1/1/21 Tramore

 My final selection of 2020 didn't go well as Debuchet was 5th. The 6/4 favourite was 8th after the fifth he made some headway before the straight but kept the same pace without ever threatening. The race was won by the 3/1 chance Wingin A Prayer who came home by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 The opening day of 2021 sees 7 races taking place at Tramore where the highlight is the 2.37 when just 5 start the Savills New Year's Day Chase. The standout horse in the field is definitely Al Boum Photo who was last seen winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time back in March and he is also looking to win this race for the third time in a row and this top class chaser will be very difficult to beat on his season return,he should be chased home by his stablemate Acapella Bourgeois who hasn't been seen since landing the Bobbyjo Chase by 15 lengths at Fairyhouse in February and he is a very smart horse who will run well. Trainer Willie Mullins should take the first 3 places as he also has Brahma Bull running who's last race was a very good second to Minella Indo in a Grade 2 chase at Navan 40 days ago and he should definitely be respected. 

Big race prediction: 1: Al Boum Photo.

31/12/20 Punchestown

 On Wednesday my selection Kavanaghs Corner came 3rd. The 11/4 joint favourite was 2nd until a bad mistake 4 out saw him nearly loose his rider both recovered and he was 3rd by the second last but made no impression on the leaders and the race was won by the other favourite Wishmoor.

 The final racing day of 2020 sees 7 races at Punchestown where the highlight is the 2.40 when 14 line up for the Tote Supporting Irish Racing Handicap Hurdle. Debuchet returns to the course where he was a very good second in a novice hurdle 23 days ago he finished strongly and only lost by a short head and should be taken seriously here. Damalisque will look to build on two second place finishes this year at The Curragh in October and at Naas on heavy ground 40 days ago and he will definitely make his presence felt again. The other one with a big chance is R'evelyn Pleasure who picked up a career best win on this course 20 days ago,he ran well and came home by 1 3/4 lengths so don't discount him in this one as he could be the surprise package. The one who could upset the odds is Dalton Highway who was a winner when last seen over hurdles at Leopardstown a year ago since then he has also won on the flat at The Curragh at the end of June so should not be taken lightly on his return to hurdling. 

Big race prediction: 4: Debuchet. 

30/12/20 Limerick

 Tuesday was a brilliant day for my selections. At Leopardstown Monkfish won,the 1/2 favourite was 2 lengths clear from 3 out but was pressed all the way by Latest Exhibition  the Willie Mullins trained star kept on best during the run-in and came home by 3 lengths. In the other Leopardstown race Saint Roi was 4th,the 13/8 favourite was 2nd heading to the last he weakened on the run-in and dropped to 4th in the closing stages the race was won for the third time in a row by Sharjah. While at Limerick Grand Roi won the 6/1 shot led from 2 out and travelled well to come home by 8 lengths. 

 After the busy Christmas festival at Leopardstown the racing calendar calms down with just one meeting on Wednesday 6 races at Limerick. The highlight is at 1.25 when 10 begin the Goggin Buckley Veterans Handicap Chase. Cappacurry Zak won this race last year and after finishing 5th on this course 29 days ago he deserves respect on what will be his first trip over fences this season. The main threat is Kavanaghs Corner who arrives here after a career best victory at Fairyhouse in late November where he was 3/4 of a length in front and he should go well again. The other one worth a look is Out Sam who despite not winning in his last 17 runs looked very good when finishing 4th in a 3 mile handicap chase at Cheltenham 19 days ago he goes down in trip here and has a good chance if back to his best.

Big race prediction: 6: Kavanaghs Corner.

29/12/20 Leopardstown + Limerick

 Monday wasn't a great day for my selections with two failing to finish. At Leopardstown Sire Du Berlais was 3rd,the 11/4 shot was up with the leaders and sat 2nd after the last however he lost the runners up spot on the run-in to The Storyteller and the race was won by Flooring Porter. In the other Leopardstown race Minella Indo fell at the 8th while at Limerick Off You Go fell at the 4th.

