1/12/20 Limerick

 After no racing on Monday a new month begins with 7 races at Limerick on Tuesday where the feature is at 2.15 when 18 begin the Irish Racing Industry Fundraiser For Children's Health Foundation Crumlin In Memory Of Pat Smullen Handicap Hurdle. Classic Concorde arrives here after a career best win at Fairyhouse 18 days ago where he was a very easy 27 length winner. It definitely won't be as emphatic in this one but switching from chasing to hurdles means he enters calculations. Likeable Chancer was travelling well here when he unseated his rider 2 out,that was 2 weeks ago but his form at Limerick before then was good including three third place finishes giving him a chance here. The other main contender is Live Every Day who batteled well to achieve his best win at Clonmel 33 days ago just getting home by a neck he goes back up in trip to 3 miles here and can make his presence felt. 

Big race prediction: 9: Classic Concorde.

29/11/20 Fairyhouse Results

 In Sunday's two standout races both the exceptional horses won. In the 1.35 Envoi Allen made it 11 wins in a row to continue his unbeaten run,the 2/11 favourite made all the running and jumped well throughout he was clear approaching the last coming home by 8 1/2 lengths. In the 2.35 Honeysuckle made it 9 wins out of 9 but only just. The 4/11 favourite was in front heading to the second last but a mistake allowed Beacon Edge to close the gap however a brilliant jump of the last seemed to put the race to bed but Ronald Pump had other ideas he closed with every stride but Honeysuckle managed to hold on and win by 1/2 a length.

 After a busy weekend there is no racing in Ireland on Monday however there are meetings in England at Ayr,Fakenham, Kempton and an evening card at Wolverhampton to keep you entertained. I will return with a preview of Tuesday's card at Limerick on Monday night.

29/11/20 Fairyhouse

 In Saturday's big races Monkfish proved what a good horse he is winning by 4 lengths. The favourite in the 12.30 Paloma Blue was running well until a mistake at the last saw him weaken and he finished 10th the race was won by the 11/1 shot Impact Factor while at 1.01 Concertista was a winner the 6/4 favourite beat the other strong horse Minella Melody by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 If you thought Saturday was good then standby because Sunday is an absolute belter at Fairyhouse with no fewer than 4 grade one's on day 2 of the winter festival with a couple of Europe's best horses taking part in the main events. In the Baroneracing.com Drinmore  Notice Chase at 1.35 a horse dubbed the most exciting in training Envoi Allen goes for his 11th win in a row. He made it 10 on his fences debut at Down Royal 30 days ago when he put in a superb round of jumping to canter home by 6 lengths and another win is on the cards here,Of the other three in the field there is nothing to beat him although Home By The Lee is two from two over fences this season and definitely has more to show.

 At 2.35 7 start the Hatton's Grade Hurdle and here Honeysuckle takes centre stage,she won this race a year ago where she was a comfortable 9 length winner. That was her 6th win in a row and since then she has picked up two more wins her most impressive was at Cheltenham in March where she beat another top mare Benie Des Dieux by 1 1/2 lengths and she should definitely make it 9 out of 9 here on her return. The minor places will be contested by Ronald Pump and Barcadys who renew their rively from the Stayers Hurdle and Fury Road who picked up a good win at Punchestown 2 weeks ago and he should give another good account of himself here but this is Honeysuckle's to loose. 

Big race predictions: 1.35: 3: Envoi Allen  2.35: 7: Honeysuckle.

28/11/20 Fairyhouse

 The week ended with another one of my selections winning. Construct went second after 6 furlongs and was soon disputing the lead. The 9/2 shot went to the front 3 furlongs out and pushed on,he kept on well inside the final furlong and came home by 1 3/4 lengths. 

  The two day Fairyhouse winter festival begins on Saturday and of the 8 races on day one 3 standout. The opener at 11.30 sees Cheltenham festival winner Monkfish make his Long awaited chase debut. He won the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle by a neck when last seen but he will make a better chaser and this race should be a formality before moving on to bigger things although Escaria Ten who has won twice over hurdles this year and makes his chase debut here and Diol Ker who was third on this course 15 days ago both might have a say. 

At 12.30 the Easyfix Equine Handicap sees Paloma Blue head the field his one win this season was at Wexford in late August and he will need that kind of performance here. His two main challengers are Kildorrery who was a very good third at Navan 20 days ago and Us And Them who was second in the Arkle Trophy at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival and is looking to bounce back after falling in a handicap chase at Cork 41 days ago.

