20:35 Leopardstown

Thursday 9 August 2018

All17:2017:5518:3019:0019:3520:0520:35

Manguard Plus Handicap

Off time: 20:35 | Winning time: 3m 17.82s

(8)

My Direction^p²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: Sean Davis⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss Ellmarie Holden| OR: 89

33/1

Quite a useful dual-purpose performer, although below form when last seen over hurdles at Killarney last month. Won twice at Dundalk last autumn, and fairly treated on those efforts if translating that form to turf.

Form: 081165-

(5)

Tarazani^p²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Ronan Whelan| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 85| C

8/1

Best recent efforts in cheekpieces, second over hurdles at Clonmel, and bounced back from a poor run to land a 1m5f handicap here last month. New mark stiff enough on balance, but can't be ruled out.

Form: 7/2005-1

(6)

Landsman^t²⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Gary Carroll| T: A J Martin| OR: 83

10/1

Won an apprentice handicap at Fairyhouse last July, but out of form when last seen over hurdles in the winter. Yard beginning to turn the corner, and market useful, with Cassells Rock also representing the stable.

Form: 610870-

(7)

Grand Partner¹⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 9-4| J: Billy Lee| T: T Mullins| OR: 79| CD

9/2

Has gained his last four victories here, both on flat and over timber, winning his maiden over C&D. Comes here having run poorly at Galway last week, though, and must bounce back.

Form: 3714-40

(12)

Mandamus¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Robbie Colgan| T: S Lavery| OR: 78| C

25/1

Won a 1½m handicap here last May, but hasn't hit the same heights in two runs this summer, albeit not entirely disgraced at Ballinrobe on latest outing.

Form: 0/100-75

(11)

Eight Till Late¹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 8-13| J: O J Orr⁽³⁾| T: Francis Casey| OR: 74| CD

8/1

Third of 10 to Minnie Dahill in 2m1f handicap at Bellewstown last month, and built on that to win a C&D contest last time from Pivot Bridge. Considered, although a 6lb rise for that win could well be enough to anchor him.

Form: 6-8431

(9)

Hurricane Sky²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 8-12| J: T P Madden⁽⁵⁾| T: C O'Brien| OR: 73| C

14/1

Won over 1m5f here in June, and running respectably since, for all latest fifth of 8 to Tarazani here suggests he's in the handicapper's grip for the time being.

Form: 6-71955

(2)

Small Bit Of Love^t¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: Colin Keane| T: W P Mullins| OR: 72

4/1

Lightly raced in this sphere, and seemed to benefit from fitting of a tongue tie when scoring at Ballinrobe last time from Head Turner. Fairly treated after a 6lb rise, and may well do better still, so shortlisted.

Form: 6460-61

(10)

Hernandoshideaway⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 8-10| J: N G McCullagh| T: Miss A Mooney| OR: 71

25/1

Very useful in his prime, but sole win in last three years came in a seller, and he often delivers less than expected. Ran well for a long way when fifth at Galway last week, and handicapped to go close despite his quirks.

Form: 6361-35

(1)

Minnie Dahill¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: Wayne Lordan| T: T M Walsh| OR: 68

10/1

Ran out an impressive winner at Bellewstown (2m1f) last month, with a pair of these in her wake, but failed to repeat the form when only sixth of 8 at the Curragh last time. Capable of bouncing back, but risky.

Form: 65-2516

(4)

Cassells Rock^b,t³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 8-6| J: Chris Hayes| T: A J Martin| OR: 67| CD

11/1

Lightly raced since winning this contest a year ago, and ostensibly below form, but not disgraced on last couple of starts, and gives the impression a return to form is imminent. Blinkers deployed for first time since joining current yard.

Form: 87/19-00

(3)

Persian Lion¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 79

3/1

Leroidesanimaux gelding who has shown plenty of ability in maidens, producing best effort when second of 9 to Falcon Eight over 1½m at the Curragh last time. Not badly treated for handicap debut, and expected to go well.

Form: 542

Forecasts

Persian Lion (3/1), Small Bit Of Love (4/1), Grand Partner (9/2), Eight Till Late (8/1), Tarazani (8/1), Minnie Dahill (10/1), Landsman (10/1), Cassells Rock (11/1), Hurricane Sky (14/1), Hernandoshideaway (25/1), Mandamus (25/1), My Direction (33/1)

Small Bit of Love can't be ruled out having made the breakthrough at Ballinrobe, especially given her trainer, and last year's winner Cassells Rock is also of interest with blinkers fitted, but they could both struggle to contain three-year-old PERSIAN LION if that one can show any improvement for the step up in trip, his form in maidens looking pretty solid.