17:30 Killarney

Thursday 23 August 2018

All16:2517:0017:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:00

K.W.D. Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap

Off time: 17:32 | Winning time: 3m 5.5s

(5)

Gustavus Vassa^h²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 97

7/2

Been climbing the weights this year without winning. Very likely to give his running once more here and be in the thick of things.

Form: 308-224

(11)

Law Girl⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Colin Keane| T: W P Mullins| OR: 90

12/1

Enjoyed a slightly easier task than of late when winning well over 1m4f at Gowran Park last time. Nudged up 3lbs here in a better race but every chance of going well again.

Form: 4/31001

(10)

Le Vagabond²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: W J Lee| T: E J O'Grady| OR: 90| CD

11/1

Finished second over this C&D to the smart Wicklow Brave last month. Bombed out over further at Galway next time but a return to this venue a plus having won over C&D.

Form: 0-29720

(13)

Meri Devie¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: W P Mullins| OR: 90

12/1

Not been in the best of form having finished down the filed in a couple of hot handicaps at Royal Ascot then struggling back over hurdles last time. Capable on a going day but needs to bounce back.

Form: 1527/00

(6)

Brazos^b1²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: D M Redmond⁽⁵⁾| T: J J Murphy| OR: 86| CD

14/1

Won well over this C&D back in May off a 2lb lower mark. Not so good over further at Galway next time but a return here should suit and first time blinkers are added.

Form: 417-519

(1)

Exchange Rate²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Ronan Whelan| T: W P Mullins| OR: 86

5/1

Very lightly raced six-year-old who has become a decent hurdler. Only one flat start just over a year ago resulted in a comfortable maiden success. Every chance he could be much better than this opening mark and very dangerous.

Form: 1-

(14)

Ancient Sands⁵⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 9-1| J: J A Heffernan| T: J E Kiely| OR: 84| C

20/1

Decent dual performer who tends to always give his best. Comfortably held though when last seen and this is much more competitive. Minor role likely.

Form: 222/2-84

(4)

Whirling Dervish⁹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: C O'Donoghue| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 94

11/2

Impressive winner of his second start at two when coming home 6L clear of his rivals at Tipperary (1m1f, heavy) in October. Pair of smart efforts at Navan and Cork in May, won't mind any ground and should have claims after short break in handicap.

Form: 31-23

(9)

Emperor Waltz^p,t³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Declan McDonogh| T: J J Murphy| OR: 83| CD

8/1

Improved of late to win back-to-back races here over 2m1f. Gone up a total of 10lb in the weights and having been strong in the finish on both occasions, may find this step back in trip against him here.

Form: 700-011

(7)

Near Kettering^p⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: N G McCullagh| T: J P Murtagh| OR: 82

14/1

Improved since being gelded after joining his current yard, winning over 1m3f at Limerick in June in an apprentice race. this step up in trip looks a good move and can certainly be involved here.

Form: 6-92133

(8)

Tudor City^t²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 8-13| J: Robbie Colgan| T: A J Martin| OR: 82

25/1

Ran fair races in a couple of hot heats at the Galway Festival. Races off the same mark again today and whilst he is likely to run his race, may find a couple of these too good.

Form: 3156-59

(12)

Top Othe Ra²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 8-8| J: Ben Coen⁽⁷⁾| T: T Mullins| OR: 77

14/1

Won the same handicap hurdle at Galway as he had done the previous year when last seen three weeks ago. Likelihood is that he was laid out for that race and may find this tougher back on the level.

Form: 4166

(2)

Eight Till Late¹¹

Age: 10| Weight: 8-6| J: Sean Davis⁽⁷⁾| T: Francis Casey| OR: 75

40/1

Consistent performer who has been in good form over hurdles and on the flat of late. 7lb higher than when winning at Leopardstown last month so a bit more needed.

Form: 6-84312

(3)

Nelson Road^p²²

Age: 5| Weight: 8-4| J: D E Sheehy⁽⁵⁾| T: J J Murphy| OR: 73

50/1

Good effort to finish third of 19 at Galway three weeks ago. This is tougher though and races from out the handicap. Should find at least a few too good.

Form: 296083

Forecasts

Gustavus Vassa (7/2), Exchange Rate (5/1), Whirling Dervish (11/2), Emperor Waltz (8/1), Le Vagabond (11/1), Law Girl (12/1), Meri Devie (12/1), Brazos (14/1), Near Kettering (14/1), Top Othe Ra (14/1), Ancient Sands (20/1), Tudor City (25/1), Eight Till Late (40/1), Nelson Road (50/1)

A decent contest in which plenty have chances. Emperor Waltz has been in terrific form and comes here chasing a hat-trick. the drop in trip is a slight concern having been so strong in the finish over further the last twice. Whirling Dervish is interesting moving into a handicap off what looks a fair mark and is very much respected. EXCHANGE RATE has turned into a smart hurdler and is unbeaten on the level. His opening mark may underestimate his ability and he can get back to winning ways.