1/12/21 Dundalk

  A new month sees the Irish racing week finally get underway with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where the highlight is the 2.40 when 8 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race. Fortune Maker makes his debut here. This half-brother to 3 winners including Raphael Santi and Flower Of May is in excellent hands so a win for this interesting newcomer would not be a surprise. Morning Soldier improved on his debut performance to win a maiden on this course 35 days ago. He kept on well that day and should have more to offer here. The other to complete the shortlist is Trent. He was 2nd on debut here behind Morning Soldier at the end of October and returned to finish 3rd in a maiden last month. Despite being expensive to follow so far he should be competitive again. Of the rest look out for Doitforandrew who put in a career best performance when winning here a week ago so shouldn't be ruled out. 

Big race prediction: 5: Fortune Maker.

28/11/21 Result

 The big race of the weekend saw Honeysuckle make it 13 wins in a row. The 2/5 favourite made a slight mistake at the 2nd but recovered to be 3rd at the next. She closed down the leader 4 out and led asserting herself from 2 out,she travelled well easily coming home by 8 lengths. The impressive performance saw her odds immediately cut to 4/5 on to retain her Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham in March. 

 After a busy weekend at Fairyhouse there is no Irish racing until Wednesday. On Monday there are meetings at Kempton, Ayr and an evening card at Wolverhampton. While on Tuesday Lingfield, Southwell and Newcastle provide the action all weather permitting. The next Irish card is the midweek meeting at Dundalk my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night. 

28/11/21 Fairyhouse

 Saturday's selection Buddy Rich was 4th. The 5/2 favourite was in midfield early making headway to sit 4th 3 out. He travelled well moving up to 3rd after the last,he dropped to 4th inside the final furlong offering no extra. The 3/1 shot Dunvegan won beating Grange Walk by a length.

 Fairyhouse rounds off it's two days with 8 races on Sunday including 3 Grade One's, the highlight of those is at 2.40 when 10 begin the Baroneracing.com Hatton's Grace Hurdle. It's hard to look past Honeysuckle here who is unbeaten in 12 starts winning this race,the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, the corresponding race at Cheltenham and the Paddy Power at Punchestown last season. She is the best hurdler around and should win her 8th consecutive Grade 1. Saldier is a high-class hurdler who didn't need to be at his best to win the Grade 3 Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle at Tipperary 56 days ago. He beat another in this field Darasso by 3 lengths and going back up in trip here means he will be one to challenge for the minor places. The other shortlisted is Abacadabras who looks to make his return after being a non-runner in the Morgiana Hurdle last month.  He was a respectable 4th to Honeysuckle in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle when last seen in April. Returning after nearly 200 days means he shouldn’t trouble the favourite but he will still go well. 

Big race prediction: 8: Honeysuckle. 

27/11/21 Fairyhouse

 The Friday pick Bradesco finished 2nd,the 6/5 favourite led after 2 furlongs and was still in the lead 2 out. He faced a challenge soon after and was passed inside the final furlong. He had no extra but kept on in the last 110 yards however he was no match for the winner Dalvey who came home by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 An excellent two days at Fairyhouse begins with 8 races on Saturday where the feature comes at 12.30 when 12 line-up for the Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase. Buddy Rich achieved his career best win in a novice chase at Navan 20 days ago. He makes his handicap debut here and in a decent field he gets the vote. Poseidon beat Grange Walk by 3 1/2 lengths when last seen at Cork in mid October and that performance makes him the main threat. The other challenger should be January Jets he wasn't disgraced when 2nd in a chase at Limerick 48 days ago. He went off as favourite that day and with 2 wins already in his career he can’t be taken lightly. Looking at the rest keep Epson Du Houx in mind,he won a handicap chase at Cork on his return 2 weeks ago. He ran well to come home by 4 lengths and shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 7: Buddy Rich.

