20:30 Leopardstown
Thursday 8 June 2017
All17:5018:2018:5019:2519:5520:3021:00
Grant Thornton Handicap
- 4YO plus | 1m 5f | Yielding to Soft | 18 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 20:30 | Winning time: 2m 53.70s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Scored in a 14-runner maiden at Navan (1m, good) when last spotted, that was just a second start on the Flat. Has been off for 327 days and will need to be ready to build on that effort.
Poor when last seen on the Flat over 2m at the Curragh in October. Has been doing excellent work over hurdles since however and comes here fit from that sphere so would be remiss to underestimate his chance.
Beat just 1L off this mark over C&D on return to action 13 days ago, can take a forward role here if building on that showing.
Disappointing recently over hurdles on first start for this yard, has a bit to find on previous Flat form and probably best watched unless there are market vibes to the contrary.
Two efforts on turf last year were poor, returns from 230-day layoff now and doesn't make significant appeal at this point in time.
Six-race maiden on the Flat, was jumping hurdles when last spotted. Has some relief from the handicapper for this return to the level but needs to up his game seemingly to have claims.
Yet to win or place in ten Flat runs on turf, though has shown some signs promise, effort over 1m4f at the Curragh (soft) in July off a mark of 76 would give him a chance in this field on much better terms.
Won a claimer over 1m1f at Ballinrobe lasts June, sole success to date on the Flat in seven runs. Was well beaten off over 1m3f last month at Killarney and doesn't make great appeal here from 2lb in the ratings.
Once looked a decent prospect when in the care of Richard Fahey, though has lost his way somewhat since. Was beaten 4¼L over C&D (good to firm) 13 days ago and has a bit more to find on form.
Twice a winner last year in moderate company, the mare was last of six on reappearance at Tipperary a fortnight ago over this sort of trip on goof to firm ground and appears to have her work cut out in this.
Carries a penalty for winning 1m2f apprentice contest at Fairyhouse last week, back up in distance and should remain capable of having a say at the business end.
Sir Percy gelding has yet to win on turf from ten attempts and was easily held on reappearance at Gowran Park over a shorter trip last time. Will have to improve significantly for that outing.
Scored first success over hurdles at Kilbeggan on reappearance but failed to build on it next time out. Plenty to prove on previous Flat form now switching back into this sphere.
Beaten a fair way on sole previous Flat handicap run over 2m at Musselburgh in October, yet to place in five starts on the level though did run a pleasing race at this venue over hurdles in December. One of three for the yard.
Hasn't been sighted on the racecourse since December 2014 when going along ok over hurdles. Yet to record a win on the level and must defy a long absence. Worth noting how market judges against two stablemates in Gladiator King and Our Rachel.
Well down the field in similar event at the Curragh when last spotted 256 days ago. Has since changed yards, no clear chance on form, market may guide any expectations on this reappearance.
0-from-12 so far but posted a solid effort at Limerick last month on penultimate start. Not as good over shorter at Cork since but this step back up in journey ought to suit and cannot be ruled out off current rating.
Often placed on the Flat but a poor strike rate (just 1-33) overall, though did run a promising race on debut for this yard over 1m5f at Navan in April, since unshipped rider over hurdles but could build on that previous Flat effort with blinkers back on.
Non-Runners
2
(4)
Ligeti13
Weight: 9-12| Age: 4
T: J P O'Brien J: D O'Brien
NR
15
(11)
Dodgybingo25
Weight: 8-13| Age: 4
T: N Meade J: Shane Foley
NR
17
(3)
Our Rachael139
Weight: 8-8| Age: 5
T: A J Martin J: Wayne Lordan
NR
Forecasts
Automated (5/2), Ondamoura (5/1), Ligeti (5/1), Pirolo (7/1), All Body And Soul (8/1), Our Rachael (8/1), Creative Talent (12/1), Dodgybingo (12/1), English Pale (14/1), Ormskirk (14/1), Glib Speech (16/1), Why Me (16/1), Time For Mabel (16/1), Sir Raston (16/1), Dara Tango (20/1), Coffee (20/1), Papal Parade (20/1), Gladiator King (20/1), Jan Van Eyck (25/1), Easy Pass (25/1), He's Our Man (33/1)
LIGETI looked progressive on the AW earlier in the year and produced his best turf outing to date last time out when finding only one too strong over C&D. He's been raised just the minimum for that effort and ought to go close again in this. Automated was out of form when last seen in this sphere but hurdles form since means he commands respect while last week's Fairyhouse scorer Pirolo should also have a say despite the penalty he carries. With Tony Martin aiming three at the race, it will be interesting to see which of the trio the market favours and the bottom weight Ondamoura is another meriting closer inspection back on the level with blinkers returned.
- Ligeti
- Automated
- Pirolo
Prize Money
1st: €8,932.002nd: €2,769.003rd: €1,320.004th: €594.005th: €232.00
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