Runner-up on this card last year, topweight Transcending Glory had excuses at Chester on return and enters the discussion in a first-time hood. Marakesh and Pinar Del Rio make the shortlist judged on their most recent efforts, but PLUME NOIRE won on reappearance last year and was an unlucky loser in a C&D fillies' premier handicap in June off 2lb higher. If she's ready to roll on her stable debut, she could be a touch of value. Shavasi is also considered. [Adrian Wall]
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Front-runner was second over C&D on this card last year off 87; won good Leopardstown handicap (7f, good) last July off this mark; had excuses for below-par effort at Chester on return when caught wide from high draw; contender; hooded.
Won three times in Britain from 7f-1m in 2023; not as good in three starts last year; never a factor over inadequate 5f at Navan on seasonal/stable debut in first-time hood (left off) last week; could improve.
Record of 2-13 on turf; beaten 0.5l in C&D handicap off 90 on final start last year; 4lb lower now; raced too freely when well beaten on seasonal comeback at Naas; led much of the way on latest at Cork; each-way possibilities.
Won Naas handicap (1m, good) on return last May; unlucky not to get up in C&D fillies' premier handicap (good) in June off 87; soundly beaten in Galway Mile and Irish Cambridgeshire but goes well fresh and looks well treated on stable debut.
Won Fairyhouse maiden (7f, good) last summer and some fine runs in defeat at up to 1m; found 6f too sharp when weak in the betting on return last month; others preferred.
Killarney maiden (1m, good to firm) winner who won her second handicap start at Punchestown (1m1f, good) with a nice bit in hand under prominent tactics; heavy ground possibly to blame for poor comeback run at Gowran; in the mix.
Four wins on soft/heavy divided between here (6f-7f) and Roscommon; ran well in fourth from tough draw at Limerick (1m) last month but hopes rest on the heavens opening.
One of two for yard; no win since Killarney maiden (1m, yielding) success in July 2023; in and out of form last season but some of better efforts came under this rider; nearest at finish when third over C&D when last seen; absence to overcome.
Won Gowran maiden (7f, good) with plenty in reserve on debut last September; never landed a blow in Naas Listed a month later; sent off 28-1 for handicap debut, outran odds when runner-up at Gowran (7f, heavy) on return; unchanged mark; player.
Won back-to-back last season, including here (6f); all wins on testing but ran a cracker on stable/seasonal debut when second of 13 at Naas (6f, good) two weeks ago, headed close home; shortlisted from 1lb lower.
Six of his eight wins have come at this track; won this race in 2022 and 2023; well below form since Fairyhouse win last summer; Billy Lee, who has ridden him to victory six times, is on Merisi Diamond; best watched for now.
Daughter of Justify made a belated winning debut at four over 6f at Dundalk in November; the form of that race hasn't worked out; well beaten in 1m AW apprentice rated race there in December; market will reveal expectations on handicap debut.
Roscommon maiden (7.5f) winner; did good work late after sluggish start on Leopardstown return; built on that promise when winning Cork apprentice handicap (1m, good) 18 days ago; 4lb higher; engaged 8.25 Curragh, Friday.
Landed Naas maiden (6f, soft) in October 2023; hasn't kicked on since, although rattled home when beaten 1.25l into fourth of 14 in 7f Dundalk handicap when last seen in October; first run for Ado McGuinness; others hold stronger claims.
All three wins at 6f, including at this track last August off 66 (good); midfield at Naas two weeks ago; he's a real threat when he gets a decent pace to aim at but has to prove he stays this far.
Off the mark on second start in Dundalk maiden (7f) in October (form franked); disappointing in three AW starts since but chased home Listed-placed Rubies From Burma on sole turf outing at Cork on debut; could improve for switch to grass.
Last win was in 5f premier handicap at this course in September 2022 off 90; encouraging runs here over 6f since returning but struggled over this trip in the past; player if he stays.
Lightly raced 5yo returned from a break to run well at big odds in 6f course maiden last August before winning over that C&D the following month; poor on AW/handicap debut in October; will appreciate return to turf but absence to overcome.
Reared up in stalls here (6f) on debut last September, staying on well late; showed promise next time at Naas; eyecatching run after tardy start when fourth of 11 in course maiden (6f, soft) on return, beaten 1.25l; interesting handicap debutante; 2lb wrong.
Won at Naas (7f, good) last summer off 63 before narrow defeat here (6f) from 5lb higher; not at the same level this term but is well treated on pick of his form and Wayne Lordan an interesting booking; 6lb wrong.
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 )
