1/4/21 Clonmel

 Wednesday's selection Alghazaal finished second. The 9/2 chance was prominent and led after 5 furlongs,he faced a strong challenge from a furlong out and despite keeping on well he was passed in the final 110 yards and with nothing extra he was beaten by Thunder Kiss who came home by a length. 

 There are 7 races at Clonmel on Thursday where the highlight is at 6.35 when 17 begin the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase. Marshalled was a very good second on this course when last seen 28 days ago and he should go one better this time. Macs Legend was a 10 length second to Nicole's Milan (who goes again here) in a handicap hurdle on this course at the beginning of March,he makes the switch to chasing here and has a good chance. Diggin Deep was in with a very good shout until he unseated his rider at the last in a handicap chase at Leopardstown 24 days ago,that was his first run for 400 days and for a new yard and he can definitely build on that here. The other one in with a chance is Rock On Barney who has picked up 3 wins from 10 runs this season his last was in a chase at Wetherby in December and despite being a below form 3rd at Leopardstown last time he can still challenge. 

Big race prediction: 4: Marshalled. 

31/3/21 Dundalk

 After a 2 day break the Irish racing week finally gets underway with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where the highlight is the 5.30 when 12 begin the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap. Alghazaal was at his best when picking up the only win of his career so far over this course and race distance back in early October, despite being off 173 days he has to be taken seriously. Blue Shadow enjoys running at Dundalk he was a winner here in November and that was followed up by a very good third at the end of the same month,he goes back down in trip here and can definitely make his presence felt. The other danger is Drakensberg who is looking for a hat-trick after two wins on this course in February his last by 3/4 of a length 42 days ago,he also finished a good third here in January so he definitely has an excellent chance and will battle all the way.

Big race prediction: 7: Alghazaal. 

28/3/21 Results

 The weekend ended on a brilliant note for all my selections. At Naas Parent's Prayer was 2nd,the 5/1 chance led early but was challenged 2 furlongs out she was passed in the final 150 yards and lost to Epona Plays by 1 3/4 lengths. At Limerick Chatham Street Lad won,the 1/1 favourite went clear 2 out he stayed on well and easily came home by 11 lengths while Belle Metal also won,the 8/13 favourite moved into the lead a furlong out and went clear beating Powpowfizz by 8 lengths. 

 After Sunday's action there is nothing scheduled to begin the week. On Monday there are meetings in England at Wincanton, Fontwell,Stratford and Wolverhampton while on Tuesday Newcastle, Warwick, Fakenham and another card at Wolverhampton provide the action. The next racing in Ireland is at Dundalk on Wednesday my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night.

28/3/21 Naas + Limerick

 Saturday can be chalked off as a poor day with my tip Hell Bent finishing 12th. Despite being upset in the stalls he was prominent and was 6th approaching the straight however he had nothing extra from just over a furlong out and weakened. The 7/4 favourite Team Of Firsts won by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 Another jam packed Sunday sees 8 races at both Naas and Limerick. The feature at Naas is the 4.00 when 8 begin the Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes. Parent's Prayer is a progressive horse who signed off last season with a win over this course and race distance back in October,she returns after 161 days and definitely has more to offer and gets the nod ahead of Fantasy Lady who's last run was a win at The Curragh where she came home by a short head. This improving horse also makes her season return here and should not be taken lightly. The pick of the rest is Eylara who made a promising debut finishing second at Gowran Park in September, she built on that when winning by 2 lengths at Leopardstown 155 days ago. She should improve and be in the mix here. Over at Limerick the highlight comes at 5.30 when 10 start the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Flat Race. Belle Metal was an impressive 12 length winner on debut at Naas 74 days ago,she will definitely improve and is the one to beat here. Boothan Boy looks like the main threat he was a very good second on debut at Navan earlier this month he can definitely build on that and will be up there in this one. The one who could spring a surprise is Silas Marner who showed potential when finishing second at Leopardstown 21 days ago despite being 7 1/2 lengths behind the winner Dark Raven don't overlook him. The other big race on the card comes before the main event at 4.20 when just 5 line-up for the Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase. The standout horse is Chatham Street Lad who finished 4th in the Marsh Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and despite the quick turnaround he should be too good for his rivals. Of those Full Time Score is the one who could challenge he is looking for a hat-trick after wins at Fairyhouse and Gowran Park and could spoil the party. 

Big race predictions: Naas: 2: Parent's Prayer  Limerick: 4.20: 2: Chatham Street Lad 

                                                                                                       5.30: 10: Belle Metal.

