1/9/21 Gowran Park

 Racing returns to Ireland with a 7 race card at Gowran Park on Wednesday where the highlight is the opener at 1.35 when 12 begin the Irish EBF Supporting Irish Champions Weekend Maiden. Trainer Michael O'Callaghan is having a good season with his 2 year olds and he runs Purple Dawn here,this is his debut but he looks very good on paper and with an entry in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes later this month he is the pick. Cornman showed promise when 4th on debut at Roscommon 16 days ago,improvement is likely and he should go better. Nero Tulip looked good when coming home 6th in a maiden at Leopardstown on debut at the beginning of August,he definitely has more to offer and will challenge. The other one to keep an eye on is Rapidus who despite coming 5th at The Curragh on his debut 91 days ago should progress and leave that run well behind him so can't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 10: Purple Dawn.

30/8/21 Results

 Another mixed day saw results at either end of the scale for my picks. At Downpatrick Rippon Lodge failed to finish,the 7/2 favourite was going well and was in touch sitting 8th when he fell 4 out leaving the 12/1 shot Drummullagh Rocky to win by a short head. At Roscommon Corviglia won,the 9/4 chance made all the running going clear 1 1/2 furlongs out. She stayed on well in the final furlong comfortably coming home by 4 lengths. 

 After a busy Bank Holiday there is no Irish racing on Tuesday but there are cards at Ripon,Epsom,Newton Abbot and Hexham for your enjoyment. The next Irish meeting features 7 races at Gowran Park on Wednesday my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night.

30/8/21 Downpatrick + Roscommon

 After a day off the week begins with a double header 7 races at Downpatrick and 8 at Roscommon. The feature at Downpatrick comes at 3.55 when 10 begin the Remembering The Mcdowell Family's 'Caughoo' Ulster & Aintree Grand National Winner Handicap Chase. Rippon Lodge has one win from 3 runs this season that came with a much improved performance at Tramore 15 days ago,despite being challenged inside the final furlong he kept on well to win by a head and a drop down in trip will definitely suit here giving him the nod. My Manekineko picked up a good win in a handicap hurdle at Sligo 2 weeks ago,he makes the switch from hurdles to chasing meaning he should not be taken lightly. Clody Valley was a very good third in a handicap chase at Tramore when last seen 15 days ago and he has an excellent chance. Sani Pass was 2nd in that same race but will need to up her game to challenge here. The highlight at Roscommon is the opener at 4.10 when 8 line-up for the Irish EBF Median Sires Series. Corviglia is a promising horse who built on her debut run with a win at Leopardstown 39 days ago,she was comfortably 1 3/4 lengths in front there and she definitely has more to come with this race being a straight fight between her and Tuwaiq. His last victory was at Bellewstown in July and he was a very good second to Seisai in a listed race at Tipperary at the beginning of this month so he has to be taken seriously here. The other one to look at is Gwan So a horse in useful form who was 3rd in a maiden on this course 2 weeks ago but he will need to show a bit more if he is to challenge. 

Big race predictions: Downpatrick: 4: Rippon Lodge  Roscommon: 6: Corviglia. 

28/8/21 Result

 It was a poor Saturday with my pick Obtain coming 7th. The 11/8 favourite was at the rear early but made headway from halfway leading briefly from 1 1/2 furlongs out. She dropped to 2nd early in the final furlong and had no extra in the closing 150 yards with the 5/1 shot Up Above winning by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 After Saturday's action there is no racing in Ireland on Sunday,however cards do take place at Yarmouth,Goodwood and Beverley. The next Irish meetings are a double header at Downpatrick and Roscommon on Monday my preview of those will be up on Sunday night.

28/8/21 Navan

 It was a mixed end to the week for my picks,at The Curragh Champers Elysees was 2nd. The 100/30 shot was 7th at halfway, she pressed the leader a furlong out but kept on at the same pace in the closing stages and was no match for the winner Acanella who won by 3/4 of a length. In the Irish Cambridgeshire Music To My Ears finished 13th. The 12/1 chance was 6th 2 out but made no impression 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish leaving the 28/1 shot Bopedro to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Over at Down Royal Go Another One was 3rd. The 4/5 favourite led early but wasn't fluent from 4 out. He sat 4th before the last keeping on well to move up to 3rd close to home. The 16/1 chance Mon Storm won by a comfortable 8 lengths. 

 A quiet weekend sees just 8 races at Navan on Saturday where the feature is the 2.32 when 15 begin the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. Obtain makes her debut here but appeals,this half-sister to Immediate has lots to like on paper and could be well up to doing the job. Pepper Streak improved on her debut 4th when second at Naas just 6 days ago,she should improve further and may go one better. Arges is a useful colt who despite not having won yet after 8 flat runs should do well returning to Maiden company where he has picked up two second place finishes this year so he definitely has solid claims. Of the rest Pale Moonlight looks good, she hinted at some ability when finishing 10th on debut at Naas a week ago,she goes down in trip and should improve. 

Big race prediction: 9: Obtain. 

27/8/21 The Curragh + Down Royal

 Thursday was definitely a day to forget for my picks,Pretty Gorgeous finished 8th. The 6/4 favourite was in midfield but dropped towards the rear 3 out. She made no impression from 2 out not getting a clear run inside the final furlong. The 5/2 chance Pearls Galore won by 1 3/4 lengths. It was even worse in the 6.30 with Frenetic coming 10th. The 7/2 shot was disputing the lead until she was passed just before halfway. She had no extra in the final furlong while upfront it was an exciting finish with Master Matt beating White Lavender by a neck.

