1/7/21 Bellewstown + Tipperary

 Wednesday at Tipperary saw my pick Sacred Bridge win,the 1/1 favourite was 3rd at halfway and made headway to lead 150 yards from the finish. She stayed on well to beat Misty Ayr by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 A busy few days begins on Thursday with 8 races at both Bellewstown and Tipperary, the main event at Bellewstown is the opener on the card at 4.25 when 13 begin the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. Bellabel is a promising horse who was unlucky not to make a winning debut at Limerick 19 days ago,she only lost by a neck and with her yard in good form she should make amends here. Sunset Shiraz was also second on debut at Roscommon 51 days ago,she should improve and is definitely the main threat. The other challenger should be Tosen Lydia she makes her debut in this one but this half-sister to 1000 Guineas and Oaks winner Love is definitely one to look at. The rest of the field should battle for the minor places and of those Cyclamen looks good,she was 6th on debut at Limerick at the beginning of June and with her trainer Aidan O'Brien going well she could progress here. Over at Tipperary the big race is the 5.15 when 9 start the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle. Sole Pretender was a bit below form when 5th in the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown 63 days ago,he goes back down to a more suitable distance here and should take all the beating. Band Of Outlaws is a smart hurdler who was a creditable 3rd in a handicap at Naas when last seen in mid May,he makes the switch from the flat to hurdles and should be well up there. The other main danger is Darasso who didn't need to be at his best when winning a chase at Listowel 24 days ago,he returns to hurdles in this one and is worth considering as he bids for a hat-trick. Of the rest Winter Escape looks good his one win from two runs last season was his career best in a handicap chase at Listowel back in September, despite being off 9 months he makes the switch to hurdles here and can't be discounted. 

Big race predictions: Bellewstown: 7: Bellabel  Tipperary: 7: Sole Pretender. 

30/6/21 Tipperary

 Tuesday saw my pick Reve De Vol come 6th. The 2/1 favourite chased the leaders from the start and was 3rd a furlong out. However he weakened inside the final furlong allowing the 11/4 shot Layfayette to beat Hector De Maris by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Tipperary hosts Wednesday's meeting where the highlight comes at 5.15 when 6 start the Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Tipperary Stakes. Sacred Bridge was a well backed favourite when winning on debut at Naas a week ago,this well-bred filly definitely has more to come and gets the nod here. Cherry Bloom picked up her latest victory in a maiden at Down Royal 11 days ago,this is a more demanding race with a better field but despite that she should progress and is a challenger. Amalfi Coast last tasted success at Cork in May that wasn't backed up when he finished 14th in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot last time out however he could bounce back here and needs consideration. Misty Ayr was 9th to Quick Suzy in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot 2 weeks ago,however a 3rd placed finish at Catterick at the beginning of this month shows she is capable of better and she can't be ruled out. The other two in the field are both outsiders, Harmony Rose needs to rediscover the form that saw her win at Cork in May while Up Above was third at The Curragh 5 days ago but this is a step up in class and he will need a big performance. 

Big race prediction: 6: Sacred Bridge.

29/6/21 Roscommon

 After a day off on Monday the Irish racing week gets underway with 8 races at Roscommon on Tuesday where the highlight comes at 7.40 when 8 begin the Lenebane Stakes. Reve De Vol picked up his career best win on his season return at The Curragh 27 days ago,he only came home by a head but he still has strong claims here. Haparanda is a useful filly who was a good 4th on her return at Cork in April, she was a bit below form on the same course finishing 6th last time out but she has the potential to be a big player. The other main threat should be Layfayette who was a respectable 6th in a handicap at Royal Ascot 13 days ago,he takes on a longer trip here and is definitely on the shortlist. Looking at the rest Point Nepean catches the eye he won a maiden at Navan on debut 30 days ago and despite going up in class here he still has an outside chance .

Big race prediction: 6: Reve De Vol.

This is my 300th post so just a quick thank you to anyone who has read any of this blog and hopefully you've picked some winners too and fingers crossed for another 300 posts.

27/6/21 Results

 Sunday was a good day for my picks at The Curragh. In the 2.00 CheerupsleepyJean was 3rd,the 1/1 favourite was slowly into her stride but was in touch 2 out. She moved into 3rd just before the final furlong but she kept on at the same pace in the closing stages allowing Velocidad to win by 2 1/4 lengths. At 3.40 Santa Barbara was 2nd,the 3/1 chance chased the leaders early and sat 3rd a furlong out. She was soon 2nd but keeping on at the same pace meant she couldn't quite catch the winner Thundering Nights who came home by a neck. In the 4.10 Pondus was also 2nd,the 11/8 favourite moved into 2nd a furlong out but never threatened the winner Amhran Na Bhfiann who romped home by 7 lengths. 

 After a busy 3 days the new week gets off to a quiet start with no racing in Ireland on Monday. There are meetings at Southwell,Lingfield and Pontefract with evening cards at Windsor and Musselburgh. The next Irish card is at Roscommon on Tuesday where the listed Lenebane Stakes takes centre stage. My preview of that will be up on Monday night.

27/6/21 The Curragh

 Saturday saw some mixed results for my picks. Castle Star came 2nd,the 7/2 chance sat 4th a furlong out he drifted to the right inside the final furlong keeping on without reaching the winner Go Bears Go the 17/2 shot came home by 1 1/4 lengths. In the Irish Derby High Definition was 10th,the 9/4 favourite was always towards the rear making no impression from 3 out. At the front Hurricane Lane won the 4/1 shot beat Lone Eagle by a neck.

