Clayton Hotel Leopardstown Handicap

Off time: 18:21 | Winning time: 1m 42.6s

(4)

Colfer Me¹⁰⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-12| J: S M Crosse⁽⁵⁾| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 98| D

9/1

Has been off the track since March and has been subsequently gelded; front runner whose best effort came when winning over this trip at Dundalk on the AW. Disappointed in better races since and struggled in small field in the past but not out of it.

Form: 22-1350

(2)

Cosmic Horizon^t⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: D O'Brien| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 88

9/2

Came up against a smart horse when finishing second in a three-runner race at Fairyhouse. Had previously been running with credit in handicaps and Group races around this distance. Looks the one to beat on form.

Form: 635-572

(3)

Giga White¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Colin Keane| T: G M Lyons| OR: 88| BF

2/1

Won his maiden well at Gowran Park last season and returned to show his well being when not beaten far into second at Naas (7f). Not knocked about when beaten on latest start last month and will come into this race much fitter. Chances.

Form: 431-28

(1)

Balefire^p¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: S Foley| T: M Halford| OR: 80| D

11/10

Has run creditably in two handicaps since winning his maiden at Cork in May including over this course and distance. Has chance on the best of his form but might need some rain to soften the ground slightly to see him at his best.

Form: 4-62132

Forecasts

Balefire (11/10), Giga White (2/1), Cosmic Horizon (9/2), Colfer Me (9/1)

No standout winner but all have a chance in this interesting small field handicap. Just getting the verdict is COSMIC HORIZON whose general level of consistency and experience in small runner fields may just give him the edge. Giga White ran well enough before being tenderly handled in the closing stages of his last outing and can go well. Balefire connections may be hoping for a bit of rain at the Dublin track to see the best out of their colt.