26/11/21 Dundalk

 Thursday's pick Cilaos Emery won. The 30/100 favourite was 3 lengths clear at halfway, he travelled well from 2 out keeping on excellently in the closing stages. He easily beat Darver Star by 3 lengths.

 8 races at Dundalk round off the week and the highlight comes at 7.30 when 8 begin the Extra Places Everyday At Betvictor Handicap. Bradesco enjoys running here. He picked up his career best win over this race distance at the beginning of this month and despite not being suited by the drop in trip he won again 9 days ago. He should make it a hat-trick moving back up to 2 miles. Jake Peter is a course and distance winner who was a creditable 4th here 2 weeks ago. He goes significantly back up in trip and is the main challenger. The other threat is Belgoprince he was a creditable 9th in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham earlier this month. His last win was in a 23 runner handicap at Navan in late October and with a decent record on the All-weather he deserves respect. Of the rest keep an eye on Bold Approach a course winner who was a good 5th to Jason The Millitant in a listed race at Naas 26 days ago. Going back up in trip here gives him a chance if he can rediscover his old form.

Big race prediction: 7: Bradesco. 

This is my 450th post so a quick thank you to all who have taken the time to read this blog hopefully we've found some winners and fingers crossed for another 450. 

25/11/21 Thurles

 The midweek pick Together Aclaim was 2nd. The 5/6 favourite was 3rd at halfway improving to lead 2 1/2 furlongs out. He was passed inside the final 150 yards keeping on at the same pace allowing the 15/2 shot Doitforandrew to win by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 There are 7 races at Thurles on Thursday where the main event comes at 1.05 when just 4 begin the listed Betvictor Chase. After the withdrawal of two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo due to the ground the class act in the field is Cilaos Emery. This excellent chaser has 4 wins from 9 starts over fences and only lost by a neck to Samcro in a Grade 3 at Killarney when last seen in May. He should make a winning return here on his first run over 2 miles 6 and looking at the rest it will be disappointing if he doesn't get the job done. The obvious threat is Darver Star who was a good hurdler one of the highlights being a 3rd place finish in the 2020 Champion Hurdle but he hasn't yet reached the same over fences. He was running well when he fell 2 out in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas 19 days ago. He goes slightly up in trip here but that shouldn't worry him and he could challenge. The other two in the field will definitely need the favourites to have an off day. Knock On Steel was last to Eklat De Rire in a listed race at Wexford 31 days ago while Mamaslittlestar was 13th on her fences debut at Gowran Park 5 days ago and looks outclassed here.

Big race prediction: 1: Cilaos Emery.

24/11/21 Dundalk

 Tuesday's pick Hunters Yarn was 4th. The 5/6 favourite tracked the leaders early sitting 5th,he made headway to go 2nd 2 out. He made no impression on the leaders in 3rd before the last showing no extra inside the final furlong dropping to 4th. At the front Freedom To Dream beat Sam's Choice by 1/2 a length. 

 The midweek meeting takes place at Dundalk where the highlight is the opener on the card at 2.00 when 9 line-up for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden. Together Aclaim is a promising horse who after finishing 7th on debut at Leopardstown in mid October progressed as expected when 2nd on this course 19 days ago. He has more to offer and gets the vote. Doitforandrew was a bit below form when 3rd in a maiden at Naas when last seen in August. He was only left behind in the final furlong by the winner Thunder Eclipse and returning after 94 days means he should have a say here. The shortlist is rounded off by Hernes Hill. This colt showed promise when 3rd over this course and distance on debut 47 days ago. There was plenty to work on after that run and he should do better in this one. Of the rest Heavenly Body looks good. She has run twice in her career finishing 6th on both occasions including on this course at the beginning of this month. She should improve and may well challenge. 

Big race prediction: 1: Together Aclaim. 

