2.06 Irish Stallion Farms EBF

Fillies Maiden 1m 2f 96yd

Few horses will have enjoyed such significant form boosts in a short space of time as Wickedly Wootton did on Thursday at Royal Ascot. Paddy Twomey’s filly finished fourth on debut in a Leopardstown maiden won by Ribblesdale Stakes second Johanna Walsh, with King George V Stakes third Believed in second.

However, Wickedly Wootton was beaten nine lengths in total, and while racing wide in the straight didn’t help, it does muddy the water, as does the fact that the third horse was subsequently well beaten and officially rated 76.

Preference instead is for Vauntingly, who separated subsequent Group 3 winner Sparan Nua and a 92-rated filly last time out.

The Night Of Thunder filly was beaten four and a half lengths by her unbeaten rival, but she had previously finished a promising third on debut, when she was sent off favourite but broke slowly.

Further improvement is expected from Charm Of Venice who finished fifth on her three-year-old return at Dundalk in January, when she was drawn wide and beaten a nose by a filly who subsequently won a Curragh maiden.

SELECTION: VAUNTINGLY

Next best: Wickedly Wootton

2.41 Belfast Live: Number 1

For News And Sport Handicap 1m 2f 96yd

Well-related improver Teologia looks more than capable of winning off her introductory mark of 71. Cheekpieces bringing the necessary improvement to win her maiden over course and distance last month and Amrum, who she beat by over seven lengths, won next time out.

Well-beaten in maidens, Roaming Coyote finished second on handicap debut earlier this month and would have finished closer had the winner not drifted across. He went up 6lb for that effort but remains at a realistic mark.

Connecteo filled the same position on handicap debut last month – his first start over a mile and a half. The third horse, who finished three and three-quarter lengths behind him won next time out, suggesting that Connecteo’s 3lb rise isn’t a worry.

SELECTION: TEOLOGIA

Next best: Connecteo

3.16 Mongey Communications Handicap 1m 2f 96yd

This step up in trip that could see Simpson’s Paradox gain his first win since September 2023. Once rated 86 and now down to a career-low of 46, the Mastercraftsman gelding is helped by Keithen Kennedy’s 5lb claim.

Albatala is another who has dropped down the weights and is sure to take a step forward from her fourth-placed effort at Fairyhouse earlier this month, which was her first start in over a year.

That said, it’s difficult to be too confident in a seven-year-old maiden, so the third horse Swift Charm seems a safer bet. Coul Dore, Cleopatra’s Needle and Folk Warrior are others worth considering.

SELECTION: SIMPSON’S PARADOX

Next best: Swift Charm

3.53 BOYLE Sports Irish EBF Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap 1m 2f 96yd

There is no clear leader on form, but Chablis Rock looks open to further improvement, as her multiple group entries would suggest, and the race’s weight-for-age conditions gives her a significant advantage. Her four-and-a-half-length maiden win in April came on ground similar to today’s and while it was over a mile and a half, she previously finished second to a smart filly over this trip following six months off the track.

The seven-year-old Narlita has run well on three starts this season, twice in premier handicaps, including when a staying-on third to today’s top weight Fiver Friday at the Curragh. The commanding winner was penalised, but Narlita remains on the same mark.

She’s without a 3lb claimer now, but her pilot comes here in good form, having enjoyed a double at Leopardstown on Thursday.

Her Curragh rival will find it difficult off this mark, as will the hat-trick seeking Thrift Of Digby. Stars Will Shine won her maiden in fine style here in September and is unexposed, but the trip is a concern for the daughter of Starman.

SELECTION: CHABLIS ROCK

Next best: Narlita

4.33 BOYLE Sports Ulster Derby 1m 4f 207yd

Four of the last five winners have carried less than nine stone and another reason to favour the lower-rated horses is that stamina is a concern for some of the bigger weights.

As a son of Coulsty, Madbadanddangerous might not be an obvious stayer but his dam is closely related to Ascot Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami. Noel Meade’s charge has smart juvenile form and appeared as good as ever on return when going close in a Leopardstown handicap that traditionally produces smart horses.

His subsequent 29-length defeat was too bad to be true and on his best form, he has a strong chance here.

The trip is unlikely to be an issue for Bay Of Stars, based on pedigree and his staying-on second at Leopardstown last time. Cheekpieces may bring further improvement from the unexposed colt.

Wyman has run well in hot maidens and may be well-treated off 80 on handicap debut, but the trip is a worry considering his dam’s sharp relatives.

SELECTION: MADBADANDDANGEROUS

Next best: Bay Of Stars

5.13 Mount Charles Handicap 1m 4f 207yd

Jurality may have taken 25 starts to win but the five-year-old looked an obliging type when winning at Navan earlier this month, and the manner in which he won suggests he’s capable of overcoming a 6lb rise.

His win boosted the form of Patrick Street, who he was over four lengths behind at Limerick in April. The runner-up has also won since and given Patrick Street didn’t get the clearest of runs, he may well be up to making a winning return to the flat.

The closing stages of Deluca Chop’s win at Navan would also give hope that the visored gelding can follow up today, while the third horse Jazz Forever is also worth considering.

SELECTION: PATRICK STREET

Next best: Jurality

5.43 Event Co Marquees Maiden 1m 4f 207yd

Duvessa, Joe Cool and Steel Cut were all second on their last starts on the flat, with Joe Cool making a winning start over hurdles in the interim. More importantly though, his three-quarter-length defeat at Bellewstown came at the hands of Tim Toe, who won again since, before finishing third in the Ascot Stakes.

Duvessa is likely to give him the biggest run for his money, following her promising return to action at Roscommon after eight months off the track. She was beaten three and a quarter lengths by a more experienced filly who has since risen to a rating of 90.

The horse that Steel Cut chased home at Dundalk also had the benefit of far more experience and had race fitness on his side, compared to the runner-up’s 12-month absence. Cheekpieces should bring further improvement.

SELECTION: JOE COOL

Next best: Duvessa