![](https://myracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RP_ID00435588-scaled-e1675611330494.jpg)
IN SUMMARY: This good-quality Listed sprint may go to the British-raider MONSIEUR JOE (13/2), who found the Abbaye too hot when last in action but made all to plunder a good prize on his latest visit to Ireland. Fort Del Oro looked a class act last season and is not opposed lightly, but she might be of greater interest when back over 6f with today’s run under her belt. Maarek may also find this trip a bit sharp but he has the benefit of a couple of recent outings and a strong early pace will bring him into the equation. Moviesta has become quite difficult to predict but has the ability to pose a threat if on a going day.
1 Maarek – Placed in Listed event at Doncaster (6f, soft) on seasonal debut and finished strongly for close fifth in Group 3 Abernant at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) recently; will require a strong pace and some luck over today’s trip but may have a fitness edge over some of these.
2 Monsieur Joe – Not seen since struggling to land a significant blow in the Abbaye in October but made all in soft-ground Listed event at Tipparary on latest visit to Ireland (August) and it’s unlikely he’d make the journey from North Yorkshire if not fully revved up for this.
3 Moviesta – Has become inconsistent over the last couple of years but reminded us that plenty of ability remains when taking Curragh Group 6 (6f, good to firm) last summer; also suited by 5f and some ease underfoot; danger to all if on song after 225-day absence.
4 Abstraction – Second in two 5f Listed events in 2014 and had an excuse when below par on sole appearance in 2015 (coughing post race); didn’t run badly in this grade when back from another absence at Lingfield (5f, AW) in February but needs to build on that performance and others have more pressing claims.
5 Flight Risk – Gave very good account when close second in Group 3 event at the Curragh (7f, heavy) on seasonal debut but was a bit disappointing when well-held third in 1m Navan Listed event last week, and today’s drop back to 5f not an obvious move.
6 The Happy Prince – Landed quite valuable 6f handicap here (yielding to soft) last May and subsequently performed well (albeit without winning again) in Group/Listed events at up to 7.5f; made satisfactory reappearance at the Curragh this month; interesting to see how he fares on first attempt at 5f.
7 Fort Del Oro – Progressive over 6f last season and signed off with quite impressive Listed success at the Curragh in October; today’s ground won’t be a problem and she could still have more to offer, but today’s trip may not show her in her best light after 197-day absence.
8 Independence Day – Quickly upped in class after easily winning 5f Down Royal maiden on second start in June, and finished second over same trip at Tipperary (Listed) and the Curragh (Group 3); needs to find something extra to go one better today, though, and has been off since a lesser effort in September.
9 Madame Thunder – Won C&D maiden on debut a year ago but is yet to add to that success and was well-beaten 66-1 shot when making seasonal reappearance in Listed event at Dundalk (7f, AW) this month; faces another very tough assignment today.
10 Shrill – Two wins from four 2yo starts, the second in valuable Navan nursery (5f, good to firm) in September; open to significant further progress this season but today’s task asks a lot of her.
myracing Forecast Prices: 11/4 Fort Del Oro, 9/2 Maarek, The Happy Prince, 5/1 Monsieur Joe, 6/1 Moviesta, 12/1 Flight Risk, Independence Day, 14/1 Shrill, 33/1 Abstraction, 100/1 Madame Thunder