1/5/21 Punchestown

 On the penultimate day at Punchestown Bob Olinger was sadly a non runner leaving the 1/2 favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil to win by 2 1/4 lengths but Honeysuckle did run and what a performance it was. The 4/7 favourite made it 12 wins in a row beating Sharjah by 2 1/4 lengths with Epatante 10 lengths further behind in third a repeat of the Champion Hurdle places. Honeysuckle was immediately cut from 2/1 favourite to 11/4 to defend her crown at Cheltenham next year.

 The Irish jumps season and the Punchestown festival both come to an end on Saturday with two final group one's, the first is the 3.20 when 9 begin the Coolmore Kew Gardens Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle. Concertista is a smart hurdler who was a very close second to Black Tears in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle when last seen at Cheltenham 46 days ago and she sets the standard here. Her stablemate Stormy Ireland looked very impressive when winning the Underwriting Exchange Hurdle at Fairyhouse at the beginning of April and she should be the main challenger. The other one who could be a threat is Skyace she was at her best when winning the Novices Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse 27 days ago,she beat Gauloise by 1/2 a length that day and shouldn't be overlooked. The last group one of the festival and the Irish jump season is at 4.00 when 9 start the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle. Quilixios continued his unbeaten run when winning the Triumph Hurdle by 3 1/4 lengths,that was his first run for trainer Henry De Bromhead and he looks hard to beat. Haut En Couleurs was an excellent third in the Triumph after victory in France on debut, there is definitely more to come from him and he can show that here. Zanahiyr is the other challenger, he won his first 3 starts over hurdles including the Knight Frank Juvenile at Leopardstown over Christmas. He then switched to Denise Foster's yard where his first run was a fourth in the Triumph Hurdle and he could surprise the field in this one.

Big race predictions: 3.20: 2:Concertista   4.00: 6:Quilixios. 

30/4/21 Punchestown

 It was a mixed day at Punchestown on Thursday for my selections. In the 5.25 Flooring Porter failed to finish, the 10/3 favourite led early but made some slight mistakes which saw him weaken before the straight and he was pulled up at the last,the 5/1 chance Klassical Dream won by 9 lengths. At the other end of the scale Energumere left the field in his wake winning the Ryanair Novice Chase by a massive 16 lengths.

 It's another busy day at Punchestown on Friday with two more grade one's,at 5.25 8 line-up for the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle. This is all about one horse Honeysuckle,this top-class mare made it 11 wins from 11 starts in impressive fashion taking the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham the 7th grade one of her career. She beat most of this races field that day and will be very hard to beat again. Abacadabras failed to show what he could do at Cheltenham falling at the 3rd but this smart hurdler bounced back to win the Aintree Hurdle by 1 1/4 lengths 22 days ago and he could be the main challenger. The other threat is Goshen who looked good when winning the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in February but was a disappointing 8th at Cheltenham however a return to a right-handed track here will suit but he will still need a big performance to challenge. At 6.00 6 begin the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle. This race is also about one horse the brilliant Bob Olinger,he picked up his hat-trick win with a decisive display in the Ballymore at Cheltenham last month and should win again here. Gaillard Du Mesnil was a 7 1/2 length second in the same Cheltenham race and despite being a grade one winner at Leopardstown in February he should finish second here too. The best of the rest is Ashdale Bob who looked back on good form when taking a grade 2 at Fairyhouse on his return at the beginning of this month although it looks like he will only be fighting for minor honours here.

Big race predictions: 5.25: 8: Honeysuckle  6.00: 2: Bob Olinger. 

29/4/21 Punchestown

 On Wednesday at Punchestown it was a better day for my picks with two winning. Galopin Des Champs destroyed the field in the 5.20 easily coming home by 12 lengths the 13/8 favourite beat Gentleman's Game. In the Punchestown Gold Cup Al Boum Photo was 2nd,the 6/4 favourite made a slight mistake at the last allowing Clan Des Obeaux to get away the 10/3 shot won by 1 1/2 lengths. Finally in the 6.30 Kilcruit won,the 11/8 chance kept on strongly in the final furlong to beat O'Toole by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 Day 3 of the Punchestown festival on Thursday sees two more group one's, at 5.25 15 begin the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle. Flooring Porter is a high-class hurdler who made further progress when winning the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham by 3 1/4 lengths 42 days ago,that was his hat-trick victory and he is the one to beat here. Beacon Edge was an excellent 4th in the same Cheltenham hurdle in mid March and with more to offer he has to be considered. The other main threat is Ronald Pump,this smart hurdler was a very creditable second to Honeysuckle in the Hatton's Grade at Fairyhouse 151 days ago pushing the winner all the way. He returns to 3 miles here and should definitely be respected. The other big race on the card is at 6.35 when just 5 start the Ryanair Novice Chase. Energumene has looked very impressive when winning all 3 of his starts over fences this season and he took the step up to grade one in his stride taking the Irish Arkle by 10 lengths at Leopardstown in February and he will take all the beating here. The only other one with a chance in a thin-looking grade one is Captain Guinness who despite quickly developing into a smart chaser was beaten by Energumene at Naas back in January and was too keen early in the Arkle at Cheltenham eventually finishing 3rd but if he settles better than he did then he might challenge here.

Big race predictions: 5.25: 5: Flooring Porter  6.35: 3: Energumene. 