 Our weekend at The Curragh ends on Sunday with 8 races and 3 standout, the first is the 2.00 when 5 start the Airlie Stud Stakes. CheerupsleppyJean was impressive when winning on this course on debut in April and she was a very good third in the Queen Mary stakes at Royal Ascot 11 days ago making her the one to beat. Velocidad looked useful when winning her first contest at Fairyhouse 30 days ago and with better to come she is a player here. The other main  threat should be Yet she looked like a good horse when seeing off Orinoco River to win on debut at Dundalk in early May,however she didn't build on that when she finished 11th in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and needs to bounce back. The other two have an outside chance, Missing Matron was a course winner on debut in March and returned to finish 4th over this race distance 25 days ago while Eternal Gold's best of her 2 performances so far was a 4th here last month so more is needed. At 3.40 8 begin the Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes. Santa Barbara won on this course back in September and was 5th to Snowfall when favourite in the Oaks at Epsom 23 days ago,she goes down in trip here which should bring the best out of her. Thundering Nights was 2nd here in the Alleged Stakes on her return in April and then travelled to Belmont Park to finish runner-up to Mean Mary in the grade 2 New York Stakes 23 days ago and she should be well up there here. Epona Plays is a smart filly who picked up her career best win on this course in the Lanwades Stud Stakes at the end of last month so she definitely deserves respect. The other one to keep an eye on is Cayenne Pepper who was a course and distance winner back in September but was a bit below form when 4th to Helvic Dream in the Tattersalls Gold Cup when she returned here 35 days ago despite that she is well worth considering. The final big race of the weekend comes at 4.10 when 8 line-up for the Comer Group International Curragh Cup. Pondus is a smart horse who was a good 2nd in a handicap over this course and distance 25 days ago,he ran a decent race that day and he is high on the shortlist here. Passion was an excellent 3rd to Wonderful Tonight in the Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot when last seen back in October, despite being off 8 months she should not be taken lightly on this her return. The other one who needs consideration is Sunchart who was a very creditable 2nd to Sonnyboyliston at Limerick 9 days ago,he goes up in grade here and can definitely pounce if the big two have a bad race. 

Big race predictions: 2.00: 1: Cheerupsleepyjean 3.40: 7: Santa Barbara 4.10: 3: Pondus.

26/6/21 The Curragh

 The week ended with my pick Bright Idea coming 5th. The 6/4 favourite was second at halfway but made no impression from a furlong out weakening in the final 110 yards allowing the 9/1 shot Longbourn to win by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 Day 2 at The Curragh sees two races standout in an 8 race card,the first is the 3.05 when 14 begin the Gain Railway Stakes. Castle Star picked up his career best win in the Marble Hill Stakes over this course and distance 5 weeks ago,he came home by an impressive 2 lengths and should be well up there again in his hat-trick bid. Dr Zempf impressed when winning on debut on this course 24 days ago,he will definitely progress here in a stronger contest. Go Bears Go is a promising horse who has picked up one win from two runs this year that was on debut at Ascot last month and he returned there to be a very close second to Perfect Power in the Norfolk Stakes at the Royal meeting 9 days ago and he should go well here. The other threat will be Cadamosto who was a 3 1/2 length winner on debut at Dundalk in early April and ran a good race to finish 4th in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot last week,he moves up to 6 furlongs and definitely has more to come. The other big race is the highlight of the weekend when at 3.45 11 start the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. High Definition is a top-class prospect who enjoys The Curragh winning twice here in 2020,he made an encouraging return when 3rd in the Dante at York in mid May he goes up in trip here and is definitely a big player. Hurricane Lane made it a hat-trick by winning the Dante and was a very good third in the English Derby at Epsom earlier this month so he is high on the shortlist. Mac Swiney picked up his second group one when making all the running to take the Irish 2000 Guineas here at the end of May,he wasn't at his best when 4th in the English Derby but he is the sort to bounce back and should do that in this one. Van Gogh is a smart colt who arrives here after two creditable runs,a 3rd in the Irish 2000 Guineas and a 10th in the Prix Du Jockey Club at Chantilly last time out,the longer trip here should suit and he can't be ruled out. Of the rest keep an eye out for Mojo Star and Wordsworth both of whom could easily spring a surprise. 

Big race predictions: 3.05: 5: Castle Star  3.45: 4: High Definition. 

25/6/21 The Curragh

 After another rest day on Thursday we return to action with the first of three days at The Curragh, Friday's highlight is the 7.10 when 15 begin the Tri Equestrian Handicap. Bright Idea picked up a win on his season reappearance at Killarney in May and was a very good third in a handicap over this course and distance 33 days ago and he should be well up there again. Lord Park has had one win from three runs this year that came at Sligo 10 days ago,he stayed on well that day and with his yard in good form another fine run is likely. Ebony Maw was a creditable 5th at Leopardstown when last seen at the beginning of this month and on form he should challenge. The other main  threat is Longbourn who was a respectable 3rd at Limerick 13 days ago,he goes up in trip here and he should be competitive. The one who stands out in the rest of the field is Sense Of Worth who has picked up 2 wins from 6 runs this year his last being at Dundalk in April, his last outing saw him finish 9th at Cork 16 days ago however he didn't have a clear run that day and shouldn't be ruled out here. 

Big race prediction: 2: Bright Idea.

23/6/21 Result

 Apologies to all who backed my pick Alazenya as unfortunately she was last at Naas on Wednesday. The 13/2 chance was always towards the rear and never a factor, she made no impression from 2 out with the 11/2 shot Willow beating La Petite Coco by 1/2 a length. 