23/11/21 Punchestown

 The Irish racing week kicks off with 8 races at Punchestown on Tuesday where the highlight is the 2.35 when 9 begin the Connolly's Red Mill Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. Hunters Yarn was impressive when a 17 length winner of a bumper at Thurles when last seen in March. Since then he has moved to the yard of Willie Mullins and looks like the one to beat on his hurdles debut. Life In The Park makes his first rules start here,this half-brother to 3 winners including Lifetime Ambition was in command when he fell on his only point start in April. However he is an interesting hurdle newcomer for Henry De Bromhead and with Rachel Blackmore on board he definitely has a chance. The other to look at is Sam's Choice a promising horse who picked up a win at Clonmel in September and followed that up with a good 4th on his hurdles debut at Galway 31 days ago. He goes significantly up in trip here but with progress expected he should challenge. 

Big race prediction: 5: Hunters Yarn.

21/11/21 Result

 My pick on Sunday Farclas came 2nd. The 11/2 chance was in midfield early sitting 4th 3 out. He improved to be 3rd at the last however despite keeping on well he never threatened going 2nd close to home. The race was won by Run Wild Fred the 4/1 favourite came home by 7 1/2 lengths. 

 After another busy weekend including Group 1 success for Henry De Bromhead at Haydock Irish racing takes a break on Monday. There are meetings at Ayr,Kempton and Ludlow with an evening card at Chelmsford for you to enjoy. The next Irish meeting is at Punchestown on Tuesday my preview of that will be up on Monday night.

21/11/21 Navan

 Saturday saw my pick Fan De Blues finish 2nd. The 6/4 favourite was 3rd early and sat 2nd at the 10th. He led from 3 out but was passed at the last with no extra in the closing stages,Bois De Clamart won by 4 lengths. 

 Navan celebrates it's 100th birthday with 7 races on Sunday where the feature is the 2.50 when 17 begin the Ladbrokes Troytown Handicap Chase. Trainer Gordon Elliott holds a strong hand here with Farclas standing out. He was second to The Shunter in the Paddy Power Plate at the Cheltenham Festival and after finishing 5th at Aintree in April looked on course for another big race when unseating his rider 3 out in a chase at Listowel on his return 60 days ago. Despite that he should bounce back here giving him the nod. Two other Elliott runners make up the shortlist, Run Wild Fred was a very respectable 2nd on his reappearance in a Grade 3 novice chase at Cork 21 days ago and will challenge as should Definite Plan. He picked up a career best win in a handicap chase at Cheltenham at the end of October. He stayed on to win by a head and definitely deserves consideration. The only one who could upset the odds is Lord Royal. He was a creditable 7th to Galvin in the National Hunt Chase at the festival 8 months ago. This is his return and Handicap Chase debut and with progress expected he could surprise everyone. 

Big race prediction: 2: Farclas.

20/11/21 Gowran Park

 The week ended with a day to forget after my pick Big Dream finished 10th. The 15/2 chance was prominent and led after a furlong. He was passed just over a furlong from the finish soon weakening, at the front the 9/2 shot Freescape won beating Sister Lola by a neck.

 Another exciting weekend begins with 7 races at Gowran Park on Saturday where their main event comes at 1.03 when 7 line-up for the Ashgrove Stables Handicap Chase. Fan De Blues found Gin On Lime too good when second in the Like A Butterfly Novices Chase at Tipperary 48 days ago. That was his hat-trick bid but back in handicap company he is the best in the field against some inferior opposition. Ilikedwayurthinkin has 2 wins from 3 runs this season,his career best was in a chase at Galway at the beginning of October. He will be the main threat as long as he avoids the slight mistakes of previous outings. The only other who could challenge is Montagne D'argent. He was running below form when he fell at the last in a grade 3 novice chase at Thurles back in March. He has been off 8 months and has a chance if his new yard have him ready to go.

Big race prediction: 1: Fan De Blues. 