28/4/21 Punchestown

 It was an interesting first day at Punchestown with just one of my picks winning. Echoes In Rain won the 4.15 the 8/13 favourite came home by 3 1/4 lengths. Allaho was 2nd,the 6/4 chance was beaten by the 6/5 favourite Chacun Pour Soi who impressively won by 5 1/2 lengths and there was a shock in the 6.30 with the big head-to-head of the week not quite living up to expectations,Envoi Allen was pulled up 2 out and Monkfish the 10/11 favourite had nothing extra on the run-in and was beaten by the only other horse to finish the 7/1 shot Colreevy who finished 8 lengths in front. 

 It's day 2 of the Punchestown festival on Wednesday with 3 more group one's, the first is the 5.20 when 8 begin the Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle. Galopin Des Champs showed he was much improved when an impressive 2 1/4 length winner of the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival last time out,he moves up to 3 miles here but definitely has the stamina to deal with it. Vanillier romped to a 11 length win in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (Spa) at Cheltenham and being open to further improvement makes him a challenger. The other one to be respected is Telmesomethinggirl who won the Dawn Run Mares Novices Hurdle by 5 1/2 lengths 41 days ago,she kept on well that day and should go well again. At 5.55 7 start the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup Chase. 3 of the field standout here,Al Boum Photo was a creditable 3rd to Minella Indo in his bid for a third Cheltenham Gold Cup however he is a top-class chaser and very much the one to beat. Kemboy picked up his 4th group one win taking the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown back in February, he was 9th in the Cheltenham version but this test will suit him better as he won this race in 2019. Clan Des Obeaux was an impressive back-to-back winner of the King George in 2018 and 2019 and stormed to a 26 length victory in the Bowl Chase at Aintree 20 days ago and a big run is expected here. The final big race of day 2 comes at 6.30 when 8 line-up for the ITM Supporting Irish Store Sales Champion I.N.H. Flat. Two Willie Mullins horses renew a rivalry here and are the standout pair,Sir Gerhard made all the running to win the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival by 1/2 a length from his stablemate Kilcruit who goes again here,he looked impressive when winning a grade 2 at Leopardstown in February by 12 lengths and was unlucky at Cheltenham but he should take his revenge here.

Big race predictions: 5.20: 6: Galopin Des Champs  5.55: 1: Al Boum Photo 6.30: 3: Kilcruit. 

27/4/21 Punchestown

 The week began with my selection Hms Seahorse coming 4th. The 1/1 favourite chased the leaders and was 5th two out,he moved up to 4th but was bumped slightly inside the final furlong he made no further impression with the 10/1 shot Fourhometwo winning.

 Five days of top-class action at Punchestown begins on Tuesday with 3 group one's,the first is at 4.15 when 5 line-up for the Ecomm Merchant Solutions Champion Novice Hurdle. The two standout horses in this one are both trained by Willie Mullins. Echoes In Rain romped home by 15 lengths in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse 23 days ago he looked excellent that day and could make it 3 wins in a row here while Blue Lord will look to bounce back after falling while second in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham when last seen and if he has recovered well it should be a precession for these two. At 5.25 7 start the William Hill Champion Chase. Allaho led from start to finish to win the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham by an impressive 12 lengths and is the leading player here ahead of stablemate Chacun Pour Soi who was a respectable 3rd in the Queen Mother Champion Chase,he had picked up a hat-trick of wins before that and on his best form he will definitely challenge. The other one to have a strong claim is Nube Negra who was unlucky not to win the Queen Mother only losing to Put The Kettle On by 1/2 a length so can't be discounted here. The last big race of day 1 is at 6.30 when just 4 begin the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase. Despite the small field this has to be one of the most eagerly anticipated novice chases for a long while with two outstanding horses going head-to-head. Monkfish made it 7 wins in a row coming home by 6 1/2 lengths to land the Brown Advisory Novices Chase at Cheltenham when last seen and should be hard to beat here although Envoi Allen will have something to say about that, he was unbeaten (winning 11 in a row) until he fell early when the 4/9 favourite in the Marsh Novices Chase. That won't dent his confidence and this will be one of the races of the festival. 

Big race predictions: 4.15: 5: Echoes In Rain  5.25: 1: Allaho  6.30: 3: Monkfish.

These are just my choices from a difficult card to pick any winners from this is just a festival to sit back and enjoy. 

26/4/21 Naas

 Sunday saw Santiago finish 4th. The 8/13 favourite sat 3rd approaching the straight,he dropped to 4th just before the final furlong and made no impression in the closing stages with the 20/1 chance Baron Samedi picking up his sixth win in a row beating Master Of Reality by half a length. 

 It's going to be a busy week by the end of the action on Saturday we will have had 12 group one's at Punchestown with some of the best horses around making their first starts since Cheltenham. But we begin with 8 races at Naas on Monday where the main event is the 2.55 when 13 begin the Blackwater (Premier Handicap). HMS Seahorse was a very good second in a maiden at Leopardstown 15 days ago,that solid performance means he should be in the mix again here. Grid is a promising horse who finished fourth at Leopardstown when last seen in October, he returns after 6 months off and makes his handicap debut so should produce a bigger performance. Skilled Warrior is the other main threat he was a very creditable 2nd at Gowran Park 18 days ago,that was only his fifth start and with this being his handicap debut he definitely shouldn't be ruled out. The other one with a chance is Fourhometwo who was a very good third on his return at The Curragh at the end of March and he should give a good account of himself here. 

Big race prediction: 6: HMS Seahorse. 

25/4/21 Navan

 The weekend didn't get off to a good start with my selection Arthurian Fame coming 5th. The 9/2 shot was 8th early on,he made some headway on the straight but made no further impression after being impeded a furlong out. He kept on the same pace without ever threatening with the 5/2 favourite Still Standing winning.