The other big race at 1.01 sees another Cheltenham festival winner Concertista run for the first time in 8 months she stormed home by 12 lengths when winning the Dawn Run in March a race she came second in on her debut in 2019 and she is the one to beat here on her return. Queen's Brook is the main danger she was a very good second at Down Royal 28 days ago and goes up in trip here with Minella Melody completing the shortlist she was second on her reappearance at Galway at the end of October and could go one better here. The Winter Festival is the highlight of the pre-Christmas calendar in Ireland with winners difficult to pick so just sit back and enjoy the action. 

27/11/20 Dundalk

 Thursday saw another one of my selections win. Franco De Port tracked the leaders all the way and despite a small mistake 2 out he took the lead entering the straight. He kept on well during the run-in and came home by an easy 6 1/2 lengths. 

 Another racing week ends with 8 races at Dundalk where the highlight is the final race of the night at 7.30 when 13 begin the Test Your Tipping Talents At punters.hollywoodbets.com Every Dundalk Meeting Handicap. Construct is in good form on this Dundalk course two second place finishes in October were followed up by a third In a handicap 2 weeks ago,he goes back up in trip to 2 miles here and should go well. With A Start has had a decent year a second in a handicap at Bellewstown in July and a victory in a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park later that same month prove he is a useful stayer and he is definitely in the mix here. The other one with a decent chance is Curious Bride her only victory was at Cork in September where she finished 4 1/2 lengths in front,her last race was a creditable 5th on this course 56 days ago. She can give another good account of herself here and definitely shouldn't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 5: Construct. 

26/11/20 Thurles

 It was another good day on Wednesday with my selection Styledome winning. The 5/4 favourite chased the leaders early on and went into the lead under 2 furlongs out,he kept on well inside the final furlong and although his lead was reduced heading towards the finish he eventually came home by a neck.

 Thurles hosts a 7 race card on Thursday with the highlight at 12.25 when 16 begin the Killinan Beginners Chase. Franco De Port is a useful hurdler who has won twice in his career a 2 mile hurdle over at Auteuil on his debut where he was an easy 13 length victor and at Gowran Park a year ago when he came home by 5 1/2 lengths. His last run saw him pulled up before the last in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March but switching to fences here means he is the one to beat. There are two main challengers, Front View is a good horse with two wins under his belt at Punchestown in April last year and Cork just over 12 months ago he made his chase debut on his reappearance at Fairyhouse 13 days ago finishing 5th and he should progress further here while Eleazar Des Neiges last won at Limerick in December last year while his fences debut at Punchestown 29 days ago saw him unseat his rider at the last. Despite that going down in trip here gives him a chance.

Big race prediction: 8: Franco De Port.

25/11/20 Dundalk

 Tuesday's selection Royal Theif didn't have a good day,the 11/2 shot was brought down at the 3rd fence when Jack Hackett fell. The race was won by Colreevy the 13/8 favourite came home by 15 lengths.

 Dundalk hosts the midweek meeting with the big race being at 5.15 when 9 begin the dundalkstadium.com Nursery Handicap. Styledome returns to the course where she picked up her career best victory 12 days ago she was a comfortable 3 1/4 length winner and is a big player again in this one. Catherine Chroi was a very good 4th on this Dundalk track a week ago and if she picks up some pace in the final furlong she will be the main challenger. Two others have a big chance,Cooper's Hawk was a below par 8th over this races distance of 7 furlongs here at Dundalk 9 days ago but if he reproduces his best form which saw him finish 3rd at Naas back in September he will definitely challenge while Vocal Gymnastics makes her 4th appearance here her best run so far was a 6th at Fairyhouse in mid October but don't be surprised if she ups her game here and challenges the leaders. 

Big race prediction: 2: Styledome.

24/11/20 Punchestown

 The week didn't start well with my selection Adnap coming 6th. The 15/2 shot started slowly but was in midfield after 2 furlongs. He was close up with the leaders as the race entered it's final stages but he weakened a furlong out and had to watch the 15/8 favourite Winner Takes Itall win the race by 3 1/2 lengths.

