1/2/21 Dundalk

 On Sunday my selection Pencilfulloflead was 3rd. The 5/2 favourite chased the leaders early but wasn't fluent. He was 2nd entering the straight but the combination of no extra pace and a slight mistake 2 out saw him drop to 3rd. The race was won by the 11/4 shot Eklat De Rire.

 A new month kicks off with 8 races at Dundalk on Monday where the big one is the 5.55 when 14 begin the Hollywoodbets Horse Racing And Sports Betting Maiden. Shackleton Hero has had 2 good second place finishes in a row on this course he last was 70 days ago and he is the one to beat here. Mo Celita makes her third appearance she was 4th on this course 10 days ago and definitely has the talent to be the main challenger in this one. Keep The Receipt made a promising debut on this course back in mid September when he finished 7th he goes down in trip here and should progress further. In the rest of the field it's difficult to find one who could challenge but A Cool Case makes his debut and looks interesting on paper. He is half-brother to Paper Star who has won over 5 1/2 furlongs in his career so this newcomer is definitely worth a look.

Big race prediction: 8: Shackleton Hero.

31/1/21 Naas

 Gauloise didn't run on Saturday as the meeting at Fairyhouse was called off due to a waterlogged track. The meeting is now going to take place on Monday February 8th.

 As I write this the meeting at Naas on Sunday is still on although there is an inspection at 7.30am. If it does get the go-ahead then the feature is the 3.15 when 8 begin the Naas Racecourse Business Club Novice Chase. The standout horse is definitely Pencilfulloflead who had a strong end to 2020 winning at Galway and Punchestown before finishing a very creditable 2nd behind Colreevy in the Faugheen Novices Chase at Limerick 36 days ago,he goes up in trip here and is the one to beat. Of the others there are 2 main challengers,Eklat De Rire looked impressive when winning his fences debut by 3 1/2 lengths at Punchestown at the beginning of December there is definitely more to come from him and he should not be taken lightly while Escaria Ten was an easy 20 length winner on heavy ground at Thurles when last seen 42 days ago. He is open to improvement and could make his presence felt here.

Big race prediction:1: Pencilfulloflead. 

30/1/21 Fairyhouse

 Friday was another good day with both my selections winning. At Navan Damalisque took up the lead from 2 out,the 5/1 shot had a 2 length advantage at the last and comfortably came home by 7 1/2 lengths while at Dundalk Whatharm had a slow start but made headway taking the lead just before the final furlong he stayed on well to win by 3/4 of a length. 

 Anothet weekend begins with an 8 race card at Fairyhouse on Saturday where the highlight is the 1.58 when 12 go to post for the Race Displays Mares Novice Hurdle. Royal Kahala is a promising horse who's 3 wins from 4 runs this season have all come here at Fairyhouse including her career best 27 days ago where she came home by 5 lengths and she should make it 4 in a row in this one. The main challenger is Gauloise who has won both her runs this season,her last was at Thurles in mid December where she beat Mighty Blue by 3 lengths and she can definitely make her presence felt here. Castra Vetera is another impressive horse who was 2nd on her hurdles debut at Naas 47 days ago before that she had picked up 2 wins on the flat and can definitely make an impression . The other one to look at is Brave Way who won on debut at Killbeggan back in October and followed that up with a good third at Down Royal when last seen 92 days ago and is one who could be a surprise winner.

Big race prediction: 3: Gauloise. 

29/1/21 Navan + Dundalk

 Thursday didn't go well as my selection Acapella Bourgeois finished 5th. The 7/1 joint favourite led early but slipped to 3rd by halfway. He was 6th by 3 out but could only find one pace on the run-in picking up a place. The race was won by the 8/1 chance Coko Beach. 