 After the midweek meeting it's yet another day of no Irish racing on Thursday. However action does take place at Nottingham, Newcastle and Newmarket with evening cards at Leicester and Hamilton Park. Despite a slow week we make up for it with 3 days of exciting racing at The Curragh beginning with 7 races on Friday my preview of that will be up on Thursday night.

23/6/21 Naas

 After another day of no action Naas holds the midweek meeting where the main event is the 6.30 when 13 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Naas Oaks Trial. Alazenya was impressive on debut winning a maiden at Leopardstown 70 days ago,this well bred filly definitely has more to offer and can easily show that here. Holly Golightly picked up her only career victory at Gowran Park in May and was a very good 2nd in a handicap at The Curragh when last seen 32 days ago,she goes up in trip here and heads the challengers. Sense Of Style won on this course back in September and was a very creditable 8th in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the end of last month,on form she looks competitive and is a threat. The other main challenger should be High Heels this useful filly was an excellent third to Thunder Kiss in the Munster Oaks at Cork 2 weeks ago and can definitely make her presence felt. Looking at the rest La Joconde stands out,this good filly makes a quick return after finishing 11th in the Oaks at Epsom 19 days ago,despite that run she was on decent form before and shouldn't be ruled out here.

Big race prediction: 1: Alazenya. 

21/6/21 Result

 The week got off to a good start with my pick Port Sunlight coming 2nd. The 6/1 chance held up well and was in touch at the 5th,she made headway and was 2nd two out. She strongly pressed the winner inside the final furlong but she kept on at the same pace close to home allowing the 3/1 joint favourite Merroir to win by 1/2 a length. 

 It's another day of no racing in Ireland on Tuesday but meetings do take place at Brighton, Beverley and Ayr with two evening cards at Newbury and Newton Abbot. Next up for Irish fans is 8 races at Naas on Wednesday where a listed Oaks trial is the main  contest. My preview of that will be up on Tuesday night.

21/6/21 Ballinrobe

 After a day off racing returns with an 8 race card at Ballinrobe on Monday where the highlight comes at 7.10 when 8 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. Port Sunlight picked up her only career win at Gowran Park back in October but she hasn't kicked on as expected so far this season, her best run was a 3rd at Roscommon 41 days ago. She goes up in trip here and makes her handicap debut and this should see her improve. Imperial Choice won twice over hurdles last year at Tramore and on this course, she made her season return on the flat at Leopardstown last Thursday finishing a creditable 4th and she should go well. Merroir picked up her first win at Gowran Park in April finishing 3 lengths in front and she was a very good second in a handicap at Down Royal 17 days ago with both results giving her a good chance here. The other one to keep an eye on is Ivy Avenue who was a winner at Cork on her reappearance in late April and was a respectable 5th in a handicap at Roscommon 21 days ago,she goes up in trip here and can't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 4: Port Sunlight. 

19/6/21 Result

 In the big race at Down Royal on Saturday my pick Safari Quest was 10th,the 5/1 favourite was prominent and led in the early furlongs however he was passed 3 out and had no extra with the 14/1 chance Iowa beating King Of The Castle by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 After a busy Saturday there is no racing in Ireland on Sunday however there are meetings at Worcester, Pontefract and Hexham to keep you entertained. The next Irish card is at Ballinrobe on Monday my preview of that will be up on Sunday night.

19/6/21 Down Royal

 The week ended with another bag of mixed results. At Down Royal Isotope was 8th,the 15/2 shot was prominent and sat 2nd at halfway, he dropped to 3rd from 2 out but was passed before the last he had nothing extra allowing the 10/3 chance Visionarian to win by a nose. At Limerick Sonnyboyliston won,the 6/5 favourite chased the leaders early and challenged 2 out he was on terms just over a furlong from the finish and he led inside the final furlong staying on well to win by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Down Royal on Saturday where the feature contest is the 3.25 when 14 begin the Boylesports Ulster Derby. Safari Quest is a promising horse who was a 11 length second to Modus Operandi in a maiden at Navan 35 days ago,this is his handicap debut and he should go well. Sheishybrid got off the mark when winning a handicap over this course and distance at the beginning of this month,she came home by 2 1/2 lengths that day and with more progress expected she is the main challenger. Kailash didn't need to improve to win a maiden at Cork when last seen 57 days ago,he goes up in trip to make his handicap debut here and completes the shortlist. Of the others Star Harbour picked up his career best win at Navan 20 days ago and going up in trip here means he could snatch the race so can't be overlooked. The second horse in that race Bear Story goes again,he picked up his last victory at Dundalk in December,he was beaten by 3 1/4 lengths at Navan but he is open to further improvement so can't be ruled out. 

Big race prediction: 11: Safari Quest.

18/6/21 Down Royal + Limerick

 Thursday's pick Daisy Peers came 3rd. The 11/4 chance was towards the rear of the field until 2 out. She made progress and sat 3rd just over a furlong out but she had no extra inside the final furlong keeping on at the same pace allowing the 9/2 shot Relaxed Artist to win by 3/4 of a length. 

 An end of the week double header sees 8 races at both Down Royal and Limerick. The main event at Down Royal comes at 4.05 when 14 begin the Island Garden Rooms Handicap Hurdle. Isotope put in another good run when second at Roscommon 10 days ago,he definitely has more in the tank and should go one better here. Run For Oscar is a promising horse who didn't need to improve when winning a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse back in November,he was a 2 length winner there and despite being off 7 months is definitely the main challenger. Ena Baie was a very creditable third in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown when last seen 50 days ago,she goes up in trip here which should suit giving her a good chance. Looking at the rest of the field Place Des Vosges stands out she picked up her career best win in a handicap hurdle at Listowel just 11 days ago so she definitely can't be ruled out. The big race at Limerick is the 6.00 when 9 start the Martin Molony Stakes. Sonnyboyliston was a good third to Japan in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester 43 days ago,his yard is in good form and he should open his account for the season here. Lough Derg is a useful filly who was a below form 8th at The Curragh at the beginning of this month,she was unsuited by the way the race developed that day but she should improve going up in trip. O'Reilly was a good third in that same race at The Curragh having picked up a victory on his season return at Leopardstown in April, he should also suit the trip and go well. The other one to look at is Sunchart who was 6th to Helvic Dream in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh when last seen 26 days ago,on paper this looks like an easier race so he is on the shortlist.

