Top-weight GORDON BENNETT gets another chance to race in this grade following a strong-finishing C&D third last month on his comeback run, where he had Kwa Herini and Distillate behind. Greater threats could come from the likes of Velvet Skies and White Clover, while yesterday's Sligo winner Gegenpressing is respected if turning out quickly. [Alan Hewison]
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Last win was in 5f premier handicap at this course in September 2022 off 90; reached a career-high of 94 and very encouraging C&D comeback run last month under hefty weight when staying on third; 2lb higher but rider negates that and remains a big player at this level.
Belatedly delivered on early-season promise with 5f Navan maiden win in October; testing conditions probably wouldn't have suited on Naas return in March, more expected of here.
Sole win came here last summer (5f) and very encouraging comeback run over same trip here last month; ran well for a long way at Navan under today's rider but stamina concerns over this stiff 6f.
Turf win came at 7f but equally good at shorter trips and recent strong-finishing Navan third (stumbled start) augurs well; rider claims an extra 3lb here and can be fancied to reverse form with second-placed She's Smart.
First four runs at Dundalk before fine turf debut last month over today's C&D when fourth (Gordon Bennett third) having raced away from leaders on far side; one to consider off same mark.
Killarney win (1m) last autumn came on heavy and has run well on soft both starts this term over same trip, here and at Limerick; Keane remains aboard but drop in trip and quicker ground could be a negative.
Last win came here over 5f in testing conditions in October 2023; standout run last year came when beaten a head over C&D on good ground off 65; has tended to need a run in the past so possibly best watched on return.
Maiden is 0-14 but runner-up both here and at Down Royal last year; ran well for a long way on comeback run here last month over 7f, drops back in trip here on first venture over 6f.
Nine of his 10 wins have come on AW, turf success came over stiff Navan 5f last autumn off 65; didn't count at same venue last month however (having been running on AW) so has a bit to find now.
Five wins over various trips and ground; not far off a couple of these over C&D last month but struggled back at 5f at Navan since; can't be ruled out.
Lightly raced 3yo showed definite ability on Cork debut (6f, good) last september but hasn't built on that in three runs since, never counting on recent handicap debut at Naas; hard to be confident in but down 4lb.
Down Royal win last year her sole success, going closest to second win when good second of 20 at Navan last month, finishing strongly over 5f (Velvet Skies third); could struggle to confirm that form however on these terms.
Sole victory came over 6f at Thirsk (good) on debut for Saeed Bin Suroor; regressive since, although testing conditions were hardly ideal at Limerick last time; handicapper giving him a chance and conditions more in his favour here.
Couple of decent runs last year for former yard and good start (having been gelded) for current trainer when third in Cork nursery in October; further improvement likely.
Cork second (6f) off this mark last summer her standout effort; struggled back in trip at Navan on last month's comeback so return to longer trip should suit.
Nice bit of improvement dropped in trip last month in a first-time visor, showing plenty of speed over 5f at Navan, only tiring late when passed by both She's Smart and Velvet Skies; needs to settle better to see this out.
Three of five wins have been at Sligo including yesterday when defying wide draw to win for second consecutive year; claimer now booked to negate mandatory penalty.
Improved off lowly mark this term, good second at Bellewstown and three days later only tiring late when fourth at Navan over stiff 6f; slightly easier 6f here should suit but 3lb out of handicap.