 The meeting due to have taken place at Navan on Saturday is now the Friday afternoon card with the big race at 1.55 when 20 line up for the rescheduled Navan Handicap Hurdle where Damalisque is still my pick. The other meeting on Friday is at Dundalk where the feature is the 6.30 when 12 start the Follow Us On Twitter @Dundalkstadium Handicap. Whatharm enjoys running here he was at his best when winning over this races 7 furlong distance 42 days ago,that was his second victory in a row and he should make it three keeping up his fine form. Major Power had a fine 2020 at Dundalk winning three on the bounce over 7 furlongs,his last run was 10 months ago when he finished 2nd here and he has a big shout in this one. War Hero's six career wins have all been at Dundalk including his best in a handicap a week ago where he beat Eglish (who runs again here) by 1/2 a length he also won this race last year so cannot be ruled out.

Big race predictions: Navan 1.55: 16:Damalisque  Dundalk 6.30: 1: Whatharm.

28/1/21 Gowran Park

 Wednesday was a good day as both my selections won. Colreevy remains unbeaten over fences as the 4/5 favourite romped home by 12 lengths while Allaho led from the second and never looked back the 10/11 favourite eventually won by 3 lengths and was then cut from 6/1 to 5/1 for this years Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. 

 The week continues with 7 races at Gowran Park on Thursday where the standout contest is at 3.25 when 21 begin the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase. Acapella Bourgeois was 6th in this race 12 months ago but he comes here after chasing home his stablemate Al Boum Photo on his reappearance at Tramore on New Year's Day and is the one to beat. Willie Mullins also has four more runners in this one as he attempts to win it for a 6th time since 2012 and another one of them is the main threat,Brahma Bull was a very good second to Minella Indo in a grade 2 at Navan in November,his last run saw him unseat his rider early at Tramore at the beginning of this month but he makes his handicap debut here and has an excellent chance. There are two others on the shortlist,Any Second Now ended last season with a 1 1/4 length win in a grade 3 at Naas his two comeback runs towards the end of 2020 will have sharpened him up and he should definitely be respected on this his fences return while Coko Beach began this year with a good 3rd at Fairyhouse and despite not yet picking up a win in his career he is a danger who should not be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 1: Acapella Bourgeois. 

27/1/21 Thurles

 The meeting at Thurles called off on Sunday now takes place on Wednesday with 2 big races on the card. At 12.15 9 return for the Coolmore N.H. Sires Kew Gardens Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase where Colreevy is still my pick. The other main race is at 12.45 when 7 start the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase ( previously know as the Kinloch Brae.) Allaho was a very good third in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March,his season reappearance at Punchestown in early December saw him finish 6th but he stepped up in trip to finish 4th in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown later on that month and he will go well again here. Battleoverdoyen is a high-class chaser who picked up the 7th win of his career at Down Royal in October he didn't show the same form when finishing 4th in the John Durkan at Punchestown last time however he shouldn't be ruled out here. The other main challenger is Annamix who showed improvement when winning at Gowran Park in November he then stepped up to a Grade 1 and wasn't disgraced finishing 4th behind Chacun Pour Soi at Leopardstown in late December so don't be surprised if he wins here.

Big race predictions: 12.15: 1: Colreevy  12.45: Allaho. 

This is my 150th post so a quick thank you for all your support it's much appreciated. 

26/1/21 Down Royal update

 Sadly as expected today's meeting at Down Royal became the latest to be called off because of the freezing weather. After an overnight frost parts of the track remained unfit for racing and the decision was taken early this morning. As I write this Wednesday's card at Thurles is still on so I will put up my preview of that later tonight. 

26/1/21 Down Royal

 If the meeting at Down Royal gets the go-ahead on Tuesday then the big race will be the 2.20 when 15 begin the Molson Coors Rated Novice Hurdle. Clondaw Secret has picked up one win from two runs this season that came at Navan in early December when he was 1/2 a length in front,he should have made it two but a bad mistake at the last while leading at Limerick on Boxing Day saw him finish 3rd despite that he looks like the best horse here. On Eagles Wings picked up his career best win at Naas two weeks ago,he goes up in trip here to 2 miles 3 furlongs a distance he has already won at so he looks like the main challenger. Battle Of Actium achieved his first win of the season on this course 40 days ago his impressive 4 1/2 length victory means he should have more to offer and he could show that here.