27/3/21 Navan

 It wasn't a good end to the week with my tip Russian River coming 5th. The 13/2 shot led early but had dropped to 3rd by the final furlong. She made no further impression dropping two more places by the finish,To Glory the 9/4 favourite won by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 Navan kicks off the weekend with 8 races on Saturday where the feature is at 3.35 when 19 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. Hell Bent is a promising horse who was fifth on debut at Cork back in October, he returns after 165 days off and goes up in trip but should progress further here. Kailash was third in that same Cork race and went on to finish a very good second at The Curragh in November and is definitely the main challenger. Team Of Firsts is another good horse who was 2nd when last seen at Naas at the beginning of November he also finished 4th on debut here in October and should definitely improve in this one. The other to consider in a big field is Skilled Warrior who returned after a 203 day break to finish 3rd at Dundalk 29 days ago,he goes significantly up in trip here and should not be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 4: Hell Bent.

26/3/21 Dundalk

 Thursday was an excellent day with my selection Bapaume winning. The 1/7 favourite made all the running travelling smoothly, he stayed on well easily beating Hammersmith by 9 lengths. 

 Another week ends with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where the feature is the 6.30 when 11 start the Hollywoodbets Horse Racing and Sports Betting Median Auction. Russian River is a promising horse who won on this course by 3/4 of a length when last seen back in November, she goes significantly up in trip here and gets the nod. San Martino had a reasonable 2020 but ended the season with a below form 7th in the Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown in October, he's been off for 153 days but deserves respect on this his polytrack debut. Rebel Step last won at Thurles in October but this useful colt was a very good 4th over this course and race distance 21 days ago and he should go well again. The other one with a decent chance is Catena Zapata who won by a neck here in mid December over this races distance. Despite being off for 100 days he should show further improvement and will challenge. 

Big race prediction: 9: Russian River. 

25/3/21 Cork

 After a point-to-point day Cork hosts 8 races on Thursday where the highlight is the 2.30 when 5 begin the Follow Us On Instagram @corkracecourse Hurdle. Bapaume is a smart chaser who was a little below form when finishing 11th in a handicap chase at Leopardstown 46 days ago however he switches to hurdles and goes down in trip here and he shouldn't have any trouble. Department Of War looks like the main threat, he has picked up one win from his three hurdles starts that was at Down Royal by 4 1/2 lengths in January 2020,he was a well-beaten last in the Johnstown Novices Hurdle at Naas when last seen 13 months ago after reportedly breaking a blood vessel if he has recovered significantly and he's on song he can definitely challenge. Of the rest the only one with a big chance is Hammersmith who last ran just 4 days ago when he was fourth in a handicap at The Curragh. He switches from the flat back to hurdles here and should go well.

Big race prediction: 2: Bapaume. 

23/3/21 Result

 Tuesday was another good day with my selection Robin Des Foret winning. The 8/13 favourite was 3rd entering the straight and he was on terms and travelling well 2 out. He was narrowly ahead at the last and kept on well under pressure on the run-in beating Westerner Point by a head.

 Wednesday is a point-to-point day at Tipperary with meetings in England at Haydock, Market Rasen and Hereford for your entertainment. The next meeting under national hunt rules in Ireland is at Cork on Thursday my preview of that will be up tomorrow night. 

23/3/21 Clonmel

 After a poor Sunday my first tip of the week Nazine won. The 5/2 favourite tracked the leaders early and took the lead just before the 4th last. He wasn't fluent but asserted his authority again 2 out,he kept on well and comfortably came home by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 The week continues with 7 races at Clonmel on Tuesday where the highlight comes at 5.05 when 6 begin the Download The Boylesports App Chase. Robin Des Foret is a smart chaser who was a below form 4th in a hurdle at Thurles way back in October,he switches from hurdles to chasing here and is the one to beat. Westerner Point has picked up 12 wins in his 41 runs but was 15th on his season return in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown 22 days ago,he also makes the switch to chasing here and should go well. Defi Bleu achieved his career best win in a novice chase at Wexford 13 days ago and can definitely make his presence felt. The other one to look at in a highly competitive field is Line Out who is a useful chaser looking for a hat-trick after wins at Ballinrobe and Punchestown, this will be his first run for 174 days but he still shouldn't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 5: Robin Des Foret.

22/3/21 Navan

 Sunday was a terrible day for my picks and I apologise to anyone who read my post last night and followed them. At Downpatrick Shady Operator didn't finish,the 11/4 favourite struggled throughout and fell 4 out leaving the 17/2 chance Fag An Bealach to win. At The Curragh Godhead finished a lowly 23rd,the 22/1 shot was disputing 7th 3 furlongs out but fell down the field over a furlong from the finish as he had no extra pace with the 8/1 chance Layfayette winning.