 The Christmas festival at Leopardstown concludes on Tuesday with two exciting Grade one's,the first is at 1.50 when 6 start the Neville Hotels Novice Chase. The standout horse here is definitely Monkfish who is looking for his 5th win in a row he made an impressive start over fences at Fairyhouse in November where he was an easy 4 length winner and he will be very hard to beat again here. Latest Exhibition was one of Monkfish's victims in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in March where he was a close second since then he has had two runs at Punchestown a winning Chase debut in October and a very good second to Pencilfulloflead in a Grade 2 44 days ago and he should be up there in this one. The only other one to look at is Conflated who comes here after romping to a 17 length victory at Navan 24 days ago his trainer Gordon Elliott has won 4 of the last 5 runnings of this race and he has a good chance here. 

 The other big race is the 2.25 when 8 line up for the Matheson Hurdle. This is my personal highlight of the festival with three brilliant horses viying for top spot. Saint Roi was denied his 4th win in a row by Abacadabras in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown last time out both run again here and it should be another close race. Sharjah is looking to win this race for a third time this high class hurdler was 3 3/4 lengths in front 12 months ago and despite his last run being a midfield finish on the flat at Galway back in July he is unlikely to give up his crown without a fight. If your looking for a horse who could upset everyone then Aspire Tower is the one he won a Grade 2 by 18 lengths at this meeting last year and his season reappearance at Down Royal in late October saw him beat Abacadabras by 4 1/2 lengths although he did lead all the way that day and he will be a surprise winner here.

 Limerick also stages 7 races on Tuesday with the main event at 1.40 when 6 begin the Grant Thornton Hurdle. The one to beat here is Grand Roi this useful hurdler is having his second run for Gordon Elliott after a third place finish in a Grade 3 hurdle at Galway 65 days ago he goes down in trip here and should progress. The only other one to look at is Galopin Des Champs who is a promising horse who comes here after finishing 2nd on his Irish debut at Gowran Park in mid November he only lost by 1/2 a length and should go well again.

Big race predictions:Leopardstown 1.50: 5:Monkfish  2.25:5: Saint Roi 

                                      Limerick 1.40: 2: Grand Roi.

28/12/20 Leopardstown + Limerick

 Due to bad weather only two of my selections ran on Sunday. Storm Bella put pay to the meeting at Limerick but at Leopardstown Chacun Pour Soi won the 4/7 favourite went into the lead 3 out he travelled well and kept on strongly in the final furlong comfortably coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. Ballydam came 4th the 9/4 shot chashed the leaders but mistakes at the 3rd and 4th saw him drop back he had nothing extra inside the final furlong and the race was won by the 7/4 favourite Appreciate It.

 The Grade one's keep on coming at Leopardstown with two more on Monday,the first is at 1.15 when 9 begin the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle. Sire Du Berlais has won twice already this year the Pertemps final at Cheltenham in March and the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle on his reappearance at Navan 50 days ago he didn't need to be at his best to win by 1/2 a length that day and stepping up to grade 1 company here shouldn't faze him. Ronald Pump was a very creditable 2nd to Honeysuckle in the Hatton's Grade when last seen at Fairyhouse at the end of November he was closing all the way and only lost by 1/2 a length. His return to 3 miles here means he should be respected. The other two that deserve a mention are Fury Road who comes here after a victory at Punchestown 43 days ago where he beat Dewcup by 3 1/2 lengths and the Storyteller who is a high class horse looking for his 4th win of 2020 his last was a career best in the Champion Chase at Down Royal at the end of October and he will give another good account of himself as he returns to hurdles here.

 The other grade one of the day is at 2.25 when 14 start the Savills Chase. Minella Indo was one of the best staying novice chasers of last season and he finished his campaign with a very good second in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham he has started this season with two victory's his last was at Navan in November where he easily came home by 7 1/2 lengths and he should win his first grade one here. Delta Work won this race 12 months ago when he beat Monalee by a head,his season return at Down Royal in October saw him finish 5th but he should definitely be respected. Presenting Percy and Kemboy are both top class chasers who renew a rivalry here that began at Thurles in mid November where Percy won by 6 1/2 lengths and both should not be ruled out.

