SNELLEN can make it back-to-back wins in the Meld on the back of an encouraging effort in a higher grade at Royal Ascot last time. Adelaide River may pose the biggest threat if back in the sort of form he produced on his return to domestic action.
Snellen
Adelaide River
Geryon
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
5. Geryon
J: C. T. KeaneT: G. M. Lyons
F: 122-4424
Price History:
3.00
Age:
3
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
106
Days Since Last Run:
18
Verdict
Runner-up in pair of Group 2s at 2 yrs and got back to a similar level when third past the post in listed race won by Isaac Newton at Navan last month (promoted after suffering interference). Shaped well again faced with some scrimmaging when fourth in a Group 3 at the Curragh (1¼m) 3 weeks later.
6. Isaac Newton
J: W. M. LordanT: Aidan O'Brien
F: 2154-4516
Price History:
3.25
Age:
3
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
105
Days Since Last Run:
18
Verdict
Made the frame in a Group 1 at Saint-Cloud on final start at 2 yrs. Below-par efforts to start this season but got back on the up when overcoming trouble to win listed race at Navan (Geryon in second) last month. Completely missed the break at the Curragh last time, so has bit to prove after that.
1. Adelaide River
J: D. B. McMonagleT: Joseph Patrick O'Brien
F: 4/88270-30
Price History:
6.50
Age:
6
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
106
Days Since Last Run:
30
Verdict
Placed in Group 1 company and won a Group 3 when trained by Aidan O'Brien in 2023. Failed to win in Australia subsequently but returned to action for new yard (in a tongue tie) with a good third in Curragh Group 2 in May. Down the field in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot since but this is easier.
3. Snellen
J: G. F. CarrollT: Gavin Patrick Cromwell
F: 464216-35
Price History:
5.00
Age:
5
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
105
Days Since Last Run:
29
Verdict
Likeable type who beat 3 rivals when winning this race last season. Typically gave her running when third in a 7f Group 3 here on return and finished to good effect after having to wait for a gap when 5¼ lengths fifth of 15 to Blue Bolt in Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m) last time.
2. Cowardofthecounty
J: Declan McDonoghT: Joseph Patrick O'Brien
F: 9/590-8213
Price History:
10.00
Age:
4
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
100
Days Since Last Run:
18
Verdict
Useful sort who got back to winning ways in 6-runner conditions event at Fairyhouse (7f, good to soft) last month and ran at least as well when 1¾ lengths third of 6 to Zodiac Bear in listed race at the Curragh (1m, good to firm), just not best placed in a race that became a bit of a sprint.
4. Syzygy
J: Ben Martin CoenT: Daniel McLoughlin
F: 7111-3362
Price History:
21.00
Age:
4
Weight:
9-6
Gear:
blinkers
Official Rating:
98
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Recorded a hat-trick of handicap wins in the autumn and made the frame in big-field events at the Curragh and Leopardstown on her first 2 starts of this year. Seemed to excel herself in first-time blinkers when ½-length second of 9 to Duckadilly in listed race (50/1) at Navan (1m, good) last month.