Leopardstown
Sunday, 12 April 2026 · 1m2f · Good To Yielding · flat · €14,725
Race Assessment
A competitive 1m2f handicap with several horses returning from winter breaks. The form centres around last season's juvenile performances, with Madbadanddangerous and Cape Cod heading the market despite lengthy layoffs. The O'Brien yard has multiple runners suggesting they view this as a winnable target.
Key Factors
- •Long layoffs for most runners
- •Step up in trip for several
- •Equipment changes
- •Trainer form variations
- •Weight differences significant
Going
Good to yielding conditions should suit most, though some have shown preference for softer ground. Firmer than ideal for Marjorie Daw who won on heavy.
Pace
Likely moderate early pace with Cape Cod potentially making the running. The step up to 1m2f should see strong finishes from those with stamina.
Recommendations (1)
So Must I (IRE)
eachway7/10Confidence: 6/10Showed marked improvement last time in a rated race at Dundalk, beating a favourite. The 51-day break is manageable and O'Brien-Sheridan combination is in excellent form. At 9.5 represents value against a field full of long-absent rivals, with strong place claims even if not winning.
Suggested stake: 1.5% of bank
Runner Analysis
So Must I (IRE)
Improved markedly last time at Dundalk to win a rated race, beating the favourite. Recent break not excessive and trainer-jockey combination in good form currently.
- + Recent improvement
- + Won at this trip
- + Good trainer-jockey form
- - Only modest early form
- - Needs to confirm Dundalk improvement
Madbadanddangerous (IRE)
Showed progressive form last season including a gutsy win at Naas. The step up in trip should suit but 182-day break is a concern despite proven ability.
- + Progressive form
- + Trip should suit
- + Quality jockey booking
- - Very long layoff
- - Needs to reproduce last season's form
Another Day Done (IRE)
Won nicely in first-time visor at Dundalk but disappointing next time off higher mark. Equipment change to cheekpieces and step up in trip are positive signs.
- + Improved with headgear
- + Trip extension positive
- + Lightly raced
- - Poor last run
- - May need softer conditions
Cape Cod (IRE)
Progressive juvenile who won nicely at Naas making all. Aidan O'Brien has strong record in this race and Ryan Moore booking is significant. Long break typical for the yard.
- + Progressive profile
- + Strong trainer record
- + Moore rides
- - Long layoff
- - Unproven beyond 1m
- - Top weight
Marjorie Daw (IRE)
Won her maiden nicely on heavy ground but this faster surface may not suit. Trip extension is positive but trainer out of form and high enough opening mark.
- + Trip should suit
- + Won going away last time
- + Room for improvement
- - Prefers softer ground
- - Trainer 0% strike rate
- - High opening mark
Cherry Hill Girl (IRE)
Recent seasonal return was poor over shorter trip but this step up in distance should help. Trainer rides own horse suggesting confidence.
- + Bred for trip
- + Previous C&D form
- + Trainer confidence
- - Poor recent run
- - Modest trainer strike rate
Extravagant (IRE)
Half-brother to high-class Cloth Of Stars suggesting stamina for trip. Won handicap debut but long absence and heavy ground failure are concerns.
- + Good pedigree for trip
- + Won on debut
- + Ballydoyle second string
- - Very long layoff
- - Failed in heavy ground
Pierre Grosse (GB)
Ran reasonably well behind Madbadanddangerous last time and meets that rival on better terms. Trip step up should suit but trainer completely out of form.
- + Better terms with market leader
- + Trip should help
- + Apprentice claim
- - Trainer 0% strike rate
- - Long layoff
- - Modest form level
No Value
Likely contender with progressive form but 182-day layoff and odds of 3.25 offer no edge
Strong trainer record and quality jockey but odds of 3.5 fairly reflect chances after long break
Avoid
Won on heavy ground but good to yielding conditions clearly against her, trainer completely out of form
Trainer has 0% strike rate over 21 runners in past 14 days, significant negative signal
Runners (8)
| Pos | Draw | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | OR | Weight | Odds | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Cape Cod (IRE) | Ryan Moore | A P O'Brien | 92 | 140lbs | 3.5 | 4/10 |
| 8 | 2 | Marjorie Daw (IRE) | Gary Carroll | Joseph G Murphy | 85 | 133lbs | 15.0 | 3/10 |
| 4 | 3 | Another Day Done (IRE) | Declan McDonogh | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | 75 | 123lbs | 11.0 | 6/10 |
| 6 | 4 | So Must I (IRE) | J M Sheridan | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | 80 | 128lbs | 9.5 | 7/10 |
| 2 | 5 | Madbadanddangerous (IRE) | Oisin Murphy | Noel Meade | 81 | 129lbs | 3.3 | 4/10 |
| 5 | 6 | Extravagant (IRE) | Wayne Lordan | A P O'Brien | 85 | 133lbs | 8.5 | 5/10 |
| 3 | 7 | Pierre Grosse (GB) | Keithen Kennedy(5) | Mrs John Harrington | 80 | 128lbs | 15.0 | 4/10 |
| 7 | 8 | Cherry Hill Girl (IRE) | Andrew Slattery | Andrew Slattery | 83 | 131lbs | 10.0 | 4/10 |