Punchestown stages 7 races on Tuesday and the feature is at 1.00 when 12 start the Ballymore Group Rated Novice Chase. Royal Thief made a winning start over fences when last seen at Kilbeggan 43 days ago he goes down in trip here and should go well again. Thatsy heads up the dangers his last win was at Navan exactly a year ago on debut he moved to fences at Galway 48 days ago where he was a 10 length second but he should definitely improve here. Gran Geste is a useful hurdler who was a respectable 3rd at Galway at the end of October he makes his chase debut here and is definitely on the shortlist.  Fils D'oudairies last ran at Autellil in France a year ago where he won a hurdle by 1 3/4 lengths,this is his first run for Joseph O'brien so it will interesting to see how he goes. Willie Mullins has two runners here both of whom are newcomers to chasing,Colreevy achieved her first victory in a maiden hurdle at Limerick back in December where she easily won by 8 1/2 lengths and this year she was 2nd at Fairyhouse and finished 5th at Cheltenham so she is respected while Vis Ta Loi last run on this course back in February where he was 6th in a novice hurdle so he has an outside chance here.

Big race prediction: 4: Royal Thief. 

23/11/20 Dundalk

 Sunday was another good day for my selections. At Navan Minella Indo won,the 2/11 favourite travelled strongly and moved into the lead 2 out he pushed along and easily won by 7 1/2 lengths. At Cork Off You Go finished 2nd,the 7/1 shot was 4th approaching the last and kept on well on the run-in and he went second heading towards the finish but he was no match for the winner Chatham Street Lad who won by 5 lengths. 

 A busy week kicks off with an 8 race card at Dundalk where the feature is at 4.30 when 9 start the irishinjuredjockeys.com Apprentice Handicap. Adnap enjoys running at Dundalk having won twice on this track earlier this year a 3 1/4 length victory in January and a 3/4 of a length win back in February,his last run on this course was a very good third when he was last seen in March and he is a leading contender here. Dundory comes here after a career best victory at The Curragh 17 days ago he held on to win by a short head that day and another performance like that on this his polytrack debut puts him on the shortlist. The other one with a chance is Punk Poet who also loves Dundalk he pulled off a 6 length win here 10 days ago and he can't be ruled out as he bids to make it two in a row. 

Big race prediction: 8: Adnap. 

22/11/20 Navan + Cork

 Saturday's big race saw my selection Fakir D'oudairies come 2nd. The 7/4 chance was in the runners up spot most of the way but led briefly approaching the 2nd last he was soon passed by Notebook who stayed on well and the 7/2 shot easily came home by 12 lengths.

 The weekend comes to an end with two meetings with 8 races at both Navan and Cork. The big race at Navan is at 2.20 when 4 start the Betvictor Make Your Best Bet Chase. Minella Indo looks like the best horse in the race he ended last season with a second in the RSA chase at Cheltenham and he won on this Naven course back in January. On his season return at the end of October he romped home by 25 lengths at Wexford and shouldn't have any trouble here. Dream Conti heads up the challengers for the minor places he had an encouraging run when finishing 3rd at Punchestown a week ago and going up in trip here means he should improve. Ravenhill is a smart chaser who has won six times in his career his last a 2 1/4 length success at Cheltenham back in March and he needs to find that form again after finishing 8th at Down Royal 22 days ago,while the other runner Brahma Bull last ran a year ago when he picked up a career best victory at Cork so he could be an interesting outsider.

 The other big race is at Cork at 3.10 when 11 begin the Mallow Handicap Chase. Off You Go is a promising horse who was a creditable 4th in a novice chase at Gowran Park when last seen in February and he should improve in this his first handicap chase. Chatham Street Lad last won at Ballinrobe in October and was a good 5th at Galway 29 days ago and he should go well again here. The other one with a major chance is Arvico Bleu who's last win was 12 runs ago at Clonmel,he was second in his last run at Thurles 9 months ago and could go one better here.

Big race predictions: Navan 2.20: 3: Minella Indo  Cork 3.10: 1: Off You Go.

