WESTMEATH BM78 HANDICAP ($27K)
This BM78 Handicap over 1207m looks to be a competitive affair with several horses resuming from spells. The wide barriers for some key contenders could play a role, while those drawn inside might get a tactical advantage. Class and recent form will be crucial in deciphering the winner in this mid-grade sprint.
AI Selections & Analysis (10 runners)
Returning from a spell, Alero boasts an impressive win strike rate and has a strong fresh record. The inside barrier and top jockey John Allen for the Maher stable make her a formidable contender in this grade, despite the unknown of her current fitness.
Bedourie is lightly raced with a good win percentage and is from the astute Moody/Coleman stable. While the barrier is slightly awkward, Linda Meech is a strong rider and the horse has shown good ability, suggesting further improvement this preparation.
Salsa Fellow has a solid career record and performs well fresh, making him a strong consideration here. The wide barrier is a slight concern, but Mitchell Aitken is a capable rider and the horse has shown he can overcome obstacles with his class.
From a top stable, Raikoke has a decent win percentage and has earned good prizemoney. The wide barrier is a challenge, but if Olivia East can find cover, this horse has the class to be competitive first-up in this grade.
Luna Cat is a consistent performer with a good place record and comes from a strong stable. The inside barrier and Dean Yendall are positives, suggesting she can get a soft run and be thereabouts at the finish, especially if the pace is hot.
Silver Cliff has a fair win strike rate and a reasonable barrier draw, which could see him get into a good position. While not a standout, his consistency in similar races suggests he could be a place chance if he runs up to his best.
Always Hapi has a lot of experience and a decent win record, but the wide barrier makes his task harder. He will need a good ride from Harry Grace to overcome the draw and find a suitable position to make an impact in the straight.
Frose is a very experienced horse with many starts and wins, but is stepping up in class here. While the inside barrier is a plus, her overall form and the class rise suggest she will find this a tough assignment against younger, more progressive types.
Thunderanlightning has a low win percentage but benefits from the inside barrier and a capable jockey in Teo Nugent. However, his career record suggests he might struggle to match the class of some of his rivals in this BM78 event.
Sunburnt is a very honest horse with many starts but possesses the lowest win and place strike rates in the field. While he has a mid-range barrier, he appears to be outclassed in this event and is likely to find the competition too strong.