 We begin another week with 7 races at Navan where the feature contest is the 2.25 when 14 begin the Boyne Valley Maiden Hurdle. Nazine was a very good third over this course and race distance on debut 16 days ago he should build on that and go well again. Toughari is a fair hurdler who was 7th in his last race at Naas at the end of February but if he can recapture his late 2020 form which included a win at Fairyhouse then he will definitely challenge. Knight Of Malta is a promising horse who was second at Gowran Park when last seen 20 days ago he should build on that performance and give a good account here. An outsider to keep an eye on is Auckland who was a useful flat winner in his native Germany before moving to the yard of Anthony Mullins where his debut was a 9th at Gowran Park 20 days ago,he should progress and shouldn't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 7: Nazine. 

21/3/21 Downpatrick + The Curragh

 My pick on Saturday Felix Desjy sadly didn't finish the race. The 5/6 favourite made a mistake at the 4th and dropped to the back after the next. He began to make some progress but unfortunately he fell 3 out,the race was won by the 14/1 chance I'm a Game Changer.

 Sunday is a busy day with 7 races at Downpatrick and 8 at The Curragh. The highlight at Downpatrick is the 3.47 when 18 line-up for the Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase. Shady Operator arrives after a win at Punchestown 35 days ago, he didn't need to be at his best that day but still gets the nod here ahead of last year's winner Space Cadet who was 3rd in that Punchestown race and won't be giving up his crown easily making him the main challenger. Amaulino enjoys this race winning it in 2019 and finishing second 12 months ago,despite making no significant impact this season he still has a good chance as another crack at this was his target all along. The other one with a chance is Kruzhlinin who looked very good when winning by 8 1/2 lengths at Navan at the beginning of this month and he should go well again. 

 The big race at The Curragh is at 4.10 when 27 begin the Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire. Godhead won two out of his three runs last year at Kempton and Chelmsford before moving to the yard of Adrian McGuinness where his first run was a below form 3rd at Dundalk 23 days ago,despite that a good run is expected here. Teed Up picked up 3 wins from 6 runs in 2020 his best was at Galway when last seen back in October, this is his first run for 146 days and he should stake a claim. The only other one with a good chance is Fame And Acclaim who has won over this course and distance in his career but after picking up 3 wins last year his season return was a disappointing last at Dundalk at the end of February,however his yard is in good form and he is a decent each-way contender. 

Big race predictions: Downpatrick: 5: Shady Operator  The Curragh: 9: Godhead.

20/3/21 Thurles

 The final day of the festival saw no favourites win. In the JCB Zanahiyr was 4th Quilixios won by 3 1/4 lengths. The Albert Bartlett saw Stattler also come 4th with Vanillier romping home by 11 lengths. The best favourite finish was Al Boum Photo who came 3rd in his bid for a hat-trick of Gold Cup wins Minella Indo won beating A Plus Tard by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 With the Cheltenham Festival over for another year it's back to Ireland on Saturday with 7 races at Thurles where the highlight is the 4.00 when 7 line-up for the Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase. Felix Desjy has won twice this season at Killarney and Punchestown but could only finish 8th in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown 42 days ago,despite that run he is the pick of the bunch here. Whatsnotoknow is a useful chaser who enjoys running here,a second at the end of January was followed up by a good third 33 days ago and he should definitely be considered. The other one with a big chance is Zarkareva another useful chaser who won twice towards the end of 2020 at Sligo by 16 lengths and Punchestown by 2 1/4 lengths however she could only finish 4th to Eldorado Allen in a grade 2 at Cheltenham when last seen back in November but she still shouldn't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 1: Felix Desjy. 

A quick thanks to all of you as this is my 200th post here.

Cheltenham day 4

 It was a poor day for favourites on Thursday with only one winning. In the Marsh Novices Envoi Allen surprisingly fell at the 4th with Chantry House going on to win. In the Ryanair Chase Allaho was the only favourite to come out on top well beating Fakir D'Oudairies by 12 lengths and in the Stayers Hurdle Paisley Park was 3rd the 12/1 chance Flooring Porter won.

