'She's in seriously good form and likes the track' - key quotes and analysis for Sligo handicap

Several of the nine runners arrive in good form, so finding the winner will not be easy. 

Annie’s Angel posted her best Racing Post Rating when beaten a head by the useful Elana Osario at Kilbeggan in first-time cheekpieces last month. That was her first run beyond 1m1f and she saw it out well. The Joseph O'Brien-trained three-year-old showed signs of inexperience in the straight but there is improvement to come from her and any rain would aid her chances.

A neck behind Annie’s Angel in third was the Johnny Murtagh-trained Shaool. That was a reversal in form from their previous run when Shaool beat Annie’s Angel by four and a half lengths over 1m1f at Leopardstown. The four-year-old then ran well upped to 1m5f at Ballinrobe last time when she was slowly away and did best from those off the pace to finish third. She is up 13lb since beating Annie’s Angel, but the cheekpieces that were discarded at Ballinrobe go back on.

Lady In Paris is in a rich vein of form, winning two of her last three starts on decent ground. She appeared to appreciate every extra yard when upped to 1m2f at the Curragh last month, streaking clear by two and a quarter lengths. An 8lb rise may not stop this rapidly improving filly, but she could do without rain. 

Throw in the course-and-distance winner Grizabella, who landed a Ballinrobe handicap by ten lengths last time, and Galway festival winner Thatwilldoso under a 7lb penalty, and you have a tricky puzzle to solve. 

Going update

The going is yielding, good to yielding in places (Flat) and good (jumps) after 3mm of rain on Monday night. There is a possibility of light rain during racing.

What they say

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Shaool
The more rain that arrives the better for her, so hopefully it comes.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Lady In Paris
She's had a bit of time since her last run but she seems in good form. I'm hoping she can run a big race.

Kevin Coleman, trainer of Thatwilldoso
It's a good pot and she came out of Galway well. This is a step up in grade and she's up in the weights, so it will be tougher, but we have nothing to lose.

Paul Flynn, trainer of Grizabella
I think the handicapper was very harsh after her last win, but she's in seriously good form and likes the track, so I wouldn’t put anybody off her at the same time.

Joseph O’Brien, trainer of Annie’s Angel
It was a good run in a strong race at Killarney. Any rain that falls will help her, and I feel she has a live chance with a nice weight on her back.

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