 It's a busy day on Friday with meetings at The Curragh and Down Royal and 3 standout races. At The Curragh there are a trio of Group three's and the best of those is the 5.15 when 14 line-up for the Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes. Champers Elysees is the class act here a course winner who needs to bounce back after being a badly hampered last in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket 49 days ago. A drop down in grade will help and she should win if at her best. Shale is a useful filly who looked back on form when 6th to Thundering Nights in the Pretty Polly Stakes on this course 61 days ago,she is also a winner here a race in which she beat Pretty Gorgeous and a return to that kind of performance will see her challenge. I Siyou Baby is looking to complete a four-timer after a career best victory at Leopardstown 15 days ago and despite this being a step up she definitely can't be overlooked. The other big Curragh contest comes at 6.45 when a massive field of 30 begin the Paddy Power Irish Cambridgeshire. Music To My Ears is a course and distance winner who despite finishing 8th in a handicap at Lingfield 15 days ago deserves respect at a track where she has run well before. Toshizou went on many people's shortlists when he was a very good 4th in a handicap over this course and distance 19 days ago,he definitely has more to offer and it will be a surprise if he's not involved at the finish. In a big field the other to be respected is Carrytheone a promising horse who picked up his career best win here when last seen 11 months ago. Despite being off since he is capable of better and should do well for the trainer/Jockey combination who won the Ebor last weekend. There are also 7 races at Down Royal where the highlight is the 6.00 when 7 start the Tommy Donnelly Bookmaker Hurdle. Go Another One won this race last year and arrives after a very easy 10 length win at Cork 25 days ago,he should make a bold defence of his crown here and dominate again. Thosedayasaregone is a useful hurdler who caught the eye on his reappearance in July but he found the Galway Hurdle too much last time un-seating his rider 3 out. He should do a lot better here bouncing back. The other one to look at is Macgiloney a course and distance winner who was at his best when victorious at the Galway festival last month. Despite being pulled up over fences since he should do better back hurdling.

Big race predictions: The Curragh: 5.15: 1: Champers Elysees  6.45: 27: Music To My Ears.

                                       Down Royal: 6.00: 1: Go Another One.

26/8/21 Tipperary

 It was a midweek win for my pick Malina Girl. The 8/15 favourite tracked the leaders and made headway to lead before 4 out. She drew clear before the last keeping on well to romp home by 14 lengths. 

There is an 8 race card at Tipperary on Thursday with two feature contests, the first is the 6.00 when 16 line-up for the Coolmore Stud No Nay Never Fairy Bridge Stakes. Pretty Gorgeous was a smart performer as a 2 year old and she looks like she is working her way back to that level. She was 7th in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last time and going down in grade here means she should get back to winning ways. Pearls Galore is a decent filly who didn't need to improve to win the Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse 46 days ago and she has a big shout. The other one in with a chance is Roca Roma,she picked up her latest win with a career best performance in a handicap at Killarney 45 days ago. That run is why she is feared but it really is difficult to see past Pretty Gorgeous. The other highlight comes at 6.30 when 16 begin the listed Abergwaun Stakes. Frenetic is a smart filly who was at her best when winning a handicap at Cork 34 days ago,she beat White Lavender by 3/4 of a length and should win again here. Urban Beat last picked up a win at The Curragh in June and was a respectable 3rd to Nunthorpe winner Winter Power in a listed race at York last time so he definitely enters calculations. The shortlist is completed by Harry's Bar a good horse who has nine wins on the flat in his career,he was a creditable second in a handicap at Dundalk on his last run 11 days ago. He was also second in listed company at Naas in April so he is definitely worth a look here.

Big race predictions: 6.00: 13: Pretty Gorgeous  6.30: 12: Frenetic. 

25/8/21 Bellewstown

 Tuesday saw my pick Chicago Soldier finish 3rd. The 4/5 favourite was prominent early and led after a furlong. He was pressed from  2 out and passed 150 yards from the line,he had no extra in the final 100 yards keeping on at one pace. The 9/1 shot Capitulation won by a nose.

 The midweek meeting is the second day at Bellewstown where the feature of an 8 race card comes at 4.40 when 11 begin the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. Malina Girl put in her career best performance when winning at Wexford 19 days ago,she stayed on well to come home by 1 3/4 lengths and should make a successful switch to hurdling here. Eat The Book is a fair hurdler who was a good second in a novice hurdle at Ballinrobe when last seen at the beginning of May,despite the lay-off he still has a good chance. Winning Rascal makes his debut here,he is related to the useful Mint Condition and is definitely worth a look. The only other one with a slignt chance is He's In It who was a good 7th in a novice hurdle at Tramore 2 weeks ago,he went off at 200/1 that day and despite going significantly up in trip here he will need others to falter to challenge. 

Big race prediction: 11: Malina Girl.

24/8/21 Bellewstown

The week began in fine style with my pick Flying Scotsman winning,the 3/1 favourite wasn't fluent the whole way and sat 6th 4 out. He made progress from 2 out and led narrowly under a furlong from the finish. He kept on well under pressure beating Varna Gold by a head.

 It's the first of two days at Bellewstown on Tuesday with 8 races where the feature is the opener at 4.20 when 11 begin the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. Chicago Soldier was an unlucky second at Leopardstown 19 days ago only beaten on the line by Mctigue. He comes from a yard in good form and with another bold showing likely he should go one better here.  Butterfly Island was a respectable 4th when last seen at Dundalk just 9 days ago,she goes significantly up in trip making her a leading challenger. Gabbys Girl was a very good second at Leopardstown earlier this month,she kept on well that day and should be in the mix again. The other contender is Capitulation who put in her best performance to finish 3rd at Leopardstown last time,she stayed on in the final furlong and can definitely challenge in this one.

Big race prediction: 1: Chicago Soldier. 

23/8/21 Ballinrobe

 Sunday saw my pick Cyclamen come 4th. The 7/2 chance led early but she was passed 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish. She dropped to 3rd a furlong out making no further impression, the 33/1 shot Cigamia won beating Past Time by 2 3/4 lengths.