 A competitive 8 race card at Navan on Sunday sees 6 line-up for the feature contest at 4.20 the Vintage Crop Stakes. There is just one standout horse in the field Santiago, this very smart colt won the Irish Derby by a head and was a very good 4th in the St Legar at Doncaster in 2020 and should have no trouble here on his return taking the drop down in class in his stride. The rest of the field are battling for the minor places with Stratum heading the list,he has already picked up 5 wins from 19 starts on the flat and didn't need to be at his best when coming home by 4 lengths at Gowran Park 17 days ago and he should go well again. The other good horse in the race is Baron Samedi who made it 5 wins in a row on the flat when he beat Mare Australis by a head in the Prix du Conseil de Paris at Longchamp in late October, despite being off 6 months and going up in trip don't rule him out making it 6 wins here.

Big race prediction: 2: Santiago. 

24/4/21 Limerick

 It wasn't a bad end to the week with both my selections finishing in the top 3. At Cork Lifetime Legend was 3rd,the 9/2 chance disputed the lead briefly and was 3rd at halfway he kept on at the same pace inside the final furlong with the 5/2 shot Ottoman Emperor winning. At Kilbeggan Reine Fee was 2nd,the 2/1 favourite was 5th 3 out but was hampered when in 4th before the last. She improved to 2nd on the run-in but was no trouble to the winner Felicidad. 

 The weekend begins with 8 races at Limerick on Saturday where the main event comes at 3.30 when 16 start the limerickraces.ie Handicap. Arthurian Fame last won at Galway in October by a decent 1 1/4 lengths and he is definitely one to consider and could be the one to beat. Ebony Maw picked up one win from three runs last year that came at Navan in September, his return at Cork 3 weeks ago saw him finish 9th but that can largely be forgotten and he is worth another chance here. Melburnian was a respectable 3rd on her last run on the flat at Leopardstown at the end of October, she has also shown promise in her 4 hurdles starts so merits consideration. The other one to look at is Springbank who picked up two wins from six runs last year his last was at Gowran Park in August, he was a creditable 2nd on his season return at the same course 16 days ago and he should go well again here.

Big race prediction: 3: Arthurian Fame 

23/4/21 Cork + Kilbeggan

 Thursday was another excellent day with my selection Lignou winning. The 4/1 shot disputed the lead early and soon led. But he wasn't fluent from 3 out and despite coming under pressure he kept on well in the straight and just about held on beating Hewick by a neck.

 There is a double header to finish the week with 8 races at both Cork and Kilbeggan,the main event at Cork is the 1.20 when 14 line-up for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. Lifetime Legend finished a very good second in a maiden at Galway back in September he failed to build on that in his last two starts a Group 2 at The Curragh and a listed race at Tipperary however he is a major player here on his return. Ottoman Emperor showed promise when finishing 6th on the all-weather at Dundalk on debut 28 days ago and he definitely enters calculations. Max Mayhem finished 8th on his first run at Naas back in November, he returns after 173 days off going up in trip and he should definitely improve. The other one in the field to look at is Nothingbuttrouble who ran a good race to finish 3rd at Galway in October on her final start as a 2 year old,her reappearance at Dundalk 42 days ago saw her finish 12th but she should fare better on her turf return. The big contest at Kilbeggan is the 6.55 when 16 begin the Congratulations Put The Kettle On Irish EBF Mares Beginners Chase. Reine Fee is a useful hurdler who has picked up one win from 23 starts in her career,she was a very creditable 3rd in a handicap chase at Clonmel 22 days ago and has to be taken seriously here. La Feline is another good hurdler who was a below form 9th at Clonmel when last seen at the end of March but she goes back up in trip here and can't be ruled out. Imitation Game was a good winner in her point-to-point career but has yet to replicate that under rules her best finish was a second on debut at Thurles in February and despite falling at Cork 19 days ago she should still be considered if she cuts out her errors. 

Big race predictions: Cork: 6: Lifetime Legend  Kilbeggan: 10: Reine Fee.

22/4/21 Kilbeggan

 Wednesday saw my pick Lord Gorgeous win. The 11/8 favourite travelled well making all the running,he stayed on well in the final furlong and despite a challenge from Elzaam Tales he came home by a head.

 There are 8 races at Kilbeggan on Thursday where the feature is the 4.30 when 8 start the Follow Kilbeggan On Twitter Rated Novice Hurdle. Lignou last picked up a win at Gowran Park back in October and he ran well to finish 6th in a handicap hurdle on his return at Fairyhouse 19 days ago,he goes back up in trip here and has to be taken seriously. Coach Carter was a disappointing 6th at Downpatrick at the end of March however that was only his 3rd start and it's still early days in his career so he shouldn't be discounted. Varna Gold is a fair hurdler who was a bit below form when finishing 8th in a handicap at Gowran Park 2 weeks ago,he switches from the flat back to hurdles here and goes up in trip so can definitely make his presence felt. The one with an outside chance is Hewick who has picked up 2 wins from 6 runs this season one of those was on this course on debut back in September, he clearly wasn't 100% when pulled up 4 out when last seen at Gowran Park 6 months ago however if he is fully fit he could spring a surprise. 

Big race prediction: 1: Lignou. 

21/4/21 Dundalk

 At Tipperary on Tuesday my selection Indigo Balance won,the 9/4 favourite was prominent all the way and led from 1 1/2 furlongs out. He stayed on well inside the final furlong easily coming home by 6 lengths.

