1

Westminster Moon

Some very good 2024 efforts in Group races – including a third in a G1 – when trained in Germany. His two races since moving to Ireland have not been nearly so memorable.

2

Star Harbour

He needs at least this trip, but a strong anticipated pace should help. Ran his best race of 2025 this month when a close fourth at Cork.

3

Aeronautic

Into a handicap for the first time, he won two of his four starts last season. May not have stayed the 2800m trip in Leopardstown Listed company on his final 2024 start, his challenge petering out.

4

Longbourn

Led in a handicap here when last seen but faded right out. Under more patient tactics he had run a good third in a hot handicap here in 2023. Generally consistent.

5

Mashhoor

Trying to repeat his runaway victory in this hot handicap back in 2022. Some other excellent efforts – including here – followed but not at his best on his last five starts.

6

Himalayan Heights

Came back from a 177-day break and a gelding operation to deliver a clear personal best when quickening away from his 14 rivals at Leopardstown last month. Interesting.

7

Nurburgring

Has been competing over hurdles, quite a classy operator in that sphere. Also ran a good fourth in a valuable handicap here but over much further than this.

8

Apercu

Justified favouritism in a handicap here last October. Also, a brave winner at Cork last month, and unlucky not to finish closer than eighth in Listed company this month.

9

Final Voyage

His seven career wins and his last 15 starts have all come on all-weather surfaces. But he is a consistent type who always seems to do his best.

10

Soaring Monarch

Beaten a long way in a soft-ground 1600m handicap here in March on his 2025 return. Had done much better when fourth on good ground over 2000m here last September.

11

Cloud Seeker

Improved sharply to win four consecutive handicaps in 2024. Back in the winners’ enclosure with a career best run, leading almost throughout at Leopardstown.

12

Zoffman

His three starts this year have all been over hurdles including a victory at Naas. Came close to winning a hot Cork handicap last June, but that 2400m seems more suitable than this trip.

13

Ceallach

Five career wins all over further than this but came close to a 2000m victory at Leopardstown this month, only failing by a neck to peg back the front-running winner.

14

Dutch Gold

Fitted with cheekpieces and also to be ridden by Chris Hayes for the first time. His two career wins include a course and distance victory, plus his close fifth in a warm handicap at Cork this month was encouraging.

15

Retracement

Having his first start in Ireland having raced just four times for a top stable in the UK. He had shown plenty of promise then and is an interesting candidate in this.

16

Mr Rango

Wants heavy ground to be seen at his best, winning on those conditions at Leopardstown last year. Hard to fancy unless it turns very soft.

17

Jungle Cove

This versatile veteran is a real stable favourite. His latest victory came on the beach at Laytown last September but it would be a big surprise if he was up to this task.

18

Cheers Again

Yet to win from 15 turf starts, and his last three starts also do not offer much encouragement. Trying a longer trip than usual.

19

Molto Amichi

Didn’t show much in his only other start at the Curragh. His fast-finishing second in a Ballinrobe handicap this month was promising for his 2025 campaign.