Archive›Sligo · 3 May 2026

Sligo

3 May 2026 · 7 races

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1:35 — Download The Tote App Fillies Maiden

6½f · Good · MDN · 8 runners

Land Of Spirit likeliest to leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Baiana and Glen And Tonic led; the map had Land Of Spirit in front.

Baiana won at 3.00 — led, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 7 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Land Of Spirit

Prominent · 2

BaianaJackie Jump Up

Midfield · 3

Andaman FiftyEnchanted LadyStar Reign

Hold Up · 2

AughlishGlen And Tonic

Land Of Spirit provides the only confirmed front-running presence but carries concerns about fading in the finish after a 235-day break. This creates a moderate early pace with Baiana, Jackie Jump Up likely to press from prominent positions. The relatively small field and lack of aggressive early speed suggests the pace will be sustainable rather than cut-throat. This race shape clearly favours prominent racers and strong finishers who can position themselves to strike in the final two furlongs, with hold-up horses getting the best tactical scenario.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Sustainable Pace Suits Closers

45% probability

If Land Of Spirit sets modest fractions without serious early pressure

The pace becomes too slow for the prominent runners to maintain their kick, allowing the hold-up horses to unleash finishing bursts. Aughlish and Glen And Tonic can time their runs perfectly from the rear.

AughlishGlen And TonicAndaman FiftyEnchanted Lady

Prominent Battle Develops

30% probability

If Baiana and Jackie Jump Up press Land Of Spirit creating honest gallop

The increased pace stretches the field and sets up perfectly for horses with tactical speed who can position close enough. Jackie Jump Up gets revenge on Baiana from their previous Navan clash.

Jackie Jump UpBaianaAughlishLand Of Spirit

Front Runner Dominates

15% probability

If Land Of Spirit finds improved fitness and gets easy lead with soft splits

The lack of early pace pressure allows the leader to control completely and kick clear when challenged. Baiana becomes the main threat tracking the winner home.

Land Of SpiritBaianaJackie Jump UpAughlish

Newcomer Springs Surprise

10% probability

If Andaman Fifty shows natural ability on debut with Palace Pier bloodlines

The well-bred filly overcomes inexperience with raw talent, benefiting from the pace scenario to deliver a taking performance. Glen And Tonic provides the main danger from experience.

Andaman FiftyGlen And TonicAughlishJackie Jump Up

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Watch if Land Of Spirit gets an uncontested lead as the 235-day absence could be negated by easy fractions

WATCH

Monitor Jackie Jump Up's early positioning as any prominent move could create the honest gallop needed for her finishing kick

NOTE

Check Andaman Fifty's market support as Palace Pier progeny often show ability first time, particularly fillies from this yard

WATCH

Observe Baiana's tactical placement as she needs to avoid getting caught wide tracking the pace given her prominent style

NOTE

Watch Glen And Tonic's settling as any keen early racing would compromise his hold-up tactics on this tactical track

2:10 — Tote.ie Median Auction Maiden

6½f · Good · MDN · 9 runners

4 vying for the leadHISTORIC

How it ran

County Carlow led, as the map showed.

County Carlow won at 1.91 — led, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

3 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 4

In The GloamingCounty CarlowKeogieBasilano

Prominent · 2

Fate's GambitSubstance

Midfield · 1

Little Roy

Hold Up · 2

Classical SymphonyGia Mor

In The Gloaming, County Carlow, and Keogie form a trio of confirmed front-runners who will clash for the early lead over this 6½f trip, creating a fierce gallop from the off. County Carlow showed notable pace-forcing tendencies at Dundalk, while both In The Gloaming and Keogie have displayed similar early speed in recent outings. This sustained battle up front will stretch the field and test stamina reserves in the final furlong. The strong early pace clearly favours hold-up horses and prominent racers with finishing kicks, as the pace-setters will compromise each other.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Pace Duel Collapse

45% probability

If the three front-runners (In The Gloaming, County Carlow, Keogie) engage in sustained battle

The early leaders will weaken dramatically in the final furlong after their pace war. Classical Symphony and Gia Mor can sweep past with their hold-up style perfectly suited to this scenario.