19/11/21 Dundalk

 My pick for Thursday Beacon Edge was a non runner. The race was won by West Cork Wildway the 9/1 chance beat the 4/5 favourite The Bosses Oscar by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 We round off the week with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where the main event is the 5.00 when 17 line-up for the Betvictor Casino Rated. Big Dream won a maiden on this course 3 weeks ago. That was his first run for a new yard,he kept on well to win by 3/4 of a length suggesting he has more to offer with the drop down in trip not expected to faze him he is the pick. Punk Poet picked up his career best win in a handicap on this course 21 days ago. He just about held on and should be competitive again meaning he heads the possible dangers. French Rain is a useful filly who was a bit below form when 10th at Lingfield when last seen in August. However she does have a chance if back to her best after a break. The other threat is Freescape. His last win was on this course at the back end of 2019, however he does like it here and was a good 2nd in a handicap on his latest run 2 weeks ago despite being slowly away.  His form here shows he should be challenging again and shouldn’t be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 14: Big Dream.

18/11/21 Thurles

 The midweek feature saw my pick Star Girls Aalmal win. The 6/4 favourite was prominent and led after a furlong. She asserted herself just over a furlong out keeping on strongly in the closing stages comfortably winning by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 There are 7 races at Thurles on Thursday where the highlight comes at 12.00 when 10 line-up for the Betvictor Irish EBF Beginners Chase. Beacon Edge is a high-class horse over hurdles who was a very good second on his debut over fences in a novice chase at Down Royal 20 days ago. He stuck to his task there and gets the vote here. The Bosses Oscar is a promising individual who was 3rd at Galway at the end of October. He definitely has a bigger effort over fences in him and has the potential to show it making him the main challenger. The other high on the shortlist is Stratum a useful hurdler who picked up his career best win on this course 28 days ago. He was 6 lengths clear when he crossed the line and with this being his chase debut he is a player. Looking at the rest keep West Cork Wildway in mind, despite falling in a novice chase at Killarney on his fences debut 46 days ago he goes up in trip here and can definitely still be a good chaser so shouldn't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 2: Beacon Edge.

17/11/21 Dundalk

 Tuesday was a poor day with my pick L'impertinent finishing 9th. The 5/2 chance led early before a slight mistake 4 out. He was passed 2 out and soon had no extra. At the front the 16/1 shot It'sallabouteve won by 3/4 of a length. 

 The highlight of an 8 race card at Dundalk on Wednesday comes at 5.00 when 11 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. Star Girls Aalmel looked useful when finishing 6th to Snaffles in a listed race over this course and distance on debut 47 days ago,she will  improve and sets the clear standard here dropping to a maiden so should take plenty of beating. Trent just failed to win on debut over this course and distance 3 weeks ago. He was only 3/4 of a length behind the winner but it was still a promising run making him the main threat. The other one to look at is Brostaigh who after finishing 2nd at Down Royal in September was a respectable 7th at Naas when last seen 31 days ago and she will definitely challenge here. Of the rest keep an eye on All In The Mind. This useful colt finished 2nd at Thurles at the beginning of October and followed that up with a good 4th on this course 26 days ago so shouldn't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 11: Star Girls Aalmal. 

16/11/21 Limerick

 After no action on Monday the Irish racing week begins with 8 races at Limerick on Tuesday where the main event is the 12.45 when 17 line-up for the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. L'impertinent needed the run when he was 5th at Wexford 23 days ago. He is the pick if he can reproduce the form which saw him finish 3rd at Cork on debut last season. The main threat is The Greek a fair hurdler who looked on course to be placed until he fell 2 out at Down Royal just over 2 weeks ago. Despite not yet picking up a win he comes from a top yard and is a player. The other one who deserves a mention is Kicking Princess who has 1 win from 3 runs this season that came in a bumper at Wexford at the end of October. She was favourite that day coming home by 1 1/4 lengths and making the switch to hurdles here means she should be respected.

Big race prediction: 9: L'impertinent. 

14/11/21 Results

 There were results at both ends of the scale for my picks on Sunday. At Punchestown Sharjah won the big Group 1,the 6/4 favourite was 2nd early travelling smoothly approaching the straight. He led at the last staying on well to beat Zanahiyr by 3 lengths. At Cork Noble Yeats was 6th. The 13/8 favourite was at the rear and despite being pushed along he made no impression before the straight and was never a factor. At the front Epson Du Houx won by 4 lengths. 