 We begin the week with 8 races at Ballinrobe on Monday where the feature is the 5.15 when 14 start the Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Hurdle. Flying Scotsman picked up his first win over hurdles at Navan in June staying on well to come home by 1 3/4 lengths,his handicap hurdle debut at Galway 3 weeks ago saw him finish a respectable 9th but he really couldn't show what he's capable of and with more to come he should do that here. Na Caith Tobac picked up his career best win in a novice hurdle on this course 34 days ago,he makes his handicap hurdle debut here and will challenge. The other potential threat could be Born To Rule he won on this course 2 weeks ago by a short head,that was his first victory over hurdles and he returns to make his handicap hurdle debut so can't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 3: Flying Scotsman.

22/8/21 Naas

 Saturday was an excellent day for my picks,at Killarney Abbey Magic was 4th. The 11/4 favourite was up with the leaders and on terms at the fifth. However she made no further impression before the last with the 4/1 shot Batcio winning by 3 lengths. At The Curragh both horses won. Agartha made all the running the 4/1 joint favourite kept on well to come home by 2 lengths. Point Lonsdale put in an even better performance to remain unbeaten, the 1/6 favourite was 2 lengths clear early in the final furlong pulling away to eventually win by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 The weekend comes to a quiet close with just 8 races at Naas on Sunday where the feature is the 4.05 when 19 begin the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. Cyclamen is a promising horse who was a good 4th at Galway 21 days ago,she will do better here and is the pick on form and should open her account. Debana has impressed on both her starts a 3rd at Gowran Park on debut and a second on this course earlier this month,she should improve again and is definitely in the mix. Torn makes her debut here, this half-sister to Penelope Queen and Tattoo comes from a yard having a good spell and is respected. The other shortlisted is Past Time who was a good third in a Fillies maiden at Galway at the end of last month. She should perform well and has a chance.

Big race prediction: 5: Cyclamen. 

21/8/21 Killarney + The Curragh

 Friday was a day to forget for my picks,at Killarney Dysart Diamond was 9th. The 7/1 chance was in midfield early in the straight,she made no impression from 2 out and was not fluent at the last. Wouldn't You Agree won beating Visionarian by 1/2 a length. At Kilbeggan Jerandme was 7th,the 4/1 joint favourite chased the leaders but lost position after 4 out. He had no extra from 3 out allowing the other joint favourite Fairyhill Run to win by an easy 6 lengths. 

 Saturday sees two more meetings with three big races,one at Killarney and two at The Curragh. The feature at Killarney is the 4.35 when 11 begin the Boylesports Handicap Chase. Abbey Magic ran well to get back to winning ways at Galway 24 days ago,her stable is having a good spell and with another bold showing likely she gets the nod. Ilikedwayyourthinkin didn't show his best form when 22nd in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown when last seen at the beginning of May,he switches from hurdles to chasing and is definitely capable of better. Shady Operator was a winner on this course in May,his follow up run a 14th at Galway 22 days ago is easily excused he was close up until being hampered 3 out and again at 2 out and he should be given another chance here. At The Curragh there are a couple of interesting Group two's,first is the 6.05 when 8 go to post for the Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes. Agartha has had a decent year after a second at Naas she was runner-up at Leopardstown but returned there to win comfortably by 2 3/4 lengths at the end of last month and she should win again. Mise Le Meas impressed when winning a maiden at Gowran Park in July,that was only her second run and she has plenty more to offer making her the main challenger. Discoveries won by a short head over this course and distance in late June following on from a 4th at Leopardstown on debut and she will go well here. Of the rest Concert Hall is one to look at after a second at Fairyhouse on debut she went on to win here in July and could easily do it again. The other group two Comes at 6.40 when 6 start the Galileo Irish EBF Futurity Stakes. One horse stands out here the exceptional Point Lonsdale he is unbeaten in 3 starts including the Chesham at Royal Ascot and a 3 length win in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown last month and he will win again here. The second horse in the Tyros Maritime Wings goes again,this promising colt should show improvement but has a lot of work to do if he is going to turn the tables. Point Gellibrand was second in a maiden over this course and distance on debut 55 days ago this useful prospect is open to improvement and will challenge for the minor places. The other on the list is Manu Et Corde who's last run was a win at Leopardstown last month but he will need to up his game if he's going to emulate his stablemate Mac Swiney who won this race 12 months ago.

Big race predictions: Killarney: 1: Abbey Magic 

                                      The Curragh: 6.05: 1: Agartha   6.40: 4: Point Lonsdale. 

20/8/21 Killarney + Kilbeggan

 Thursday was a day to forget for my picks at Killarney, in the 5.45 Khartoum was 6th. The 9/4 favourite was slowly away but recovered to sit 2nd early in the straight. However he dropped to 4th a furlong out making no further impression,he had no extra inside the final furlong with the 10/1 shot Horoscope winning by 2 3/4 lengths. In the 7.15 Wonder Laish was a non runner leaving the 7/1 chance Morph Speed to win by a length. 

 Two meetings take place on Friday with 8 races at both Killarney and Kilbeggan, the feature contest at Killarney comes at 5.00 when 13 start the Rentokil Initial Handicap Hurdle. Dysart Diamond picked up 3 wins from 6 starts last season and after three months off was a very good second at Galway 23 days ago, a similar performance should be enough to see her come out on top here. Visionarian last won at Down Royal in June and he was a very creditable fifth at Galway last time out,he goes down in trip and should be competitive. Wouldn't You Agree was a below form fifth in a listed Hurdle at Galway 23 days ago,that poor run can be put down to a change of tactics and largely forgotten and he definitely cannot be taken lightly in this one. The big race at Kilbeggan is the 7.45 when 17 begin the Kilbeggan Handicap Chase. Jerandme is a course winner who ran an excellent race to finish second at Roscommon in June,he definitely has more to come over fences and should go well. Hewick was a good fourth at Galway 22 days ago,he makes his handicap chase debut here and needs to be taken seriously. Fairyhill Run is looking for her hat-trick after wins at Tipperary and a very easy 14 length victory at Limerick when last seen 41 days ago so she definitely enters calculations. The other shortlisted is Macgiloney who picked up his career best win at Galway at the end of last month although it remains to be seen if he can put in the same level of performance back over fences but if he can he has a chance.

