16:30 Naas

Saturday 6 July 2019

All13:3514:1014:4515:2015:5516:3017:05

CARE At Home Handicap

Off time: 16:31 | Winning time: 2m 14.45s

(9)

Formula One^h⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-1| J: N G McCullagh| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 81

7/1

Lightly raced gelding who was a winner at Ffos Las (1m4f) last summer. Returned to action just eight days ago where he was 11th of 14 on first run for new yard at the Curragh (1m2f). Likely to come on for latest outing. One to watch.

Form: 2159-0

(8)

Edification¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: C P Hoban| T: M Fahey| OR: 76| CD

7/2

Prevailed over this C&D just 10 days ago where he won going away at the finish. Has gone up 9lb for that success as he looks to follow it up here. Looks to be back to his best again, therefore, is a key contender today.

Form: 189531

(1)

Maricruz^t²⁷⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: R Coakley| T: J C McConnell| OR: 74| D

16/1

Won twice last year in four starts as she finished the year strongly. Has to bounce back from her seventh place finish of nine at Dundalk (1m4f) though, on the AW last time. May need the run so others are preferred.

Form: 451217-

(5)

Secret Wizard^t⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Robbie Colgan| T: S Lavery| OR: 73

20/1

Was successful earlier in the year on the AW at Dundalk (1m) in a nine runner contest. Has been a long way down the field on his two turf starts since then, including latest when seventh of 10 at Sligo (1m2½f). Needs to improve.

Form: 224-107

(3)

Dance Emperor^h1¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Hugh Horgan⁽¹⁰⁾| T: Peter Fahey| OR: 72

14/1

Has shown little so far this season but did improve for the step up in trip last time at Leopardstown (1m2f) where he was fourth of eight, beaten by just 1¾l. Down 2lb now so is below last winning mark. Hood on for first time. One for shortlist.

Form: 0-06004

(4)

Claim The Lady^p1¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: T P Madden⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 76

9/1

Remains a maiden after six races but did go close at Leopardstown (1m) earlier in the season when third of 11, beaten by just 1¾l. Has been dropped 2lb by the handicapper. Cheek pieces on for first time. Each-way claims.

Form: 339-395

(6)

Mona Lisa's Smile⁵⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 76

8/1

Broke her maiden at Thurles (1m) last October. Has been running at a much higher level this season so far. She was last of 10 in a Group 3 contest at Leopardstown (1m). Task easier today but still has to prove herself over this distance.

Form: 4071-50

(2)

Finding Nero^h¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Colin Keane| T: J P Murtagh| OR: 74| D

5/4

On a hat-trick bid today following victories in both of his two starts this season. Opening up the campaign with a win at Gowarn Park (1m1½f) and then scored at Down Royal (1m2½f). Up 8lb but open to further improvement.

Form: 0355-11

(7)

Bold Statement²²

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: Gary Halpin| T: J Davison| OR: 59

9/1

Lighty raced gelding who has only had four appearances so far and is still searching for opening success. Made a promising start for new yard last time when fifth of 18 at Fairyhouse (1m4f). Down in trip today. One to watch.

Form: 054-5

Forecasts

Finding Nero (5/4), Edification (7/2), Formula One (7/1), Mona Lisa's Smile (8/1), Claim The Lady (9/1), Bold Statement (9/1), Dance Emperor (14/1), Maricruz (16/1), Secret Wizard (20/1)

FINDING NERO and Edification both come into this race on the back of victories but preference is given to the former who is open to much more improvement as he bids to make it a hat-trick of wins today. The three-year-old has not put a foot wrong this season after being gelded and he should be taken to continue his hot form. Dance Emperor can be expected to be in the frame as he is now below his last winning mark.