f here a week later.
2-18 on turf, more effective at Dundalk (4-22), twice second there this year; fair chance off lower turf mark having ended last season's campaign with a fourth placing at Fairyhouse.
Longstanding maiden; Dundalk second a month ago provides encouragement in general but 6lb out of the handicap here; trainer has a better chance with Mullacash Buzz.