Big race predictions: Down Royal: 2: Isotope  Limerick: 4: Sonnyboyliston.

17/6/21 Leopardstown

 Wednesday saw differing results for my picks. At Wexford Great Khan was 5th,the 9/1 shot led briefly but a slight mistake 3 out and being impeded saw him produce nothing extra and the 8/1 chance Batcio won by 7 1/2 lengths. At Navan Powerful Out was 3rd,the 6/4 favourite made mistakes at the 2nd and the 4th and sat 8th 3 out. She made some headway to move into 4th at the last. She kept on well taking 3rd close to home with the 15/2 shot Lady Lingo winning by 1/2 a length. 

 8 races take place at Leopardstown on Thursday and the highlight is at 4.10 when 6 start the Irish EBF Auction Series. Two of the field renew a rively from Roscommon 17 days ago,Elzaam Tales won that day building on a second at Dundalk on debut and with his stable in good form further improvement is likely but the second horse in that race Daisy Peers gets the nod,she only lost out by a neck in an impressive debut and should go one better. It's Snowing has her first run here,a half-sister to the high-class Snow Fairy this interesting newcomer for an in-form yard deserves respect. Relaxed Artist was a good 4th in a maiden on this course 34 days ago,that was his debut and he is open to further progress which could see him challenge. The other two shouldn't be overlooked, Gabbys Girl was 9th on her debut on this course 2 weeks ago while Mist Of The Deep was 8th on debut at Fairyhouse 20 days ago and both have an outside chance.

Big race prediction: 3: Daisy Peers. 

16/6/21 Wexford + Navan

 On Tuesday my pick Shahaada was 3rd. The 2/1 chance broke well to track the leaders and she sat 4th at halfway. She made no impression from early in the straight only moving up to 3rd keeping on at one pace in the final 150 yards. The 8/1 shot The Blue Panther easily won by 7 lengths. 

 A midweek double header sees 8 races at both Wexford and Navan. The main event at Wexford comes at 3.35 when 15 line-up for the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase. Great Khan picked up his career best win when last seen at Ballinrobe 23 days ago,he beat Wolfofallstreets by 9 lengths that day and he should definitely go well again. Ingleby Mackenzie was a good winner of a handicap chase at Clonmel just 5 days ago,he was well on top at the finish and is the main danger here. Our Dougal hasn't run since clearly not being at his best when pulled up at Cork in October 2018 he did however have two second place finishes before that at Punchestown and Kilbeggan and it's those performances that give him a chance. The other challenger should be Zarkareva who picked up her latest win in a chase at Punchestown back in October she returned there and was 3rd to Energumene in the Ryanair Novices Chase 48 days ago,she makes her handicap chase debut here and can't be overlooked. At Navan the big race is the 5.10 when 12 begin the Yellow Furze Mares Maiden Hurdle. Powerful Out was a good 5th on her hurdles debut at Punchestown 18 days ago,she is open to further improvement here and should get off the mark over hurdles. Must Be Obeyed looked promising when winning a bumper at Ballinrobe on heavy ground 23 days ago,she switches to hurdles here and is the main threat. Of the rest Donthavetime looks like a contender she was 8th in a bumper at Wexford when last seen 31 days ago,she has yet to pick up a victory in four starts but this is her hurdles debut so she can't be ruled out and could spring a surprise. 

Big race predictions: Wexford: 4: Great Khan  Navan: 11: Powerful Out.

15/6/21 Sligo

The week got off to a mixed start,at Gowran Park Indian Sioux was 4th. The 3/1 chance was 3rd early and prominent moving into the straight. However she made no impression from 1 1/2 furlongs out keeping on at the same pace without threatening with the 5/2 shot Ottoman Emperor winning by 1 1/4 lengths. At Kilbeggan Benruben failed to finish. The 10/3 joint favourite tracked the leaders early before a mistake at the 7th,he sat 6th 3 out and made no further impression before being pulled up before the last. The West's Awake won by 1/2 a length. 

 8 races take place at Sligo on Tuesday with the highlight coming at 4.45 when 7 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race. Shahaada is a promising horse who was 4th on her return at Dundalk 58 days ago and she will take all the beating here. Even Flow is progressing with each run in 2021 culminating in a creditable 2nd at Listowel just 9 days ago and she is definitely the main threat in this one. Ramon Di Loria picked up his career best win in a maiden on this course 44 days ago,he kept on well winning by 3/4 of a length and another good run is expected here. The rest of the field should battle for the minor places and of those Tar Heel looks the best he was a bit below form when finishing 6th in a claimer at Tipperary 2 weeks ago,he goes back down in trip here and with his yard in good form he shouldn't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 7: Shahaada.

14/6/21 Gowran Park + Kilbeggan

I think we can safely say Sunday was a bad one for my picks. At Downpatrick Shopping Around was 6th,the 11/4 favourite was 3rd 2 out however she made no impression after being hampered at the last leaving the 13/2 shot Aprils Joy to win by a neck. It wasn't much better at Gowran Park where Theophile was 7th,the 4/1 chance chased the leaders early and was 3rd 2 out she soon weakened with the 12/1 shot Sh Boom winning by a head.