21/11/20 Naas

 Friday was an excellent day with both my selections winning. At Gowran Park Annamix was in front all the way and despite a bad mistake 2 out the 5/6 favourite went further clear on the run-in and easily won by 9 lengths while at Dundalk Pulse Of Shanghai made it a hat-trick of wins the 100/30 shot moved into the lead just over a furlong out and kept on strongly to come home by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 There is only one meeting in Ireland on Saturday 7 races at Naas where the feature is the 1.02 when just 4 begin the Poplar Square Chase. Fakir D'Oudairies is a very good chaser who's 4 most recent runs have been impressive two wins at Navan and Fairyhouse and two seconds at Leopardstown and in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham 8 months ago,the winner of that race Put The Kettle On made a winning return last Sunday and this horse should do the same here. Cash Back is the main challenger who has won on this Naas course already this year that was a comfortable 12 length victory back in January he followed that up with a second at Leopardstown in February but he wasn't at his best when he fell at Cheltenham in March while running in the Arkle Chase. Despite that if he gets to the front early he should be right up there in the closing stages. The other two in the race are also decent horses, Notebook won 4 in a row two at Leopardstown and two at Punchestown before he travelled to Cheltenham 8 months ago where he came 6th so he definitely shouldn't be ruled out while Djingle is a useful chaser who last won at Listowel in late September his latest run was a good second at Limerick 41 days ago and he could easily upset the odds.

Big race prediction: 1: Fakir D'Oudairies. 

20/11/20 Gowran Park+ Dundalk

 In Thursday's big race my selection Kemboy came 2nd. The 11/10 favourite didn't jump with any fluency and briefly lost second place 3 out he rallied and went into the runners up spot again 2 out but he had no chance of catching the leader Presenting Percy who came home by 6 1/2 lengths.

 The week ends with a busy Friday 8 races at Gowran Park and 8 at Dundalk. The main race at Gowran Park is at 1.57 when 4 begin the Visit Kilkenny.ie Chase. Annamix is a promising horse and comes here after a career best victory at Fairyhouse in January he makes his return here and is the one to beat. Spyglass Hill is a useful chaser and has won on this Gowran Park track already this year that was a 6 length victory back in February and despite not finishing his two most recent runs he is still the main challenger. The other two in the race shouldn't be written off Atlantic Shore was a winner at Wexford 26 days ago romping home by 11 lengths while Mitchouka last won at Thurles in February and was a creditable 6th in a handicap chase last time out at Cheltenham in March so don't rule either of them out.

 The other big race is at Dundalk at 5.30 when 13 start the Test Your Tipping Talents At Punters.Hollywoodbets.com Every Dundalk Meeting Rated Race. Pulse Of Shanghai enjoys Dundalk having won twice already this year in early October and a handicap 9 days ago and the hat-trick of victories beckons here for a horse at the top of his game. There are two main challengers,Leadership Race has also won twice at Dundalk both in October last year. His latest run on this course was 42 days ago where he came last that can be discounted and he will be a danger if he makes a fast start while Ediyva had a career best victory also on this course 16 days ago where she beat Jungle Cove by 1 3/4 lengths and this filly making only her 4th appearance should definitely enter any calculations. 

Big race predictions: Gowran Park 1.57: 1: Annamix  Dundalk 5.30: 9:Pulse Of Shanghai.

19/11/20 Thurles

 The midweek meeting at Dundalk saw my selection Messidor win. The Evens favourite tracked the leaders early on and went to the front a furlong out he kept on strongly and comfortably crossed the line 2 1/4 lengths in front of Golden Lyric.

 On Thursday there is a 7 race card at Thurles where the feature is at 1.20 when 5 begin the boomerang.Ie Chase. This small field looks more like a grade one than a listed contest with 3 winning at the highest level,Kemboy won two grade one's last year the Betway Bowl at Aintree by 9 lengths and the Punchestown Gold Cup by 2 lengths his best performance since those was a 1 1/2 length second in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup back in February and a drop back in trip here will definitely suit. Presenting Percy's grade one wins include the RSA Novice's Chase at Cheltenham in 2018 and his last big race was the Gold Cup also at Cheltenham back in March this year where he was running well until he unfortunately fell two fences from home that was also his last race with trainer Patrick Kelly and his first with Gordon Elliott was a 4th at Downpatrick at the end of October and he will be up there. The other big player is Monalee who's last major victory was in the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown in early 2018 his only other win since then was at Gowran Park 21 months ago but he is a high class horse who ended last season with a very good 4th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup so don't overlook him.

Big race prediction: 3:Kemboy. 

18/11/20 Dundalk

 On Tuesday my selection Eurotiep was a non runner at Limerick. The race was won by the 9/4 joint favourite Vintage Prosseco who finished 5 lengths in front of 11/2 shot Calagogo with the other joint favourite Mahlers Dollar 3rd.

