1

Current Option

Won this in 2019 and this tough contender was back in winning form on his latest start when landing a hot handicap at Galway in late July.

2

I’m A Gambler

Two 1400m Goodwood handicap victories this summer looked like career best efforts. Has proved difficult at the gates. UK challengers have quite a good record in this.

3

Rhoscolyn

Yet to win in nine starts this season but hasn’t often had the slow ground he is best suited to. Nearly won a Goodwood handicap over this – his ideal trip – last time.

4

Markaz Paname

Won both starts early this season, latterly winning a G3 over 1400m at The Curragh – a good effort considering he had raced too freely. Hasn’t been seen for 153 days, but interesting.

5

San Andreas

His win record on turf is just 2-28 but plenty of decent placed efforts including over this trip on his last two starts – in Listed company last time.

6

Emporio

Has had training issues and was returning after a 425-day break when winning at Tipperary last month. Ground versatile, he has a bit of class and may be ahead of the handicapper.

7

Lustown Baba

Quite lightly raced since her latest win, back in October 2020. Last seen when running poorly in May. Wants slow ground.

8

Safe Voyage

Deserves respect as his only previous Leopardstown run resulted in a G2 victory at this meeting in 2020. Hasn’t won for a while but better handicapped now than before.

9

Surrounding

Gained her eleventh career victory on her latest start when delivering a strong finish to win a Listed event at Galway in July. This veteran clearly maintains her great enthusiasm.

10

Andreas Vesalius

Just one win from ten starts so far, trying this trip for the first time when fourth in a Gowran Park handicap last time, unlucky that day twice failing to get clear space to challenge.

11

Lexington Dash

Came from the back to win a 1400m Fairyhouse handicap in July. Not so good in three starts since but the trainer has had this race in mind for a long time.

12

Spanish Tenor

Has won over this course and distance but plenty of Leopardstown disappointments including in this race last year, finishing last. Best chance if he can grab an early lead.

13

Master Matt

Versatile ground and distance wise, running his best race for sometime when third in a Gowran Park handicap last month.

14

Final Voyage

Has only raced twice this year, not beaten far in either handicap. Formerly UK trained he is yet to win from three starts on a turf surface, but no reason why he shouldn’t act on it.

15

Sirjack Thomas

Won two consecutive handicaps last summer – both at long odds. Nothing special from recent starts, needs to bounce back to form in this valuable event.

16

That’s Just Dandy

Gained his first turf win when taken to the UK earlier this month, launching a late challenge to beat seven English-trained rivals at Windsor. He relaxes better than he used to.

17

Pearle d’Or

Has raced just three times, a stark contrast to many of the hardened performers in this. Didn’t show much on last month’s handicap debut.

18

Pierre Lapin

Won his first two career starts but defeated in all 18 since then. Though he wasn’t beaten far when fourth in this hot handicap last year. Also ran well at The Curragh 14 days ago.

Reserves

19

Master Zoffany

From a UK stable that have won this race before. His last two wins have come at Chester’s turning track. Well suited to slow ground.

20

Blairmayne

A seven-time winner who mostly competes over shorter distances than this but can handle – and has won at – 1400m. Probably best on good or faster ground.

21

Coill Na Sionainne

Modest efforts on recent starts. On the plus side some of her best performances have come at Leopardstown, albeit mostly over longer trips.