 Monday also sees 8 races at Limerick where the highlight is the 2.45 when 19 line up for the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase. Off You Go was a disappointing 4th in a handicap chase at Fairyhouse 16 days ago but he goes back up in trip here and should be taken seriously. There are two main challengers,Articulum was a very good 3rd on his season debut at Navan 23 days ago and he can definitely make his presence felt while Dream Conti was pulled up in his latest outing at Navan 36 days ago in a race won by Minella Indo despite that he should improve and be right up there here.

Big race predictions: Leopardstown 1.15: 7: Sire Du Berlais  2.25: 10: Minella Indo

                                       Limerick: 4: Off You Go.

27/12/20 Leopardstown + Limerick

  Boxing Day wasn't a bad one for my selections,at Leopardstown Felix Desjy was 3rd the 15/8 favourite went clear at the 4th and was still leading at the 6th he lost the lead soon after and a bad mistake 3 out saw him drop to 3rd the race was won by the 8/1 chance Franco De Port. At Limerick Pencilfulloflead was 2nd the 13/2 shot led 2 out but had no extra on the run-in and was beaten by Colreevy who came home by 1/2 a length. 

 Day 2 of the Christmas festival at Leopardstown takes centre stage on Sunday with two grade one's. At 1.10 6 start the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase. Chacun Pour Soi is a top class horse who has won twice this year on this Leopardstown course back in February and his last run at Cork at the beginning of this month. He was second in this race 12 months ago but should go one better this time and pick up his third win in a row. Two runners trained by Henry De Bromhead should battle it out for the other places, Notebook is a useful chaser who achieved a career best victory in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas 36 days ago where he easily beat Fakir D'Oudairies by 12 lengths while Put The Kettle On is another very good horse who enjoys winning his last two have both been at Cheltenham the Arkle back in March and the 4 runner Shloer Chase on his season reappearance 42 days ago and both should have a good race.

 The other grade 1 is at 1.45 when 10 begin the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle. Ballydam is looking for his 4th win in a row here his last was his best in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse 28 days ago his jumping needs to improve but he is an exciting horse who should win this one. Appreciate It is the main challenger who won on his hurdles debut at Cork 35 days ago where he came home by 2 1/2 lengths he showed then how good he can be and there is definitely more to come. Call Me Lyreen has been impressive in his career winning all three of his starts his latest was the Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas 36 days ago and this promising horse shouldn't be ruled out. The outside chance is Fire Attack who was 2nd on his hurdles debut at Navan at the end of November but he will be a surprise winner here.

 There are also 7 races at Limerick where the feature is the 2.05 when a field of 9 line up for the Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle. Here two standout, Baptism Of Fire won his hurdling debut at Punchestown in mid October and was a good third on the same course in his last outing 6 weeks ago a race won by Fury Road who won this contest 12 months ago so he's on the shortlist while the other one to look at is Farouk D'Alene who needs to bounce back after a disappointing 4th place at Navan 35 days ago despite that he is definitely worth a look.

Big race predictions: Leopardstown 1.10: 3: Chacun Pour Soi 1.45: 2: Ballydam 

                                       Limerick 2.05: 1: Baptism Of Fire.

26/12/20 Leopardstown + Limerick

 With Christmas festivities still in full swing racing returns with two meetings on Boxing day with 7 races at both Leopardstown and Limerick. The four day Christmas festival begins at Leopardstown and the day one highlight is at 2.15 when 6 run in the Racing Post Novice Chase. Felix Desjy has had a very good 2020 picking up 3 wins his last was his career best at Punchestown 42 days ago where he beat Sizing Pottsie by 1 3/4 lengths and he should make it 3 in a row here as long as he puts in a good jumping performance. Blackbow is the main challenger this useful chaser won on his fences debut on heavy ground at Navan 34 days ago his 4 1/4 length victory showed there is definitely more to come. The other threat is Darver Star who's last win was by an easy 12 lengths at Punchestown in mid October he returned there in November and was a very creditable 3rd to Felix Desjy so he definitely can't be ruled out.