 The midweek meeting is at Dundalk and the feature comes up at 4.40 when 8 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. Messidor made a promising debut at Leopardstown in mid August finishing second,her last run at Down Royal 75 days ago was a 6th placed finish on poor ground so that can be forgotten and she should get off the mark here. Golden Lyric is the main danger she also made a good start at Cork in early September coming 3rd she is looking to bounce back from an 11th placed finish in the mud at Naas in mid October so she shouldn't be ruled out. Pell Mell makes her debut here and due to her connections and the fact she is trained by Willie Mullins means you shouldn't discount her. Two others also have their first runs,Bader Ginsburg and Cliffs Of Malta both have good chances and should be looked at closely. 

Big race prediction: 7: Messidor. 

17/11/20 Limerick

 The week started with my selection Romanised coming 3rd. The 8/13 favourite was slowly away and was at the rear of the field,he began making headway and led with under 2 furlongs left. He faced challengers in the final furlong and he was passed in the last 110 yards by Harpocrates and the 9/4 winner Saltonstall. 

 Tuesday sees 8 races at Limerick and the feature is at 3.55 when 8 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction I.N.H. Flat. Vintage Prosseco made a promising debut when 3rd at Down Royal 17 days ago and if he pushes on in the final furlongs he should pick up his first victory. Eurotiep is the main threat he has picked up two second place finishes in his only two runs his last was at Fairyhouse 13 months ago and he should be right up there again on his return. Calagogo was third on his debut at Fairyhouse 38 days ago he never got close to the leaders but he should definitely improve here and will challenge. The other one with form to look at is Mahlers Dollar who was a very good second at Cork in his last race 30 days ago that was his third runners up finish in a row and he will need a big performance to pick up a victory. Paddy The Wire makes his debut here so he's worth keeping an eye on too.

Big race prediction: 1:Eurotiep.

16/11/20 Dundalk

 In Sunday's big race my selection Saint Roi came 2nd. The 10/11 favourite was close up behind the leaders until a mistake 2 out dropped him to last,he made headway and moved up to third approaching the final fence he ran on well but the race wasn't run at his pace and he ended up losing by a neck.

 The week begins with 8 races at Dundalk and the feature is at 3.45 when 8 begin the Test Your Tipping At Punters.hollywoodbets.com Every Dundalk Meeting race. Romanised last won at The Curragh back in July and his last run was a 6th at Longchamp 71 days ago but this horse did win the Irish 2000 Guineas in 2018 and he will travel to December's Hong Kong Mile next so he is definitely the one to beat. Saltonstall is a strong challenger who is looking for his third win in a row following good victories at Limerick in October and Naas 15 days ago he should give another good account of himself here and shouldn't be ruled out. The other two that standout are Harpocrates who is having his second run since leaving trainer Aidan O'brien for Jess Harrington and despite coming last in the same race that Saltonstall won at Naas he should definitely go better here while Geological will need to be at his very best to stand a chance but if he finds the form that saw him to victory on this Dundalk course back in August then he could be well up there.

Big race prediction: 1: Romanised.

15/11/20 Punchestown

 On Saturday at Punchestown my selection Salsaretta didn't have a good day. The 5/1 shot was up with the leaders until she unfortunately fell at the 1st fence. After just over 2 miles the race was won by Daly Tiger the 22/1 chance was 4 1/2 lengths in front.

 The weekend ends with just the one meeting an 8 race card at Punchestown,there should have been racing at Cork as well but a 7 race card was called off on Friday after severe flooding left parts of the course submerged in water. The meeting has been rescheduled for next Sunday November 22nd.

 The big race of the day is at 2.10 when only 5 begin the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle. Out of the small field 2 should dominate,Saint Roi is the standout he comes here looking for his 4th win in a row his last victory was at Tipperary 42 days ago where he didn't need to be at his best to come home by 5 1/2 lengths and he is the one to beat. The other strong horse is Abacadabras who was a respectable 2nd in the WKD Hurdle at Down Royal 16 days ago he needs to pick up some pace but he is the main challenger. The pick of the others is Jason The Militant who is a smart hurdler and was third in that same WKD hurdle at the end of October his form before that saw him win at Fairyhouse and Naas so he definitely shouldn't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 4: Saint Roi. 

14/11/20 Punchestown

 Friday wasn't a great day for my selections. At Fairyhouse Jack Dillinger was 6th the 15/2 shot was up with the leaders until a mistake at the 3rd fence dropped him back he weakened and had to watch the 7/2 favourite Farmix win the race. While at Dundalk Laura Bullion finished 4th,the 6/5 favourite was pushed along well and made headway 3 furlongs out she stayed on well but found no extra pace in the final 110 yards and was passed by Papal Parade,Wisaka and the 7/1 winner Magi Gal.