Big race predictions: Killarney: 5: Dysart Diamond  Kilbeggan: 5: Jerandme. 

19/8/21 Killarney

 Racing returns to Ireland on Thursday with an 8 race card at Killarney and 2 standout contests,the first is the 5.45 when 12 begin the M.D. O'Shea & Sons Vincent O’Brien Ruby Stakes. Khartoum is a useful colt who last won at Naas in May. After finishing 2nd in a listed race at The Curragh in June he wasn't disgraced when 6th in the Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood 20 days ago and going back down in grade here gives him the nod. Neptune Rock was a winner at Leopardstown in June and she returned there to finish 5th in the Desmond Stakes a week ago,she has been progressing well recently and with more to offer can challenge. The other to consider is Tazaral who's one win from three runs this year came at Gowran Park, he followed that up with a good second at Navan 40 days ago and with this being only his fourth career outing he is hard to rule out. The other big race comes at 7.15 when 12 line-up for the Laurels Pub And Restaurant Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap. Wonder Laish didn't need to be at his best when winning at Kilbeggan 12 days ago,that was a tactical affair over hurdles and he has a good chance here. Monas Melody won over this course and distance in July and was a good second at Galway when last seen at the beginning of this month and she will definitely challenge. Rebellito was fifth in a handicap at Naas on his Irish flat debut 17 days ago,that was his first run for 18 months and better is expected here as long as this race hasn't come too soon. The other to look at is Sevenna Star who despite not having won in his last 12 starts was a very good second in a handicap at Tramore last weekend and he should not be dismissed. 

Big race predictions: 5.45: 8: Khartoum  7.15: 4: Wonder Laish.

17/8/21 Result

 Well the good start to the week didn't last long with Tuesday's pick Pump Road finishing 8th. The 3/1 favourite was towards the rear and not fluent early on. He made some headway 4 out and was in midfield 3 from the finish,however mistakes at the second last and the last saw him drop back while upfront the 16/1 chance Oskar High comfortably beat Hello Pilgrim by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 After today's card there's a midweek break in Ireland but there are meetings at Carlisle, Bath and day one of the Ebor festival at York where the group one Juddmonte International takes centre stage. There are also evening cards at Worcester and Kempton for your entertainment. The next Irish meeting is at Killarney on Thursday where the Vincent O'brien Ruby Stakes and the Kingdom Gold Cup are the standout races. My preview of those will be up on Wednesday night.

17/8/21 Sligo

 The week got off to the perfect start with my pick Malayan winning,the 6/5 favourite was 2nd at halfway making headway to lead from 2 out. She was 2 lengths clear in the final furlong and despite having her advantage reduced close to home she held on to beat Believe In Science by 1/2 a length. 

 There is a 7 race card at Sligo on Tuesday where the feature contest is the 7.15 when 17 line-up for the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. Pump Road is having a good recent spell and he should have won on this course when last seen 12 days ago but he gave himself too much to do in the closing stages eventually finishing 2nd,he goes back up in trip and should continue to go well. Icee MBa picked up her career best win at Ballinrobe just 8 days ago coming home by 1/2 a length, she shouldn't be taken lightly as she bids for her hat-trick win. Finding Joy last tasted victory at Downpatrick in late 2019 but was a very creditable 3rd on the same course 9 days ago,she looks competitive on form and definitely can't be ruled out. The other on my shortlist is Ocean Glandore he was a very good 3rd when Icee MBa won at Ballinrobe last time so he definitely deserves consideration. 

Big race prediction: 4: Pump Road.

16/8/21 Roscommon

 The weekend came to a pretty good end for my picks,at Dundalk Safecracker was 3rd. The 11/10 favourite led early but was soon passed dropping to 4th from a furlong out. He moved up to 3rd and held on in the final 150 yards while the 14/1 shot Ides Of August won by 2 lengths. At Tramore Tune The Chello went one better finishing 2nd. The 10/3 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 3rd 2 out. A mistake at the last while second ended her challenge and despite staying on well on the run-in she just failed to catch the winner Rippon Lodge who came home by a head.

 A brand new week begins with 7 races at Roscommon on Monday where the highlight is the 5.15 when 8 begin the Irish EBF Auction Series. Malayan is a promising filly who has one win from two runs this year that came in a maiden at Galway 15 days ago,she should progress further here and pick up another victory. Nectaris was a winner at Galway last time out,she kept on well there and will give another good account of herself. Believe In Science makes his debut here,this half-brother to Dream Of Words is definitely one to look at. The other in the field with a chance is Snapius a useful colt who has had some decent runs this year a win at Limerick in June and a second at Galway last month standout and despite finishing 21st at Naas 2 weeks ago he goes up in trip and can bounce back.

Big race prediction: 8: Malayan. 

15/8/21 Dundalk + Tramore

 The big race on Saturday saw my pick Right Turn finish 2nd. The 7/2 chance was 4th at halfway moving up to 3rd 3 out. He improved further to lead just over a furlong from the finish. He kept on well but was passed in the closing stages by Sanosuke who won by 1 1/4 lengths.

