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Today, May 17, 2025Flat5fGood
Verdict
Verdict
Preference is for BOLD OPTIMIST, who is only 3 lb above his last winning mark and arrives on back of solid return at the Curragh last month. Cuban Grey and Only Spoofing should also go well.
Bold Optimist
Cuban Grey
Only Spoofing
5f Hcap
5f Hcap
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
6. Emerald HarmonyJ: P. McGettiganT: John Patrick Murtagh, IrelandF: 12469-814- Price History:
- 5.50
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 82
- Days Since Last Run:
- 35
VerdictReturned to winning ways at Bellewstown (5f) last month and ran to similar level, off 4 lb higher, when creditable 1½ lengths fourth of 10 to Cuban Grey in handicap at the Curragh (5f, good) 35 days ago. Ought to give another good account.- 9. Cuban GreyJ: J. M. SheridanT: P. J. McKenna, IrelandF: 3142-1215
- Price History:
- 6.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-0
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 76
- Days Since Last Run:
- 19
VerdictCareer best when winning 10-runner handicap at the Curragh (5f, good) last month and ran just as well in defeat when good fifth of 15 in handicap (12/1) at Naas (5.9f, good to soft) 19 days ago, racing closer to pace than ideal. Likely contender. 
1. The Highway RatJ: William James LeeT: Andrew Oliver, IrelandF: 23/3460-60- Price History:
- 6.50
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 10-4
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 94
- Days Since Last Run:
- 19
VerdictC&D winner. Fourteenth of 15 in handicap (14/1) at Naas (5.9f, good to soft) 19 days ago. Others preferred.- 3. Bold OptimistJ: Ben Martin CoenT: Daniel McLoughlinF: 1954100-5
- Price History:
- 5.50
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 84
- Days Since Last Run:
- 35
VerdictBack from 7 months off when creditable 2¼ lengths fifth of 10 to Cuban Grey in handicap at the Curragh (5f, good) 35 days ago. Entitled to build on that and must enter calculations. - 10. Only SpoofingJ: C. D. HayesT: Kevin Thomas Coleman, IrelandF: 4850-9319
- Price History:
- 7.50
- Age:
- 11
- Weight:
- 8-8
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 70
- Days Since Last Run:
- 28
VerdictThree-time C&D winner who took advantage of drop in weights at Musselburgh (5f) last month and can likely be excused (missed break) below-par effort at same course since. Not taken lightly. 
4. Moral TurpitudeJ: C. T. KeaneT: Daniel James Murphy, IrelandF: 5345213/4-- Price History:
- 9.50
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- blinkers and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 84
- Days Since Last Run:
- 318
Verdict14/1, fourth of 5 in minor event at Tipperary (5f, good to firm). Off 10 months. Blinkers on 1st time. Needs a couple of these to falter.
2. Merlin The WizardJ: G. F. CarrollT: J. J. Feane, IrelandF: 11510/070-- Price History:
- 9.50
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-13
- Gear:
- hood
- Official Rating:
- 89
- Days Since Last Run:
- 206
VerdictLast of 14 in handicap at Kempton (8f, 20/1). Off 6 months. Significantly down in trip. First run for yard after leaving Harry Charlton. Hooded for 1st time. Market may prove best guide to claims on debut.
8. Harrys HillJ: M. W. HassettT: Martin Hassett, IrelandF: 55102370-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 9-5
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 81
- Days Since Last Run:
- 195
VerdictC&D winner. Twelfth of 13 in handicap (12/1) at the Curragh (5f, good to soft), left poorly placed. Off 6 months. Tongue strap back on. Others more persuasive.
7. Mickey The SteelJ: Wesley JoyceT: Joseph Anthony Murray, IrelandF: 978410-90- Price History:
- 10.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 82
- Days Since Last Run:
- 19
VerdictC&D winner. 50/1, tenth of 15 in handicap at Naas (5.9f, good to soft) 19 days ago. Has good chance on pick of form.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite
Non-Runners
5. Pineapple IslandJ: N. M. CrosseT: Miss Jennifer Anne Lynch, IrelandF: 16/- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 9-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 83
- Days Since Last Run:
- 754
VerdictLightly-raced winner. 100/1, 3½ lengths sixth of 7 to Moss Tucker in listed race at Naas (5f, heavy). Off over 2 years. First run for yard after leaving Takashi Kodama. Makes handicap debut. Likely best watched.