 A busy week gets underway with 8 races at both Gowran Park and Kilbeggan. The feature contest at Gowran Park comes at 5.00 when 8 begin the gowranpark.ie Handicap. Indian Sioux was much improved when 2nd on her handicap debut on this course and over this races distance when last seen 41 days ago,she definitely has more to come and should show that here. Aurora Princess has improved greatly in recent starts picking up 2 wins this month at Leopardstown and over this course and distance a week ago,she kept on well in both and should be respected as she goes for the hat-trick. The other one to be feared is Dublin Journal who picked up his career best win in a maiden at Naas on his return 49 days ago,this is his handicap debut and he definitely has a good chance. The outsider of the bunch is Protagonist a course and distance winner a year ago who was a respectable 4th at Limerick when last seen on Saturday and he could go well again. At Kilbeggan the main event is the 7.40 when 8 line-up for the Galway Races Galway Plate Trial Handicap Chase. Benruben was a comfortable 5 1/2 length winner at Down Royal 42 days ago,he goes up in trip here and should give another good account of himself. Born By The Sea picked up his latest win in a chase at Wetherby back in November, he was a very good third at Listowel in his last run a week ago and should not be discounted. Us And Them was an excellent second at Punchestown 2 weeks ago only losing the lead inside the final furlong, if he can back up that run here then he will definitely be in the mix again. Of the rest Visioman should be looked at he won on this course back in September and followed that up with a win at Limerick a month later, he was a below form 12th in the Topham Handicap at Aintree 66 days ago but this less demanding race could see him go well.

Big race predictions: Gowran Park: 6: Indian Sioux  Kilbeggan: 2: Benruben. 

13/6/21 Downpatrick + Gowran Park

 Saturday was another poor day for my picks. At Limerick Cyclamen was 6th,the 7/1 shot tracked the leaders early and she briefly sat 4th just over a furlong out. However she made no further impression inside the final furlong dropping to 6th with the 33/1 chance Dolly May winning by a neck. At Downpatrick Eimear was 4th,the 3/1 chance was prominent early and was 3rd at halfway. She dropped to 5th 3 out but kept on well on the run-in challenging at the finish. The 25/1 shot Paris Texas won beating Ask Cory by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 We round off the weekend with 8 races at both Downpatrick and Gowran Park. The feature contest at Downpatrick is the 2.50 when 8 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. Shopping Around picked up her 3rd win over hurdles on this course 37 days ago,she came home by 3/4 of a length and is a big player in this one. Lighthouse Rose was a very good 3rd on this course when last seen at the beginning of last month and she also won here back in August so she shouldn't be taken lightly. That's Lifebuoy last won over hurdles at Limerick in April and was a very creditable 3rd at Leopardstown 2 weeks ago,she goes back down in trip here so should be considered. The other one with a chance is An Taibhse who has picked up one win this year that came at Kilbeggan in April and that promising run means she can't be written off here. At Gowran Park the main event comes at 3.00 when 12 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. Theophile was twice a winner in 2020 and was a very good 2nd at Leopardstown 10 days ago,she goes back down in trip here and with another bold showing likely she gets the nod. Miss Molly T was a good second on her return at Navan at the end of April only missing victory by 1/2 a length,she moves back up to 7 furlongs here and should be considered. Acquiescent last won at Dundalk back in October however she looked like she was going back in the right direction when a respectable 7th at Leopardstown at the beginning of this month and she shouldn't be overlooked. The other one worth a look is Iva Feeling who was a winner when last seen at Dundalk in November,she makes her handicap debut here on her return and she should progress giving her a chance.

Big race predictions: Downpatrick: 1: Shopping Around   Gowran Park: 6: Theophile. 

12/6/21 Limerick + Downpatrick

 Friday was yet another mixed day for my picks. At Clonmel The Cathal Don was 3rd,the 11/2 chance disputed the lead early and was 3rd at halfway. He had no extra from 2 out leaving the 10/3 shot Arvico Bleu to win by 1/2 a length. At Fairyhouse Fastnet Crown finished 9th,the 8/1 chance was always towards the rear sitting 15th at halfway. He made no further impression in the final furlong keeping on at one pace with another 8/1 chance Dream Today winning by a head.

 On Saturday there are 8 races at both Limerick and Downpatrick. The main contest at Limerick is the 1.50 when 15 start the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. Cyclamen makes her debut here,she is a sister to Simannka and half-sister to top-class runner Sinndar. With Aiden O'Brien her trainer she should get off the mark. Bright Blue is another one on debut,a half-sister to winner Tha'ir this interesting newcomer can definitely challenge. Of the one's with experience Karakoul is a threat he was 7th on debut at Naas 35 days ago,his stable is having a good spell and with improvement likely he can definitely be up there. The other one to look at is Arges who showed continued improvement when finishing 3rd at Listowel just a week ago,he ran on late that day and another performance as good could see him spring a surprise. Over at Downpatrick the feature race comes at 4.25 when 10 line-up for the Laffy Handicap Chase. Eimear was a respectable 7th on her season return at Kilbeggan just 6 days ago so she has to be taken seriously here. Ask Cory picked up his career best win on this course and over this races distance 3 weeks ago so he is sure to go well again and is the main threat. Oscar Thyne managed 2 wins from 5 runs last season and he was a creditable 5th in a handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe 18 days ago,he makes his handicap chase debut here and should progress further. The one with an outside chance is Urbanist who was 9th in a handicap hurdle on this course when last seen 36 days ago,he switches from hurdles to chasing here and can definitely challenge. 

