15:35 Tipperary

Monday 6 October 2025

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4317:18

WTW Willis Maiden Hurdle

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 5m 12.30s

Another Belter⁵²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Danny Mullins| T: P Hennessy

40/1

Has shown little in five career starts, most recently eighth of 10 in bumper at Tramore (80/1) 52 days ago when beaten a circuit out after taking a keen hold. Hood removed for this step up in trip.

Form: 7P0-0P8

Apalachiyeats^t⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Kevin A Murphy⁽⁷⁾| T: E M O'Sullivan

150/1

Finished last of 9 in a Bumper at Listowel (80/1) 9 days ago, beaten a very long way. Makes hurdle debut with plenty to prove.

Form: 9

Itsallinthegenes^t³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Cian Quirke| T: D H Kelly

2/1

Hit the frame in Points and has placed in both maiden starts. Second of 15 in maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan (4/1) 31 days ago, keeping on strongly despite not being fluent 4 out, held only late on and pulled clear of the rest. That wasn't the strongest race but he's improving and has to be respected.

Form: P54-432

King Jon Oliver¹⁵⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: John Shinnick⁽³⁾| T: L Fowler

13/8

Solid enough form when third of 19 in maiden hurdle debut at Naas (16/1), but disappointed when 17th of 22 in bumper at Punchestown (20/1) 157 days ago, going in snatches. May appreciate this step up in trip based on pedigree and would have every chance if back to something like his debut form.

Form: 30-

Long Branch³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: J J Slevin| T: S Neville

15/2

Point winner was tailed off in hurdle debut before showing significant improvement on reappearance when third of 15 in maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan (28/1) 31 days ago, no surprise given previous point success. May progress further.

Form: 8/16-3

Obey The Order¹⁵⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Tiernan Power Roche⁽⁵⁾| T: P J Rothwell

9/2

Successful sole start in points and shaped like a stayer when tenth of 20 in only bumper start at Punchestown (16/1) 156 days ago, lost position 4f out before keeping on again late. May appreciate this step up in trip on hurdles debut and looks a potential improver.

Form: 10-

Watchful Protector¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Donagh Meyler| T: E Mullins

6/1

Showed promise with 2nd at Wexford (21f) and two 3rd places earlier in career. Finished 10th of 11 in maiden hurdle at Listowel (14/1) 11 days ago, running poorly after 6 months off. May be seen to much better effect granted a stronger test of stamina here and looks worth another chance.

Form: 3362-0

Blackwater River¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-2| J: Eoin Walsh| T: E M O'Sullivan

125/1

Showed little on debut finishing 14th of 18 in a Bumper at Listowel (100/1) 11 days ago when racing off the pace and never threatening. Improvement needed on hurdles bow.

Form: 0

Friar Hogan^t1⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-2| J: Philip Byrnes| T: D Hassett

250/1

Little shown in two starts, last time 14th of 17 in maiden hurdle at Listowel (250/1) 9 days ago. First-time tongue strap on but needs to improve.

Form: 0-0

Cuguilla⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Conor Clarke⁽⁷⁾| T: J P Ryan

80/1

Ran to a similar level as on debut when fifth of 6 in a 25f maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan (80/1) 45 days ago, not fluent and made no impression. Down in trip but looks one for handicaps.

Form: 65

Non-Runners

Walkmethroughit¹²

Weight: 11-4| Age: 5

T: J Motherway J: Abbie Murphy

Forecasts

King Jon Oliver (13/8), Itsallinthegenes (2/1), Obey The Order (9/2), Watchful Protector (6/1), Long Branch (15/2), Another Belter (40/1), Cuguilla (80/1), Walkmethroughit (100/1), Blackwater River (125/1), Apalachiyeats (150/1), Friar Hogan (250/1)

WATCHFUL PROTECTOR showed promise over hurdles earlier this year and should appreciate the greater test of stamina back over a longer trip. He looks worth another chance in a weak maiden, with the improving Itsallinthegenes respected along with King Jon Oliver, who would be very interesting if recapturing the form he showed on debut.