 The final day of the festival on Friday sees 3 more grade one's,at 1.20 8 begin the JCB Triumph Hurdle. This is a fascinating contest with half the field putting unbeaten records on the line. Tritonic has made the perfect start over hurdles winning his debut at Ascot and building on that in the Adonis at Kempton last time and he is the one to beat here. Zanahiyr has won his first three starts over hurdles including the Knight Frank Juvenile at Leopardstown over Christmas and he definitely has strong claims. Quilixios is the other one with a big chance here his last win was in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in February by 5 1/2 lengths he has more to come and will challenge. The 2.30 sees 17 start the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle. This is a difficult race to call but Adrimel just gets the nod after he remained unbeaten over hurdles when taking the Leamington Novices Hurdle at Warwick in January and he should progress further here. Stattler won a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown in December before returning there in early February to be a fine third in a grade one race won by Gaillard Du Mesnil and he definitely has a good chance here as does Torygraph who is looking for a hat-trick after wins at Fairyhouse and Thurles strong finishes in both show he shouldn't be overlooked. The final big race of the festival is at 3.05 when 12 line-up for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Al Boum Photo is looking to win this race for the third time in a row after a success by a neck a year ago,he returned to action with a brilliant 19 length win in the New Year's Day Chase at Tramore and is the one to beat. A Plus Tard looked very good when winning the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December and having good festival form ( A winner in 2019 and third in the Ryanair in 2020) means he deserves respect. Royale Pagaille is an exciting horse who made it 3 out of 3 for the season with an impressive win in the Peter Marsh at Haydock at the end of January and he definitely has a good chance as do Champ,Minella Indo and Native River in a good looking race. With Cheltenham over we return to Irish racing at the weekend with my preview of Saturday's meeting at Thurles going up on Friday night.

Cheltenham day 3

 Wednesday was a mixed day with 2 out of 4 favourites winning. Bob Olinger won the opener the Ballymore Novices Hurdle by 7 1/2 lengths from Gaillard Du Mesnil while the other favourite to win was Monkfish who made it 7 victory's on the bounce taking the Brown Advisory Novices Chase by 6 1/2 lengths. The 2 favourites who didn't win were Chacun Pour Soi who finished 3rd in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Kilcruit who was 2nd to Sir Gerard in the Champion Bumper. 

 Cheltenham continues on Thursday with three Grade one's on the card,1.20 sees 8 line-up for the Marsh Novices Chase. The standout horse in the field is definitely Envoi Allen who made it 11 wins in a row and 3 out of 3 over fences when he easily won a grade 3 novice chase at Punchestown in January. He has won a race at the last two festivals and will be hard to beat here. The main challenger could be Shan Blue who completed a hat-trick of wins over fences in the grade 1 Kauto Star Novices Chase at Kempton on Boxing day and showed similar form when a 3 3/4 length second to Sporting John in the Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown when last seen in early February. The others who will fight for the minor places are Chatham Street Lad and Asterion Forlonge but this is definitely Envoi Allen's race. At 2.30 14 start the Ryanair Chase. Allaho looked back on track when beating Elimay by 3 lengths in the Kinloch Brae at Thurles at the end of January,he has finished 3rd in races at the last two festivals and is a major player here. Last year's winner Min goes again he won the John Durkan at Punchestown in December but a rare poor run in the Dublin Chase where he was pulled up just before the 8th at Leopardstown last month means he needs to bounce back and he should as he defends his crown. The other two in with a shot are Imperial Aura and Mister Fisher in another highly competitive race. The final grade one on Thursday comes at 3.05 when 15 begin the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle. Paisley Park is the leading staying hurdler a point underlined by his strong finish to win the Long Walk Hurdle by a neck at Ascot in December and he will be the one to beat as he looks to regain his crown after winning this race in 2019. Sire Du Berlais won the Pertemps final at last year's festival and the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan in November, he always runs well at Cheltenham and is a danger. Lisnagar Oscar won this race 12 months ago and looked back to his best when second to Third Wind in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock in February and he shouldn't be ruled out. There is one more day left and my preview of that will be up on Thursday night.

17/3/21 Cheltenham day 2

 It was a good day for the favourites at Cheltenham on Tuesday with 3 out of 4 winning. Appreciate It destroyed the field in the Supreme Novices beating Ballyadam by 24 lengths while Shishkin won the Arkle by 12 lengths with Eldorado Allen second. In the big race Honeysuckle made it 11 wins in a row beating Sharjah by 6 1/2 lengths and making Jockey Rachel Blackmore the first female to win the Champion Hurdle. The only favourite who didn't win was Concertista who lost the Mares Hurdle to Black Tears by a head in a thrilling finish.