 The main event at Limerick comes at 2.35 when 5 start the Matchbook Betting Exchange Faugheen Novice Chase in a small field two standout. Asterion Forlonge is already a grade 1 winner this year coming home by 9 1/2 lengths in the Brave Inca at Leopardstown back in February he then travelled to Cheltenham where he was 4th in the Supreme Novices Hurdle,his first run over fences at Punchestown 6 weeks ago was a 6 length win and he definitely has more big performances to come. The other big horse in the race is Pencilfulloflead who has very quickly become one of the top novice chasers in Ireland after his win at Galway at the end of October he went to Punchestown in November and despite the heavy ground was an impressive 7 length winner,he drops down in trip here but he is still a big player and could pick up his third win in a row.

Big race predictions: Leopardstown 2.15:5 Felix Desjy  Limerick 2.35: 4:Pencilfulloflead.

20/12/20 Result

 Sunday's selection Gauloise won. The 4/5 favourite chaesd the leaders most of the way and went into the lead 2 out. She was clear of the field approaching the last and was comfortable on the run-in coming home by 3 lengths. 

 After today's meeting at Thurles there is no more racing in Ireland until the four day Christmas Festival begins at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. The highlight of day 1 is the grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase. There are also 7 races at Limerick where the grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase is the big race. A full preview of both meetings will be up on Christmas Eve night. 

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for your support in what I know hasn't been a great year for anyone it's greatly appreciated. 

20/12/20 Thurles

  The action returns with 7 races at Thurles on Sunday. The feature is the 2.00 when 11 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Boreen Belle Mares Novice Hurdle. Gauloise made an impressive hurdling debut on this course 24 days ago she travelled and jumped well coming home by 5 1/2 lengths and she is definitely the one to beat here taking the step up in class in her stride. Sayce Gold is the main challenger who is looking for her 4th win in a row her last was a career best in a novice hurdle at Cork 2 weeks ago she was an easy 8 length winner there and despite a significant drop in trip she should go well again. The other one with a solid claim is Place Des Vosges who's last win was on this course at the beginning of November and she was running well before falling two out in a grade 2 hurdle at Fairyhouse 22 days ago despite that don't be surprised to see her in the mix come the end of this race.

Big race prediction: 10: Gauloise. 

18/12/20 Results

 Friday wasn't a good day selection wise. At Navan Holymacapony didn't finish the 7/4 favourite was in 3rd place after the 4th and was disputing 2nd from 4 out however he weakened on the home turn and dropped to last he was pulled up just before the final obstacle the race was won by the 14/1 chance Ashdale Bob. Meanwhile at Dundalk Settle For Bay was 7th the 9/2 joint favourite was never near enough to challenge and Whatharm won at 15/2.

 The last quiet weekend before the busy festive period means no racing in Ireland on Saturday but there are 5 meetings in England at Ascot where the grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle takes centre stage,Lingfield, Haydock,Newcastle and an evening card at Wolverhampton. The next Irish meeting is at Thurles on Sunday my preview of that will be up on Saturday night.

18/12/20 Navan + Dundalk

 My selection on Thursday Aloneamongmillions came 3rd. The 9/4 chance was close to the leaders until 2 out,he didn't jump the last well but managed to maintain his 3rd place on the run-in,the race was won by the 5/4 favourite Billaway who after his victory became the 5/1 favourite for the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham. 

 A busy Friday ends the racing week with 8 races at both Navan and Dundalk. The feature at Navan is at 1.35 when just 7 start the Betvictor Make Your Best Bet Novice Hurdle. Holymacapony made an impressive debut at Punchestown 34 days ago where he was an easy 8 length winner. This race is a step up in class but that shouldn't be a problem for a horse who is already an early 16/1 favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival. Fighter Allen is the main challenger he is a promising horse who won his first race for Willie Mullins at Punchestown in mid November his 3 1/4 length victory means he shouldn't be dismissed here. The only other one on the shortlist is Gabynako who has had a good year so far 2 seconds at Punchestown and Fairyhouse was followed by a win at Naas 27 days ago where he came home by 6 1/2 lengths, going up in trip here means he should not be overlooked. 

