Punchestown 2:40 Result

Motta Alta is a lightly-raced Harrington filly with a progressive profile (613 - a win last time and consistent placing before that), by Ghaiyyath out of a Rock Of Gibraltar mare, a pedigree geared toward middle distances with speed, well suited to a mile on good ground. She carries a fair OR of 77 off just three starts, suggesting more upside than most of this well-exposed handicap field. Shane Foley taking the ride for a top yard signals confidence. Top weight rivals like Molto Amichi and Sagasti are solid but fully exposed and have flattered to deceive recently (Sagasti even 6th, 3rd, 0, 2, 0, 1 mixing form). Amenita and Flash Of Fire are interesting three-year-old fillies from strong stables but Amenita's best form (6-19) is patchy and Flash Of Fire hasn't run in 94 days, a big query. Motta Alta's trajectory (6-1-3) shows a filly improving with racing, fitter for her latest experience, and taking a step up look justified given the placing figures. The name is drawn reasonably (5) avoiding traffic trouble in a big 14/16-runner field. I make her the most attractive combination of upward curve, stable intent and suitable conditions, and expect she is overpriced relative to the more exposed handicappers around her in the market.