 It's back to a two meeting day on Sunday with 8 races at Dundalk and 7 at Tramore, the feature contest at Dundalk is the 4.25 when 13 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Red God' (Premier Handicap.) Safecracker confirmed the promise shown in previous starts when winning a maiden over this course and distance 34 days ago,he makes his handicap debut here and will definitely be in the mix. Hale Bopp clearly wasn't 100% when 15th in the Dubai Duty Free at The Curragh in June,however he goes significantly up in trip here and with improvement likely he is a threat. Alhaazm has won on this course 4 times in his career his latest was in April, that was his second victory this year and going up in trip means he definitely enters calculations. The other who gets on the shortlist is Bowerman another course and distance winner who found himself short of room when 12th in a handicap at Galway 19 days ago,however going up to 1 mile 2 furlongs gives him a chance. The main event on the final day of the August festival at Tramore is the 4.35 when 11 begin the Mccarthys Irish Bar Lexington Handicap Chase. Tune The Chello picked up his career best win in a novice chase at Limerick when last seen 36 days ago,he makes his handicap chase debut here and should be up there again in this competitive affair. Centurion Steel won over this course and distance back in June and was a respectable 3rd at Limerick 36 days ago and is the main danger here. Stylish Moment put in his best performance this year when 2nd at Killarney last month and if he is able to back that up he will definitely be involved here.

Big race predictions: Dundalk: 13: Safecracker  Tramore: 5: Tune The Chello.

14/8/21 Tramore

 The week ended on a mixed note for my 3 picks,at The Curragh Leo De Fury was 10th. The 6/1 chance was at the rear making some minor headway 2 out. She was short of room a furlong out staying on but never being on terms at the front the 9/4 favourite Earlswood won by 3/4 of a length. In the 7.00 Princess Zoe was 2nd. The 100/30 chance chased the leaders making headway from 3 out,she kept on well moving into 2nd inside the final 110 yards however she was no match for the winner Twilight Payment who came home by 1 3/4 lengths. At Tramore Myth Buster was a non runner the race was won by the 11/10 favourite Ya Boy Ya.

 After a very busy last few days we have just one meeting on Saturday meaning we can concentrate on day 3 at Tramore, the main event comes at 5.55 when 12 begin the Core Bullion Traders Rated. Right Turn was a good 4th in a handicap at Killarney 31 days ago,he has a good chance on form and should pick up his first win here. Social Distance is a good filly who has 2 wins from 6 runs this year her last was at Sligo in May,she was a very creditable 4th at Galway 2 weeks ago and can be competitive again. Chummie was last a winner at Tipperary in June and was a respectable 7th in her last race at Cork in July and she can definitely give another good account here. The other one in with a chance is Tropical Cyclone who was a very good second in a handicap at Yarmouth 38 days ago,since then she has moved to a new yard and can't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 1: Right Turn.

13/8/21 The Curragh + Tramore

 Thursday turned out to be a good day with two wins out of three. Both victory's came at Leopardstown, in the 6.30 Create Belief tracked the leaders and led from a furlong out. The 5/6 favourite quickened to move clear inside the final furlong beating Georgeville by 1/2 a length. The other big race saw Interpretation make all the running. The Evens favourite went into the lead 5 out. She faced a challenge 2 out but stayed on well inside the final furlong beating Fernando Vichi by 1 3/4 lengths. The only pick who failed to win was Walking Fame who came 6th at Tramore. The 13/8 favourite was always behind the leaders weakening approaching the last leaving the 6/1 chance Craic Eile to win by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 The week ends on a busy note with another two meetings. The two standout contests take place at The Curragh,the first is the 6.00 when 13 line-up for the 201st running of the group 3 Fitzdares Royal Whip Stakes. Leo De Fury was 5th in this race a year ago but did win over this course and distance early in his career. He did make a good reappearance when fifth to Japan in the Meld Stakes at Leopardstown 29 days ago and should progress further here. Visualisation has already picked up 3 wins from 6 runs this year his last was here in May. He was an excellent second in a handicap at Royal Ascot 55 days ago and definitely enters calculations. Innisfree is a promising horse who won on this course in September 2019 and was a good second in the Futurity Trophy at Newcastle when last seen 21 months ago,he goes back up in trip here but has a chance despite his long lay-off. The other threat is Earlswood who was a creditable 4th to Hurricane Lane in the Irish Derby on this course 48 days ago and should go well again. The other main event comes at 7.00 when 11 start the Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial Stakes. Princess Zoe had an excellent 2020 completing a 5-timer when taking the Prix Du Cadran at Longchamp in October, she arrives having run well to finish 2nd in the Gold Cup at Ascot in June and going back down in trip and grade here makes her a serious player. Wordsworth is an improving horse who finished 3rd in the Irish Derby here in June and 2nd in the Prix De Paris before being slightly out of form when 5th in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood last time out. He goes back up in trip and is a danger. Emperor Of The Sun picked up his first victory at listed level at Leopardstown in May,he wasn't disgraced in his two group one runs since a fifth in the Ascot Gold Cup and a 7th in the Goodwood Cup. This is definitely a more suitable race for him and he will challenge. Twilight Payment won the Melbourne Cup in 2020 but has been below that kind of form in his three starts this year his last saw him weaken to finish 9th at Ascot in June, however a drop back in trip should help and he can't be written off. There are also 7 races on day 2 at Tramore where the highlight is the opener at 5.10 when 7 begin the Ey Chase. The two main protagonists both come from Henry De Bromhead,Myth Buster last won at Thurles in March and was a creditable 3rd in a novice chase at Killarney 28 days ago so gets the nod ahead of Trainwreck who was a below form 6th in a handicap chase at Tipperary when last seen in mid July,but if he finds his best form again he has a good claim.

Big race predictions: The Curragh: 6.00: 7: Leo De Fury  7.00: 9: Princess Zoe

                                       Tramore: 5.10: 4: Myth Buster.

