A real minefield. Course specialist and last year's winner Stanhope shouldn't be far away again. She's Smart was runner-up at the course last month and could bounce back to form. Dermot Weld's Zaragoza should leave his return effort well behind but the tentative vote goes to HEZAHUNK, who went down narrowly at Sligo from a tough draw on latest and might be able to dictate things here. [Adrian Wall]
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Eight-time winner who has done a lot of racing since his last win in 2022; consistent enough on the AW since last October but poor on turf of late; headgear left off this time.
Best efforts for this yard have been over 5f at Down Royal but excellent runner-up of 20 here over 5f (soft) last month; backwards step in two starts since but she's not ruled out.
Didn't show much in maidens for Dermot Weld last year; mild promise on second start for this yard in 7f Curragh handicap on latest; drop in trip should suit but he may need more respite from the handicapper.
Won at the Curragh (6.5f, good) off 58 on last season's return and ran well in defeat in big-field handicaps since; probably needed the run over an inadequate 5f on return at Naas last week; can improve.
Record of 1-44 and 0-20 on turf; best turf form on slower ground; good fifth of 20 here over 5f last month; didn't get clear run when rattling home well when beaten 0.5l at Naas last week; in the mix again.
Improved off lowly mark this term, second at Bellewstown before a disappointing fourth over C&D when sent off favourite; excellent third of 27 at the Curragh (6f) on latest; this stiffer track might not suit.
One of two for yard; dual AW winner is 0-11 on turf; finished just behind Lismacbryan Hill over C&D last month (Stanhope second); best runs came on softer ground that this; stable holds better claims with Stanhope.
Is 0-8 on turf; best effort a 1.5l second here (5f, good) last September off 54; now 3lb lower and shaped nicely on seasonal reappearance over C&D; run at Sligo can be forgiven as she got caught wide; each-way chance.
Likeable veteran loves it here, as is evidenced by his four course wins, including this race last year off 47; now 4lb higher but finished second over C&D on return with some of these rivals behind; shortlisted.
Is 0-6 on turf; good third in Tipperary maiden for former yard (5f, soft); pulled up in Clonmel maiden hurdle in March; slowly away at Sligo on latest (6f), plugging on late to finish eighth of 14; much more needed.
Wasn't disgraced behind some good types on sole turf start here (5f) last August; has improved without winning for switch to handicaps on the AW; headgear combination now tried back on turf; respected.
Was 0-3 in France, tailed off over 6.5f twice before creditable effort over 8.5f; down the field in two handicaps for current yard; cheekpieces now reached for back down in trip.
Beaten a long way in three hot turf maidens last year; slightly better in Dundalk maiden but still beaten 10l; market will reveal expectations on handicap debut.
No impact in three AW maidens last year for former yard; similar story in three handicaps for this yard, but wasn't disgraced at Sligo (6f) on latest, beaten 4.5l when caught wide from a high draw.
Dual AW winner is 0-5 on turf; shock 50-1 win under enterprising ride at Dundalk last month before good third there off 4lb higher; got across from wide draw to race prominently at Sligo 13 days ago when beaten 0.75l into third; big chance with a repeat from 1lb higher.
12-race maiden's form petered out on the AW at the tail end of last year; best effort a 1.75l fifth at Cork (6f, good to yielding) off 48 in October; never a factor at Gowran on return; others appeal more.
Best efforts have come on softer ground, notably when second at Gowran (7f, heavy) under this rider on his penultimate run; respectable fourth there on good (1m) on latest (awkward from stalls); contender if the drop in trip isn't an inconvenience.
1-13 on the AW and 2-21 on turf; only 2l behind Hasiyna on return at Dundalk after a break in December; poor run there next start; well handicapped on pick of turf form and can go well fresh.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
