IE - Sligo - Race 7

Thoroughbred

17 Runners

25.6f

Handicap Hurdle

Turf

Good

14.0K

VIEW

Verdict

EVANS SECRET ran a cracker when runner-up on his recent return here in May and nudged up just 2 lb for that near miss, Mark McNiff's 7-y-o gets the nod to record back-to-back wins in this race. Smallcraftwarning signalled he was on his way back at Limerick 10 days ago, so he can give the selection most to think about, with Sphagnum and Le Grand Vert another couple to consider in a wide-open staying handicap hurdle.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Won this race last year and ran a cracker on return when second of 12 at this course (3¼m, good to soft) a couple of months ago, just failing having been hampered after 3 out. Nudged up 2 lb but looks the pick of the McNiff trio judged on jockey bookings. Leading claims. 1st Pick 5 Evans Secret Jockey: D. J. O'keeffe Trainer: Mark Mcniff, Ireland J: D. J. O'keeffe T: Mark Mcniff, Ireland	100	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Won this race last year and ran a cracker on return when second of 12 at this course (3¼m, good to soft) a couple of months ago, just failing having been hampered after 3 out. Nudged up 2 lb but looks the pick of the McNiff trio judged on jockey bookings. Leading claims.
8	Enjoyed a fruitful 2025/26 campaign and wasted no time getting back on track when second of 18 at Limerick (23f, good) 10 days ago, albeit no match for winner. 3 lb higher here but every chance he'll be involved. 2nd Pick 8 Smallcraftwarning (Ire) Jockey: D. King Trainer: John Patrick Ryan, Ireland J: D. King T: John Patrick Ryan, Ireland	99	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Enjoyed a fruitful 2025/26 campaign and wasted no time getting back on track when second of 18 at Limerick (23f, good) 10 days ago, albeit no match for winner. 3 lb higher here but every chance he'll be involved.
7	Course winner who is a far better chaser than hurdler but was sparked back to life by first-time blinkers when second of 16 at this course (3¼m, soft) last month, possibly going for home just a bit too soon. Nudged up 2 lb for that effort and can feature again. 3rd Pick 7 Sphagnum (Ire) Jockey: Mr J. P. Sampson Trainer: J. P. Broderick, Ireland J: Mr J. P. Sampson T: J. P. Broderick, Ireland	97	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Course winner who is a far better chaser than hurdler but was sparked back to life by first-time blinkers when second of 16 at this course (3¼m, soft) last month, possibly going for home just a bit too soon. Nudged up 2 lb for that effort and can feature again.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.

Turf Course

A racetrack made of grass.

Filly

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