This longer trip should suit STAY GOLD (nap) who was noted staying on well for this rider at the festival meeting here in April. Dual course winner Londonofficecailin heads the list of likely dangers. Others to consider are the generally dependable One And Only, course winner Birmingham Alabama, and Howdoyalikherhome. [Alan Sweetman]
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Gowran maiden win was gained over 2m; fair form at around 2m3f in a valuable conditions race here at the festival; tackles a new trip now; rider's claim helps to reduce his big burden.
Useful and versatile staying type, winner of eight races including three over hurdles; getting on in years now, and needs to step up from last month's Kilbeggan run.
Back over hurdles now after an unrewarding spell over fences; hard to make a case for him; trainer appears to have a better chance with Howdoyalikeherhome.
Progressive staying handicapper early this year, winning at this venue (soft) and career-best over 3m at Leopardstown in March (yielding); below best in C&D novice afterwards and early faller back in handicap company at the festival here; kept on from off the pace when third over 3m at Wexford.
Versatile sort, though has a better strike rate on the Flat; won over a shorter trip here last winter; good run behind the in-form Digby at Ballinrobe on latest; strong contender for in-form stable.
3-21 over hurdles, all three wins coming for Declan Queally; has run well in defeat for this yard, including a 3l third of 11 in a mares' handicap over 2m6f at Ballinrobe last autumn; has to bounce back from a disappointing run at the same venue recently.
Not seen since finishing second in a handicap chase at this venue last October; 0-7 over hurdles placed four times; may find this too demanding on return.
Showed ability fourth in a heavy ground maiden hurdle at this venue in February (reportedly coughed post race); comes into the reckoning on the evidence of his staying-on run in the final of the Adare Manor Opportunity Series at the festival meeting; enough stamina in the pedigree to encourage support.
Won on Flat in Britain and over hurdles in April last year for Gavin Cromwell in a 2m1f Bellewstown handicap; no show on yard debut on the Flat at Navan in April and failed to make a major impact in a recent 2m1f conditions hurdle at Wexford; has run well at up to 2m4f,
Three hurdle wins have all been at 3m+ on both good and soft, including at Listowel festival in 2023; pulled up over fences at Down Royal on only 2024 start; long absence to overcome.
Runner-up on all three completed starts since 2m4f Cork win on soft ground last December; has missed several engagements because of ground concerns, though his form indicates versatility; could be in the mix.
Made mistakes and finished lame when fourth in a 20-runner contest at Fairyhouse in April; that was a decent effort in the circumstances; each-way chance.
Got off the mark at the seventh attempt over hurdles in Fairyhouse handicap in February (2m4f, soft); raised 6lb for that and has been off since; any easing in the ground would probably help.
