FIFTH RACE 7.00P.M.

THE SPAR SHOP AT THE CURRAGH HANDICAP OF €20,000

Starting from stalls. Handicaps calculated 22nd May Value to winner: €11800; Second: €4000; Third: €2000; Fourth: €1000; Fifth: €600; Sixth: €400

(For Race Conditions see page 54)

Racesponsor

John O’Sullivan will present a trophy to the winning owner and a gift to the groom in charge of the horse judged to be best turned out.

Trifecta Race

She was put up 1lb for her latest effort at Gowran Park, when beaten a length and a half into third, and she could have a say stepping down in distance Winning Range GY-Gd. Star Rating 3

Proven to be more effective on the all-weather and will need to transfer that form to the turf Could run into a place, although this looks like a slightly tougher contest than last time Winning Range AW Star Rating 2

She brought the double up last time at Dundalk, comfortably going and she warrants plenty of respect on her return to the turf Winning Range

He was beaten a long way on his return to action at Cork, finishing stone last, and will need step forward to get involved on this occasion. Winning Range Gd-GF & AW Star Rating 1

Ice Cold In Alex 6 flat wins

CD Handicap Rating 85

HR86 N.G. McCullagh 8.12 (TS) 19L last of 19 to Earls 8.11 CK 5 MAY Ext hcp 7f Sft/Hvy

Failed to so far this year since returning to the Denis Hogan yard and he get involved, although he has been dropped a further 2lb stage revival

He has slipped down the weights but was well held on his latest outing at Naas over 6f, and he has a bit to find on these terms. Winning Range Sft-Gd. Star Rating 2

€73,160.00 CD Handicap Rating 79

(AUS) - Seeking Dubai (GB)

B Caroline, Mark & Stephanie Hanly

O Melissa O’Neill & Bill Eastwood

Has been mixing it in handicap company in France and she now returns from a break to make her first start in Ireland. She should be monitored in the betting. Winning Range GS-Gd & AW Star Rating 2

No Niki No 6 flat wins €49,000.00 D Handicap Rating 79

P.Bazire 8.10 (BK) 4L 9th of 16 to Goldino Bello (FR) 8.12 CHANTILLY 29 SEP 22 hcp 1m Sft

M. Barzalona 9.5 (BK) won 1L 3/4L from Brave Shiina (FR) 9.10 and J’aurais Du (FR) 9.7 LYON-PARILLY 13 SEP 22 10rn hcp 1m Sft

M. Barzalona 9.4 (BK) won 1 1/2L hd from Two Weeks (GB) 9.5 and Pertusato (FR) 9.7 PARISLONGCHAMP 4 SEP 22 18rn hcp 1m Gd /Sft 1min 38.9sec

11 HIGHTIMEYOUWON (GB) (34) 7 9 3 (129) (10)

Br B Br g Garswood (GB) - Hightime Heroine (Blinkers) 3-14300 F

B Cheveley Park Stud Ltd Cian MacRedmond (5) J

O Shamrock Thoroughbreds Adrian McGuinness T

Most recent efforts have been lacklustre, the latest of those when detached at Limerick, and he will need to pull out a lot more to have a say in proceedings. Winning Range GY-Gd & AW. Star Rating 1

Hightimeyouwon (GB) 4 flat wins €71,685.00 D Handicap Rating 78

16/1 HR78 D. McMonagle 9.12 (CP) 15L last of 16 to Any Dream

She struggled to land a blow on her latest outing at Gowran Park but if she is able to run to the level of her penultimate effort, she could hit a place Winning Range

He made his return to turf earlier in the month when mid-division at Cork need to transfer his all-weather form to the grass if he wants to land a blow. Winning Range GF & AW.

Shed her maiden tag over 7f at Dundalk in February, scoring by just over a length, and she isn’t out of this as she returns to the handicapping ranks. Winning Range AW Star Rating 3

Blinkers worn by No 7, No 10, No 11. CPiece worn by No 2, No 8.

TStrap worn by No 4, No 6, No 15, No 17 Visor worn by No 5, No 14.

Probable Starting Prices - 9/2 She’s In The Game, 5/1 Touching Clouds (USA), 8/1 Miramis, 10/1 Exquisite Acclaim, Might And Mercy (GB), Maid To Shine, 12/1 Ice Cold In Alex, 14/1 Verhoyen (GB), No Niki No, Midnight Fire, 16/1 Half Nutz, Jered Maddox (GB), 20/1 Big Baby Bull, Toriangel, Bells On Her Toes, 25/1 Shanghai Dragon, Hightimeyouwon (GB)

2022 - 1st Verhoyen (GB) 2nd Heavenly Power 3rd Punk Poet (1 min. 24 sec.)

TOUCHING CLOUDS is one to watch on her seasonal bow, having signed off last August by breaking her maiden over this distance An opening handicap mark of 76 doesn’t look too ambitious given the runner-up from that maiden has since won off a mark of 74, while the fourth is now rated 81. Trainer Dermot Weld is enjoying a fine run of form and she could go close if fully tuned up for her first run in almost nine months. Noel Meade’s Might And Mercy has pieces of form that could see her go close on her return to the turf, while She’s In The Game looked to have a fair bit in hand when winning at Dundalk last time and has to be respected.

Curragh Comment

SHE’S IN THE GAME returned from a break to strike at Dundalk and now goes off an 11lb higher mark. Considering the manner of that victory, the daughter of Starspangledbanner is fancied to make it three out of her last three to continue on her upward curve. The main threat might be Miramis, who steps back down in distance after a solid third at Gowran Park and is just 1lb higher. Touching Clouds completes the shortlist on her handicap bow.

WIN: DO IT WITH STYLE