12/8/21 Leopardstown + Tramore

 Well it wasn't a great midweek with my pick So I Told You finishing 8th,the 4/1 chance was towards the rear at halfway and raced wide at the home turn. She made some minor headway from 2 out but she was never on terms. Upfront the 10/1 shot Solene Lilyette won beating Astadash by 1/2 a length. 

 It's another busy day on Thursday with two meetings, the biggest races of the day form part of a 7 race card at Leopardstown. The first comes at 6.30 when 9 begin the group 3 Invesco Pension Consultants Desmond Stakes. Create Belief was a very impressive 5 1/2 length winner of the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot 55 days ago and should take the step up in class in her stride on her way to group one's later in the season and she is the one to beat here. Neptune Rock won on this course on her debut in June and was a good 4th in the Cairn Rouge Stakes at Killarney last month,despite having to find more she shouldn't be underestimated. Military Style won on this course a year ago but didn't follow that up when 9th to Thunder Moon at The Curragh when last seen 11 months ago,this well-bred colt still has potential and can challenge. The other to look at is Real Appeal who's career best win was in the Ballycorus Stakes on this course 63 days ago and he definitely has a good shout. The other standout race is the 7.00 when 6 line-up for the Vinnie Roe Stakes. Interpretation made it 2 wins from 2 runs this year when making all the running here 3 weeks ago,he goes slightly up in trip and with more to come gets the vote. Port Sunlight is a useful filly who was a very good second in a handicap at Galway 17 days ago,the step up to one mile six furlongs should suit and she is definitely one to consider. Fernando Vichi won on this course in June and went on to be 9th in the Irish Derby 47 days ago,this is a more suitable race for him and he could be a threat. The only other one to look at is Taipan who's last run was a fifth in the Ballyroan Stakes here a week ago,he was ridden too aggressively that day so hopefully lessons have been learned and he is able to challenge. The other meeting is the first of 4 days at Tramore where the main event comes at 6.45 when 8 start the Flynn Hotels Handicap Hurdle. The pick here is Walking Fame who opened her hurdles account at the 4th attempt at Killarney back in October, since then she had moved to the yard of Willie Mullins and should continue to progress. Elegant Lass heads the opposition her last win was at Tipperary last month and she finished a respectable 3rd at Killarney 28 days ago so can make her presence felt. The other threat is Bridge Native who after 4 wins from 10 runs last season was a good 4th in a handicap chase at Galway 15 days ago,she switches from chasing to hurdles here and should be competitive. 

Big race predictions: Leopardstown: 6.30: 8: Create Belief  7.00: 2: Interpretation 

                                       Tramore: 6.45: 3: Walking Fame.

11/8/21 Gowran Park

 After a day off the action returns on Wednesday with 8 races at Gowran Park where the highlight is the 5.35 when 12 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Hurry Harriet Stakes. So I Told You is a useful filly who has picked up 3 wins from 5 runs this year her last was on this course in July,she was a good third in a handicap at Sligo a week ago but would have finished closer had she not been badly hampered and she is the one to beat. Emphatic Answer is looking for her hat-trick after wins at Killarney and a handicap at The Curragh 24 days ago,she was 2 1/2 lengths in front there and with more to offer she is the main challenger. Sweet Molly Malone has only won once this year that was at Leopardstown in June and she followed that up with a respectable fifth at Killarney 29 days ago,despite needing a stronger gallop she is open to progress and is a danger. The other threat is Astadash who's best performance this year was a second in the Rothesay Stakes at Ayr in May and she was a good 4th to Insinuendo in the Kilboy Estate Stakes at The Curragh last month and she definitely enters calculations. 

Big race prediction: 3: So I Told You.

9/8/21 Result

 The week got off to a great start with my pick Cream Sparkles winning. The 15/8 favourite was 5th at halfway and began to make headway 2 out. She was 3rd before the last and kept on well under pressure moving between horses inside the final furlong, she led on the line beating Chicago Time by a nose.

 After Monday's meeting there is no Irish racing on Tuesday. There are races at Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Lingfield and an evening card at Chelmsford City for you to enjoy. The next Irish meeting is at Gowran Park on Wednesday where the listed Hurry Harriet Stakes takes centre stage. My preview of that will be up on Tuesday night.

9/8/21 Ballinrobe

 Sunday saw some decent results for my picks,at Downpatrick Gevrey was 4th. The 5/2 shot was chasing the leaders when he slipped on the bend before the 5th,he recovered to be 4th at the last but made no impression leaving the 14/1 chance Dollar Value to win by 1 1/2 lengths. At The Curragh Go Bears Go was 3rd. The 6/4 favourite was 3rd early and was disputing the lead a furlong out. He dropped back to 3rd inside the final furlong keeping on without threatening with Ebro River winning by 3/4 of a length. 

 The week kicks off with 8 races at Ballinrobe where the highlight is the 6.15 when 12 begin the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. Cream Sparkles impressed on her second run over hurdles finishing 3rd at the Galway festival 12 days ago, a repeat of that performance might just be good enough for a win here. Cute Cherry is a promising horse who was a good 6th at Cork a week ago,she goes significantly up in trip but there is plenty more to come from her and she will challenge. Valley Breeze was 4th on his hurdles debut at Sligo when last seen back in August 2019,he is of interest here because trainer Willie Mullins has persevered with him and it will be interesting to see if he repays the faith shown in him. The other on the shortlist is Helisone she makes her debut here but she comes from the yard of Henry De Bromhead so can't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 9: Cream Sparkles.