 Day 2 at Cheltenham is just as busy as day 1 was with 4 more Grade One's. The first is at 1.20 when 7 line-up for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle. Here three standout. Bravemansgame completed a hat-trick of wins in fine style when he beat Star Gate by 10 lengths in the Challow Novices Hurdle at Newbury last time out and he has a good chance again,Gaillard Du Mesnil has made rapid progress in his three runs over hurdles and was an easy 5 length winner in a grade one at Leopardstown when last seen in early February and he definitely has more to come. The other big horse in the race is Bob Olinger who was a convincing winner of the Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle in January beating Blue Lord by 6 1/2 lengths and he was a 10 length winner when last seen at Gowran Park in March and he will go well again in what will be a fascinating race. The next big race is at 1.55 when 6 start the Brown Advisory Novices Chase and this race is all about one horse. Monkfish won the Albert Bartlett at the festival last year and has improved winning all three starts over fences this season most notably the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December and the Flogas Novice Chase also at Leopardstown in February romping home by 11 lengths and he should have no trouble here. The minor places should be fought over by The Big Breakaway and Eklat De Rire but this is Monkfish's to loose. The biggest race of day 2 is at 3.05 when 10 begin the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. Chacun Pour Soi is a top class chaser who made it a hat-trick of wins this season at Leopardstown last month taking the Dublin Chase by 8 lengths and he should make it four here. Notebook won the Poplar Square Chase at Naas by 12 lengths in November but was no match for Chacun Pour Soi in his two grade one runs since but he should be in the mix here as should last years winner Politologue who also captured his second Tingle Creek at Sandown before finishing a very creditable 2nd in the Clarence House at Ascot and should give a good account here. The final grade one of another busy day is at 4.50 when 15 contest the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. This looks like a straight fight between two Willie Mullins horses,Kilcruit was an impressive 12 length winner in the Goffs Future Stars at Leopardstown in February his only run this year and he looks like the one to beat although new stablemate Sir Gerhard has stormed to victory in 2 bumpers at Down Royal and last time out at Navan and he definitely has more to come with Three Stripe Life the other key player. Another fascinating day is in prospect so sit back and enjoy.

Cheltenham day 1 part 2

 After my post last night the preview of day one continues with the highlight of the day being at 3.05 when 10 go to post for the Unibet Champion Hurdle. Honeysuckle made it 10 wins from 10 starts in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in February beating Abacadabras by 10 lengths and she should make it 11 here although last years winner Epatante might have something to say about that she won the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on her season return and was second at Kempton last time out and she will battle all the way. Goshen looks the best of the rest after his very easy 22 length win in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last month. The final grade one of the opening day is at 3.40 when 11 start the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle. Concertista was a 12 length winner of the Dawn Run here a year ago and she has improved this season easily seeing off Minella Melody by 6 1/2 lengths to win at Leopardstown in December and she looks hard to beat here. Roksana won this race in 2019 and was 4th last year,her last run was an 8 length win at Ascot in January and if she can reproduce that form here over a shorter distance she can definitely challenge. Dame De Compagnie won the Coral Cup at the 2020 festival and beat Cornerstone Lad on her season return and chase debut at Ayr in January,she returns to action after unseating her rider at Sandown in early February but is definitely open to improvement on her hurdles return. With Great White Shark and Minella Melody also in the field this looks like a good race. That's day one done but there are four more big races on Wednesday my preview of those will be up on Tuesday night. 

Cheltenham Day 1 part 1

 Sunday was a mixed day for my picks. At Naas Saturnas was 12th,the 13/2 chance made several mistakes during the 3 miles and made no impression the race was won by the 17/2 shot Scoir Mear. Over at Limerick Scarlet And Dove won. The 8/11 favourite went clear just after the second last and easily came home beating Minx Tiara by 7 lengths. 

 Despite meetings at Punchestown, Down Royal, Wexford and Dundalk this coming week all eyes including this blogs will be on the biggest meeting of the year so far the Cheltenham Festival. Day 1 on Tuesday has 4 Grade One's to look forward to. The opener at 1.20 sees 8 line-up for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle. This race looks like a battle between two who are unbeaten over hurdles,Metier comes here after a brilliant 12 length win in the grade one Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown at the beginning of the year and he is looking for four in a row here as is Appreciate It who's last win was by an impressive 3 1/4 lengths in the grade one Chanelle Pharma Novices Hurdle at Leopardstown last month. The Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory is the other big horse in this highly competitive race. The next race at 1.55 sees 6 start the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase. The absence of Energumene sadly robs us of what could have been the race of the meeting and this now looks straightforward for Shishkin who has easily won all 3 starts this season his latest being by 8 1/2 lengths at Doncaster in January and he should give trainer Nicky Henderson a 7th win in this race. Of the rest Allmankind and Captain Guinness should contest the minor places. There are 2 more standout contests on day 1 I will preview those on Monday night. 

14/3/21 Naas + Limerick

 It was another disappointing day on Saturday with my selection Daly Tiger finishing last. The 3/1 chance didn't have a fluent run and made no impression. The race was won by Any Second Now who easily came home by 10 lengths. 

 It's another busy day on Sunday with 8 races at Naas and 7 at Limerick. The big race at Naas comes at 2.30 when 16 begin the baroneracing.com Leinster National Handicap Chase. Saturnas was a very good 4th when last seen at Gowran Park 45 days ago,he has won on this course in his career that was way back in 2016 but his yard is in good form and he definitely needs considering. Class Conti was 3rd in that same Gowran Park race at the end of January he is another Willie Mullins trained runner so is worth a look. Scoir Mear last won at Wexford back in October and was a respectable 5th when last seen at Leopardstown 35 days ago and he can definitely make his presence felt here. The other one with a chance is Ten Ten who was a good second at Fairyhouse at the end of February, switching from hurdles to chasing and going back up in trip means he shouldn't be overlooked. 