Classical SymphonyGia MorFate's GambitSubstance

County Carlow Dominates

25% probability

If County Carlow can establish a clear lead without maximum pressure

The 170,000gns yearling can utilize his class edge and controlled pace to hold off late challenges. His runner-up debut form gives him the quality edge in this weaker maiden.

County CarlowKeogieFate's GambitGia Mor

Gia Mor Strikes Late

20% probability

If the good ground and long absence combine positively for the Murtagh runner

Gia Mor's hold-up style becomes the perfect weapon after 324 days off, sweeping past tired pace-setters. His previous good ground form at Curragh and Cork shows he has the class for this easier assignment.

Gia MorClassical SymphonySubstanceFate's Gambit

Substance/Fate's Gambit Surprise

10% probability

If the prominent runners can position perfectly behind the pace battle

Either Substance or Fate's Gambit could benefit from the O'Brien stable polish or tactical improvement respectively. Their mid-pack positioning allows them to strike when the leaders falter without being too far back.

SubstanceFate's GambitLittle RoyCounty Carlow

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

County Carlow and In The Gloaming immediately clash for the lead as both showed clear pace-forcing tendencies in recent runs

WATCH

Classical Symphony's market support despite poor form could indicate stable confidence in his hold-up style suiting this pace setup

NOTE

Gia Mor's 324-day absence combined with good ground conditions may produce significant improvement from his hold-up position

WATCH

Little Roy's debut performance will reveal if the Galileo Gold breeding can overcome yard's poor flat maiden record

NOTE

The three confirmed front-runners create rare scenario where hold-up horses gain clear tactical advantage from flag-fall

2:45 — Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap

6½f · Good · HCAP · 14 runners

March To The Band likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Rattletheonionbag and Star Allure led; the map had March To The Band in front.

Gegenpressing won at 5.00 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

6 of 14 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

March To The Band

Prominent · 4

Skillman AveRattletheonionbagMy KurkumCarrickfinn

Midfield · 5

El FontenaroRough DiamondHappy HenryBel EspoirSpirit Of Eagles

Hold Up · 4

Polar BearUkiyoStar AllureGegenpressing

March To The Band is the lone confirmed pace-setter with prominent tendencies, but his tendency to fade in the finish means he's unlikely to sustain pressure throughout. With most of the field preferring hold-up tactics (Polar Bear, Rough Diamond, El Fontenaro, Gegenpressing, Ukiyo, Happy Henry), the early gallop should be manageable and controlled. The lack of genuine speed horses creates a tactical affair where position into the straight becomes crucial. This moderate pace scenario strongly favours hold-up horses who can finish, particularly those with proven course form like Gegenpressing.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Controlled Pace Finish

65% probability

If March To The Band sets uncontested fractions and the field bunches turning in

The lack of early pressure allows hold-up horses to get into perfect striking position, creating a sprint finish where class and course knowledge proves decisive. Gegenpressing's three-time Sligo winner status and Ukiyo's solid Navan form behind similar opposition make them prime beneficiaries.

GegenpressingUkiyoHappy HenryPolar Bear

Early Collapse Scramble

20% probability

If March To The Band stops quickly in the straight and creates a muddling pace throughout

The moderate gallop becomes pedestrian, turning into a messy sprint where horses with any tactical speed can capitalise on the lack of rhythm. Prominent racers like Skillman Ave and those who can quicken from midfield positions gain the advantage.

Skillman AveCarrickfinnStar AllureRattletheonionbag

Strong Traveller Strikes

12% probability

If the pace stays honest and one of the hold-up horses gets a dream run through

Happy Henry's strong-travelling style allows him to exploit gaps when others are still winding up for their efforts. His recent Navan form behind Ukiyo suggests he's ready to reverse that form with better positioning.

Happy HenryRough DiamondMy KurkumSpirit Of Eagles

Front End Surprise

3% probability

If March To The Band finds improvement and actually stays the trip under reduced pressure

The lack of pace pressure allows him to dictate terms and potentially find the stamina that's been missing in recent efforts. His return to turf after AW winter could spark revival.