8/8/21 Downpatrick + The Curragh

 Saturday saw results at both ends of the scale,at Cork La Petite Coco won. The 2/1 favourite was 4th at halfway and began to make progress from 3 out. She travelled well challenging 2 1/2 furlongs from the finish,she soon led running on to easily win by 5 1/2 lengths. Over at Kilbeggan Demain Des L'aube was 10th. The 9/2 favourite led early but was passed after a mistake 3 out. He weakened quickly after that allowing the 9/1 shot Definite Soldier to win by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 Another double header rounds off the weekend with 7 races at Downpatrick and 8 at The Curragh,the main contest at Downpatrick is the 2.10 when 7 start the Randox Health Rated Hurdle. Gevrey is a useful hurdler who arrives here after finishing an excellent 3rd at Punchestown in his last race at the end of April. He looks good on form and should go well again here. The main threat looks to be Humm Baby who was a very good 2nd in a handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe 76 days ago and with another performance like that she will definitely be competitive. The other one who will challenge is Run For Oscar he last picked up a win at Fairyhouse towards the end of 2020 but didn't enjoy a good run when 11th in a handicap hurdle at Galway just 9 days ago, however he can bounce back and has a hope. The highlight at The Curragh is also the best race of the weekend when at 4.10 9 line-up for the group one Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. Go Bears Go is a promising horse who beat most of this field when taking the Gain Railway Stakes over this course and distance 6 weeks ago and he should take all the beating. Castle Star has won twice here this year and was a very good second in the Railway last time out,he is definitely capable of better and can challenge. Dr Zempf picked up his only win this year on this course in early June and returned to be 4th behind Go Bears Go 43 days ago,he should improve again and isn't ruled out. The others in this cracking race for 2 year olds will fight for the minor places and of those Ebro River looks the best,this useful colt has 2 wins this year at Doncaster and Sandown and was 4th to Asymmetric in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood 10 days ago so he could run well here and spring a surprise. 

Big race predictions: Downpatrick: 4: Gevrey   The Curragh: 5: Go Bears Go.

7/8/21 Cork + Kilbeggan

 The week ended with a mixed bag of results. At Tipperary Seisai won,the 2/1 joint favourite tracked the leaders early and was 3rd at halfway. Despite bumping a rival under 2 furlongs out she was soon in the lead coming home by 1/2 a length. At Wexford Smitty Bacall came 6th,the 9/2 chance was 3rd before a mistake 3 out. He had no extra from 2 out with the 28/1 shot Filon D'Oudairies winning by 3/4 of a length. 

 Another full on weekend begins on Saturday with 8 races at both Cork and Kilbeggan, the main event at Cork comes at 4.55 when 11 line-up for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes. La Petite Coco has picked up 2 wins from 4 runs this year her career best came at Killarney 26 days ago where she comfortably crossed the line 2 1/4 lengths in front. More progress is expected here and she will go well. Thunder Kiss is the main  challenger a smart filly with an excellent record this year,her 2 wins have come at Dundalk and on this course in June and she was a good 4th in the International Stakes at The Curragh 42 days ago,she arrives here with her stable in good form and she is a threat. The other one on the list is Willow who after a win at Naas in June wasn't disgraced when a creditable 4th in the Irish Oaks at The Curragh last time out and she can definitely make her presence felt here. The big race at Kilbeggan is at 7.45 when 15 start the Kilmurray's Homevalue Hardware Mullingar Handicap Chase. Demain Des L'aube was a course and distance winner back in June but was a below form 10th at Limerick when last seen 28 days ago,however he is capable of bouncing back and should do that here. Desire De Joie was a good 4th in a novice chase here at the beginning of last month,he goes down in trip to make his handicap chase debut and is on the shortlist. The other is Samurai Cracker who's latest win was at Down Royal in March and he was a good third on his return at Limerick 28 days ago and he definitely can't be ruled out.

Big race predictions: Cork: 9: La Petite Coco  Kilbeggan:5: Demain Des L'aube.

6/8/21 Tipperary + Wexford

 Thursday was a good day for my picks. At Sligo Ferdia was 3rd,the 9/2 shot was 3rd at halfway and was 2nd just before 3 out. He led briefly but made no impression approaching the last and having nothing extra on the run-in with the 1/1 favourite The Little Yank wining by an impressive 8 1/2 lengths. At Leopardstown Tarnawa won,the 1/2 favourite moved into the lead just over a furlong out quickening away inside the final furlong to easily come home by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 Another double header takes place on Friday with 7 races at both Tipperary and Wexford, the main event at Tipperary is the 6.00 when 6 start the Coolmore Stud Churchill Stakes. Seisai picked up a victory at Gowran Park in June before moving to Leopardstown to finish a good third in the Silver Flash Stakes 15 days ago,this longer trip should suit and she is difficult to look past here,the two who might give her something to think about renew a rivalry. John The Baptist won a maiden at The Curragh on debut 20 days ago,he should improve and deserves respect,the second horse that day Shark Bay goes again this promising horse went too soon at The Curragh and lost by a nose but he should definitely challenge here having learnt from that race. At Wexford the big race is the 6.45 when 15 begin the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase. Smitty Bacall ended a 3 year wait for another win in a handicap hurdle at Tipperary 36 days ago running well to beat the favourite Blackstair Rocco by 2 lengths, the pair were miles clear of the rest so he should go well again on this his fences return. Marshalled showed improvement when opening his account over fences at Killarney when last seen at the beginning of May,he stayed on well that day and is a threat. The other main challenger will be Abraham a useful winner over hurdles who picked up his first fences win at Killarney 21 days ago holding on despite coming under pressure and he should be competitive again here.

Big race predictions: Tipperary: 6: Seisai  Wexford: 6: Smitty Bacall.

