Winter Festival Early Bird Handicap

Much improved in cheekpieces when justifying good support in 16-runner maiden at Curragh (6f) on reappearance in March. Possibly found the race coming too soon 7 days on at Naas last time and he's been freshened up since.

Recorded back-to-back nursery wins over 6f as a juvenile but has yet to fire this season, hanging badly left when only mid-field at the Curragh last time. That said, the handicapper has relented and, with a return to 6f and the reapplication of blinkers likely to suit, he is not dismissed.

Made a successful start for this yard at Dundalk (6f) in December and shaped encouragingly on next 3 starts. Ran poorly last time but possibly found that race coming too soon after just 7 days off. Cheekpieces removed and likely to benefit from return to 6f but others make more appeal.

Ended 2025 with 5f Dundalk novice success. Hasn't kicked on since but proved effectiveness on turf when ¼ lengths sixth of 12 to Amiata in 0-95 handicap at Curragh last time. Down another 2 lb on the back of that and Shane Foley, who rode him for sole win, is now back on board.

Improved model this year, registering a third success from last 5 starts when winning handicap at this course last month, beating Absoluteassignment by 1¼ lengths. Another 8 lb rise makes life tougher, but both he and the O'Sullivan yard could hardly be in better form.

Dundalk winner who has posted creditable efforts on last 2 starts, finishing 2½ lengths third of 12 to Cuban Grey at that course on latest outing last month. Down 4 lb but will need to improve to feature.

Fair maiden who was placed on 4 of his 6 outings as a juvenile, chasing home Strait And Narrow in a maiden at Dundalk on fifth outing before failing to make much of an impact in a nursery on final outing that year. Not seen since and tongue strap removed on return.

Bounced back to best when ½-length second of 8 to Allsortz in handicap at Cork last month. That form has been franked by the winner and the fourth since and so has to be taken seriously back at 6f and racing from 1 lb lower.

Has finished in the frame on 4 of his 5 handicap starts, including all 3 for current connections, turning in best effort to date when ¾-length third of 13 to Fortuity in 7f event at this course on latest. Cheekpieces back on but unproven as a sprinter.

Down the field all 3 starts in maidens, undergoing breathing and gelding operation prior to last month's return. Bred to be better than what he's shown to date, though, so any market support should be noted with interest.

Dundalk nursery winner in December who has been in-and-out since, looking far from the easiest of rides when 4¾ lengths fourth of 18 to Meriden at Curragh last time.

Made a pleasing start in handicaps when 1¼ lengths second of 9 to Stone Bear at this course last month. This requires another significant step forward, however.