 The big race at Dundalk comes at 6.00 when 12 begin the Crowne Plaza Hotel Leading Jockey & Trainer Awards Handicap. Settle For Bay loves Dundalk he has won 5 times here in his career including his last run 2 weeks ago where he was a very good 1 1/2 lengths in front and he should win again. Whatharm has picked up 2 wins from 4 runs this year both of them at Dundalk his last was a career best win 16 days ago and if there is a strong pace he will definitely be up there again in this one. Merchant Of Venice hasn't won in his last 15 starts but two seconds on this course make him a strong contender his last run was 16 days ago where he only lost by a head and another strong run is likely here.

Big race predictions: Navan 1.35: 7: Holymacapony  Dundalk 6.00: 6: Settle For Bay.

17/12/20 Down Royal

 Wednesday's selection Dha Leath came 2nd. The 11/1 shot was chasing the leaders early and was running a good race,she kept on well and went 2nd inside the final 110 yards but lost by a neck to the 8/1 winner Catena Zapata.

 There is a 7 race card at Down Royal on Thursday with the main event being at 2.55 when 10 begin the Bluegrass Horse Feeds Hunters Chase. Aloneamongmillions is a promising horse who won on his chase debut at Gowran Park back in March where he was an impressive 4 1/2 lengths in front. Since then he has gone back to point-to-point racing where he is unbeaten his last race was a 3 length win in November and he looks like the best horse here on his return under rules. Billaway was a very creditable 2nd on his season reappearance at Fairyhouse 37 days ago and his performance in the closing stages means he could definitely go one better here. Stand Up And Fight beat Billaway at Fairyhouse by 1 1/2 lengths and is the other main challenger,that was his career best win and this useful chaser is on the shortlist in what will be his third run this season. 

Big race prediction: 1: Aloneamongmillions.

16/12/20 Dundalk

 After another day of no action the midweek meeting is at Dundalk where the feature is the 4.45 when 10 begin the Test Your Tipping Talents At punters.hollywoodbets.com Every Dundalk Meeting Race. Two in the field have plenty of experience and look like the ones to beat,Dha Leath was a very good second on this course when last seen 19 days ago she ran an excellent final furlong but couldn't quite reach the winner and she should definitely be respected here while Let Me Pass last ran at Dundalk 2 weeks ago where he was a creditable 3rd he did win here at the beginning of November where he came home by 1 3/4 lengths and he should give a good account of himself again. Stellar Spirit made his debut at the beginning of this month sharing the track with Let Me Pass he finished 6th that day but definitely has more to offer. The other one who could do well is Catena Zapata who was last seen on this course when making his first start 49 days ago where he was 7th but if he manages to find some extra pace he may worry the leading contenders. 

Big race prediction: 9: Dha Leath.

14/12/20 Naas result

 Monday's selection Lord Royal was 5th. The 5/6 favourite led after 6 furlongs and was in with a chance entering the straight,however he weakened inside the final furlong and the race was won by the 12/1 shot Espanito Bello who beat Coko Beach by 18 lengths. 

 Tuesday is another no racing day in Ireland as the tracks continue to prepare for a busy festive period. There are 4 meetings in England at Wincanton, Catterick, Newcastle and an evening card at Wolverhampton. The next Irish meeting is at Dundalk on Wednesday my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night.

14/12/20 Naas

 After no racing on Sunday 7 races at Naas begin another week with the feature being at 2.30 when 12 start the Ballymore Beginners Chase. Lord Royal was jumping very well on his hurdles debut at Thurles 25 days ago until he fell at the second last despite that he is the one to beat here. The main danger is Coko Beach who was a very good second at Galway at the end of October before taking on Envoi Allen in the Dinmore Novices Chase at Fairyhouse 15 days ago where he was last but this useful hurdles winner still has a big chance. Sempo is the other one to look at he makes his reappearance here after finishing last season a good 6th in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival a race won by Monkfish before that he was a 6 1/2 length winner of a hurdle at Thurles in February and moving to chasing here gives him a chance. 

