M C Group Handicap

Off time: 17:21 | Winning time: 2m 26.47s

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(1)

Apparition^b1²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: J A Heffernan| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 85| C

10/1

Hasn't fired recently over hurdles or on the Flat, blinkers are tried here and former course winner has to be taken seriously back at this venue.

Form: 4-37205

(5)

Abjar^b1⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Ronan Whelan| T: M Halford| OR: 82

8/1

Broke his maiden over 1m4f at Wolverhampton last August. Yet to really fire for this yard however and, despite sliding handicap mark, needs to find plenty more to score.

Form: 212-549

(6)

Zoffanyia¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: S Foley| T: S Fahey| OR: 80| BF| D

5/1

Sligo maiden winner, put firmly in her place back there since by the winner when runner-up in six-runner handicap. Time remains on her side and doubtless we've not seen the best of her yet.

Form: 5212

(4)

Birth Of Venus^p1²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Declan McDonogh| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 87| CD

9/1

Good run in Listed company at Leopardstown last time ensures the handicapper has enjoyed a cut, has gone well twice here in as many starts, including 1m3f win last month and stable are in form.

Form: 021518

(3)

Still Standing⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: C O'Donoghue| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 84

8/11

Winner on seasonal bow at Ballinrobe last week, finishing well to get up on the line. Raised 3lb, doesn't seem excessive, and should go well again.

Form: 731-1

(2)

Sharjah^p⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-3| J: A J Slattery⁽⁷⁾| T: A Slattery| OR: 74| D

20/1

Winner at Fairyhouse last month (1m4f, good to firm) but has struggled in two starts since off increased rating. Cheekpieces back on, looks vulnerable again.

Form: 933135

(7)

Happy Company^p1¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: Ben Coen⁽⁷⁾| T: P J F Hassett| OR: 66| D

12/1

Largely well held since winning a Sligo handicap over 1m2½f in June off a 5lb lower mark. Likely going to be up against it sporting first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 265104

Forecasts

Still Standing (8/11), Zoffanyia (5/1), Abjar (8/1), Birth Of Venus (9/1), Apparition (10/1), Happy Company (12/1), Sharjah (20/1)

STILL STANDING made a winning reappearance nine days ago at Ballinrobe and, raised 3lb, should be fitter and ready to defy the increase this evening. The Harrington team are in fine fettle (10-36) and can add another success here. Zoffanyia was well held in second on handicap bow at Sligo but could have more to give and may take a similar role now while Birth Of Venus cannot be overlooked for another yard in excellent heart.