March To The BandSkillman AveCarrickfinnRattletheonionbag

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

March To The Band's ability to sustain gallop beyond halfway will determine if this becomes tactical or truly-run

WATCH

Gegenpressing drawn in stall 16 again where he won his last two Sligo victories, but regular rider Hayes is absent

NOTE

Happy Henry's early positioning will be crucial given his strong-travelling style needs cover in a slowly-run race

WATCH

Skillman Ave's 3lb claimer Siobhan Rutledge may struggle with pace judgement if this becomes stop-start tactical affair

NOTE

Money for Carrickfinn on return suggests stable expects improvement from his modest recent AW efforts

3:22 — Tote.ie Apprentice Handicap

1m6f · Good · HCAP · 17 runners

Awakening likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Itsalonglongroad led; the map had Awakening in front.

Desert Friend won at 8.50 — raced prominently, where the map had it raced midfield.

5 of 14 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Awakening

Prominent · 6

Pons AeliusHobartCircus ActItsalonglongroadCornmarketHaughty

Midfield · 5

Desert FriendJuralityIdomythingJust For YuseShare The Treasure

Hold Up · 5

AutocratYou Make Me SmileMaxwell SmartLisnadillMiners Cabin

Awakening is the sole confirmed front-runner in this 17-runner field, meaning she'll face no early pressure and can dictate a sustainable tempo through the early stages. The prominent racers Circus Act, Pons Aelius, Hobart and Itsalonglongroad will track behind in the second rank, but none are aggressive pace-pressers. With most of the field comprising hold-up horses including You Make Me Smile, Maxwell Smart, Desert Friend and Autocrat, the pace will be modest early before building gradually. This controlled tempo strongly favours prominent racers and patient hold-up horses who can produce sustained finishes, while making life difficult for any horse needing a truly-run race.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Controlled Pace Suits Holders

45% probability

If Awakening sets uncontested fractions and the pace builds gradually from halfway

The patient hold-up horses get ideal conditions to unleash finishing kicks, while the modest early tempo ensures stamina reserves remain intact for the final surge. You Make Me Smile and Maxwell Smart can reproduce their best form under these tactical conditions.

You Make Me SmileMaxwell SmartDesert FriendLisnadill

Prominent Trackers Dominate

30% probability

If the second-rank prominent horses position perfectly and kick before the hold-up brigade

Circus Act and Hobart can utilise their forward positions to strike in the straight before the back-markers get organised. Their closer proximity to the pace gives them first run on the leaders when the tempo lifts.

Circus ActHobartPons AeliusItsalonglongroad

Awakening Wires Field

15% probability

If the uncontested leader maintains enough in reserve despite setting her own fractions

The front-runner capitalises on the lack of pace pressure to save energy for a sustained finish, holding off late challengers who leave their runs too late. Her tactical advantage proves decisive over this staying trip.

AwakeningItsalonglongroadCornmarketJust For Yuse

Pace Collapse Benefits Closers

10% probability

If Awakening goes too slow early and the race becomes a sprint finish from the back

The strongest finishers from the rear of the field benefit from an excessively dawdling tempo that turns the race into a dash. Late runners with proven turn of foot can swoop past tiring leaders.

AutocratJuralityShare The TreasureMiners Cabin

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Awakening could set fractions too slow early then increase tempo suddenly, catching hold-up horses napping

WATCH

Maxwell Smart's 193-day layoff and hurdles preparation may leave him needing the run despite suitable conditions

WATCH

Several hold-up horses including Autocrat and Idomything have tendencies to fade in the finish when it matters

NOTE

First-time headgear on Hobart could spark improvement after ordinary Flat form to date

NOTE

Circus Act's dual-purpose success versus Flat maiden status creates uncertainty about true ability level

3:58 — Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap

1m2½f · Good · HCAP · 10 runners

Lead contested: Electric Beauty v Thrifty Of DigbyHISTORIC

How it ran

Electric Beauty and Thrifty Of Digby led, as the map showed.