Big race prediction: 7: Lord Royal. 

12/12/20 Fairyhouse result

 Saturday's selection Off You Go finished 4th. The 100/30 joint favourite didn't jump well and only began to make headway 2 out he was 4th at the last but never reached the leaders. Sizing Pottsie won the race by 6 lengths from Entoucas. 

 A short racing weekend in Ireland means there's no meetings on Sunday but there are 3 in England at Lingfield,Carlisle and Southwell. The next Irish races are on Monday with 7 contests at Naas my preview will be up on Sunday night. 

12/12/20 Fairyhouse

 Friday was a mixed day for my selections. At Punchestown Arverne won,the 6/4 favourite moved into the lead 2 out he kept on well during the run-in and came home by 1 1/4 lengths. At Dundalk Alfredo Arcano was a non runner the race was won by Sendmylovetoyou.

 The weekend begins with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday where the feature is at 2.12 when 11 begin the Boylesports This Is Betting Handicap Chase. Off You Go was a very creditable 2nd on his season debut at Cork 20 days ago and he should pick up a win here. Entoucas makes his handicap chase debut in this one he looked impressive in his last outing a second in a novice chase at Navan in late November and he is the main challenger. Daly Tiger arrives here after a career best win at Punchestown 28 days ago his 4 1/2 length victory means he has a very good chance. The other two who could challenge are Sizing Pottsie who won on this course in late February his last run was a very good second in a novice chase at Punchestown in November he is another one in the field making his handicap chase debut so shouldn't be overlooked while Chosen Mate won impressively at the Cheltenham Festival back in March and on the flat at Killarney in July. His last race was a grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary at the beginning of October where despite finishing 4th he wasn't disgraced and he has the potential to surprise everyone here. 

Big race prediction: 4: Off You Go.

11/12/20 Punchestown & Dundalk

 On Thursday my selection Amor Verdadero finished 5th. The 11/2 shot was tracking the leaders from 4 out but she began to weaken before the 2nd last and dropped back. The race was won by the 15/2 chance Moyode Gold who came home by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Friday sees another racing week end with two meetings 6 races at Punchestown and 8 at Dundalk. The feature at Punchestown is at 1.00 when 15 start the Visit irishracingyearbook.com For The Perfect Racing Gift Handicap Chase. Arverne is a promising horse who was a very good second on this course when last seen 59 days ago and has a decent chance of going one better here. Atlantic Shore has picked up one win from three runs this season that was at Wexford at the end of October,his last outing 21 days ago at Gowran Park can largely be forgotten and he is definitely the main challenger. The Big Galloper last won at Roscommon in September last year and he should bounce back from a below par 9th on this course 27 days ago while the other Charles Byrne runner Alpine Cobra is a useful hurdler who makes his handicap chase debut here so he shouldn't be overlooked. 

 7.00 sees the big contest at Dundalk when 13 begin the Test Your Tipping Talents At punters.hollywoodbets.com Every Dundalk Meeting Handicap. Most of this field met two weeks ago on this course when Master Matt won by 1/2 a length he runs again in this one and should put in another good performance. Alfredo Arcano was third in that race but he has won 5 times on this course including this race 12 months ago and he should be challenging again here. War Hero also enjoys running at Dundalk he was a winner when last seen 16 days ago and should go well again. The two others worth a look are Shabaaby who will want to improve after finishing last at Doncaster 91 days ago being off for so long and moving to another trainer means he has a slight chance while sendmylovetoyou was 6th when Master Matt won and she has a good chance again in this one.

Big race predictions: Punchestown 1.00: 10:Arverne  Dundalk 7.00 6: Alfredo Arcano.

10/12/20 Tramore

 After a day off the action returns with 7 races at Tramore on Thursday where the feature is at 2.05 when 15 begin the Kilmurrin Cove Mares Handicap Hurdle. Amor Verdadero had two creditable 3rd place finishes in November her last was at Punchestown 16 days ago and she should improve here and pick up only her second career win. My Newbrook Rose has been a winner this year that was at Thurles back in March and she was a respectable 4th on her season reappearance at Sligo 48 days ago so she is definitely a threat here. The other one worth considering is Nell's Well who's last run was a very good 4th in a novice hurdle at Thurles 2 weeks ago she goes significantly up in trip on this her handicap hurdle debut and she should challenge the main runners.

