Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 1m 11.58s

(4)

Texas Radio⁷¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: W J Lee| T: M C Grassick| OR: 44

100/1

Lowly rated handicapper who generally struggles to be competitive in his own grade (over a variety of trips), and contested a claimer at Limerick in June, so firmly up against it this afternoon on these terms.

Form: 7-98808

(1)

Intelligence Cross^b,t²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| D

8/13

Classy sprinter, albeit a shade inconsistent, and not quite fully proved himself at the highest level (Group 1). However, this race looks an ideal opportunity with a whole host of races possible later in the month and drying ground would be a bonus.

Form: 439506

(5)

Mr Scarlet²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: P J Smullen| T: S Lavery| OR: 105

9/4

Faced some tough assignments this year after returning from a break. Not disgraced when fifth to Caravaggio in Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June, and despite having a little to find with Intelligence Cross on these terms is the obvious threat.

Form: 41-6359

(3)

Flower Of May³⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: L F Roche| T: D Bunyan & G O'Leary| OR: 83| D

7/1

Broke her maiden at the second time of asking over this distance at Naas (good) last month. Previously finished well beaten on soft ground at The Curragh and steps up markedly in class today.

Form: 91

(2)

Swish^p1⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Gary Halpin⁽³⁾| T: J Feane| OR: 86

14/1

Yet to win on turf in 12 attempts, and 0 from 5 at stakes level, but has at least shown she can win races on synthetics at Dundalk (2 from 2). Entitled to take her chance, but has some 20-25lb to find with a couple of these runners.

Form: 176549

Forecasts

Intelligence Cross (8/13), Mr Scarlet (9/4), Flower Of May (7/1), Swish (14/1), Texas Radio (100/1)

On official ratings, INTELLIGENCE CROSS has only Mr Scarlet as any potential threat, and the racecourse executive must be bitterly disappointed with this turnout on an afternoon when runners in the other 'lesser' races are plentiful. This contest should put the Aidan O'Brien trained three-year-old spot on for whatever future targets lie ahead later in the month (holds many entries).