 After an exciting weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday but there are 2 meetings at Pumpton and Leicester for your enjoyment. The next Irish action sees 8 races at Limerick on Tuesday my preview of that will be up on Monday night. 

14/11/21 Punchestown + Cork

Saturday's big Grade 2 saw my pick Cape Gentleman finish 2nd. The 8/11 favourite tracked the leader and sat 2nd at halfway. He made a slight mistake at the 8th and soon made no impression on the winner Riviere D'etel the 9/4 chance drew clear to romp home by 21 lengths. 

 It's a double header on Sunday with 8 races at Punchestown and 7 at Cork. The main event on day 2 at Punchestown Comes at 2.05 when 5 begin the Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle. Sharjah won this race in 2018 with his last Victory coming when he picked up a third successive Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown in December. He looked impressive when runner-up to Honeysuckle in both Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham and on this course when last seen in April and he sets the standard. The main danger is Echoes In Rain a smart hurdler who didn't need to be at his best when achieving his hat-trick win in the Champion Novices Hurdle on this course in April. There is still better to come from him and he should show that in this one. The shortlist is completed by Abacadabras last year’s winner who went on to taste victory in the Aintree Hurdle before being another Honeysuckle victim on this course when last seen,however he should still be respected. The other two in the field have already won this season, Zanahiyr won the WKD Hurdle by 8 lengths at Down Royal 16 days ago while Darasso was a 6 length victor in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan a week ago but both will need to find more here.

 At Cork their big race is the 2.30 when 8 line-up for the Mallow Handicap Chase. Noble Yeats was a little disappointing when 4th in a Grade 3 chase on this course 2 weeks ago. He went off as favourite but his chase debut win at Galway before that is still fresh in the memory and with improvement expected he should bounce back. Epson Du Houx last won at Naas in January and was a respectable 5th in a handicap chase at Punchestown when last seen in April. Despite being off 6 months if he can reproduce his early year form he is the main threat. The other to keep an eye on is Weihnachts who was a creditable 3rd on his season return at Down Royal 16 days ago and should go well again.

Big race predictions: Punchestown: 3: Sharjah  Cork: 1: Noble Yeats.

13/11/21 Punchestown

 At Dundalk on Friday my pick Andreas Vesalius was a non runner. The race was won by the 8/15 favourite Neo Soul who beat JJ Jumbo by a head.

 A big weekend of action begins with the first of 2 days at Punchestown on Saturday where the highlight of a 7 race card is the 12.38 when 7 line-up for the Grade 2 Betvictor Casino Novice Chase. Cape Gentleman continued his excellent start over fences in impressive fashion when he was an easy 14 length winner of a Grade 3 at Cork at the end of last month. He is an exciting prospect who should make it a hat-trick here. Riviere D'etel is a useful juvenile hurdler who looked good when winning on her fences debut at Fairyhouse 35 days ago. She came home by 11 lengths and with more to come she is a big player. Buddy Rich built on earlier promise when finally opening his chase account at Navan 6 days ago. He stayed on well to beat the favourite Ballyadam that day but this is a tougher test. The other one who will challenge is Embittered who didn't need to be at his best to take a Grade 3 on this course 31 days ago. He has lots of chasing experience and should go well. 

Big race prediction: 1: Cape Gentleman. 

12/11/21 Dundalk

 The big race at Clonmel on Thursday saw my pick Easy Game finish 3rd. The 7/2 shot tracked the leaders and was 3rd at halfway. He was pushed along but made no impression approaching the straight. He kept on at one pace from 2 out with the 5/4 favourite Fakir D'Oudairies easily winning by 15 lengths, afterwards he was cut to 14/1 for the King George on Boxing Day. 