 Another busy weekend begins with 8 races at Punchestown on Saturday and the feature is at 12.50 when 18 begin the Alanna Homes Handicap Chase. Trainer Willie Mullins has seven runners in this race and two of his standout,Tornado Flyer ended last season with a good 5th in the Golden Miller Novices Chase at Cheltenham that was back in March and switching to a handicap chase on his return means he has a big chance. The only other main challenger is Salsaretta who is looking for her fifth win in a row after picking up number 4 at Limerick in March where she won a novice chase by 11 lengths she is also a handicap debutant who has a very good chance. The other two that are worth a look are Zero Ten who is an improving horse and arrives here after a 5th placed finish at Naas two weeks ago he definitely has more to come and could be in the mix while The Long Mile returns to action after a career best victory at Gowran Park 8 months ago and another win here will make it three in a row so definitely don't rule him out.

Big race prediction: 3: Salsaretta.

13/11/20 Fairyhouse + Dundalk

 In Thursday's big race at Clonmel my selection Cilaos Emery finished 2nd. The 8/11 favourite didn't jump with any fluency and chased the leader Bachasson throughout,he made some headway from 2 out but couldn't reduce the gap and eventually lost by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 Two meetings round off the week with 8 races at both Fairyhouse and Dundalk. The feature at Fairyhouse is at 12.25 when 12 begin the Mcgann Energy Consultants Rated Novice Chase.  Ujumpthelastuwin made a promising debut over fences at Navan 5 days ago where he came 4th he will definitely improve here and is on the shortlist. Jack Dillinger is a useful hurdler and came a very good second in a handicap chase at Thurles 8 days ago and he should go one better in this race. Heaven Help Us is another good horse who won on this course and over this races 2 mile distance at the beginning of October and she is looking to bounce back after finishing 7th at Cork 12 days ago and returning to her winning trip will definitely suit. The other one to look at is Carrigmoorna Pine who came 5th on his fences debut at Wexford at the end of October and having already won over 2 miles means he should be considered.

 The days other big race is at Dundalk at 6.30 when 17 start the Follow Betvictor Racing On Twitter Handicap. Laura Bullion was a very good second on this course and race distance just 2 days ago where she was half a length behind the winner and coming back so soon puts her on the shortlist. Royal Admiral returns to the track where he put in his best performance of the year coming 2nd 4 days ago losing by a neck so another strong run will see him challenge again. The other main contender is Bare With Me who was a very respectable 7th in her last run at Limerick 63 days ago so she should not be overlooked in this one.

Big race predictions: Fairyhouse 12.25: 9:Jack Dillinger  Dundalk 6.30: 4: Laura Bullion.

12/11/20 Clonmel

 In Wednesday's big race at Dundalk my selection Offiah came 7th. The 1/2 favourite was held up at the rear of the field after a slow start,she made some headway in the final couple of furlongs but nothing to trouble the 5/1 winner Let Me Pass. 

 There is just one meeting on Thursday 8 races at Clonmel. The big race of the afternoon is at 3.00 when only 6 line up for the Clonmel Oil Chase. Cilaos Emery is a top class chaser who was a creditable 4th in the champion Hurdle when last seen at Cheltenham back in March and the combination of switching back to chasing and being off 8 months means he is the one to beat. Bachasson didn't need to be at his best when winning on this Clonmel course last time out he came home by 12 lengths that day it won't be that easy this time but he is an impressive horse and is the main challenger. Of the others it's difficult to find a horse that will worry the main two but Paloma Blue could upset the odds if he performs as well as he did to win at Wexford in late August but that was his only win this season so he will need a top class run to make it two.

Big race prediction: 1: Cilaos Emery. 

11/11/20 Dundalk

 In Tuesday's big race it was a bad day for my selection Resurrected Duke who came 6th. The 3/1 favourite was chasing the leaders before a bad mistake 2 out saw him drop back to last,he made up some places on the run-in but had to watch the 16/1 shot Beating The Odds win by 1/2 length. 