 If the track passes a 7.30am inspection then the feature at Limerick comes at 2.45 when 7 line-up for the Charleville Cheese Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase. Scarlet And Dove is a useful chaser who has picked up 2 wins from 5 runs this season, her last was at Navan just 8 days ago by an easy 7 lengths despite going significantly up in trip she will be difficult to beat. Avellino picked up her only win this season at Clonmel at the beginning of this month,she definitely has more to offer and is one of the main challengers here, the other is Minx Tiara who picked up her career best win when romping home by 14 lengths on her fences debut at Thurles 17 days ago she should improve further and challenge here. 

Big race predictions: Naas: 2: Saturnas  Limerick: 1: Scarlet And Dove.

13/3/21 Navan

 Friday was a poor day for my selections, at Gowran Park Dinny Lacey was up with the leaders but after a mistake at the 3rd he weakened and he was pulled up before 3 out while at Dundalk Pure Nature was 5th. The 10/3 shot never really made any headway and was last entering the final furlong he picked up a place in the closing stages but had to watch the 11/4 chance Grandmaster Flash win the race. 

 Saturday sees 8 races at Navan where the standout contest comes at 3.55 when just 5 begin the Webster Cup Chase. Daly Tiger is a smart chaser who has 2 wins from 4 runs this season his latest came at Fairyhouse in January by 5 lengths. He was last seen at Naas 13 days ago where he was second in the Newlands Chase and he should go well here. Castlegrace Paddy won this race a year ago and returned to win here in November. He was a 16 length second to Bachasson in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park 11 days ago but he is still the main challenger here. Any Second Now needs to bounce back after being pulled up just before the third last at Gowran Park in January, he goes significantly down in trip here and has something to prove. The other two in the field are both coming back after long breaks,Moon Over Germany was 12th at Listowel when last seen 169 days ago he makes the switch to chasing here and has a chance while Ornua was a well-beaten 4th in the Fortria Chase on this course 125 days ago he should bounce back but it's a tough task.

Big race prediction: 3: Daly Tiger. 

12/3/21 Gowran Park + Dundalk

 On Thursday my selection Low Lie The Fields was a non runner. The big race was won by Whirling Dervish the 9/2 chance beat Kellyiscool by 3/4 of a length. 

 It's another busy day on Friday with 8 races at both Gowran Park and Dundalk. The feature contest at Gowran Park comes at 3.55 when 15 line-up for the Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase. Dinny Lacey last tasted victory at Limerick back in December,his last run was a very good second at Punchestown 26 days ago. He makes his handicap chase debut here and has a very good chance. Minella Till Dawn was at his best when winning by 4 1/2 lengths at Naas in mid February, another good performance is expected here as he looks for two in a row. Rebel Gold has picked up 3 wins from 7 runs this season and is another one looking for two in a row after a 2 1/2 length victory on this course 43 days ago,he also makes his handicap chase debut and is definitely one to consider. 

 Over at Dundalk their big race is the 6.30 when 6 begin the dundalkstadium.com Handicap. Pure Nature enjoys running at Dundalk having won three times here in her career including her last run in early December when she came home by 6 lengths and she looks like the one to beat again. There are two main dangers, Grandmaster Flash won by 5 lengths here 21 days ago and going down in trip means he's worth considering while The Mouse Doctor also won over this course and distance when last seen in early February and he should give another good account of himself in this one.

Big race predictions: Gowran Park: 7: Dinny Lacey  Dundalk: 4: Pure Nature. 

11/3/21 Thurles

 In Wednesday's big race my selection Feelgood Island was 2nd. The 3/1 favourite led early and looked comfortable until 2 out,he was soon passed and was 3rd at the last. He picked up a place on the run-in but was no match for the winner Bythesametoken who came home by 1/2 a length. 

 Thurles hosts 7 races on Thursday with the big contest coming at 5.15 when 11 begin the Thurles Handicap Hurdle. Low Lie The Fields is looking for a hat-trick of wins after a 3 3/4 length victory at Limerick and 3 1/2 lengths at Punchestown when last seen in mid January. He moves further up in trip here and should win again. Beyond The Law ran well early but faded to finish 7th at Naas 11 days ago but if he spreads out his performance and is ridden less aggressively he definitely has a good chance. Kellyiscool looked good on his first run for a new yard at Fairyhouse 12 days ago,the fifth place finish was his first run in 26 months and if he can back up that run with another good performance here then he shouldn't be ruled out. The only other one who could challenge for the top places is Snugsborough Benny who was a very good fifth on his last run at Galway 7 months ago he switches to hurdles here and needs to improve. 