Lady Mairen won at 6.50 — raced prominently, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

6 of 10 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 2

Electric BeautyThrifty Of Digby

Prominent · 4

YuliaLady MairenBeauparcChica Guerrera

Midfield · 1

Inthesmallhours

Hold Up · 3

So Must INarlitaGod Knows

Electric Beauty and Thrifty Of Digby will set the gallop from the gates, with four prominent racers (Yulia, Inthesmallhours, Lady Mairen, Beauparc) creating congestion just behind the leaders through the first half-mile. The honest tempo should suit the patient types initially, but the prominent brigade will apply pressure turning for home as they fan out seeking racing room. This pace setup strongly favours hold-up horses like God Knows and Narlita who can avoid the early scrimmaging and finish fastest when the pace collapses.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Prevail

55% probability

If the prominent pack creates traffic problems and the early pace proves honest enough

The patient runners avoid trouble and deliver their finishing kicks when the pace collapses in the final two furlongs. God Knows and Narlita benefit most from their tactical positioning and superior late pace.

God KnowsNarlitaSo Must ILady Mairen

Front Runners Dominate

25% probability

If Electric Beauty and Thrifty Of Digby get soft fractions and kick clear turning in

The leaders exploit the tactical congestion behind them to steal decisive margins before the closers can respond. Electric Beauty's recent fitness edge and Thrifty Of Digby's claiming allowance prove crucial.

Electric BeautyThrifty Of DigbyBeauparcChica Guerrera

Prominent Tactics Win

12% probability

If one of the prominent racers finds a clear passage while others get hampered

The winner threads through gaps while rivals suffer interference, capitalizing on ideal positioning just behind the pace. Yulia's class or Lady Mairen's connections deliver the goods.

YuliaLady MairenInthesmallhoursBeauparc

Pace Collapse Chaos

8% probability

If the early pace becomes unsustainably fast with multiple speed horses engaging

The race falls apart completely in the final furlong as exhausted leaders surrender to any horse with energy left. So Must I's 3yo allowance or an unconsidered outsider capitalizes.

So Must IChica GuerreraGod KnowsNarlita

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Electric Beauty and Thrifty Of Digby clash early as both want to lead, potentially setting up strong pace

WATCH

Traffic congestion likely at two furlongs out as four prominent runners fan wide seeking racing room

NOTE

God Knows racing off 36-day break after showing best form when fresher in previous starts

WATCH

Yulia making debut for O'Brien stable that specifically targets this race with imports

NOTE

So Must I carries 3yo weight allowance which could prove decisive if pace scenario develops

4:32 — Web The Tool Company Handicap

1m2½f · Good · HCAP · 14 runners

She's Ideal likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Serengeti Sunrise led; the map had She's Ideal in front.

Metamorpheus won at 6.00 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

6 of 12 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

She's Ideal

Prominent · 5

SarangpurSpirit Of IndaloCopper CraftSerengeti SunriseCreative Dancer

Midfield · 4

Cuckaloo HillCleopatra's NeedleAngel HarryHaeret In Pectore

Hold Up · 4

KeilahGiselles DefenceThink About ItMetamorpheus

She's Ideal will likely lead from the off with minimal early pressure, given most of this field are hold-up horses or prefer to come from behind. Spirit Of Indalo and the prominent runners Sarangpur, Copper Craft, Serengeti Sunrise may track the leader but none are confirmed pace-pressers. The majority including Giselles Defence, Keilah, Metamorpheus, Think About It, Cuckaloo Hill, and Angel Harry will settle towards the back expecting the pace to come back to them. This creates a moderate gallop that will quicken late, clearly favouring the hold-up horses who can produce their best work in the final two furlongs when the race truly begins.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Dominant

60% probability

If the pace stays steady as expected with She's Ideal controlling from the front

The race becomes a sprint from the 2f pole where the back-markers get first run on tiring leaders. Hold-up specialists with tactical speed will have every chance to strike late when it matters most.

Giselles DefenceKeilahThink About ItMetamorpheus

Front Runners Steal It

20% probability

If She's Ideal gets an uncontested lead and the hold-up horses leave it too late to challenge

The leader kicks clear approaching the final furlong while the pack is still getting organized behind. Prominent racers who can sustain their effort will pick up the pieces from those coming too late.

She's IdealSpirit Of IndaloSarangpurCopper Craft

Pace Collapse Finish

12% probability

If the early gallop is particularly sedate and multiple hold-up horses get the same idea simultaneously

A wall of horses hits the front together in a messy finish where the best stayer prevails. The horse with the strongest late kick from the biggest field of finishers will edge it.