 The midweek meeting is at Dundalk where the feature race is at 3.20 when 14 line up for the dundalkstadium.com Median Auction Maiden. Offiah made a promising debut when finishing 3rd on this Dundalk course and over this races one mile distance 19 days ago he will definitely improve and is the one to beat here. Aurora Princess was 3rd on her debut at Thurles at the beginning of October and will look to bounce back after an 8th at Gowran Park 23 days ago and she is definitely a challenger. There are two debutants that standout,Isle Of Sark is the half brother to American one mile winner Haiku so he should definitely be respected while Simplyirresistible is an interesting newcomer who is closely related to Hippolyto and Aldan River both of whom are multiple winners over a mile. Let Me Pass will look to recapture the form that saw him pick up two second place finishes in October he makes his polytrack debut here so shouldn't be overlooked. The only other one who has a chance is My Minervina who's last race was a 13th at Naas in mid October but her form before that at 4th at The Curragh and a 2nd on debut at Bellewstown means she is in the frame.

Big race prediction:6:Offiah. 

10/11/20 Fairyhouse

 In Monday's feature race my selection Aikido won,the 15/8 favourite took the lead inside the final furlong and despite heavy pressure from Stay Safe she held on to win by a head. 

  The big race on Tuesday is the 2.00 at Fairyhouse when 14 start the John Thomas McNamara Series Handicap Hurdle. In a race that lacks depth two standout,Resurrected Duke has had 3 good runs this year all second place finishes his last at Clonmel 12 days ago he always travels strongly and should go one better here. The other main challenger is Rebel Waltz who's last run was a creditable 3rd at Punchestown 27 days ago he will need to find some extra pace but is expected to feature here. The rest of the field look like they will battle for the minor places and the one to look out for there is Some Can Sing who showed some promise when finishing 4th at Punchestown back in September but he will need the two main contenders to have a bad day at the office to have any chance. 

Big race prediction: 8: Resurrected Duke.

9/11/20 Dundalk

 The weekend ended with my selection The Jam Man easily winning at Navan. The 5/2 favourite moved into the lead 2 out and was 8 lengths clear going to the last,he kept on well during the run-in and eventually came home by 18 lengths.

 A brand new week begins with an 8 race card at Dundalk where the feature is the 5.20 when 17 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden. Aikido has made a promising start to his career with a 4th at Leopardstown in July and a 2nd on this Dundalk course 12 days ago and he should go one better here. Let's made her debut in that same Dundalk race at the end of October where she came 5th she should improve here and is the main challenger. Two make their debuts here and should be respected Stay Safe and Racy Lacey both go for trainers who are having good spells so neither should be ruled out. There are two outsiders who have a slight chance Al Rafia has only run twice his last race was a 7th at Gowran Park 19 days ago while She's Good Company returns after a 10th placed finish at Leopardstown 16 days ago both are trained by Ado McGuinness but they will need exceptional performances to be up there here.

Big race prediction:1: Aikido.

8/11/20 Navan

 Saturday's selection Barrington Court won the big race at Naas. The 11/8 favourite moved into the lead inside the final furlong and went clear in the last 110 yards winning by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 The weekend ends with an 8 race card at Navan and the feature is at 1.35 when 25 line up for the Ladbrokes Troytown Handicap Chase. The Jam Man is in good form two second place finishes at Limerick and Killarney were followed by a victory at York 29 days ago where he came home by a neck,he switches from the flat to chasing here and should be right up there.  Aforementioned is looking for his third win in a row following very good victories at Clonmel and Limerick in his last run 28 days ago and if he keeps on well again then he will definitely challenge. Portmore Lough put in his best performance of the year when 2nd to Aforementioned in mid October so he should definitely be considered. Two others on the shortlist are Discordantly who's last run was an easy 13 length victory at Galway 2 weeks ago and he will need an equally impressive performance to pass the post first again here while Triplicate needs to rediscover his winning form after not being at his best when finishing 7th at Galway at the end of October despite that don't rule him out of landing the valuable prize in this one.

Big race prediction: 17: The Jam Man.

7/11/20 Naas

 First of all apologies for not posting for the last couple of days of racing hopefully you found some winners at Thurles yesterday and The Curragh and Dundalk today. I hope I'll have no more Internet problems (Fingers crossed) and that I'll be around to preview the whole weekends action.