Big race predictions: Limerick: 6: Cyclamen  Downpatrick: 9: Eimear. 

11/6/21 Clonmel + Fairyhouse

 At Leopardstown on Thursday my pick Pearls Galore was 3rd. The 4/1 shot was 4th at halfway, she made no impression on the leaders in the final furlong however she kept on to take 3rd close to home. The 6/1 chance Real Appeal won beating Lord Of The Lodge by 1/2 a length. 

 After a quiet midweek we return to 2 meetings on Friday with 8 races at both Clonmel and Fairyhouse. The main event at Clonmel is the 4.10 when 11 begin the Orchard Thieves Apple Attack Beginners Chase. The Cathal Don last won over hurdles at Kilbeggan in April and he was 6th on this course when last seen 29 days ago,he makes his chase debut here and is worth another look. Eagle Moon is a promising horse who was 4th in a novice chase at Kilbeggan in mid May,he should progress further so is on the shortlist. The other one who could be a main challenger is Dis Donc a useful chaser who was a bit below form when 3rd at Down Royal 39 days ago,however he should bounce back and can't be discounted. The other challenger should be Druid's Altar who picked up two wins from six runs last season his last was at Naas back in February, he makes his chase debut here and goes back down in trip so should go well. At Fairyhouse the big race is the 4.55 when 16 line-up for the Follow Fairyhouse On Instagram Handicap. Fastnet Crown put his season reappearance firmly behind him when finishing a very good second at Cork 49 days ago and he definitely has to be taken seriously here. Blairmayne was a course and distance winner early in his career and was a creditable second when last seen at Naas in early May and can definitely make his presence felt. The other threat should be Independent Missy who has picked up one win from three runs this year that was at Navan on her last appearance 47 days ago and she can definitely give another good account here and challenge so don't overlook her.

Big race predictions: Clonmel: 8: The Cathal Don  Fairyhouse: 7: Fastnet Crown.

10/6/21 Leopardstown

 Wednesday wasn't a good day with my pick Moll being a non runner. The Munster Oaks was won by the 3/1 chance Thunder Kiss who beat Slience Please by 3/4 of a length. 

 There are 8 races at Leopardstown on Thursday and the standout contest is the 5.50 when 11 start the Ballycorus Stakes. Pearls Galore is a smart filly who clearly wasn't 100% when 8th at Dundalk when last seen back in November however her form before that gives her an excellent chance here. Lord Of The Lodge picked up his career best win in a handicap at Lingfield on his last run 69 days ago and he can definitely make his presence felt. Snapraeterea last tasted success at Naas in mid May winning the Owenstown Stud Stakes by 1/2 a length,and he looked like he was still in good form when 3rd in the Gallinule Stakes at The Curragh 18 days ago. That was on heavy ground so he should go better here. The other one worth a look is Speak In Colours who won this race last year and in preparation for another crack was 7th to Gustavus Weston in the Greenlands Stakes at The Curragh 19 days ago so he definitely can't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 6: Pearls Galore. 

9/6/21 Cork

 Tuesday saw my pick Bold Enough win. The 11/8 favourite was 3rd early and led from 3 out. He pushed on and asserted himself before the last,he comfortably negotiated the run-in easily beating Star Max by 8 lengths. 

 Wednesday sees a highly competitive 8 race card at Cork with the highlight at 3.30 when 10 begin the Munster Oaks Stakes. Moll is a promising horse who picked up her career best win on this course 67 days ago,that was her season return and she definitely has more to come and is the one to beat. Silence Please was 4th in the Middleton Stakes at York on her return in early May,that run was needed and on form she should be a big player here. Mighty Blue has picked up one win from three runs this year that was at Gowran Park last month and she was a good 4th in the Bronte Cup at York when last seen 18 days ago and she should definitely go well again. The other main threat should be Thunder Kiss who's one win this year came at Dundalk at the end of March and she was a very good second to Insinuendo in the Blue Wind Stakes at Naas 32 days ago. This useful filly has a good record and should definitely be involved in the closing stages of this one.

Big race prediction: 3: Moll.

8/6/21 Roscommon

 We started the week with some mixed results for my picks. At Gowran Park Ice Cold In Alex was 7th,the 12/1 chance was always towards the rear and sat 10th 3 out. He was under pressure entering the straight making little progress with the 9/4 favourite Galtee Mist beating Silver Service by 1/2 a length. Over at Listowel Place Des Vosges won,the 10/3 favourite was in midfield by halfway but made progress to sit 2nd 3 out. She moved into the lead 2 out and soon asserted her authority keeping on well and easily coming home by 8 lengths. 

 After a busy few days we return to one meeting on Tuesday with 8 races at Roscommon where the highlight comes at 4.10 when 7 start the Castlerea Novice Chase. Bold Enough is a highly promising horse who made a winning debut over hurdles at Wexford 23 days ago,it was an easy 8 length victory for him there and he should win again here. Antey is a useful chaser who didn't need to be at his best when winning at Limerick last month coming home by 5 1/2 lengths, with Willie Mullins as his trainer he should give a good account of himself. Star Max picked up his latest win at Fairyhouse in April and was a very creditable second at Wexford just 6 days ago so he can definitely challenge. The other one to look at is Gold Des Bois who got back on track when winning a beginners chase at Ballinrobe 35 days ago,he should improve further and has a good chance here.

Big race prediction: 2: Bold Enough. 