Big race prediction: 2: Amor Verdadero.

8/12/20 Result

Tuesday's selection Eurotiep won. The 5/2 joint favourite made all the running and stayed on well inside the final furlong to beat the 8/1 shot Pale Blue Dot by 1 1/2 lengths to pick up his first win.

 Wednesday sees no racing in Ireland for the second time this week but there are three meetings in England at Lingfield, Hexham and Kempton for your entertainment. The next Irish meeting is at Tramore on Thursday I will have my preview of that up on Wednesday night. 

8/12/20 Punchestown

 After no meetings on Monday the action returns with a 7 race card at Punchestown on Tuesday where the main event is at 3.30 when 11 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction I.N.H Flat. Eurotiep will try again to make his season return he was scheduled to run at Limerick in mid November but the ground meant he was a non runner so his best performance remains a very good second at Fairyhouse when last seen 14 months ago and he should go one better here. There are two main threats,Stranger Danger made his debut at Thurles 19 days ago where he finished 3rd and if he picks up some pace in the closing stages he will improve on that here. The other danger is Palace Storm who makes his debut in this one he is the half brother to the useful hurdler Theo's Charm so he definitely shouldn't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 1: Eurotiep. 

6/12/20 Cork result

 Poor weather in Ireland meant only one of my selections ran on Sunday. At Cork Chacun Pour Soi won,the 1/5 favourite went into the lead 2 out and was 5 lengths clear approaching the last. She easily beat the only other finisher Darasso by 19 lengths. At Punchestown only three of the races were run. After Min won the grade one John Durkan Memorial Chase for the third time in a row the rest of the card was abandoned due to thick fog.

 As a new racing week begins there are no meetings in Ireland but there are four in England at Musselburgh, Plumpton, Chelmsford City and Wolverhampton with a total of 29 races. The next Irish meeting is at Punchestown on Tuesday I'll preview that on Monday night. 

 

6/12/20 Cork & Punchestown

 My Saturday selection The Bosses Oscar came 2nd. The 3/1 favourite was up with the leaders and went 3rd 2 out,he kept on well and moved into 2nd on the run-in but he was no match for the 22/1 winner Flooring Porter who easily came home by 12 lengths. 

 A busy Sunday rounds off the weekend with 8 races at Cork and 7 at Punchestown. The big race at Cork is at 1.25 when 7 start the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase. Chacun Pour Soi has had four career wins his last was his best at Leopardstown at the beginning of February where he came home by 3 3/4 lengths,being off 10 months means he has a good chance of making a winning return here. Cash Back is a good chaser who was a unfortunate faller at the first when last seen in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas 15 days ago that was on heavy ground and if his stablemate Chacun Pour Soi underperformes then he will definitely capitalise. Chosen Mate is the other one to have a look at his last outing was a 4th at Tipperary at the beginning of October in a race won by the impressive Saint Roi so he shouldn't be ruled out of this one as he still has improvements to make. 

 The feature at Punchestown is at 2.10 when 18 begin the Gift A Punchestown Voucher This Christmas Handicap Hurdle. The Great White runs for only the fifth time here but is improving with every race his last was a very good 4th at Fairyhouse 23 days ago and going back up in trip to 2 miles 4 furlongs here means he has an excellent chance of picking up his first win. Broomfields Jeremy is the main danger he was third in a novice hurdle at Kilbeggan 55 days ago in his last race and making his handicap hurdle debut here puts him high up on the shortlist. The other danger is R'Evelyn Pleasure who hasn't won since the beginning of 2019 but was a creditable 3rd when last seen at Thurles 17 days ago so don't overlook him.

Big race predictions:Cork 1.25: 1: Chacun Pour Soi.

Punchestown 2.10: 17: The Great White.

