7:42 Bellewstown Tips

Still a maiden but has gone close on a couple of occasions, including when a close second of 20 runners last time out over 1m5f at Navan last month, only beaten 0.75 lengths. Big chance if building on that effort.

Lariat won over course and distance in 2022 and has drifted down the handicap to a lowly mark of 43. He more often runs over hurdles and has had a recent 2nd of 18 at Listowel, beaten only half a length, so should be competitive here at the finish against some suspect stayers.

Would not be surprised to hear that Nicola Burns suggested a trip of this nature can be well within Randall Poets Lass's stamina ability. The mare was staying on when fourth at Fairyhouse and could be firing in a quick-fire double for Nicola, who is riding great guns.

MAKE GOOD has been running well in deeper handicap company than he faces tonight. He gets an interesting jockey booked now with ace claiming apprentice Yudish Geerdharry riding plenty fancied buy stables in this sphere these days and he rates a likely type.

Whispering Hopes is a 5-year-old mare trained by Gordon Elliott, and she's a dual-purpose horse yet to win. Would have needed the latest start, having not run since April when sent off 3-1f in a maiden hurdle. Ran once at Bellewstown over CD last year and finished 4/12, beaten 7 lengths off 63. Runs today off 55, so looks fairly well handicapped. Gordon Elliott is 4/11 in 14f handicaps in Ireland if 15-2 or less and may have been laid out for this contest before resuming a hurdles campaign come winter.

Was slightly fancied to go well in first handicap last time out and did show some better form. Now upped in distance, which might well suit, and might go well off this weight.

Won this race off the same mark last year. Is due a big run to capitalize on sliding handicap mark.

Going to give Ally Cay a chance here today after she returned to the track last month after a very long absence. Ran okay as well, coming 9th/20, and should be sharper today after that run. Big odds at 40-1, and they could just be using these flat races to get her fit for the jump season. But she has won on the flat, and I'm not sure this 9-year-old is nearing retirement just yet.