12.25 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden 1m
The Ger Lyons-trained Game Point should be capable of improving on a promising debut at Leopardstown last month. With the winner going on to land a Group 1 in France subsequently and the third landing his maiden at Dundalk, that race has a particularly strong look to it. Given that the stable debutants often improve for the initial outing, Game Point looks to hold leading claims.
Iron Fist, who finished runner-up over course and distance last time, rates a live threat. Jessica Harrington’s colt stayed on well to take minor honours once headed over a furlong out.
SELECTION: GAME POINT
Next best: Iron Fist
12.55 Cavalor Equine Nutrition Race 7f
The admirable Big Gossey can gain a seventh win at this course. Runner-up in a Group 3 over six furlongs here in September, the seven-year-old again ran well when third in Listed company at Naas last time. Faced with a much easier assignment here, the Charles O’Brien-trained gelding should prove very difficult to beat under Robert Whearty.
Wexford Native looks the biggest danger on official ratings, but the Jim Bolger-trained five-year-old has been off the track 546 days. If anywhere near his peak on this return, the son of Teofilo should chase Big Gossey home.
SELECTION: BIG GOSSEY
Next best: Wexford Native
1.25 businessplus.ie Handicap 7f
Purring Along can make it two from three since joining trainer Aidan Melia. A winner over course and distance on her stable debut last month, the mare then ran respectably from an unfavourable low draw on her next appearance here. Granted a better stall position here, the five-year-old looks to have every chance.
Genuine Jim, whose recent form ties in with Purring Along, could again provide the biggest threat. Another who is well-berthed in the high numbers, the Robbie Burns-trained colt deserves plenty of respect in a competitive affair.
SELECTION: PURRING ALONG
Next best: Genuine Jim
1.55 Guinness Handicap 5f
Runner-up over course and distance when last seen in April, Two Stars can make a winning return. A lightly raced sprinter with scope for improvement, Fozzie Stack’s gelding has run well on all three previous visits to this track. Fresher than most at this stage of the season, the four-year-old has plenty in his favour.
Jon Riggens may prefer an additional furlong, but with a strong pace likely here, Eddie Lynam’s gelding will be in his element. The six-year-old has every chance of providing James Ryan with a crucial winner in his bid for the apprentice championship.
SELECTION: TWO STARS
Next best: Jon Riggens
2.25 Curragh On Course Bookmakers Premier Handicap 1m
Empirestateofmind can take this prize back across the Irish Sea for John and Sean Quinn. Rated in triple digits at one time, the six-year-old had slipped down the handicap prior to landing a stronger contest than this at York last month. Only raised 4lb as a result, connections clearly feel it is worth making the trip over with the gelding.
The Tony Martin-trained Orandi has to be involved under 10lb claimer Sam Coen. A fast-finishing second over this trip at Leopardstown recently, the six-year-old was a winner at this track earlier in the campaign.
SELECTION: EMPIRESTATEOFMIND
Next best: Orandi
3.00 Comer Group International Loughbrown Stakes (Group 3) 2m 71y
The ultra-consistent Harbour Wind can register a fifth career success. Dermot Weld’s four-year-old had been under consideration for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, before connections opted to forego that entry in favour of giving the horse more experience. That decision can reap an early reward with success in this Group 3 contest.
Recent Newmarket Cesarewitch fifth Dawn Rising should relish the stamina test. Despite taking a step up in grade here, the Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding has a reasonable chance at these weights.
SELECTION: HARBOUR WIND
Next best: Dawn Rising
3.35 Curragh On Course Bookmakers Finale Stakes (Listed Race) 1m 4f
Despite having to concede weight to his rivals, veteran Hamish looks the most likely winner. An 11-time winner, who handles every type of ground, the eight-year-old has been a credit to connections. If this race does turn out to be his final career start, the son of Motivator has every chance of bowing out with a victory.
Layfayette, who loves it around here, appears the strongest of the home contingent. Although Noel Meade’s gelding has done the majority of his winning at 10 furlongs, he is also a winner at this distance.
SELECTION: HAMISH
Next best: Layfayette
4.10 Rockshore Maiden 1m 4f
A six-time winner under National Hunt rules, Jessica Harrington’s Jetara can make a winning debut on the flat. While there is an obvious concern that this trip may be on the sharp side for the mare at this stage of her career, she probably has the class to get away with it in this company. Following a recent success at Limerick, she arrives here fit and ready.
Tribal Star has to be of interest on his stable debut for Ado McGuinness. Formerly with Godolphin, the 84-rated gelding has been placed on all three previous maiden starts. First-time cheekpieces may help see the three-year-old in a better light here.
SELECTION: JETARA
Next best: Tribal Star