Michael Joyce Memorial Handicap

Landing a handicap at Leopardstown last time by 2¼ lengths in a new headgear combination, Daler showed he is capable in his best form and is effective at 7–9f on a variety of going. Now wearing a tongue-tie and hood combination again, the 7lb rise in the weights is the key test — proven course and distance ability makes him a genuine danger.

Three consecutive below-par runs make Grey Leader very hard to fancy here, despite a win in the book and an effective range of 7–10f on heavy and good. He returns off a short break still needing to find that earlier form — inconsistency is the main concern.

Sixth at Cork last time over 12f in solid-enough form, Mocking is effective at 10–12f on soft and good and is fitted with first-time cheekpieces after a 50-day break. The trainer is in decent form and there is a suggestion he is capable of a similar effort here — one to respect for place prospects at least.

Consistently below form on his Irish starts since moving from France, Dark Summit's best efforts have come at 8f on the softer side of good — this trip looks beyond his comfort zone. Hard to make a case without a more encouraging recent run.

Well beaten at Leopardstown last time and in the midst of a poor run of form, Dark Viper is effective at 6–8f on heavy and good. The first-time hood is new and a bounce-back is needed — the trip here may be on the long side given his best form has come over shorter.