2.00 Irish EBF Maiden 1m

Cape Cod came up just short in a maiden at the Curragh 13 days ago and a reproduction of that effort will make him tough to beat, especially with the experience of three previous maiden runs under his girth. Rated 92, he sets a solid standard, though he does take on more unexposed types.

Joseph O’Brien’s Enceladus finished third in the same maiden on debut but has three and a half lengths to find with the selection. Choir Boy, a Ballydoyle stablemate of Cape Cod, is a well-bred Wootton Bassett newcomer of obvious interest if sharp enough for his first assignment. Keep an eye on market support for the Dermot Weld newcomer Handani, while Breaking Dawn (second in a barrier trial before fourth here over seven furlongs) is one for the shortlist.

SELECTION: CAPE COD

Next best: Enceladus

2.35 Lily & Wild Maiden 1m

This doesn’t look the deepest of races and Retrograde is of interest if ready enough after a 185-day layoff, having been gelded since a decent fifth on debut at Navan in April. The form of that mile contest has worked out pretty well, with the winner rated 94, the runner-up winning the Ulster Derby and third a last-time-out maiden winner. Diego El Queso, rated 86, is up to winning this on the basis of his best runs, though his latest second at Down Royal didn’t represent improvement.

SELECTION: RETROGRADE

Next best: Diego El Queso

3.10 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Birdcatcher Premier Nursery Handicap 6f

Johnny Murtagh has a fine record in nurseries and won this race in 2022 with Wave Machine. His two representatives in this year’s renewal command respect, and preference is for Ben Coen’s mount, Morehampton. The Sea The Moon colt won a seven-furlong maiden at Gowran Park three starts ago, but was an eye-catcher over six furlongs in the Listed Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse when last seen - stopped in his tracks when trying to stay on and challenge. He’s got plenty of weight off a mark of 90, but could be capable of better.

Stablemate Nakamura comes here seeking a hat-trick and Yudish Geerdharry’s 7lb claim will help offset the fact he’s up 9lb for a decisive victory at Cork. Joyful Tidings gave the impression he could be better than a mark of 81 when winning on debut earlier in the year.

SELECTION: MOREHAMPTON

Next best: Nakamura

3.50 RFL Steels Stakes (Listed) 6f

This represents a big drop in class for Powerful Nation and he can take advantage of it if back to something like he’s capable of. He had excuses for a couple of below-par showings during the summer and it was probably a big ask to expect him to bounce back in Group 1 company at the Curragh last time when beaten a handful of lengths by Arizona Blaze.

Big Gossey still retains all his old enthusiasm, even if he had one of his more disappointing results last time. He’s automatic shortlist material, even if the best of him tends to be seen at the Curragh rather than here. Fandom wouldn’t have been helped by his draw at Tipperary last time on his stable bow, so still ran well in the circumstances..

SELECTION: POWERFUL NATION

Next best: Big Gossey

4.25 Osborne Denieffe Solicitors Handicap 5f

Nezeeh has been in a really good place of late for a Denis Hogan team enjoying a fine spell, and he could be able to defy a 4lb nudge for winning at Bellewstown 10 days ago. He reopposes with the runner-up from that event, Escaping Thejungle, and gives the impression that the minimum trip at this venue could be suitable.

It’s an open affair, though, and one in which it’s difficult to be overly bullish. Arklow Lad isn’t overly exposed and won a maiden last time, while Likedbymike was only narrowly touched off last time at Cork and should be in the firing line.

SELECTION: NEZEEH

Next best: Likedbymike

5.00 WTW Willis Fillies Maiden 7f

It was a cracking first effort from Grecian Power when third in a Curragh maiden on debut in July, and perhaps the nature of the track at Fairyhouse didn’t play to her strengths when last seen. She returns in a tongue-tie and needs to bounce back, but is lightly raced and might represent each-way value on the basis of her first run.

Therewillbeglory, second on each of her three starts, deserves a change of luck. Now tried in cheekpieces, it’d be no surprise if she was fighting out the finish again. Treasure Rose has been a little frustrating to follow, but is capable of playing a part if bringing her ‘A’ game.

SELECTION: GRECIAN POWER

Next best: Therewillbeglory

5.30 Naas Racecourse Handicap 7f

A competitive race to close proceedings and a chance is taken on Tina’s Indian building on a positive third at the Curragh a fortnight ago. That was a step back in the right direction from a lightly-raced sort, who created a big impression when winning on his Curragh debut last year. Given he was off for 106 days before that, there must be a chance that he improves and is 1lb lower too. Rowdy Yeats hasn’t been hammered by the handicapper with a 3lb rise for winning at the Curragh. In contrast, hat-trick seeking Bishopton must defy a 13lb-higher mark than when successful at Down Royal last time. There could be a bit of value in Facethepuckout, whose mark has been falling and hasn’t been helped by wide draws/trips lately. He’s interesting if back to his best in the race he won two years ago.

SELECTION: TINA’S INDIAN

Next best: Facethepuckout