Big race prediction: 2: Clondaw Secret. 

Thurles

 Colreevy didn't run on Sunday as the meeting at Thurles was called off after an early morning inspection,the track was deemed unfit for racing after overnight snow. The meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday while the meeting called off at Navan on Saturday will now take place on Friday along with a card at Dundalk.

 After a disappointing weekend the week begins with no racing in Ireland on Monday but there are races at Chelmsford, Plumpton and Kempton to keep everyone entertained. The next Irish meeting is due to be at Down Royal on Tuesday but more snow and below freezing temperatures are forecast so at the moment the situation is being monitored at the Lisburn track and any further updates will be posted here. I will put up a preview on Monday night if the meeting isn't called off before then. 

24/1/21 Thurles

 On Saturday my selection Damalisque didn't run as the meeting at Navan was called off after an early morning inspection found the track was frozen and unfit for racing.

 After the postponement on Saturday Thurles hosts 7 races on Sunday with the main event being the opener at 1.30 when 10 start the Coolmore N.H. Sires Kew Gardens Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase. Colreevy is a promising horse who had a good end to 2020 picking up two wins an easy 15 lengths at Punchestown was followed by victory in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick on Boxing Day and she should make it 3 in a row here. The main challenger looks to be Yukon Lil who has had one win from two runs this season that came at Cork in late November where she stayed on well to come home by 3 1/2 lengths, her last run was a creditable 3rd at Navan 37 days ago and there is definitely more to come. The only other one with a big chance is Mount Ida who was at her best when winning at Cork when last seen at the beginning of December,she impressed that day to come home by 4 1/2 lengths and despite going up in trip here she definitely has the talent to make her presence felt.

Big race prediction: 1: Colreevy. 

23/1/21 Navan

 The week ended on a high note with my selection Lovely Esteem winning. The 2/5 favourite led from a furlong out and despite some pressure from Thrumps Dream she stayed on well inside the final 110 yards and comfortably came home by 2 1/2 lengths.

 Another busy weekend begins with 7 races at Navan where the big race is the 1.57 when 21 start the Navan Handicap Hurdle. Damalisque showed signs of improvement when finishing 2nd at Naas 63 days ago,that was his second race back after a long absence and he is very capable of going one better here. Agusta Gold is a smart chaser who was at her best when winning at Fairyhouse when last seen at the beginning of this month and is the main challenger here. Uisce Solas arrives here after an easy 12 length success at Naas 10 days ago and she definitely deserves respect here. The other two with a chance in this competitive race are Column Of Fire who makes his return after falling in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham in March but he should still be a big player while Silver Sheen will be a contender if he recreates the form that saw him win at Warwick in his last race a year ago.

Big race prediction: 15: Damalisque. 

22/1/21 Dundalk

 After a day's break the action returns with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where the highlight is the 7.00 when 14 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. Lovely Esteem showed promise when 4th at Leopardstown on debut at the end of July, this will be her first race in 6 months so she should improve and looks like the one to beat. Bella Coaster is the main threat both her runs have been at Dundalk including a 6th place finish over this races 7 furlong distance just 11 days ago and knowing the course well gives her an excellent chance. Ciao Naw made her debut here 49 days ago where she was 6th she will definitely improve and should not be overlooked while Mo Celita showed signs of being a good horse when 8th on debut here in late November despite having nothing extra in the final 100 yards this race should show us more of what she's got and she is an outsider.

Big race prediction: 5: Lovely Esteem. 

Dundalk Result

 Wednesday's selection Cisne was 3rd. The 11/1 chance was 3rd at the halfway stage and challenged the leader from 2 furlongs out but she found no extra pace in the closing stages and the race was won by the 8/11 favourite Always Waitin who beat Dicey Mo Chara by a head.

