8.25 Fairyhouse: Handicap (47-75), 1m 2f

A rather open and competitive looking affair, with plenty of form closely matched. Nonetheless the two lto winners make plenty of appeal. The penny has finally dropped for Lake Champlain when he scored at Down Royal 11 days ago. Only 3lb higher today, he remains of interest.

Same applies to Social Climber, who went agonisingly close at Leopardstown before blinkers helped him to focus when it really matters as he followed on to win his first race at Gowran Park.

He is closely matched on his Leopardstown form with Pat Harkin and Alcock And Brown who finished not far behind in fourth and fifth. These two meet Social Climber on 9lb and 6lb better terms today, which may swing things in their favour. 

Alcock And Brown raced wide and lost ground in the home turn, yet finished strongly. A more ground saving ride and the better weights should see him going close today.

But Pat Harkin seems the better prospect. He hit the crossbar a couple of times but is improving all the time. He’s clearly bred to get the trip and has the weights in his favour today. He’s 9lb better off with the favourite and 3lb etter off with AAB. He seems the best handicapped horse in this field.

Pat Harkin @ 9/2 Paddy Power – 5pts Win