 Wednesday's meeting takes place at Dundalk where the big race is at 4.50 when 6 begin the Irish EBF Stallion Auction Series Maiden. Lord Gorgeous was a promising 3rd on debut at Navan 24 days ago,he is definitely open to improvement here and looks like the one to beat. Elzaam Tales makes his debut here and the half-brother to Global Wonder is part of a yard in-form and should go well. Loveday also makes her debut and being a half-sister to winners Social Butterfly and Never In Red means she needs to be respected. The other three in the field also make their first starts. Doitforandrew looks useful on paper and can't be ruled out,Kimbah is a half-sister to Classical Rose and Koda and this filly looks like the outsider of the bunch. The other runner is Pandemic Princess however she was 6th in the 4.40 at Tipperary today (Tuesday) so she may not take part here but if she does line-up then she has a good chance. 

Big race prediction: 1:Lord Gorgeous. 

20/4/21 Tipperary

 Monday was a good day for both my selections. Global Equity won at Limerick, the 1/3 favourite led at the 5th and built up a 2 length lead at the last she stayed on well coming home by 1 1/2 lengths. At Tramore Half Shot was 2nd,the 6/4 favourite led from 3 out but he came under pressure and was passed on the run-in by the 20/1 chance Port Rashid who won by 3/4 of a length. 

 After a busy couple of days Tuesday sees just one meeting with 8 races at Tipperary. The big contest is the 6.10 when 10 begin the tipperaryracecourse.ie Handicap. Indigo Balance returned after a 919 day break to finish second at The Curragh at the end of March he definitely has more to offer and should show it here. Primo Uomo won his last outing at Dundalk at the beginning of this year over this races 5 furlong distance,despite being off 102 days he should be the main challenger. Mi Esperanza picked up her only win on this course and distance way back in June and she was a good second when last seen at Navan 24 days ago and she should give a good account of herself here. The other one with a chance is Jungle Jane another course and distance winner her victory was in mid June and despite finishing last at Navan 7 months ago she has to be taken seriously on her return. 

Big race prediction: 3: Indigo Balance. 

19/4/21 Limerick + Tramore

 Sunday was another mixed day. At Tramore Something Sweet was 5th. The 5/1 chance was always in midfield briefly sitting 4th. She dropped to 8th 3 out,she made no impression only moving up to 5th at the last the 9/2 shot My Oakclahome won. At Dundalk Alhaazm won,the 2/1 favourite was always close to the leaders and under pressure kept on well inside the final furlong coming home by a head. 

 It's another double bill on Monday with 8 races at Limerick and 7 at Tramore. The main contest at Limerick is the opener at 1.45 when 18 begin the Crecora Mares Maiden Hurdle. Global Equity is a useful hurdler who was a respectable 5th in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novices Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse when last seen 15 days ago,this should be an easier race and she should make the most of the drop in class. Eyre Square picked up her first win in a bumper at Wexford 30 days ago,she makes her hurdles debut here and is the main challenger. An Taibhse is a promising horse who was a good third in a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse at the beginning of January,she has more to offer and should go well. The other one to look at is Marmolata who didn't need to be at her best when winning a claimer at Fairyhouse when last seen in October and she has an outside chance on this her first run for Willie Mullins. The big race at Tramore is the 6.10 when 15 start the Tramore Promenade Beginners Chase. Half Shot is a fair chaser who was a good second on his season return at Clonmel 27 days ago, he goes significantly back up in trip here and he should go one better. Stucker Hill picked up his last win 16 runs ago and was 10th at Thurles towards the end of March but if on-song he will be a major player. Mister Butler was 9th in a handicap hurdle at Clonmel 18 days ago however he switches from hurdles to chasing here and enters calculations as does No Thanks who picked up his career best win on his last hurdle outing at Down Royal in March and he finished a very creditable 4th at Dundalk 19 days ago. He makes his chase debut here and should be considered. 

Big race predictions: Limerick:6: Global Equity Tramore: 3: Half Shot.

18/4/21 Tramore + Dundalk

 It was a mixed day for my selections on Saturday with just one winning. In the 2.35 Lustown Baba was 11th.The 13/2 chance was a little slow away and sat 6th 3 out,he weakened in the final furlong dropping back with the 9/4 favourite Lancaster House winning. In the 3.10 Broome won,the 1/2 favourite chased the leaders early and was 5th 3 furlongs from the finish. He was pushed along entering the straight and soon led staying on well in the closing stages coming home by 1/2 a length. 

 Sunday sees two meetings with 7 races at Tramore and 8 at Dundalk. The highlight of Tramore's card comes at 3.48 when 11 line-up for the Green Acre Marketing Handicap Chase. Something Sweet was a very good second on her season return at Clonmel 17 days ago,she was 3 lengths behind the winner and would have finished closer but for a mistake at the last but she still gets the nod here. Batcio was a creditable 3rd on his last run at Navan 36 days ago he did lead approaching the last but faded on the run-in,despite that a repeat will see him in the mix. The other danger is Game Of War who was a 5 1/2 length 2nd when last seen at Limerick at the end of March,he was no match for the winner Midnight Maestro that day but being reunited with Rachael Blackmore here means he has a good chance to go one better. Over at Dundalk the main contest is the 4.05 when 8 start the Hollywoodbets Proud To Support Irish Racing Handicap. Alhaazm looks like the one to beat here as he looks for his fourth win in a row,he completed his hat-trick with his career best victory on this course 30 days ago. He is improving with every run and should win again. Leadership Race is a course and distance winner who was second when Alhaazm last won. Since then he was a respectable 5th at Leopardstown a week ago and is the main danger. The other threat is Sunset Nova who also enjoys Dundalk picking up his latest win here in February, he was also a very creditable 2nd here over this races distance on his last outing 23 days ago so he definitely has solid claims and it wouldn't be a surprise if he won. The only other one with a good chance is Eglish a 3-time course and distance winner who picked up 5 victory's from 16 runs last year. He was a creditable 2nd here 23 days ago and is hard to rule out.