 The racing takes a break with no Irish action on Thursday but there are 4 meetings in England at Lingfield,Ludlow, Wincanton and Newcastle for your enjoyment. The next meeting I will preview is at Dundalk on Friday that will be up on Thursday evening. 

20/1/21 Dundalk

 My selection for Tuesday Stand Off was 4th. The 10/3 favourite was up with the leaders until a mistake at the 6th saw him drop back,he improved to challenge again but another mistake at the last ended his chances and he just about held on to 4th. The race was won by the 7/2 shot Broomfields Jeremy who came home by an easy 13 lengths.

 There are 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday with the main event being the 5.45 when 8 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. Cisne showed promise when she was 2nd on debut on this course 9 days ago she goes up in trip to take on the full mile here and should go well. Oh Say was a very creditable second when last seen over this course and distance 40 days ago and he could go one better here. There are two other main challengers, Always Waitin hasn't been seen since mid November when he was 2nd on this course but he definitely has the talent to be a threat while Kasansay was 8th on debut here 61 days ago he is definitely going to improve and should not be overlooked.  Two make their first starts in this one Soonerthebetter and Dicey Mo Chara both look useful on paper and it will be interesting to see if either can mount a serious challenge. 

Big race prediction: 7: Cisne.

19/1/21 Clonmel

 Monday's selection at Punchestown Mahler Allstar was unfortunately a non runner. The race was won very easily by the 4/1 chance Pure Genius who beat the favourite Fantasio D'alene by a massive 52 lengths. 

 Clonmel stages Tuesday's meeting where the highlight of a 7 race card is the 2.35 when 10 begin the Munster Rated Novice Hurdle. Stand Off was a winner on this course at the beginning of December in only his second hurdles race he should improve further and will go well again. Broomfields Jeremy is a useful hurdler who looked good when finishing 3rd at Punchestown on his season reappearance 39 days ago and on form he has a good chance.  Tucanae had a good end to last year with a second at Galway followed by a win at Fairyhouse in November,his last run saw him fall before the first bend when favourite at Limerick on Boxing Day and if he has fully recovered from that then he will be very competitive here. An outsider to keep an eye on is French Light who makes his UK hurdles debut here after having a good career in America where he won twice over hurdles at Colonial Downs and Saratoga so he shouldn't have a problem in this one and is a good shout. 

Big race prediction: 10: Stand Off.

18/1/21 Punchestown

 On Sunday the big race at Punchestown wasn't the one we all hoped for. Asterion Forlonge was leading until he fell at the first leaving the 1/2 favourite Envoi Allen in front. Fills D'Oudairies tried to challenge but he couldn't get close enough and my selection eventually came home by 3 1/2 lengths making it 12 wins on the bounce.

 Punchestown is also the venue to kick off the racing week with 7 races where the big one is the 3.15 when 9 start the Ladbrokes Watch Racing Online For Free Maiden Hurdle. Mahler Allstar is a promising horse who was 3rd on his hurdles debut at Leopardstown 20 days ago he goes significantly up in trip here but that will definitely suit him. The main danger is Fantasio D'Alene who was a very good second when last seen at Naas 58 days ago he also goes up in trip here and will go close. Pure Genius needs to improve after being a below par 3rd on this course in a novice hurdle at the beginning of December but any slip up could let him in. The other one with a slight chance is Sean Hogan who was 5th in a novice hurdle on only his second appearance at Down Royal 32 days ago more improvement is expected here but it will have to be a brilliant performance to win.

Big race prediction: 4: Mahler Allstar. 

17/1/21 Punchestown

 On Saturday my selection Chatham Street Lad came 3rd. The 7/4 favourite led from 4 out but a mistake at the second last saw him drop back. He was 3rd at the final obstacle and saw Daly Tiger win the race by 5 lengths. 

