'He's in good form' - Matthew Smith hopeful for last year's runner-up

Tuesday: 7.00 Killarney
Irish Examiner Handicap | 2m1f | 4yo+ | RTV

Age has been a good indicator in finding the winner of this race in recent years, with seven of the last ten winners being aged five or younger, including the last four in a row.

Five of the 12 who line up this year look to maintain the trend and would appear to hold leading claims.

Harry's Legacy relished the step up to 1m7f at Leopardstown last month, going further clear the further they went, and looks an improving sort who should be suited by the 2m1f trip.

Henry de Bromhead's four-year-old showed modest form in maidens last season, but bounced back from 254 days off the track with a good second when upped to 1m6f at Gowran Park.

He will run off 6lb higher than his Leopardstown outing, with the in-form Wayne Lordan on board. Lynwood Gold will also represent the Waterford trainer under Billy Lee.

The four-year-old filly Startedwithakiss takes a drop in class after failing to beat a rival home in the Listed Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon last time, and should be more at home in this company coming from stall nine.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock looked a stayer in the making when comfortably landing a 1m5f Leopardstown handicap on her penultimate start, and was beaten just over four lengths behind Rosscarbery at Sligo in May, which is one of the standout pieces of form on offer.

Eddie and Patrick Harty saddle hurdle and bumper winner Advantage Point on his Flat handicap debut. The nine-year-old has had two decent maiden runs so far this term and will likely appreciate conditions under Kevin Manning.

Matthew Smith sends a two-pronged attack with Cozone and No Thanks, the latter looking potentially interesting.

The six-year-old was beaten a neck in this contest last term in the midst of a brilliant season, which included wins at the Galway festival and Bellewstown, and although his recent hurdles form is not overly inspiring, his best form has come in this sphere.

Jessica Harrington won this race in 2012 and 2015 and is represented by National Ballet, making his first appearance since joining her from Aidan O'Brien, while Noel Meade has booked Colin Keane for Jesse Evans.

What they say

Eric McNamara, trainer of Groveman
He's in good form and moving well. He won on the Flat for us at Tramore last year and we're giving it another go. He'll probably go back chasing afterwards but he's in good shape.

Matthew Smith, trainer of Cozone and No Thanks
I think the trip will suit Cozone. He ran well on the Flat at Navan, so hopefully he runs well. He's in good form. No Thanks seems in good form. He'd a great season last year, including when second in this race. Hopefully, he gives a good account of himself.

Patrick Harty, joint-trainer of Advantage Point
We're very happy with him. He obviously missed two years, so hopefully he's progressing fitness-wise with each run. Stamina won't be an issue; we just hope he doesn't find it on the tight side around here. He's in super form and hopefully we'll have a few pounds in hand on the basis of improvement and fitness.

Eamonn O'Connell, trainer of Curious Bride
We were happy with her the last day. We just hope she runs another good race. Everything should suit. The ground will be perfect and the trip will be fine. She's in good shape, so we're hoping for a good run.

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