 The week is rounded off with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where the highlight is the opener at 3.45 when 6 line-up for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race. Andreas Vesalius is a useful colt who after winning at Naas in May returned to good form when a very creditable 2nd in the Anglesey Stakes at The Curragh when last seen in mid July. Despite being off 118 days and this being his polytrack debut he will be hard to beat. Neo Soul has been in good recent form,his last run was a respectable second in a maiden at Navan 23 days ago. He is another making their polytrack debut and with his yard having a good spell he is a danger. The other who should battle for the minor places is Ecoutez who has her 3rd run here. A 3rd on debut at Navan was followed up by a 5th at Cork 45 days ago. Improvement is needed but she does have an outside chance.

Big race prediction: 1: Andreas Vesalius.

 

11/11/21 Clonmel

 Wednesday's big race saw my pick Ultramarine finish 2nd. The 1/6 favourite ran well disputing 2nd 3 out,he challenged entering the straight and was on terms 2 out. He was passed in the final furlong making no impression and keeping on at the same pace. The 11/2 shot Crystal City won by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Seven races take place at Clonmel on Thursday where the highlight comes at 2.25 when just 4 line-up for the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase. Two of the field face each other again after going to post in the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park in October. Easy Game is a high-class chaser who looked like challenging before falling 3 out. Before that he won a chase at Listowel in September and he narrowly gets the vote here. The winner Royal Rendezvous is also a player. That run at Gowran Park was his career best,wins at Galway and Ballinrobe before that mean he is looking for his 4th win in a row so he is definitely a danger. Fakir D'Oudairies is also a top-class horse who after finishing 2nd 12 lengths behind Allaho in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham went on to win the Melling Chase at Aintree in April. His stamina was tested when he was 3rd at Punchestown in the Gold Cup on his final start of last season but this is a more suitable trip for his return. The other runner Hardline can't be discounted. He was a good second to Royal Rendezvous at Gowran Park and if any of the others slip up he will challenge. 

Big race prediction: 2: Easy Game. 

10/11/21 Dundalk

 Tuesday's race saw my pick Glenglass win,the 1/1 shot made all the running despite edging left 4 out. He was strongly pressed 2 from the finish and had a narrow advantage entering the final furlong. He stayed on well close to home beating O'Moore Park by a neck. 

 The week continues with 7 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where the highlight is the 2.50 when 17 line-up for the Crowne Plaza Hotel Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Median Auction Maiden. Ultramarine is a useful colt who has had a busy couple of months, he was 4th to Native Trail in the Group 1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at The Curragh in September following that up with a fifth in a listed race at Fairyhouse 51 days ago. He makes his polytrack debut here and sets the standard. Hypernova makes his debut here. This half-brother to both Outpost and Sonnetation has been bred to be a useful runner and is definitely one to note. The other who deserves respect is All In The Mind. He was 2nd in a handicap at Thurles at the beginning of October and then a very creditable 4th in a maiden on this course 19 days ago and he definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 11: Ultramarine. 

9/11/21 Fairyhouse

 After a day off racing returns in Ireland with 8 contests at Fairyhouse on Tuesday where the highlight is the 3.50 when 5 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Point To Point I.N.H. Flat. Glenglass lasted tasted success on his Point debut back in February last year,he was then transferred to the yard of Gordon Elliott and despite taking a while to get him ready for his first run under rules he is still the one to beat. O'Moore Park was an easy winner on his only points start in October. This interesting runner also makes his rules debut and is the main challenger. Of the rest two others make their debuts after switching from Point to point. Ballymist was runner-up when last seen in mid October and should go well while Gavroche D'Allier last ran in May and the betting on this horse will be the guide to expectations. The other runner is the only one with rules experience however Samos Island is a poor hurdler with his best recent performance being a 4th at Kilbeggan in August. He will need a big run here to challenge. 

Big race prediction: 3: Glenglass. 