 If you love racing as much as I do then stop what your doing at 12.50 on Sunday afternoon as two of the biggest horses of 2020 go head to head in the second big race of 2021 the Sky Bet Killiney Novice Chase at Punchestown. Envoi Allen made it 11 wins from 11 starts and 2 from 2 over fences when he beat Assemble by 8 1/2 lengths to land the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse in November and despite facing stronger opposition here it's difficult to look past him. The challenge comes from Asterion Forlonge who knows Punchestown well after winning his fences debut here in mid November easily coming home by 6 lengths he was also a Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown back in February last year winning the Brave Inca by 9 1/2 lengths,his other wins have come at Thurles and Naas and were equally impressive he does though need to bounce back after falling 5 from home while leading in another Grade 1 at Limerick over Christmas but this very smart chaser will give Envoi Allen a run for his money.

Big race prediction: 1: Envoi Allen. 

16/1/21 Fairyhouse

 My final selection of the week Irwin won at Dundalk. The 4/9 favourite was in the middle of the pack early and made headway two furlongs out he led just before the final furlong and despite coming under pressure from Razdan he came home by a head.

 A big weekend begins with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday where the highlight is the 2.15 when 17 start the Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase. Chatham Street Lad has picked up 3 wins from 4 runs this season his best was at Cheltenham 35 days ago where he beat Midnight Shadow by 15 lengths to land the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup and he definitely looks like the best in this field. Front View is a decent horse who has had one win this season that was on this course in mid December he makes his handicap chase debut here and will definitely challenge his stablemate Entoucas is the other main challenger. He returns to the course where he was a very creditable 2nd to Sizing Pottsie 35 days ago that was his third second place finish in a row and he definitely has the talent to go one better here and should enter calculations. 

Big race prediction: 2: Chatham Street Lad. 

15/1/21 Dundalk

 After a day off the action returns on Friday with 8 races at Dundalk where the highlight is the 5.45 when 14 begin the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Maiden. Irwin showed promise when finishing 3rd over this course and race distance on debut 30 days ago he will definitely improve and looks like the one to beat here. The main challenger is Razdan who was 8th on this course when last seen at the end of October despite that he has more to offer and if he recaptures the form that saw him finish 2nd at Leopardstown in August he will have a good chance. The other one with a claim is Virtual Hug who despite remaining winless after 7 runs on the flat was a very creditable 4th on this course on his last run 49 days ago he knows the track well and shouldn't be overlooked. Two make their debuts here Moonlight Charge and El C Wells both look good enough on paper to upset the odds.

Big race prediction: 4: Irwin.

Naas Result

 On Wednesday my selection Bob Olinger won the big race at Naas. The 6/4 favourite was 3rd early on and improved to dispute the lead approaching the 2nd last. He led and went clear soon after staying on well and easily coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 The week slows down with no racing in Ireland on Thursday however there are meetings at Catterick, Bangor-On-Dee,Fontwell and Chelmsford for your entertainment. The next Irish races are at Dundalk on Friday my preview of that meeting will be up on Thursday night.

13/1/21 Naas

 On Tuesday my selection Dreal Deal was a non runner. In the race the 4/9 favourite Sizing Pottsie fell at the last when he was 8 lengths in front allowing the 11/4 shot Percy Warner to win beating Low Sun by 1/2 a length. 

 These days it's unusual to have top class Grade one action on a weekday afternoon but due to postponements that's exactly what we have to look forward to at Naas on Wednesday when at 2.20 8 line up for the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle. Bob Olinger has had a promising career with two wins from 3 runs including at Navan when last seen in mid December where he finished a very easy 14 lengths in front,he should take the step up in class in his stride and is definitely the one to beat here. Blue Lord had a successful career in France before moving to the stable of Willie Mullins where he had a winning start over hurdles at Punchestown at the end of November,he has potential and will definitely challenge. The other one with a big chance is Ashdale Bob who picked up two wins at Navan at the end of 2020 including his career best in a Grade 2 hurdle in December and he definitely could make it 3 in a row here.