Big race predictions: Tramore: 9: Something Sweet  Dundalk: 4: Alhaazm. 

17/4/21 The Curragh

 The week ended on a good note with my selection Zoffanien winning. The 6/5 favourite was 3rd at the last and challenged entering the straight. He led inside the final furlong keeping on well to come home by 2 1/2 Lengths. 

 There are 8 races at The Curragh on Saturday with two feature contests. The first is the 2.35 when 12 begin the Tri Equestrian Gladness Stakes. Lustown Baba is a smart filly who won twice on this course at the end of last year but she was a bit below form when finishing 4th on her season return at Cork 2 weeks ago. Despite that she gets the nod to complete her course hat-trick here. Lancaster House won this contest 12 months ago but his last race the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot 6 months ago saw him finish last,this race was his season reappearance last year so he should be respected. Speak In Colours is a smart horse who has won 4 times here in his career,he was 11th last time out in the Al Quoz Sprint over at Meydan 21 days ago but he should bounce back after a break. The other big race on the card is the 3.10 when 10 line-up for the Holden Plant Rentals Alleged Stakes. Broome is a very smart horse who won by 3 1/2 lenghts on his season return at Naas 20 days ago and another good show is expected here. Numerian was a below form 5th in that same Naas race at the end of March but he should bounce back here and challenge. Helvic Dream won over this course and distance back in October and was another one that Broome beat at Naas however he shouldn't be ruled out. The other one in the field with a good chance is Pondus who's last run on English soil was a well below form 20th in the Ebor at York in August he then went to Australia where he was second in the group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington,his last race in Ireland was a victory at Roscommon in July and he should go well again here. 

Big race predictions: 2.35: 11: Lustown Baba 3.10: 3: Broome. 

16/4/21 Ballinrobe

 Thursday saw my prediction Low Lie The Fields come 4th. The 9/4 favourite tracked the leaders but was 6th by halfway. He was pushed along and was up to 3rd two out,however he made no further impression dropping to 4th in the closing stages. The race was won by the 3/1 shot Carrolls Cottage. 

 We arrive at the end of another week with 7 races at Ballinrobe where the feature is at 5.30 when 19 begin the McGrath Limestone Works Handicap Hurdle. Zoffanien last won at Naas in February and he was a very good second when last seen at Cork 12 days ago and he should go one better here. Bythesametoken has 2 wins from 5 runs this season his best was a handicap hurdle at Wexford at the beginning of March and he should definitely go well again. Silver Star finished 6th in a novice chase at Punchestown on his last start back in October despite that the combination of being off 6 months and switching from chasing to hurdles here means he enters calculations. The other one to take into consideration is Humaniste who has picked up one win from three runs this season that came at Tipperary in October, his last race was a below form 6th at Thurles 117 days ago but he definitely shouldn't be taken lightly in this one.

Big race prediction: 7: Zoffanien. 

15/4/21 Limerick

On Wednesday my selection Lope Y Fernandez won. The 4/6 favourite was a little slow into his stride but was soon chasing the leaders. He travelled smoothly into the straight and moved into the lead under a furlong out,he quickly asserted his authority staying on well to easily come home by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 There is an 8 race card at Limerick on Thursday where the main event comes at 4.15 when 17 start the Adare Handicap Hurdle. Low Lie The Fields is a promising horse who has already picked up 2 wins from 4 runs this season, his career best was at Punchestown when last seen 87 days ago and he has to be taken seriously here as he looks to complete his hat-trick. R'evelyn Pleasure last won at Punchestown in December,he was a below form fifth in a handicap chase at Naas 61 days ago but despite that he should be the main challenger. Humm Baby was 4th in her last outing at Clonmel 168 days ago but switching from chasing to hurdles here means she cannot be ruled out. The other one to keep an eye on is Brogine who is a course winner and was a very creditable second in a handicap chase at Kilbeggan 6 months ago,she also switches to hurdles here and has an outside chance. 

Big race prediction: 8: Low Lie The Fields.

14/4/21 Leopardstown

 On Tuesday my selection Peaches And Cream failed to finish. The 11/4 favourite was up with the leaders and a close 5th until he stumbled on landing 3 out. He made no further impression and fell at the last. The race was won by the 5/1 shot Somptueux. 

 Leopardstown hosts the midweek meeting where the highlight of an 8 race card is the 3.45 when 10 begin the Heritage Stakes. Lope Y Fernandez is a smart colt who looked to be back in top form when 3rd to Order Of Australia in the Breeders Cup Mile at Keeneland back in November and he is the one to beat here. Ancient Spirit picked up two wins from five runs last year including this race,his last run was over in France where he was 4th in the Prix Daniel Wildensten at Longchamp in October. Despite being off 6 months he has a good chance of winning this for a second time. The other one to look at is Mr Wendell who also achieved two wins last year both of his were at Gowran Park including his career best in September. The combination of this being his first run of 2021 and his yard having good recent form means he cannot be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 8: Lope Y Fernandez. 