7/11/21 Results

 There were differing results for my picks at Navan on Sunday, in the 1.10 Flooring Porter failed to finish. The 7/4 favourite led from the start and was clear at halfway. He saw his advantage reduced entering the straight but he was still disputing the lead and travelling well when he fell 2 out. The race went to Darasso the 4/1 chance won by 6 lengths. The 2.55 saw Notebook win. The 8/15 favourite jumped well and led from the 4th. He was briefly joined by Samcro 3 out but led again soon after. He stayed on well on the run-in comfortably coming home by 10 lengths. 

 After an exciting and busy weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday but there are meetings at Wolverhampton, Carlisle and Kempton with an evening card at Newcastle to keep you entertained. The next Irish meeting sees 8 races at Fairyhouse on Tuesday my preview of that will be up on Monday night. 

7/11/21 Navan

 Saturday was a decent day for both my picks at Naas,in the 12.50 Quilixios was 2nd. The 6/4 favourite led after the 3rd asserting his authority before the 4th. His advantage was reduced 4 out and he was passed 2 out. He made no impression before the last keeping on at one pace on the run-in while upfront the 2/1 shot Teahupoo won by a comfortable 12 lengths. In the other big race the Poplar Square Chase Captain Guinness won,the 6/5 favourite sat 2nd at the 4th. He travelled well to lead from 2 out increasing his advantage at the last beating Andy Dufresne by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Navan on Sunday with a couple of Grade two's standing out,the first is the 1.10 when 6 line-up for the Lismullen Hurdle. Flooring Porter was a revelation last season who produced a high-class performance to land the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. It didn't go to plan at Punchestown in the Champion Stayers a month later when he was pulled up at the last but that run can be ignored and he gets the nod here. Sire Du Berlais won this race 12 months ago and went on to be runner-up to Flooring Porter at Cheltenham. He was also 3rd in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown making him a big player. The other main threat is Darasso who produced his best performance over fences when 5th in the Galway Plate in July. His latest run saw him finish 2nd in a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary last month and he should go well here.

 The other main race is at 2.55 when 5 go to post for the Tote Fortria Chase. Notebook is a high-class chaser who's latest win was at Naas in November last year. He was 7th in the Melling Chase at Aintree when last seen in April so has something to prove here but is preferred in a competitive contest. Samcro delivered his best recent performance when he won a Grade 3 Chase at Killarney back in May,however he showed how unreliable he can be with a poor 16th place finish in a handicap chase at Galway in his last outing 102 days ago. He does though have solid claims if on his game. If the main two fail to perform then Bridge Native will capitalise. This useful chaser last won at Galway in October and was 7th in a handicap chase at Cork 3 weeks ago. She definitely has a chance if back on form.

Big race predictions: 1.10: 1: Flooring Porter  2.55: 1: Notebook.

6/11/21 Naas

 On Friday my pick Oodnadatta was 4th. The 5/1 shot led early but was challenged 2 out. She had a narrow lead a furlong from home being passed in the final 150 yards. She kept on at the same pace while the 33/1 chance Friendly won by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 The weekend begins with 8 races at Naas where there are two Grade three's with some decent horses making their season returns,the first is the 12.50 when 6 line-up for the Betvictor Fishery Lane Hurdle. Quilixios definitely wasn’t 100% when 7th in the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown when last seen in May. He should be judged on his win in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival a month earlier and if he is back on track he will be hard to beat. The winner of the Four Year Old Hurdle Jeff Kidder goes again here. This useful horse was a respectable 3rd in a handicap at Navan 17 days ago. He switches from the flat to hurdles here and should have a say. The other to look at is Teahupoo who's latest win was in a hurdle at Fairyhouse back in February. He returned there and was 2nd in a Grade 2 on his final start of last season in a race won by Jeff Kidder so can't be overlooked. 