5/8/21 Sligo + Leopardstown

 The big race at Sligo on Wednesday saw my pick So I Told You finish 3rd. The 10/3 joint favourite was 4th at halfway moving up to 3rd entering the straight. She sat 2nd when hampered 150 yards from the finish and with no extra pace the 5/1 shot Miss Myers went on to win by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 It's a busy day on Thursday with 7 races at Sligo and 8 at Leopardstown, the main event at Sligo comes at 5.00 when 7 begin the Foley's Bar & Off Licence Rated Novice Hurdle. Ferdia looked a useful horse after wins at Ballinrobe and Tramore but he struggled when moving up to listed company at Galway 8 days ago finishing 6th,however he should be taken seriously here. The Little Yank has had a decent 2021 his best performance being a victory at Ballinrobe in July,he was a very creditable 3rd at Galway a week ago and should give another good account of himself. Hidden Land picked up a win on her hurdles debut at Downpatrick 23 days ago comfortably coming home by 7 lengths, she definitely has more to offer and can show that here. The other one in the mix is Voice Of Hope he achieved his career best win in a novice hurdle at Kilbeggan 27 days ago, despite this being a more demanding race he can't be discounted. At Leopardstown the big race is the 5.20 when 10 start the group 3 Grant Thornton Ballyroan Stakes. Tarnawa is a high class horse who ended last year with 3 wins on the bounce two group one's at Longchamp and the Breeder's Cup Turf at Keeneland where she beat Magical by a length,she has bigger races ahead but should be too good here. Benaud won on this course at the back end of 2020 and was a good 4th in the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot 50 days ago,he is open to progress and will challenge for the minor places along with Silence Please who finished 7th to Thundering Nights in the group one Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh 39 days ago. She should do better here back at a lower level. 

Big race predictions: Sligo: 2: Ferdia  Leopardstown: 5: Tarnawa.

4/8/21 Sligo

 It was an excellent day on Tuesday for my pick as Alice Avril won,the 5/6 favourite made all the running jumping well and she was clear 2 out. She kept on well in the closing stages eventually beating Santana Plessis by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 It's a big money day at Sligo on Wednesday with the highlight of a 7 race card coming at 2.17 when 10 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Connacht Oaks Fillies Handicap. So I Told You is a course and distance winner who made it 3 wins from 4 runs this year at Gowran Park 11 days ago,she didn't need to be at her best there and has a big chance. Miss Myers has run well this year and she finished a very creditable 3rd at Fairyhouse at the beginning of last month making her one of the main challengers here. The other one is Pachmena who was a good third in a handicap at Down Royal when last seen 61 days ago,despite being unable to worry the leaders in the closing stages going down in trip should suit and she is a threat. The other on the shortlist is Vera Verto who last won at Gowran Park in April and was 2nd in her last outing at Roscommon 85 days ago,she makes her handicap debut here and can't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 1: So I Told You.

3/8/21 Roscommon

 It wasn't a bad start to the week for my picks,at Naas Ever Given was 4th. The 7/2 chance was prominent in a near side group and had every chance from a furlong out however he kept on well without threatening with the 15/8 favourite Sacred Bridge winning by 1/2 a length. At Cork Peregrine Run was 2nd,the 6/5 favourite was 4th at halfway moving up to 3rd 4 out. A mistake at the last meant he had nothing extra on the run-in allowing the 9/4 shot Go Another One to go clear and come home by 10 lengths.

 There are 7 races at Roscommon on Tuesday and the standout contest is the 6.40 when 10 start the Boyle Beginners Chase. Alice Avril was a good winner over hurdles in France and after 6 months off she was an encouraging 3rd in a maiden at Limerick on her Irish debut 24 days ago,she can do much better and should show that here. Cerberus is a useful hurdler who was an eye-catching fifth at Wexford at the beginning of last month,he has more to offer and is the main threat. Poseidon was disappointing on his chase debut at Wexford finishing 7th but he was much better when 2nd at Tipperary 16 days ago and that performance gives him a good chance. Battle Of Actium has been a winner over hurdles but was below form when 5th at Tipperary last time,he goes significantly down in trip to make his chase debut and can go well. Of the rest Santana Plessis looks good a useful hurdler who was going well on his chase debut at Tipperary 16 days ago before un seating his rider 4 out. He has potential and can't be overlooked.

Big race prediction: 10: Alice Avril. 

2/8/21 Naas + Cork

 Sunday was another day that didn't go well for my selection with Soaring Monarch coming 11th,the 9/2 favourite sat in midfield but lost a place 1 1/2 furlongs out. He had no extra in the final furlong with the 5/1 shot Current Option successfully defending his crown beating On A Session by 1/2 a length. 

 After a busy festival at Galway there is no let up in the action with 2 meetings on Monday an 8 race card at both Naas and Cork. The main event at Naas comes at 2.25 when 24 line-up for the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes. Ever Given has picked up 3 wins from 4 runs this year his best was at Goodwood 3 days ago,he came home by 2 3/4 lengths and should be well up there here. The obvious threat in the field is Sacred Bridge who is unbeaten after winning on this course in June on debut and a listed race at Tipperary 33 days ago,she was easily on top that day and will definitely challenge. The other one to consider is Bosh a promising horse who is looking for his hat-trick win after a 1 1/4 length victory at Newbury at the beginning of last month, more progress is expected here so he shouldn't be taken lightly. Over at Cork the big race is the 4.55 when 7 start the Buy Tickets Online At Corkracecourse.ie Hurdle. Peregrine Run is a useful hurdler who was a comfortable 3 1/4 length winner at Leopardstown 11 days ago and is the one to beat here. Go Another One won this race last year and looked back on good form when second in a handicap at Kilbeggan 24 days ago and he can definitely give another good account. Heroes Of Renown didn't need to be at his best when he got off the mark in a maiden hurdle over this course and distance last month. This is a tougher test but he still can't be overlooked. The rest of the field will need to up their games significantly to challenge with none of them really standing out.

Big race predictions: Naas: 11: Ever Given  Cork: 5: Peregrine Run.