Sheehy Motors Volkswagen Handicap

Hit the frame in a Group 2 before disappointing in this corresponding event 12 months ago. Made positive start to this season before couple of lesser efforts last month. Does ease slightly in grade with usual blinkers back on.

Not the force of old (hasn't won since 2022) but plenty of creditable placed efforts this season. First-time tongue strap added when close second in a competitive Cork sprint latest. Reproduction of that form should see him firmly in the mix.

Developed into a useful performer since winning this corresponding race (off 16 lb lower) 12 months ago. Back to form when 1½ lengths fifth to Ipanema Queen but 2 lb reprieve from the handicapper probably isn't enough.

Improved model for current connections. Successful in useful 6f course handicap/solid second in a valuable Cork event before failing to give his running here last time. Still looks on a handy mark and a strongly-run 5f (first try at trip) may well bring out the best in him.

Fairly useful 3-y-o filly who completed a double in a listed race at Tipperary last summer. Hasn't been seen since her comeback run at Bath in early-April and this mark does her no favours.

Advanced her form when recording third 5f success of her career at Bellewstown last month. Ran to a similar level when 1 length off Ipanema Queen at Cork latest and is weighted to reverse that form. Should give another good account with Colin Keane retained.

Useful as a juvenile. Ran best race this season (in first-time cheekpieces) when 2½ lengths off Ipanema Queen at Cork. Hard to be confident he can reverse form with reopposing horses here, though.

Forward-going type who resumed winning ways over C&D in June before cracking third behind some classier types over 6f here. Still in good heart when 2 lengths sixth of 11 to Ipanema Queen, though again may be pestered for the lead.

Progressive when winning 3 times on the all-weather over the winter. Presumably wasn't 100% when last seen trailing the field at Dundalk in late-February. Dropped a handy 3 lb ahead of her return. Could feature if ready to roll/able to translate her form to turf.

Dual C&D winner who finished 1½ lengths fourth in this corresponding event 12 months ago. He's 2 lb lower this time around and bounced back to form when only beaten 1¼ lengths behind Genesis here on his latest start.

Lightly-raced filly who improved again when comfortably making all in 6f Cork maiden on qualifying run. This looks a stiff task at the weights on handicap debut, though.

Quirky filly who got off the mark at Bellewstown in July. Still in good heart when 2 lengths second of 5 in conditions race at Naas last time, however, has something to find in a stronger handicap than she need contest.