Waterford Race Fields - 18th Jan 2025

On evidence of qualifying trials, SEMTEX BOY (trap 2) can waste no time making the transition from the practice grid and he can beat these. Daisy Thecooper (trap 3) has returned a promising set of qualifying trials and this isn't the most tricky of debuts. Debutant Coco Gold (trap 4) could ask one or two questions of these if unfazed by the occasion.

DARING RAMBO (trap 2) appears to have been set a very manageable task on his debut if his qualifying efforts are anything to go off and he is fancied to oblige. Ava Thecooper (trap 1) must be feared after some useful-looking qualifying trials, especially if the money comes. Brynoffa Flash (trap 4) has qualified nicely and the market may be the best guide to his chances.

PLACID PIO (trap 1) can be expected to be in the front rank charging to the judge and his supporters will be hopeful he can be in front when it matters. Slaneyside Messi (trap 4) is expected to run well although ultimately he may find the tip a stumbling block. Brynoffa Bee (trap 2) needs to avoid forming the meat in the sandwich as drawn.

PURPLE CASHOUT (trap 2) should be making plenty of noise both in the ring and on the track and she could run out a comfortable winner with her share of luck. Benji Thecooper (trap 3) has more scope than most so the market may offer the best indication to his chances. Will the unexposed Hilldun Shadow (trap 6) create any rumbles in the betting jungle?

It's almost a given that NANS JULIE (trap 3) will collect a medal of some colour from this contest and her supporters will be hopeful of the gold. Shunters Happy (trap 4) needs to be strong and hold her ground on the run-up but would threaten if doing so. Mandeville Queen (trap 2) has limited races in the book round here, so could improve.

If this is a falsely run race, then FIELD LANE (trap 4) could pick up the pieces. Saying that, he would still have a chance in a true run affair, so he rates the percentage call. Me Bundee (trap 3) is still settling into things around here but is feared nonetheless. Danny Saysta (trap 6) is still on a learning curve round here and should be kept on side.

Everything points to a big run from CONTRARY CHEF (trap 5) as he can be expected to beat these if things open up in the contest when he needs them to. Knockduff Wild (trap 1) hasn't had much experience here so he has plenty of scope. Slaneyside Pumba (trap 3) is not out of it but probably needs a few of the more fancied runners to err.

SLANEYSIDE ETHAN (trap 2) should be in there pitching as the race begins in earnest and he is fancied to head the formation crossing the wire. Providing Brynoffa Tigger (trap 4) is brave from this slot when things tighten up, he will go close. Harneys Corner (trap 1) shouldn't be ruled out in this field and is taken to make the numbers.

There's likely to be few hungrier in the line-up than DELLSER JACK (trap 1) today and, with a solid chance on the formbook, he is the obvious play. Auntie Ann (trap 4) is an obvious threat if she avoids being squeezed out in the first few strides. Twilight Tide (trap 2) should feel more comfortable in this and can make a contribution.

JET STREAM MOON (trap 4) is fancied to be the first of this field to greet the judge and he can be backed with a degree of confidence to outshine this bunch. Glenbrook Bucko (trap 6) will improve for course knowledge but hasn't chunks to find so she is a threat. Youre A Tipper (trap 5) is one of the possibles who can make his presence felt in the contest.

JACKTAVERN TIGER (trap 3) looks different gravy to these and should be backed accordingly. A clear run looks very much on the cards and that should be that. Classic Freya (trap 6) is expected to give supporters a run for their money and keep the selection honest. Tobergal Cindy (trap 2) can play an active role and get something out of the contest.