7/6/21 Gowran Park + Listowel

 Sunday was another interesting day for my picks. At Kilbeggan Three By Two was 9th,the 10/3 chance led early and was clear after the 3rd. However mistakes saw her advantage reduced by 2 out and she was passed soon after she weakened allowing the 9/2 shot Asserted to win by 4 1/2 lengths. At Listowel My Sister Sarah won,the 6/5 favourite was 5th at halfway and was 3rd 2 out. She challenged in the final 150 yards and kept on well under pressure winning by a nose.

 The week begins with another double header on Monday this time there are 8 races at Gowran Park and 8 at Listowel. The main event at Gowran Park comes at 2.20 when 17 begin the Visit Kilkenny.ie Handicap. Ice Cold In Alex last picked up a victory back in 2018 but looked like he was coming back to form when finishing a respectable 9th at Leopardstown just 4 days ago and he could build on that here. Galtee Mist has picked up one win from three runs this year that came at Listowel on Saturday, she is getting better with each run in 2021 and is definitely the main challenger. The other threat could be Silver Service who was a good 8th to Sonaiyla in the Ballyogan Stakes at The Curragh 5 days ago and she definitely should be considered. The other two to look at are both looking for revenge on Galtee Mist,Is That Love was 5th at Listowel 2 days ago but he has already picked up 5 wins from 10 runs this year and should go well while Godhead was 6th and needs to bounce back here. At Listowel the big race is the 3.35 when 13 line-up for the Bryan Macmahon Handicap Hurdle. Place Des Vosges last won over hurdles at Thurles in November and was a good third when last seen at Tipperary 18 days ago,that was her best run over obstacles since her return and she gets the nod. Wowsham picked up his career best win in a novice hurdle at Perth 26 days ago,he makes his handicap hurdle debut here and is definitely a threat. Ask Nile should also be considered he was a good second in a handicap chase at Kilbeggan in mid May,he makes the switch from chasing to hurdles here and goes back up in trip so definitely can't be overlooked. 

Big race predictions: Gowran Park: 14: Ice Cold In Alex Listowel:3: Place Des Vosges. 

6/6/21 Kilbeggan + Listowel

 It was another mixed day for my picks on Saturday. At Listowel Threebagsfull was 2nd, the 10/3 chance was disputing 2nd at halfway he was on terms 2 furlongs out and soon led. He tried to assert some authority in the final furlong but he was passed 75 yards from the finish with the 11/4 favourite Admiral D winning by 1 1/4 lengths. At Tramore Lady Breffni failed to finish. The 5/6 favourite was disputing the lead after the 5th and led just before 2 out but she came under pressure and fell allowing the 13/2 shot Robinnia to win by 10 lengths. 

 Another double header on Sunday sees 8 races at both Kilbeggan and Listowel. The main event at Kilbeggan is the first race at 1.20 when 19 begin the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. Three By Two was very disappointing when the short priced favourite at Clonmel in March,she finished 9th that day but that performance can be forgotten and if she runs like she did when coming home 3rd on debut at Fairyhouse in February then she is the one to beat. Kavanaghs Cross was a below form 5th on this course when last seen 45 days ago but excellent runs at Navan and Fairyhouse before that make him a challenger. Gali Flight was 3rd at Ballinrobe 13 days ago building on a 4th on debut at Limerick in April and he should go well again here. Looking at the rest Backing Band is one to keep an eye on he was 9th on his first start at Punchestown back in September but being off 9 months and this his hurdles debut gives him an ouside chance. At Listowel the big race comes at 2.45 when 9 start the Virtual Listowel Writers Week Handicap. My Sister Sarah is a useful flat horse but she didn't capitalise on the drop in grade when 3rd in a mares hurdle at Killarney last month. Despite that this is her handicap debut and she should take advantage. Lynwood Gold looked like he was back on form when 4th at The Curragh 2 weeks ago,he stayed on well that day and definitely enters calculations here. The other threat could be Exchange Rate his last win was on this course back in September 2018 and he was a good second on his last outing at Naas in November of the same year. Despite being off over 2 years he still has a chance and can't be ruled out in this open looking handicap. 

Big race predictions: Kilbeggan: 16: Three By Two  Listowel: 7: My Sister Sarah.

5/6/21 Listowel + Tramore

 Friday saw results at both ends of the scale for my picks. At Tramore War God was 12th,the 5/2 chance sat in midfield and had no extra from 3 out he weakened while the 12/1 shot Goulane Chosen won by 6 1/2 lengths. At Down Royal Forbearance won,the 6/5 favourite was 5th early but began to make headway 3 out. She led from 2 out and was 2 lengths clear approaching the final furlong she stayed on well easily coming home by 4 lengths. 

 Another busy weekend kicks off on Saturday with 8 races at Listowel and 7 at Tramore. The big contest at Listowel is the opener at 1.15 when 13 begin the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. Threebagsfull continued to show promise when finishing 3rd at Dundalk 56 days ago,he goes up in trip here making him a leading contender. The other two main challengers both make their debuts here,Mount Fairweather has Valbchek as a half-sister and with Joseph O'Brien his trainer he looks good and should be respected while Corviglia looks like a good filly and with winners Light Of Joy and Explode as half-sisters she has lot's to like and could be an interesting debutante. Looking at the rest Arges is a good horse he was 3rd in a maiden at Navan just 6 days ago,he goes back up in trip here and should be well in the mix. The highlight at Tramore comes at 2.45 when 11 line-up for the Tramore GAA Mares Beginners Chase. Lady Breffni picked up her latest win at Fairyhouse in early April and was a creditable 7th in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown 35 days ago. She gave herself too much to do that day but going down in trip and making her chase debut means she is a big player here. Botani is a useful hurdler who last won at Cork 2 months ago and she was a good third when last seen at Punchestown 37 days ago. She arrives here in good form and should go well on her first chase start. The other main threat should be She Tops The Lot a promising horse who picked up two wins from four runs last season and she was a good third in a novice chase at Ballinrobe on her return 11 days ago. That race was her fences debut and with her yard in good form she can't be overlooked. 