13/4/21 Fairyhouse

 After Monday off the Irish racing week gets underway with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Tuesday,the highlight comes at 6.15 when 7 line-up for the Follow Fairyhouse On Social Media Rated Novice Chase. Peaches And Cream is a useful chaser who was a creditable 6th on his season return at Leopardstown 37 days ago after a 64 day break and he will be hard to beat if he builds on that run. Shumaker won on his chase debut at Punchestown back in September,he made his return on the flat at Navan 17 days ago after 5 months off and should do better here. Macgiloney is another useful chaser who won on this course at the end of February since then his best performance was a fourth in the Imperial Call Chase at Cork just 9 days ago and he is definitely one to consider. The Grand National winning combination of trainer Henry de Bromhead and Jockey Rachael Blackmore have Somptueux in this one,this good chaser has picked up 2 wins from 5 runs this season his last was at Navan in September. He finished 4th here when last seen 6 months ago and despite needing to jump better he is hard to discount. 

Big race prediction: 5: Peaches And Cream.

11/4/21 Results

 Sunday was a good day at Leopardstown with two of my three selections winning. In the 2.10 Poetic Flare was prominent and led from 1 1/2 furlongs out he stayed on well in the final furlong winning by 1 1/2 lengths. At 3.45 Bolshoi Ballet moved into the lead 2 furlongs out and comfortably won by 2 1/4 lengths he was immediately made the 12/1 second favourite for the Epsom Derby on June 5th. The only pick who didn't win was Empress Josephine she came 12th.

After another busy weekend there is no Irish racing on Monday but there are English meetings at Huntingdon, Windsor, Redcar and an evening card at Wolverhampton. The next Irish meeting is at Fairyhouse on Tuesday my preview of that will be up on Monday night.

11/4/21 Leopardstown

 At Dundalk on Saturday my prediction Cadamosto won. The 7/4 joint favourite moved into a slight lead 3 furlongs out,she faced a challenge from just over a furlong out but stayed on well and went clear in the final 110 yards to comfortably win by 3 1/2 lengths. In the Grand National at Aintree Cloth Cap was running well in second until he stumbled 4 out,he soon weakened and was pulled up before the third last. Minella Times won by 6 1/2 lengths meaning Jockey Rachael Blackmore was the first female to win the race in it's history. 

 A busy Sunday sees a triple main event at Leopardstown, the first is at 2.10 when 12 begin the Ballylinch Stud 'Red Rocks ' 2000 Guineas Trial Stakes. Poetic Flare won two of his three starts as a Juvenile in 2020 his last was the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes over this course and race distance when last seen in October, he should progress further and is a big player here. A Case Of You picked up 2 wins from 3 runs last year and completed his hat-trick at Dundalk on his season return 23 days ago,there is still more to come and he is a challenger. Monaasib is a useful horse who was a very good second in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at The Curragh on his final start of last season and he should definitely be respected on this his return. The other one with a chance is Horoscope who showed improvement to pick up his first win at The Curragh at the end of March and he should go well again. At 2.40 it's the turn of the fillies when 15 line-up for the Ballylinch Stud 'Pirory Belle' 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes. Empress Josephine was impressive on debut when winning a maiden at Naas 2 weeks ago and the sister to the top-class Minding is hard to overlook as she steps up in grade here. Loch Lein is a promising horse who picked up her first win at Cork when last seen 7 months ago,she is definitely open to further improvement and is in the mix. The other big horse in the race is Shale who has won 3 times in her career including over this course and distance back in September,despite finishing a below form 6th in a fillies mile at Newmarket in October this smart filly has a big chance on this her first run in 6 months and definitely can't be ruled out. The final big race of the day is the 3.45 when 8 go to post for the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes. Bolshoi Ballet is the standout horse he picked up one win from two runs last year that was on this Leopardstown course in October he then travelled to France a week later and finished 5th in the Criterium De Saint-Cloud. Despite being off 169 days he sets the clear standard here. Wuqood had one win from his three runs in 2020 that was at Gowran Park in August, his last run was a good second in the Eyrefield Stakes on this course at the end of October and he will challenge on his return. The other two with a chance are Lough Derg who arrives after an impressive victory on debut at Dundalk in early November and Taipan who despite being slowly away picked up a victory on his first start at Naas 161 days ago.

Big race predictions: 2.10: 11: Poetic Flare 2.40: 4: Empress Josephine 

                                       3.45: 2: Bolshoi Ballet.

10/4/21 Dundalk + Aintree

 We ended the week with my selection Great Khan coming 3rd. The 10/3 chance chased the leaders early but mistakes at the 2nd and the 4th saw him sitting 5th 3 out. He moved up to 3rd in the closing stages but another mistake 2 out gave him nothing extra before the last with the 11/4 favourite Ornua winning.

 Another weekend begins with 8 races at Dundalk where the highlight is the opening contest on the card at 1.10 when 9 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. Cadamosto makes his debut here and looks like the one to beat,this 2 year old trained by Aidan O'brien should go the same way as his stablemate Tenebrism who looked very good when she won her first contest at Naas 13 days ago. Threebagsfull was 6th in that Naas race but despite that finish he still has a very good chance and shouldn't be overlooked. Silver Surfer was 4th on debut at The Curragh 20 days ago, switching to the all-weather surface should suit and he will definitely improve. The rest of the field all make their debuts here with Bayou Belle,Black Pepper and Nepalaise among the runners and it will be interesting to see how they all go. There is also the small matter of the Grand National at Aintree at 5.15 with 40 tackling the 4 miles 2 furlongs. However you pick your horse good luck but if your going on form then Cloth Cap should win but the likes of Burrows Saint,Farclas and Any Second Now won't make it easy.

Big race predictions: Dundalk: 1: Cadamosto  Aintree: 28: Cloth Cap. 

