Bellewstown 7:38 Verdict

This is a typically messy Irish PP/bumper-style flat race, but Myluckymaker stands out on recent form with a genuine "862-2" line culminating in a second last time out just 10 days ago - clearly progressive and race-fit, unlike most of this field who are having first starts or return from long layoffs. John C McConnell is a shrewd trainer with this type and the quick backup run suggests the yard is happy with her. Several dangers (Mirrorbelle, Melody D'Arc, Thranduil, Ellenrode, Blue Trix) have no form at all, meaning they're unexposed but unproven - a lottery in a competitive 14-runner field. Blue Trix looks interesting from the Mullins stable with Townend aboard but is a total unknown quantity for this trip/grade. Not A Whisper's solitary 4th could be workable but that's thinner form than Myluckymaker's sustained progression. Ifuknowuknow was well held last time and has had a big let-up. The keys for me are recent form, fitness, and proven ability to be competitive - Myluckymaker ticks all three boxes while most of the field are stepping into the unknown. The extended trip (2m1f) should suit a mare who was competitive at a decent level already. I'll take her to defy what will likely be a short-ish price given her solid recent form, as she looks the most reliable, progressive, in-form runner in a race full of question marks.