Eastmore

His last victory came seven weeks ago at Limerick, which gives him something to build on, though his recent form has been patchy. In his last six runs, he's had just one win sandwiched between some disappointing efforts, including a fifth-place finish most recently. That's the kind of form that keeps a horse in moderate company — competitive enough to be dangerous on a good day, but not dependable enough to justify optimism.

What does work in Eastmore's favour is his preference for normal ground conditions. On a standard track he wins roughly 1 in every 5 or 6 races (2 wins from 11), which is noticeably better than his overall record. Trainer C Byrnes, based in Ballingarry in County Limerick, has a competitive yard — 26 winners this season — and Philip Byrnes, who rides Eastmore most often, has partnered him 15 times with just that single win between them. Neither the jockey connection nor the trainer has cracked Eastmore's code yet. He remains a horse with ability but frustrating consistency, the sort who keeps racegoers guessing and bookmakers cautious. At six, he's likely found his niche as a midfield runner, reliable enough to catch punters' attention but not quite good enough to be the answer.