6:35 Leopardstown
The 6:35 at Leopardstown is a competitive Dublin To Bahrain Handicap over a mile for a field of seven. With the KTB Fit Scores ranging from 58 down to 43, the race lacks a standout on pure numbers yet features several with placed form or course experience. The pace shape is unclear given the limited run-style evidence, leaving the race open to different tactical interpretations on ground that remains unproven for every runner.
How the race shapes up
With the pace shape rated unclear and low on confidence, there is not enough data to predict how the race will unfold with certainty. Exquisite Acclaim is the only horse noted as tending to make the running or race prominently, while Invincible Will is usually held up and produces its effort late. The remaining runners lack defined run-style information, so the key question is whether the race develops into a test of speed or stamina and which horse is best placed to capitalise.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1How'sthebai KTB Selection58/100Useful performer who has already won over this trip and at this track from just six starts.
- 2Aviatrice54/100Aviatrice is a fair filly who has shown useful placed form at this track, finishing second and fourth from two runs here.
- 3Loughrea50/100Loughrea shaped with promise when winning a maiden over this trip on his second start and has since run creditably in a handicap.
- 4Invincible Will49/100Fair performer who has run well at this track before but lacks a win here or anywhere on turf.
- 5Exquisite Acclaim46/100Exquisite Acclaim is a fair performer who has been a regular on the track this year and has shown bits of form at this trip in the past.
- 6Tachos46/100Fair performer who has won once from seven starts at Leopardstown.
- 7Quatre Bras43/100Quatre Bras is a fair performer who has run well at this track once without winning.
The contenders
How'sthebai KTB Fit 58/100
How'sthebai arrives with a KTB Fit Score of 58 and is the clear selection. A useful performer, he has already won over this trip and at this track from just six starts, most recently adding a win here that gives him a distinct course edge. Dropping back from 1m1f looks a sensible move and his recent form of 61-414 underlines his progressive profile. The combination of trainer G M Lyons and jockey Colin Keane carries a 20% strike rate from 3478 rides with an A/E of 0.93, though the yard's 12% strike rate at Leopardstown from 969 runs is modest. He remains unproven on the ground but his overall profile makes him the one to beat.
Aviatrice KTB Fit 54/100
Aviatrice is rated with a KTB Fit Score of 54 and is a fair filly who has shown useful placed form at this track, finishing second and fourth from two runs here. She steps up in trip today having won once over this distance from three attempts, which could play to her strengths. The yard of David Marnane has a modest 4% strike rate at Leopardstown from 379 runs, an obvious negative, while jockey Luke McAteer brings a 10% strike rate at the track from 167 rides. She remains unproven on the ground and her recent form of 11-303 suggests she needs to rediscover her best.
Loughrea KTB Fit 50/100
Loughrea carries a KTB Fit Score of 50 and shaped with promise when winning a maiden over this trip on his second start before running creditably in a handicap. His recent form of 5-21 highlights that ability, yet he showed only modest form when fifth on his one previous visit to Leopardstown. The combination of trainer and jockey Andrew Slattery has a 9% strike rate from 1357 rides with an A/E of 0.87, while the yard's 7% strike rate at Leopardstown from 199 runs is another modest mark. He remains fairly exposed as a fair performer and unproven on the ground.
Invincible Will KTB Fit 49/100
Invincible Will is next in with a KTB Fit Score of 49 and is a fair performer who has run well at this track before but lacks a win here or anywhere on turf. He steps up from 7f to a trip he has placed over without winning and now tries first-time headgear while remaining unproven on the ground. Trainer Gavin Cromwell's 6% strike rate at Leopardstown from 443 runs suggests this is no easy task, and the jockey Jack Kearney has a 0% strike rate at the track from 58 rides. His recent form of -28182 shows flashes of ability from his held-up style.
The rest of the field
Exquisite AcclaimKTB Fit 46/100
Exquisite Acclaim has a KTB Fit Score of 46 and is a fair performer who has been a regular on the track this year and has shown bits of form at this trip in the past. He has never won or placed from three runs at Leopardstown, the trainer's modest 5% strike rate from 473 runs here adds little confidence, and he now tries first-time headgear on ground he has never tried.
TachosKTB Fit 46/100
Tachos is rated with a KTB Fit Score of 46 and is a fair performer who has won once from seven starts at Leopardstown. Recent form has been modest with three poor efforts this year from figures of 60-690 and he remains unproven on this ground while now trying first-time headgear.
Quatre BrasKTB Fit 43/100
Quatre Bras has a KTB Fit Score of 43 and is a fair performer who has run well at this track once without winning. He has placed at today's trip but is unproven on the current ground and his recent form of 040884 has been ordinary, while the trainer's modest strike rate here adds a note of caution.
KTB verdict
How'sthebai stands out as the KTB Selection with his course win, progressive profile and sensible return to a mile. The Leopardstown success from just six starts gives him a clear edge over rivals who are either unproven at the track or have shown only modest form here. Aviatrice and Loughrea are the most obvious dangers if they can build on their placed efforts, while Invincible Will could improve with headgear, but the selection looks to hold the best combination of ability and track knowledge.
KTB Selection How'sthebai
This is the narrative read of the 6:35 Leopardstown. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Leopardstown racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has a previous win at Leopardstown over this trip?
How'sthebai has won here from one run at the track and has also won over this trip.
What is the trainer's strike rate at Leopardstown for the yard of the selection?
G M Lyons has a 12% strike rate at Leopardstown from 969 runs with an A/E of 0.83.
Which runners are trying headgear for the first time?
Invincible Will, Exquisite Acclaim and Tachos are all wearing first-time headgear.
How many times has Tachos won at this track?
Tachos has won once from seven starts at Leopardstown.
What was Loughrea's result on his only previous run at Leopardstown?
Loughrea finished fifth on his one previous visit here.
18+. Analysis and entertainment only — no guarantee of profit. KTB race previews are published for interest and are not betting advice. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose, and set your own limits. Free, confidential help: the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (GamCare.org.uk); in Ireland, the GamblingCare.ie helpline on 1800 936 725. Self-exclude at any time via GAMSTOP.
More from Kickthebookies