Big race prediction: 6: Low Lie The Fields.

10/3/21 Wexford

 Tuesday didn't go well with my selection Priory Park coming 4th. The 2/1 favourite led entering the straight but was soon pressed,he dropped to 3rd and a slight mistake at the last saw him loose another place and with no extra pace he saw the 4/1 chance Cregane Ned win the race. 

 Wexford stages the midweek card where the highlight of 7 races comes at 3.25 when 11 line-up for the Michael O'Murchadha Memorial Handicap Hurdle. Feelgood Island last won at Down Royal back in December by 2 1/4 lengths,his last run was a very good third in a novice hurdle at Naas 25 days ago. He makes his handicap hurdle debut here and should go well. Bythesametoken picked up his last win at Tipperary in October,his best run since then was a very good second at Naas just 10 days ago and he should definitely be taken seriously here. Hybery last won on this course and over this races distance in August, he was last seen finishing a respectable 11th in a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown 73 days ago. Making his return here after a long break gives him a good chance. Looking at the rest of the field the one who stands out is Gold Des Bois he picked up his only career win at Clonmel in October with his last run being a creditable 5th at Leopardstown at the end of December and he has an outside chance here.

Big race prediction: 3: Feelgood Island. 

9/3/21 Clonmel

 The week got off to a good start with my tip Eurotiep winning. The 1/6 favourite made all the running,his lead was reduced 3 out but he asserted his authority again before the last. He kept on well coming home by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 There is a 7 race card at Clonmel on Tuesday where the highlight comes at 4.00 when 17 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. Priory Park is a promising horse who was a good 4th when last seen at Fairyhouse 29 days ago. He is definitely capable of further improvement and should go well here. New Society has won three times on the flat in his career and his two runs over hurdles have included a third at Punchestown just 8 days ago and he is the main threat. Runrized last ran at the beginning of January at Fairyhouse where he was pulled up before the second last,despite that run Willie Mullins perseveres with him so don't be surprised if he bounces back to top form here. Of the rest Dromleigh,God Help Us and Waldo all make their debuts here all can make their presence felt and should not be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 9: Priory Park.

8/3/21 Leopardstown

 Sunday's prediction Livelovelaugh came 2nd. The joint favourite led for most of the way but was pressed in the closing stages and was beaten in the final strides by the other favourite Mitchouka. 

 A second successive day of racing at Leopardstown begins another week and the highlight is at 2.20 when 6 begin the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle. Eurotiep picked up his second career win on his hurdles debut at Thurles 40 days ago,an easy 19 length win makes him the standout horse here and difficult to beat. Breakeven continued to show promise when winning a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse just 9 days ago and returning so soon gives him an excellent chance. Gevrey is a useful hurdler who's last win was by 1/2 a length in a hurdle at Limerick back in November, his last race was a very creditable 5th at Naas in mid February and he definitely shouldn't be overlooked.Colemanstown Lad makes his debut here and the half brother to Real Steel a smart hurdler and chaser in his own right should do well and is one to keep an eye on.

Big race prediction: 3: Eurotiep. 

7/3/21 Leopardstown

 Saturday was another good day with my pick Scarlet and Dove winning. The 6/5 favourite was up with the leaders most of the way and took the lead 2 out and was left clear. She stayed on well and easily won by 7 lengths. 

 The big race at Leopardstown on Sunday comes at 4.50 when 16 line-up for the Tri Equestrian Handicap Chase. Livelovelaugh last tasted victory at Cork back in 2018 but he was a very good third on this course when last seen 28 days ago and he should go well again. Minella Till Dawn has picked up one win from three runs this season that was by 4 1/2 lengths at Naas in February, the manner of that victory makes him the biggest threat so he shouldn't be overlooked. Mitchouka knows Leopardstown well this will be his third run in a row here he finished 6th at the end of December and a good fifth in a handicap chase 29 days ago,he goes back up in trip and can definitely challenge. The one who could upset the leading runners is Uisce Beatha who's one win from his two runs this season came here at Leopardstown on Boxing day where he came home by 1 3/4 lengths. He also finished a good 7th here 28 days ago and he has a good chance again.

Big race prediction: 3: Livelovelaugh. 

6/3/21 Navan

 The week ended on a good note with both my selections finishing in the top 3. At Fairyhouse Old Town Garde won. The 4/6 favourite was 4th at halfway but ran well to lead from 2 out. He was chased home by The Greek but managed to hold on winning by 3/4 of a length. Over at Dundalk Messidor was 3rd. The 5/4 favourite chased the leaders early and took the lead 2 furlongs out,she was passed by the 11/2 winner My Generation and lost second to Rocky Sky in the final strides. 