5/12/20 Navan

 Friday saw another one of my selections win. Queenship was behind the leaders until she began to make headway just over a furlong out. The 11/4 shot went into the lead inside the final furlong and ran on well to beat Spilt Passion by a head. 

 The weekend begins with 8 races at Navan on Saturday where the feature is the 1.08 the Ecomm Merchant Solutions Handicap Hurdle. In a field of 23 in this competitive race 4 standout. The Bosses Oscar is a promising horse who didn't need to be at his best when winning at Thurles on his last outing 44 days ago,that was his third career win and he should be well up there again here. Shattered Love arrives here after a career best victory at Clonmel in early November she was an easy 10 length winner on that occasion and making her handicap hurdle debut here gives her a good chance. A Great View was a below par 7th on heavy ground at Punchestown 20 days ago and needs to bounce back,switching to hurdles here should give him that chance while the other one to look at is  Fan De Blues who was a very good second in a novice chase at Killarney back in late August and going up in trip and back to hurdles puts him on the shortlist. 

Big race prediction: 6: The Bosses Oscar. 

4/12/20 Dundalk

 Thursday was a rare bad day for my predictions. Scarpeta was 5th the 100/30 chance led early on but soon lost his position and struggled. He tailed off from 4 out and the race went to the 4/1 shot Mary Frances who romped home by a massive 45 lengths. 

 Another racing week comes to an end with 8 races at Dundalk and the big race is at 4.30 when 17 start the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. Queenship made a promising start to her career when 3rd on this Dundalk course 21 days ago she will definitely improve and is the one to beat. Split Passion returns to the track where she was a good second just a week ago,her other two runs have also been at Dundalk and she should go well again here. Lay It Out also enjoyed a fine run at Dundalk in her last outing in mid November where she was the runner up in a maiden and she should be well in the mix again while Desert Lime makes her debut here and looks like one to keep an eye on she looks like a promising horse on paper so it will be interesting to see how she goes.

Big race prediction: 12: Queenship 

3/12/20 Clonmel

 On Wednesday at Dundalk my selection Hale Boop was 2nd. The 11/8 favourite led from 2 furlongs out but he had no extra pace inside the final furlong and he was passed by the 11/4 winner Messidor.

 Clonmel hosts a 7 race card on Thursday with the feature at 2.30 when 6 start the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Hurdle. Scarpeta won this race 2 years ago and despite missing last season don't be surprised if he goes well here on this his return to action. The other Willie Mullins trained runner Burrows Saint is a very good horse who won the Irish National in 2019 and was a 3 1/4 length winner when last seen at Punchestown 11 months ago,his season will probably be geared towards a tilt at the Grand National at Aintree but he should go well here. Dallas Des Pictons is useful over hurdles and needs to find the form that saw him come 2nd in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham back in March 2019 and needs to forget his return at Limerick 53 days ago where he was a long last in a chase,returning to smaller obstacles here gives him a slight chance. 

Big race prediction: 5: Scarpeta. 

This is my 100th post so just a quick thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read any of this blog your support is much appreciated. 

2/12/20 Dundalk

In Tuesday's feature my selection Classic Concorde was 3rd. The 15/2 chance ran well and led 4 out he faced strong challenges in the last couple of furlongs and was passed on the run-in by Young Dev and the 8/1 winner Allbarone. 

 Dundalk hosts the midweek meeting where the pick of the 8 races is at 3.40 when 13 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race. Hale Boop is a promising horse who returns to the track where he claimed his first win 54 days ago that was also over this races 7 furlong distance so he has a very good chance here. Messidor is another one who likes running at Dundalk having picked up her first victory 2 weeks ago,this will be her 4th run over 7 furlongs so she is definitely in the mix. The other two in with a chance are Prince Of Peace who made his debut on this course 21 days ago where he was 6th despite that he should improve here and should not be dismissed while Let Me Pass achieved his career best win on this course in early November so he should definitely be considered. 4 make their debuts in this race First Blood,Mr Mocha,Rock Ya Boy Ya and Stellar Spirit all merit consideration.

Big race prediction: 2: Hale Boop.