 We begin with an 8 race card at Naas on Saturday where the main contest is at 2.35 when 14 start the Naas Racecourse Business Club Finale Stakes. Barrington Court is a useful hurdler who since switching to the flat has thrived,she made it two wins from four starts when winning on this course in mid October she came home by 1 1/2 lengths and she is expected to be well up there again here. Bolivar is the main  challenger who last won in a very close finish at Killarney in mid August and his last run was a very good second at Dundalk 50 days ago and another good performance puts him firmly in the mix. Two others that could have a say are Kassaba who won on this track back in July and had a encouraging run when finishing 6th at Listowel 46 days ago she goes up in trip here so should not be overlooked while Numerian arrives here after coming a very good second at Leopardstown 2 weeks ago where he persuded the winner inside the final furlong but didn't have quite enough and lost by a neck in a tight finish so he should definitely be considered in this very competitive listed race.

Big race prediction:3: Barrington Court. 

4/11/20 Result

 Wednesday saw my selection Ediyva won,the 5/4 favourite went clear in the final 110 yards and she comfortably came home by 1 3/4 lengths beating Jungle Cove.

 Sadly with a lack of internet connection I won't be posting here for a couple of days. I hope to be back by the weekend while I'm gone the big races in Ireland are:

Thursday: Thurles 2.22: Ballagh Mares handicap hurdle.

Friday: The Curragh: 12.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Dundalk: 7.15: Join Us On Instagram @Dundalk_Stadium Handicap.

4/11/20 Dundalk

 In Tuesday's feature race my selection Hostage To Fortune was 2nd. He moved into the runners up position approaching the penultimate fence but the 7/4 favourite made no impression on the easy winner The Echo Boy who came home by 16 lengths. 

 There is just one meeting on Wednesday 8 races at Dundalk, the big race is at 3.05 when 14 head down to the start for the Story Of Dundalk Stadium Book Available Online Apprentice Maiden. Ediyva has had two good recent runs a close second at Roscommon at the end of August and another runner's up finish at Tipparary 51 days ago where she ended up 2 1/4 lengths behind but she should push on and go one better here. Zahee has run twice on this Dundalk course his last was a below form fourth 19 days ago and going back up to 7 furlongs means he has a good chance. Jungle Cove last ran on this course just five days ago where he was a respectable 4th and returning so soon after means he has to be respected.  The other one with form who has a chance is Lilandra who's last race was a respectable 2nd on this course 12 days ago so she definitely shouldn't be overlooked. The one who could surprise everybody is Phantom Power who makes his debut here and he is one to keep an eye on.

Big race prediction: 8: Ediyva. 

3/11/20 Fairyhouse

 The new week began with my selection Joan Of Arc being a non runner at The Curragh. The race was won by Queens Speech who went clear just over a furlong out and the 11/2 chance eventually came home by 5 lengths beating Disco Boots.

 Tuesday is another one meeting day an 8 race card at Fairyhouse,the feature race is at 12.45 when 17 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. Hostage To Fortune last ran at Galway at the beginning of October where he was a very good third and another performance like that should see him claim his first victory. The main challenger is The Echo Boy who is a useful chaser and he wasn't disgraced when finishing 5th at Tramore in mid September and as long as he's not ridden as aggressively he should be in the mix. The other one to look at is Fauguernon who makes his chase debut here and returns to the course where he finished a creditable 4th in a handicap hurdle 24 days ago so he should definitely be considered. The rest of the field have plenty to prove so any of them could upset the odds but look out for Court Tycoon who's best performance this year was a third in a handicap chase at Killarney back in July so he should be respected.

Big race prediction: 5: Hostage To Fortune.

2/11/20 The Curragh

 Sunday wasn't a great day for predictions. At Naas Sheer Chance was 12th she was pushed along in midfield but dropped to the back after 4 furlongs and made no impression,up front the 11/2 favourite Hector De Maris won. At Cork Heaven Help Us was 7th she was in touch with the leaders until 3 out when she weakened and talled off allowing the 13/2 chance Home By The Lees to win.

 After a busy weekend a new week begins with an 8 race card at The Curragh,the big race is the opener at 12.30 when 17 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. Five make their debuts here and all should be respected but the two Aidan O'Brien runners standout. Joan Of Arc is the sister of classic winners Gleneagles and Marvellous and if she has half their talent she will be difficult to beat while stablemate Queens Speech is the half sister to american winner Sunmer Reading so she will definitely be on the shortlist. Sunniyra, Malosa and Spinning Moon are the others making their first appearance and all have a chance in a race where those with experience don't set a high bar but if your looking for a challenger with form than Dagoda is the one. She made a promising debut when 4th at Leopardstown 17 days ago she should improve here and shouldn't be discounted.

Big race prediction: 7: Joan Of Arc.