9/4/21 Wexford

 Thursday saw my selection Liffey River finish 4th. The 4/1 chance tracked the leaders and was 3rd 2 furlongs out. However he made no impression in the final furlong dropping a place and watching the 9/2 shot Erzindjan win the race.

 The week comes to a close with 7 races at Wexford on Friday where the main event is the 6.25 when 14 start the Garryrichard Stud Veterans Handicap Chase. Great Khan should have picked up his first win of the year at Thurles 20 days ago but a mistake at the last saw him finish a 1 3/4 length second however he should redeem himself here. Bay Hill last ran here in mid 2019 where he won by a length, he was a very creditable 3rd in a handicap chase on his season  return at Navan at the beginning of March and should improve making him the main challenger. Ornua won on this course early in his career but it has been 15 runs since his last victory,he finished 5th in the Devenish Chase at Fairyhouse just 4 days ago but this race should suit him better and he can't be ruled out. The other one in with a chance is Crosshue Boy who is a course winner and was a respectable 4th in a handicap chase at Cork on Easter Monday and he should improve here. 

Big race prediction: 11: Great Khan.

8/4/21 Gowran Park

 On Wednesday my selection Elizabethan was 2nd. The 3/1 joint favourite was prominent throughout and was 4th just before the straight, however she couldn't find any room in the pack and switched over to the right a furlong out. She kept on at the same pace after allowing the other joint favourite Queenship to pull away and win by 5 lengths. 

 Thursday is our second day at Gowran Park where the highlight is the 4.35 when 6 line-up for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Turf Race. Liffey River didn't show his best form when 7th in the Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown back in September, however his two runs before that were a second here at Gowran Park on debut and a win at Punchestown and he should be taken seriously. Vafortino is a useful horse who picked up 2 wins from 7 runs last year,he ran well to finish 3rd when last seen at Naas in October and will be the main challenger here. Roman Empire is the other threat he won over this course and race distance in October and despite being off 171 days he is open to improvement and should not be overlooked. Looking at the rest of this small field Erzindjan stands out his last win was at Cork back in August and despite finishing 7th on his handicap debut at The Curragh 18 days ago he can still give a good account of himself here.

Big race prediction: 5: Liffey River.

7/4/21 Gowran Park

 After a day's break the action returns on Wednesday with 7 races at Gowran Park,the highlight is the 4.30 when 11 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. Elizabethan picked up her first win by a comfortable 1 1/4 lengths at Naas in October,this exciting horse should make it two in a row on her return and is one to keep an eye on for the rest of the year. Music To My Ears picked up a first and second at The Curragh in late 2020 before being badly hampered when finishing 17th in her last start at Leopardstown in September,despite that she is definitely open to improvement and is one of the challengers. The other main threat is Queenship who picked up a win by a head when last seen at Dundalk in early December,that was only her second run after a 3rd placed finish on her first start and she should progress on this her handicap debut. Of the rest the one to look at is Silver Service who last won at Leopardstown in October,she was a very good second on her season return at Naas 10 days ago and should go well again.

Big race prediction: 7: Elizabethan. 

5/4/21 Results

 Monday was a mixed day,at Cork Weihnachts was a non runner the 10/1 chance Goulane Chosen won the race by 10 lengths. At Fairyhouse there was a shock in the Irish Grand National my pick Run Wild Fred finished second he made a slight mistake at the last allowing the 150/1 shot Freewheelin Dylan to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

 After the end of a busy Easter period there is no Irish racing on Tuesday however meetings in England take place at Pontefract and Bath who both begin their flat seasons,a good jumps card at Exeter has the City Of Exeter Challenge Cup as it's highlight at 2.50 while the day ends with an evening meeting at Chelmsford where their big race is a class 2 handicap at 7.00. The next Irish meeting is on Wednesday with the first of two days at Gowran Park my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night. 

5/4/21 Fairyhouse + Cork

 Sunday can be written off as another poor day with none of my 3 selections winning. At Fairyhouse Royal Illusion was up with the leaders and had every chance from 2 out however he weakened quickly and fell at the last the 4/1 joint favourite Skyace won while Asterion Forlonge was 3rd. The 7/4 favourite was 2nd at halfway and on terms from the 9th but he made no further impression and was 3rd at the last with the 12/1 chance Janidil winning. At Cork Coqolino was a non runner with Botani winning the race.

 Easter Monday sees both festivals at Cork and Fairyhouse come to an end,the big race at Cork is the 3.00 when 9 start the Coolmore N.H. Sires Kew Gardens Handicap Chase. Weihnachts is looking for a hat-trick after victory's at Fairyhouse and his career best at Gowran Park 34 days ago,he was a comfortable winner there and should go well again here. Shakeytry picked up his latest win at Tramore in January and was a very creditable 2nd in a handicap hurdle at Navan when last seen at the beginning of March and should not be taken lightly. Goulane Chosen was a below form 7th in a handicap chase at Gowran Park 24 days ago,his last win was at Limerick back in early 2019 but if he can recapture that form he can make his presence felt. An outsider to look at is Espion Du Chenet who picked up his last win at Thurles in February he finished 5th in his last outing but could bounce back here as long as he cuts out his mistakes. 

 The highlight of the Fairyhouse festival comes at 5.00 when 31 begin the Boylesports Irish Grand National. Run Wild Fred was a very good second in a handicap chase at Gowran Park 67 days ago with the horse that beat him that day Coko Beach going again here,the longer trip should suit with the places being reversed. Escaria Ten is a fast improving chaser who since his first win at Thurles in December finished 2nd in a grade 3 at Naas and third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. There is definitely more to come and he should show it here. Agusta Gold returned after a 320 day break to win a mares chase on this course in January, a good 4th over hurdles at Navan later that same month puts her in the frame on this her first start for trainer Willie Mullins. The other one with a big chance is Latest Exhibition who has been in good recent form only being beaten by Monkfish in his last two grade one outings at Leopardstown and this smart hurdler will challenge. The other two who could finish in the places are Home By The Lee and Off You Go in what will be an exciting race.

