BOYLE Sports Apprentice Handicap

Cork maiden winner in April 2025. Has largely struggled in handicap since, but probably needed the run when down the field on return. Handicapper has at least started to relent and yard back among the winners of late.

In top form last year, winning a maiden and then twice in handicaps. Faced a stiff task in 7f Leopardstown Group 3 on reappearance and much more realistic chance returned to this company.

Lightly-raced winner. Creditable eighth of 21 in 1m handicap at the Curragh on return but failed to build on that when upped to 1¼m last time.

Dual C&D winner in 2025. Hasn't fully fired in 3 outings this year, but has fallen back down to his last winning mark as a result and no surprise were he to suddenly fair much better returned to this venue.

One-time smart gelding on a long losing run and who hasn't been seen since finishing last of 10 at Dundalk in mid-December. Good-value apprentice booked but watching brief advised unless market suggests otherwise.

On a long losing run but has produced solid efforts when placed on 6 of his last 7 starts, beaten only a head by Bint Majestic when third of 13 in a Naas handicap on latest. Blinkers now replace cheekpieces and should give another good account, though others make more appeal from a win perspective.

Ran well when third of 14 to Shoot To Kill in handicap at Roscommon in May 2025 but then disappointed in a small-field contest at Cork 8 days later. Hasn't been seen since but only 1 lb above last winning mark and has gone well fresh in the past. Worth a market check.

Lightly raced maiden who finished a very good third of 12 in handicap at Naas (7f, heavy) in March but then failed to beat a single rival home in 16-runner 7f event at this course last time. Needs to bounce back.

Posted his best effort this year when sixth of 16 in 1m handicap at Limerick last month. Failed to build on that back up in trip at this course last time but has been eased another 3 lb as a result and return to this trip should suit. One to be interested in.

Got back on track with a win at the Curragh last October and not discredited this season, finishing seventh of 14 in a handicap at Limerick (14/1) 23 days ago. The type that needs things to fall just right.