IE - Curragh - Race 4

Thoroughbred

21 Runners

6.3f

Handicap

Turf

Good to Firm (Good in places)

117.0K

VIEW

Verdict

DARK ACE shaped well over 5f here last time and can come good again with the return to 6f ideal. Eddie Lynam is no stranger to success in this contest and Headmaster, who once again has the services of Dylan Browne McMonagle, heads the many dangers along with British raider Sondad and last year's winner Go Athletico, who like the selection hails from the Ado McGuinness yard.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
9	Progressive sort who won on all-weather at Wolverhampton and Lingfield this spring before excellent thirds in big fields at Newbury (6f, good) and here (5f, good to firm) in recent months. Big player for last year's winning yard. 1st Pick 9 Dark Ace (Ire) Jockey: Adam Caffrey Trainer: Adrian Mcguinness, Ireland J: Adam Caffrey T: Adrian Mcguinness, Ireland	98	-	-	-	9%
Analysis Progressive sort who won on all-weather at Wolverhampton and Lingfield this spring before excellent thirds in big fields at Newbury (6f, good) and here (5f, good to firm) in recent months. Big player for last year's winning yard.
8	Built on a promising yard debut to beat several of today's rivals in a 22-runner C&D handicap (good to firm) in May and backed that up when second of 15 at Cork (7f, good) 34 days ago. Has to enter calculations for trainer seeking third win in this since 2020. 2nd Pick 8 Headmaster Jockey: D. B. Mcmonagle Trainer: Edward Lynam, Ireland J: D. B. Mcmonagle T: Edward Lynam, Ireland	100	-	-	-	17%
Analysis Built on a promising yard debut to beat several of today's rivals in a 22-runner C&D handicap (good to firm) in May and backed that up when second of 15 at Cork (7f, good) 34 days ago. Has to enter calculations for trainer seeking third win in this since 2020.
5	Progressive throughout 2025 and stepped up plenty on his seasonal return when running out a convincing winner of 6f Epsom handicap (soft) in June. First home in his group when ninth of 27 in the Wokingham and can be treated as if still in top form. British yard has won this before. Shortlisted. 3rd Pick 5 Sondad Jockey: Joanna Mason Trainer: Michael & David Easterby J: Joanna Mason T: Michael & David Easterby	98	-	-	-	17%
Analysis Progressive throughout 2025 and stepped up plenty on his seasonal return when running out a convincing winner of 6f Epsom handicap (soft) in June. First home in his group when ninth of 27 in the Wokingham and can be treated as if still in top form. British yard has won this before. Shortlisted.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Stewards

The officials watching every race at a meet to enforce the rules.

Objection

Claim of foul lodged by a jockey for perceived dangerous or illegal riding by a rival.

Colt

A male horse that is four years of age or under.