Big race predictions: Cork: 3: Weihnachts  Fairyhouse: 20: Run Wild Fred.

4/4/21 Fairyhouse + Cork

 Saturday wasn't a great day with neither of my selections winning. At Fairyhouse Eclair De Beaufeu was 11th. The 9/2 favourite made a slight mistake at the 2nd and never really recovered he had nothing extra in the final 2 furlongs and had to watch the 12/1 shot Hearts And Trumps win by 1/2 a length. It wasn't much better at Cork with Traisha finishing 5th. The 5/1 chance was 8th just over 4 furlongs from the finish she made some progress in the final furlong but couldn't get near the 6/1 winner Moll.

 It's another busy Sunday with 3 feature races,two of them come at Fairyhouse the first is at 3.20 when 14 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final. Royal Illusion won on her second hurdles start at Leopardstown 28 days ago,she was an easy winner that day and should go well again. Atlantic Fairy is a useful horse who is looking for a hat-trick after wins at Limerick and on her season return at Navan at the end of February, she should progress further and is the main danger. Roseys Hollow has picked up 2 wins from 4 runs this season her last was here at Fairyhouse in February, she then went on to finish a respectable 7th in the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham 17 days ago and shouldn't be overlooked. The other one with a chance is Gauloise a useful hurdler who is looking to bounce back after a below form 11th placed finish at Cheltenham, her runs before that suggest she is a big player and she will definitely challenge here. The other main contest at Fairyhouse is at 5.00 when 9 start the Underwriting Exchange Gold Gup Novice Chase. Willie Mullins is looking for a hat-trick in this race and one of his runners Asterion Forlonge looks like the one to provide it. This smart chaser was a good third in the Golden Miller at Cheltenham just over two weeks ago and is the one to beat. An open race sees two main challengers, Andy Dufresne was a creditable 3rd to Monkfish in the Flogas Novices Chase at Leopardstown when last seen 56 days ago and can definitely be up there again while Conflated is another good horse who picked up his career best win at Naas 21 days ago where he romped home by 21 lengths and he can't be discounted. 

 The big race at Cork is the 4.05 when 20 line-up for the O'Dwyers Steel Dundrum Easter Handicap Hurdle. Coqolino arrives after a career best win at Navan 22 days ago,there is definitely more to come and he should show it here. No Grey Areas picked up the third win of his career at Gowran Park at the beginning of March he also has more to offer and is the main threat. West Cork Wildway was a below form 4th in a novices hurdle at Thurles 38 days ago but if he can return to his back end of 2020 form then he has a good chance. The other one to look at is Cerberus who finished 11th in a handicap at Naas when last seen in November, the break and his switch from the flat to hurdles gives him an outside chance.

Big race predictions: Fairyhouse 3.20: 12: Royal Illusion  5.00: 2: Asterion Forlonge 

                                      Cork: 4.05: 10: Coqolino. 

3/4/21 Fairyhouse + Cork

 After another day of no action Saturday sees the 3 day Easter festivals at both Fairyhouse and Cork begin. The highlight of day one at Fairyhouse comes at 4.05 when 21 start the RYBO Handicap Hurdle. Éclair De Beaufeu arrives here after finishing 4th in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham 2 weeks ago he was also a course and distance winner here early in his career and he should be the one to beat. Hurricane Cliff picked up his career best win in a novice hurdle at Naas 49 days ago he makes his handicap hurdle debut here and is the main danger as he looks for two in a row. Eskylane picked up only his second win on his hurdles debut at Punchestown in October and despite finishing 10th on his first handicap start at Leopardstown in February he did catch the eye and shouldn't be ruled out. Two others standout,Mighty Tom was a winner in a hurdle at Galway in October and a very good second in a handicap hurdle at Down Royal 17 days ago and he should go well again while Magic Tricks was an impressive winner on his hurdles debut at Navan in December and switching to a handicap here is a plus. 

 Over at Cork their big race comes at 4.20 when 11 line-up for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes. Traisha picked up 2 wins from 5 runs last year her last was at Bath in October where she beat Urban Artist by 3 lengths, despite being off 171 days she gets the nod here. Princess Zoe had an exceptional back end of 2020 picking up 4 wins in a row and finishing a very respectable 4th in the Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp when last seen at the end of October, she goes back down in trip here and will challenge. Mighty Blue was a very good 3rd in the Mares Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham 16 days ago and should be well up there again here while Moll picked up two wins from 3 runs in 2020 and was 4th in her last run at Naas 9 months ago. She goes up in trip on her return and can't be overlooked. 

Big race predictions: Fairyhouse: 2: Eclair De Beaufeu  Cork: 2: Traisha. 

1/4/21 Result

 Thursday's pick Marshalled came 2nd. The 2/1 favourite challenged and led from 2 out however he was passed at the last and was no match for the eventual winner Spancil Hill who pulled away coming home by 4 1/4 lengths.

 After Thursday's card there is no racing scheduled in Ireland on Friday however there are meetings in England at Newcastle, Chelmsford and Lingfield to keep you entertained. The next Irish meetings are the beginning of the busy 3 day Easter weekend festivals at both Fairyhouse and Cork on Saturday my preview of those will be up on Friday night.