Cleopatra's NeedleCuckaloo HillHaeret In PectoreAngel Harry

Tactical Surprise

8% probability

If one of the supposed hold-up horses is ridden more aggressively to track the early pace

This creates better positioning for a horse whose style doesn't typically suit, allowing them to quicken when others are still making ground. The tactically-ridden runner gets first jump on the field.

MetamorpheusThink About ItCreative DancerSerengeti Sunrise

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

She's Ideal must be monitored for early fractions as she's the only natural leader and could steal this if uncontested

WATCH

Watch the market for Spirit Of Indalo as this 4yo filly is making her handicap debut over a much longer trip

WATCH

Giselles Defence and Keilah both need close inspection in the paddock given their significant time off track

NOTE

Check how aggressively the hold-up horses are ridden early as positioning will be crucial in what looks a tactical affair

NOTE

Monitor Copper Craft for signs of fatigue given quick turnaround from AW effort just 10 days ago

5:07 — Apex Controls Ltd. Handicap

1m2½f · Good · HCAP · 11 runners

Misty Cove likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Misty Cove led, as the map showed.

Misty Cove won at 7.50 — led, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 9 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Misty Cove

Prominent · 2

Dawson StreetNephin Mountain

Midfield · 5

The Wee ManWipeawayyourtearsKart Of GoldAugusta RockMusic And Song

Hold Up · 3

Down The GlenSands CastlePliny

Misty Cove will take them along at a steady gallop with limited early pressure, while Dawson Street and Nephin Mountain may track prominently but neither is aggressive enough to force a strong pace. The middle section will be comfortable with most of this field sitting back in hold-up positions, creating a bunched field entering the straight. This moderate early tempo over 1m2½f will set up a sprint finish where those with tactical speed and finishing kick will have the advantage. The race shape clearly favours hold-up horses who can produce their best effort late rather than those needing to be prominent throughout.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Dominate

55% probability

If the pace stays moderate throughout and creates a sprint finish from the 2f pole

The patient tactics suit the majority who prefer to be delivered late, with superior finishing speed deciding the outcome rather than stamina. Those held up can pick off the early leaders who face the longest sustained effort.

Down The GlenSands CastleAugusta RockPliny

Prominent Pair Strike

25% probability

If Misty Cove and Nephin Mountain can dictate ideal fractions without being headed too early

Their forward positions avoid the scrimmaging behind and they can use superior fitness or tactical awareness to hold off late challengers. The pace becomes honest enough to test the finishing kicks of those held up.

Misty CoveNephin MountainDown The GlenDawson Street

Pace Quickens Mid-Race

12% probability

If several horses move forward simultaneously approaching the home turn, forcing the tempo

This creates a more searching test that plays to those with genuine stamina rather than pure finishing speed. The sustained gallop from 4f out finds out those dependent on a final flourish.

Down The GlenAugusta RockThe Wee ManMisty Cove

Apprentice Shock

8% probability

If the inexperienced riders find better positions or get cleaner runs than the senior jockeys

Their mounts avoid interference while more fancied runners get caught in traffic or face impossible tasks from poor positions. The weight allowances become crucial in a tight finish.

Kart Of GoldMusic And SongNephin MountainWipeawayyourtears

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Misty Cove sets too slow a pace early and gets headed approaching the home turn by multiple challengers

WATCH

Down The Glen and Sands Castle both tracking the same part of the field and interfering with each other's runs

NOTE

Augusta Rock gets the perfect hold-up ride that Joseph O'Brien's stable is renowned for in these handicaps

WATCH

The three apprentice jockeys struggle to get their mounts into competitive positions from their likely starting spots

NOTE

Nephin Mountain tries to go with the pace but compounds stamina concerns by racing too keenly

About this analysis

Every race on PaceMap is read from the in-running comments of each runner’s recent form — how a horse actually ran, not only where it finished. Those comments decide the groups above, and the same comments are read back after the race to score what was published. The record is public, including the months it was worse.

Read the method behind this analysis →

This meeting ran on 3 May 2026.

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