 Another packed weekend begins with 7 races at Navan on Saturday where the highlight will be at 3.58 when 8 begin the Flyingbolt Novice Chase. Scarlet And Dove is a smart chaser who's last victory came at Limerick in late December where she comfortably came home by 8 1/2 lengths, she was running really well when she unfortunately fell 2 out in a Grade 2 at Thurles at the end of January despite that on form she is the one to beat. Epson Du Houx won two in a row at Clonmel and Naas before finishing a below form 10th at Leopardstown when last seen 28 days ago,that run can be forgotten and he is the main challenger here. The pick of the rest is Recent Revelations who looked impressive when finishing runner-up on only his second start over fences at Thurles 19 days ago,he is definitely going to improve further so should be considered. 

Big race prediction: 8: Scarlet And Dove.

5/3/21 Fairyhouse + Dundalk

 Thursday saw another one of my picks win with Avellino taking the big race at Clonmel. The 4/7 favourite was 3rd at halfway taking the lead just before the second last. She kept on well on the run-in to extend her advantage eventually coming home by 12 lengths. 

 It's a bumper day on Friday with 8 races at both Fairyhouse and Dundalk. The highlight at Fairyhouse comes at 4.20 when 16 begin the Fairyhouse Website For Merchandise Maiden Hurdle. Old Town Garde looked a promising horse when 6th on debut at Naas 33 days ago,he should improve and is the one to beat. Stablemate The Greek has showed modest form in his last two races his best finish was a 5th when last seen at Sligo back in August, a 169 day break and this being his hurdles debut means he should not be ruled out here. The other one with a chance is Gipsi Joe who returns to the course where he finished 6th in a novice hurdle 11 days ago that was also over this races distance so he definitely cannot be ruled out of this one. The main event at Dundalk is at 7.30 when 8 line-up for the Hollywoodbets Patton Stakes. Messidor was at her best when winning on this course at the beginning of December and despite going up in trip she is still the best horse. Zozimus also enjoys this course his last run here was a 4 length win back in November and he should definitely be respected. The only other one with a chance is Lovely Esteem who's last run was a 2 1/2 length win on this course 42 days ago. She is definitely open to further improvement and could easily spring a surprise here.

Big race predictions: Fairyhouse: 13: Old Town Garde  Dundalk: 6: Messidor. 

4/3/21 Clonmel

 After a day's break the action continues on Thursday with 6 races at Clonmel where the highlight comes at 2.20 when 15 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. Avellino is a promising horse who was 3rd on her fences debut at Fairyhouse 24 days ago and she definitely looks like the one to beat here. Pepite De Belle picked up her only victory so far on this course in a maiden hurdle back in early December and she was a respectable 5th to Atlantic Fairy when last seen at Navan 11 days ago,this is her chase debut and she is the main challenger. An outsider to look at is Dubai Daisy who was travelling well until she was brought down by Gold Creek 6 out in a novice chase at Thurles a week ago,if she has recovered significantly from that she should go well again here but will need a big performance to trouble the main runners. 

Big race prediction: 1: Avellino. 

2/3/21 Result

 Tuesday was a good day as my pick Bachasson picked up his fifth win in a row taking the Red Mills Chase. The 4/11 favourite disputed the lead early and hit the front 4 out. From there his victory was never in doubt and he eventually romped home by 16 lengths. 

 After today's card there is nothing scheduled in Ireland on Wednesday but there are English meetings at Wincanton,Lingfield, Musselburgh and evening racing at Kempton to keep you going. The next Irish meeting is 6 races at Clonmel on Thursday I will put up a preview on Wednesday night.

2/3/21 Gowran Park

 Monday saw the week get off to a good start with my selection Black Tears winning. The 2/5 favourite was 2nd 2 out,she travelled smoothly and led approaching the last. She stayed on well and comfortably came home by 5 lengths. 

 Tuesday sees 7 races at Gowran Park with the Red Mills Chase finally taking place. The big contest is at 3.50 when 6 line-up and the two representing Willie Mullins standout. Bachasson is a high-class chaser who is looking for his fifth win in a row after victory in the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas at the end of January,he is definitely the one to beat on his fences return. Stablemate Annamix was a below form 3rd to Allaho in the Kinloch Brae at Thurles when last seen 34 days ago but he is the type to bounce back and should go well here. The rest of the field are battling for the minor places and of those Castlegrace Paddy is the one to look at he was a very creditable 5th in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown 65 days ago a race won by Chacun Pour Soi. He definitely has an outside chance here. 

Big race prediction: 1: Bachasson.