Big race prediction: 3: Bob Olinger. 

12/1/21 Fairyhouse

 Monday's selection Visualisation was 3rd. The 6/4 favourite chased the leaders early and was 5th by halfway,he was under pressure in the last couple of furlongs but held on for 3rd despite finding no extra pace in the final furlong. 

 The meeting at Fairyhouse called off on Saturday now takes place on Tuesday and the highlight is the 1.20 when just 5 start the Fairyhouse Racing From Home Webpage Hurdle. Dreal Deal is a very promising horse with 3 wins from 3 runs this season his last was his career best at Cork 72 days ago where he was an easy 5 1/2 length victor and he looks like the one to beat here. Sizing Pottsie picked up a win on this course and over this races 2 mile distance when last seen 31 days ago he switches from chasing to hurdles and should go well again. Percy Warner looked impressive when winning on debut at Navan in mid December he should definitely improve and challenge in this one. Of the other two neither should be discounted, Never Do Nothing returns after finishing 5th to Call Me Lyreen at Naas 52 days ago and he has won over hurdles in his career while Low Sun is a course and distance winner who moves significantly down in trip after a 16th placed finish over 3 miles at Navan 38 days ago but he still has a chance.

Big race prediction: 4: Dreal Deal.

11/1/21 Dundalk

 A brand new week begins with an 8 race card at Dundalk, the highlight is at 5.00 when 15 start the Follow Us On Twitter @Dundalkstadium Maiden. Visualisation made an encouraging debut when 6th on this course and over this races distance 49 days ago and he should definitely improve here. Two make there first starts in this one and look interesting on paper, Star Harbour is a half brother to both Mind Of Madness and Reticent Angel who won over 5 furlongs in their careers so he is worth a look while Thrumps Dream has 1 1/2 mile winner Cascebel as a half sister so she should go well here. Of the others with form Bella Coaster was 7th on her debut on this course 45 days ago despite a slow start she did make some headway and if she picks up some final furlong pace she can definitely challenge. 

Big race prediction: 5: Visualisation. 

Naas inspection

 Sadly the Grade 1 Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle won't take place on Sunday as after an early afternoon inspection on Saturday the meeting was called off because the track is still frozen. The card is now scheduled to take place on Wednesday. 

There are meetings at Southwell and Exeter to look forward to on Sunday,the next Irish meeting should be at Dundalk on Monday my preview of that will be up tomorrow night.

8/1/21 Result

 On Friday my selection Chateau Musar won,the 3/1 favourite made his challenge just over a furlong out he moved into the lead keeping on well inside the final 110 yards beating Blackstone Cliff by 3/4 of a length. 

 Unfortunately the 8 race card scheduled for Fairyhouse on Saturday was abandoned at lunchtime on Friday due to a frozen track it has be rescheduled for Tuesday however there should be 5 meetings in England including the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow which should have taken place on Boxing day there is a precautionary inspection at 8am on Saturday morning. 

The meeting at Clonmel that was due to take place yesterday will now go ahead on January 19th and if Sunday's meeting at Naas is called off that will take place on January 13th the track is currently unfit for racing.

8/1/21 Dundalk

 My selection Stand Off didn't race on Thursday because the card at Clonmel was abandoned due to the track being frozen. 

 A slow week comes to an end on Friday with 8 races at Dundalk the main event is the 7.00 when 17 begin the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap. Chateau Musar was a course and distance winner here in November where he only came home by a nose and he was a very good third when last seen also on this Dundalk course 21 days ago so he is definitely on the shortlist. Canning also had a good run at Dundalk in mid December where he was a good third and a slight drop in trip gives him an excellent chance here. Gormanston looks like a competitive horse who's last 6 runs have all been at Dundalk three second place finishes were followed up by a close victory 21 days ago and he will definitely go well again. The only other one with a good chance is Blackstone Cliff who returns to the track where he last won back in mid November he was also 5th when Chateau Musar won 46 days ago and he will run well.

