Race Preview: Analyzing the Contenders
8/1
Course winner. 5/1, career best when winning 9-runner handicap at Listowel (8f, good to soft) 26 days ago by ¾ length from Orandi. Should go well again.
7/1
Completed a hat-trick in July/August and remained in form since. Good 2¾ lengths third of 9 to Global Energy in handicap (4/1) at Listowel (8f, good to soft) 26 days ago. Likely to give another good account.
16/5
Latest win at Roscommon in August. 11/2, fifth of 6 in minor event at Bellewstown (12.2f, good to soft) 17 days ago. Significantly back down in trip.
9/2
Useful in France but below that level for new yard this year, although latest Tipperary fifth was a bit better. Needs to build on that now.
40/1
Course winner. 125/1 and visored for 1st time, 14¾ lengths fifteenth of 16 to Azada in listed race at Naas (8f, good to soft) 7 days ago. Has work to do.
4/1
Winner at the Curragh in May. Good second of 14 in handicap at Naas (7f, good to soft, 13/2) 8 days ago. Chased home Global Energy at Listowel prior to that.
6/1
Two wins from 5 runs this year. 11/1, career best when winning 12-runner handicap at Cork (8f, good to soft) 19 days ago.
15/2
Winner at Cork in October. 4/1, good third of 25 in handicap at the Curragh (8f, good to soft) 15 days ago, closing all way to line. Considered.
This race looks to be a closely contested affair with several contenders having strong claims. The 8/1 shot, having won at the course recently, will be one to watch, as will the 7/1 runner who has been in consistent form. The 4/1 favorite is another strong contender with a good second place finish recently.
Who do you think will take home the win?