Big race predictions: Listowel: 9: Threebagsfull  Tramore: 5: Lady Breffni. 

4/6/21 Tramore + Down Royal

 It was another good day on Thursday with my pick Fernando Vichi winning. The 5/1 shot tracked the leaders early and led after 1 1/2 furlongs, he was 4 lengths clear a furlong out and despite his advantage being reduced in the closing stages he beat The Mediterranean by 3/4 of a length. 

 There is a double header to finish the week with 7 races at both Tramore and Down Royal. The main event at Tramore is the 6.15 when 15 start the Tramore Amusement Park Handicap. War God continued his progression when picking up his career best win in a novice hurdle at Limerick when last seen 50 days ago,he makes his handicap hurdle debut here and can't be taken lightly. Bonarc arrives after picking up an easy 7 length win in a novice hurdle at Clonmel on her return 22 days ago and that performance definitely puts her on the shortlist. The other one to be considered is Battle Of Benburb who's last victory was on this course in April but he was a bit below form when finishing 4th in a novice hurdle at Cork at the beginning of May, he also makes his handicap hurdle debut here so can't be ruled out. The big contest at Down Royal comes at 7.05 when 7 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. Forbearance is a promising horse who has picked up one win from three runs this year that came at Dundalk in February and her best run since then was a creditable 3rd at Sligo 33 days ago. She tackles a longer trip here but gets the nod. Merroir was a winner at Gowran Park back in April and a respectable 4th at Killarney when last seen at the beginning of last month. She goes significantly down in trip but is the main threat. The other who could challenge is Cape Islay her last win was back in 2019 and her last run saw her finish 11th at Clonmel 22 days ago. Despite that she goes down to one mile four here so could have an outside chance. The other two to look at are Amicable who was a very good second at Roscommon 24 days ago she makes her handicap debut here and could go well as should Coulonces who had a useful flat career in France and carried that on when winning a maiden at Fairyhouse in April. She has not been disgraced in either of her two starts since and shouldn't be overlooked. 

Big race predictions: Tramore: 4: War God  Down Royal: 3: Forbearance.

3/6/21 Leopardstown

 Wednesday turned out to be a brilliant day for my picks with two winners. At Wexford Gin On Lime made all the running going clear at halfway. Her advantage was reduced 4 out but the 2/5 favourite asserted her authority again soon after easily coming home by 8 lengths. At The Curragh Sonaiyla was bumped leaving the stalls but was soon tracking the leaders sitting 4th at halfway. The 13/8 favourite was on terms 1 1/2 furlongs out and led in the final 50 yards winning by 1/2 a length. 

 There is an 8 race card at Leopardstown on Thursday where the main contest is the 4.50 when 8 begin the Nijinsky Stakes. Fernando Vichi won on this course early in his career and returned to be a very good third to Bolshoi Ballet in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial 25 days ago and a repeat of that performance should see him home. Flying Visit has also won on this course but his last run was an 8th in the Gallinule Stakes at The Curragh just 11 days ago,however he can still be a big player if he can bounce back. The other threat is The Mediterranean who was due to run in the Derby at Epsom on Saturday but trainer Aiden O'Brien has entered him in this race instead and he enjoys Leopardstown having won a maiden here over this races distance at the beginning of last month,he goes up in class here and has plenty more to offer. Looking at the rest of the field Max Mayhem could challenge he won at Roscommon when last seen 23 days ago,this race will be a bigger test but he is likely to improve and can't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 3: Fernando Vichi.

2/6/21 Wexford + The Curragh

 A good Tuesday saw my pick Harmony Rose come 2nd. The 11/8 favourite tracked the leader and challenged 1 1/2 furlongs out,she led under a furlong out but was passed in the closing stages by the 4/1 shot Twilight Jet who won by a length. 

 A midweek double header sees 8 races at both Wexford and The Curragh. The main contest at Wexford is at 3.15 when 6 begin the Good Enuf To Eat Banqueting Novice Chase. Gin On Lime made an impressive return when winning at Killarney 24 days ago,she definitely has more to offer and is the one to beat. The main threat is Everybreathyoutake who made a winning debut over fences in a novice chase at Limerick last month. Despite coming from behind that day this horse is capable of better and may show it here. The other challenger could be Star Max who didn't need to be at his best to win at Fairyhouse when last seen 50 days ago,however with a better quality of field he will need to improve here to be a threat. Of the rest Friary Rock is the one to look at he made his chasing debut at Tipperary 27 days ago and despite finishing 5th he needed the run and he should be up there here. At The Curragh the big race is the 5.30 when 15 line-up for the Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club Ballyogan Stakes. In an open group 3 Sonaiyla gets the nod this smart mare was a good third to Gustavus Weston in the Greenlands Stakes over this course and race distance on her return towards the end of May and she should win here. Lustown Baba is the main challenger a smart filly who is a course and distance winner and was a very good second to Snapraeterea in a listed race at Naas 17 days ago so she should not be taken lightly. Back To Brussels was a respectable second when last seen at Naas in mid May and with her yard in good form she should be in the mix. The other threat is Camdeboo who was a good winner at Cork at the end of April and she returned there to finish an excellent 4th to Measure Of Magic 26 days ago despite not suiting the drop in trip. She should progress further here and may cause a shock.

Big race predictions: Wexford: 5: Gin On Lime  The Curragh: 5: Sonaiyla.