Big race prediction: 7: Chateau Musar.

At the moment the meeting at Fairyhouse on Saturday is on but there is an inspection at noon on Friday to see if it goes ahead and I will let you know the outcome in tomorrow nights post.

7/1/21 Clonmel

 After a few days break the action returns on Thursday with 7 races at Clonmel. The highlight is at 1.50 when 10 start the Munster Rated Novice Hurdle. Stand Off has had 1 win from 2 runs this season that was on this course 35 days ago where he came home by 1 1/2 lengths and he should go well again. Tucanae is a useful hurdler who picked up her only win this season at Fairyhouse back in November and despite not reaching the first bend when favourite at Limerick on Boxing day she should still be right up there here. The other main challenger is Gevrey who's only career win came at Limerick in the middle of November where he was 1/2 a length in front,his last run was a very creditable 3rd at Punchestown 30 days ago and he will definitely give another good account here. The other one who has a chance is Balinaboola Steel who has already had 4 wins from 11 runs this season his last was in a hurdle at Limerick in October and even though he finished 7th when last seen at Thurles 18 days ago he could still surprise the field.

Big race prediction: 9: Stand Off.

3/1/21 Result

 On Sunday my selection Salsaretta was 5th. The 4/6 favourite chased the leaders early on  and was 3rd at the halfway stage. She dropped to 4th from 5 out and made no further impression. The race was won by the 10/1 chance Agusta Gold.

 After today's meeting at Fairyhouse there is no more racing in Ireland until a 7 race card at Clonmel on Thursday,my preview for that will be up on Wednesday night. Until then there is plenty of English action with meetings at Lingfield, Ludlow and Kempton anong those taking place.

3/1/21 Fairyhouse

 On Saturday my selection Commentariolus came 4th. The 6/1 shot tracked the leaders and was 4th approaching the 7th he was pushed along and made brief headway but a slight mistake 3 out saw him drop back he made no further impression and the race was won by the 4/1 chance Koshari. 

 The weekend ends with 7 races at Fairyhouse where the feature is the 2.50 when 7 start the John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase. Salsaretta is a useful mare who won 4 in a row over fences last season.Her return in a handicap chase at Punchestown in mid November can be put to one side as she fell at the first but she will definitely bounce back here and has an excellent chance,her stablemate the other Willie Mullins trained runner Cabaret Queen will be the one to challenge. She is another smart chaser who arrives in good form she was a winner by a nose at Listowel in September and she followed that up with a second at Clonmel 52 days ago and she will go well again. The one who could spilt the Mullins runners is Shattered Love who beat Cabaret Queen by 10 lengths at Clonmel and then had a rare run over hurdles at Navan 29 days ago where she was 12th but moving back to fences here means she deserves respect.

Big race prediction: 1: Salsaretta.

2/1/21 Cork

 On Friday my selection Al Boum Photo won the Savills New Year's Day Chase for the third time in a row. The 2/9 favourite went into the lead 2 out and kept on strongly on the run-in comfortably coming home by 19 lengths and he is now an early 9/2 favourite to pick up his third Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. 

 The first weekend of the year begins with 7 races at Cork where the highlight is at 2.13 when 9 start the Gain Handicap Hurdle. Commentariolus looked good when finishing 4th on this course 41 days ago that race was also over 2 miles 4 furlongs the same as this one so he is definitely on the shortlist. Bon Retour looks like the main challenger his last win was at Galway back in July and he was a respectable 7th on his reappearance at Navan 28 days ago and he definitely has a very good chance here. The other one to look at is Funky Dady who was a winner at Punchestown at the end of October and a creditable 9th at Leopardstown just 5 days ago and returning to action so quickly means he should be respected. The outsider of the bunch is Madison To Monroe who was 4th in a hurdle at Limerick a week ago and makes his handicap hurdle debut here but he will need a big run to make an impression. 

Big race prediction: 4: Commentarious.