18:50 Ballinrobe

Tuesday 26 June 2018

All17:4518:2018:5019:2019:5020:2520:55

Bay Leaf Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 18:50 | Winning time: 2m 11.30s

(8)

Ruler Of France^b¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Killian Leonard| T: P Twomey| OR: 74| CD

11/8

C&D winner headed inside the final furlong on return to the track finishing an encouraging third of 18 beaten ½L behind the solid Dance Alone in a Leopardstown handicap earlier this month. Chances with top apprentice in the plate.

Form: 8/6535-3

(6)

Sennockian Star^p1¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: T P Madden| T: S Fahey| OR: 74| D

14/1

76-rated seasoned handicapper for Mark Johnston but disappointed for new connections at Fairyhouse earlier this month. Drops in trip here in first time cheekpieces but remains to be seen if the old spark is still there under competent pilot.

Form: 78749-0

(10)

Fashaar¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Andrew Slattery⁽⁴⁾| T: A McCann| OR: 70

13/2

Best form to date so far reserved for Dundalk and, having shown little enthusiasm for racing at Leopardstown last month on fast ground. Encouraging 3¾L defeat at Limerick recently on an easier surface entitles him to make the shortlist here.

Form: 341506

(1)

Palmones^t³⁰²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: D E Sheehy⁽²⁾| T: M Flannery| OR: 70| CD

12/1

Winner of this race 12-months ago but has suffered a number of shuddering defeats since. No doubt been aimed at the race but has long lay-off to overcome.

Form: 001390-

(4)

California Lad^t,v¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Dylan Hogan⁽²⁾| T: F Birrane| OR: 69| D

16/1

Usually seen an the AW at Dundalk but was well held in a Leopardstown handicap over 1m earlier this month and remains vulnerable on turf.

Form: 114950

(2)

Lady Nathaniel²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Sean Davis⁽²⁾| T: G M Lyons| OR: 68| BF

9/2

Beaten favourite on a trip to Hamilton last month finishing second of eight beaten 7L behind Duck Egg Blue over a similar trip. Sure to come on for the run and one for the shortlist here.

Form: 7262-02

(7)

Nuqood^b¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: D W O'Connor| T: P W Flynn| OR: 62

50/1

Modest flat performer generally well beaten in four career starts on turf. Hard to make a case for until showing even a hint of ability.

Form: 656-00

(9)

Military Hill^b²

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: T M Sherry⁽⁴⁾| T: A McGuinness| OR: 59

13/2

Solid and consistent in five turf starts since last month not disgraced or beaten far on any occasion. Another bold show likely but place claims at best.

Form: 488355

(3)

Rabbie The Bard^b⁵⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-12| J: O J Orr| T: P W Flynn| OR: 58

25/1

Modest 65-rated handicapper for Ger Lyons and well down the field on two dismal starts for new connections. Tough ask and others preferred.

Form: 366/50-9

(5)

Empress Lyla⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: Ben Coen⁽⁴⁾| T: G Donnelly| OR: 55

20/1

Well beaten and never nearer in a number of desolate displays since April and now races 19lb lower than her last winning mark, but the filly has plenty in her favour and could out-run her large odds.

Form: 70-0009

(11)

Cairdiuil⁸

Age: 12| Weight: 8-4| J: Nathan Crosse⁽⁴⁾| T: I Madden| OR: 50

50/1

Popular veteran winner of four of his 65 turf starts but is clearly regressing of late and now races 15lb below last winning mark.

Form: 00-9060

Forecasts

Ruler Of France (11/8), Lady Nathaniel (9/2), Military Hill (13/2), Fashaar (13/2), Palmones (12/1), Sennockian Star (14/1), California Lad (16/1), Empress Lyla (20/1), Rabbie The Bard (25/1), Cairdiuil (50/1), Nuqood (50/1)

There is plenty to like about the chances of C&D winner RULER OF FRANCE here who has conditions to suit running off an 8lb lower mark than his last win at Ballinrobe in July 2016 and can get back to winning ways in this contest. Last time out beaten favourite Lady Nathaniel can hit the frame while Empress Lyla could surprise at a big price.