The other big race comes at 1.20 when 6 begin the Poplar Square Chase. Captain Guinness is a smart horse who was outpaced when 3rd in the Arkle at last season's Cheltenham Festival and was travelling below form when he unseated his rider at the last at Punchestown in April. However he is well worth another chance here on his return. Andy Dufresne is a good chaser who after winning a Grade 3 at Navan went on to finish 3rd behind Monkfish in the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown back in February. He disappointed on his last start at Fairyhouse but should bounce back making him the main challenger. Of the rest Felix Desjy is the one to look at. He landed back-to-back chases this time last year but he's a temperamental horse who's hurdles return at Tipperary last month was needed. He finished 4th there but his jumping will need to improve now back over fences. 

Big race predictions: 12.50: 2: Quilixios  1.20: 3: Captain Guinness.

5/11/21 Dundalk

 Thursday's feature saw my pick Keepthefaithinme finish 2nd. The 11/4 chance sat 4th early moving into 2nd 3 out. He made no impression from a furlong out keeping on at the same pace allowing the 9/2 shot Imperial Lord to win by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 We finish the week with 7 races at Dundalk where the highlight is the 5.15 when 17 line-up for the listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cooley Fillies Stakes.  In a competitive field the vote goes to Oddnadatta a useful horse who was a good 3rd to Elysium at Naas 19 days ago. She makes her polytrack debut here and has the form to make it a winning one. Marbling picked up her career best win in a handicap on this course 3 weeks ago. She goes up in trip here and with her trainer going well she should give a good account of herself. So I Told You has 3 wins from 9 runs this year but was 9th to Georgeville in a listed race at Leopardstown 20 days ago. Despite that she looks good on form and should challenge. The other who has a chance is Moody Poddle who made it a hat-trick of wins at Killarney in August and was a creditable 5th when last seen at Naas in mid October putting her high on the shortlist. 

Big race prediction: 13: Oodnadatta. 

4/11/21 Thurles

 The big midweek race saw my pick Moshammer finish 5th. The 11/4 joint favourite was prominent early soon tracking the leaders sitting 4th entering the straight. However he made no impression when he edged left and bumped a rival over a furlong out keeping on at one pace. In an exciting finish Eloso just held on to win beating Faron by a neck.

 7 races take place at Thurles on Thursday where the main event is the final contest on the card at 3.30 when 9 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Flat Race. Keepthefaithinme showed plenty of promise when 3rd in a bumper on debut at Limerick 25 days ago. He should improve and with his yard in excellent form he gets the vote here to win on his second run. Castlehill Boy looked good when he finished 2nd on his penultimate start at Cork in August last year but he couldn't follow that up when 10th on this course when last seen back in February. He can bounce back and is the main challenger. The shortlist is rounded off by Beeverstown Bullet who's best performance came last time out when he finished 3rd at Fairyhouse at the beginning of October. This fair horse can definitely make his presence felt here and can't be ruled out. 

Big race prediction: 2: Keepthefaithinme.

3/11/21 Dundalk

 In Tuesday's big race my pick Ciel De Neige was 2nd,the 11/8 joint favourite was 3rd early making headway to dispute the lead before 2 out. He made his challenge approaching the last but was passed soon after. He made no impression inside the final furlong allowing the other joint favourite Queens Brook to pull away and win by 4 lengths. 

 All Irish eyes will be on Dundalk on Wednesday with the highlight of an 8 race card coming at 4.30 when 8 begin the Story Of Dundalk Stadium Book Available Online Apprentice Maiden. Moshammer was a good 4th on debut on this course 19 days ago. He showed more than expected and should definitely improve especially as he goes up in trip here and he gets the vote. Eloso is a fairly useful horse despite remaining winless after 14 runs. He was a respectable 5th over this course and distance 33 days ago and should go well again. Zurkhana finished 15th at The Curragh on heavy ground 8 days ago however that race probably came too soon after her debut 5th place finish at Leopardstown in mid October and she is still an interesting prospect. An outsider who might go well is Faron who was 6th in a maiden at Gowran Park when last seen back in June. He was unsuited by the drop in trip so it seems strange he is going further down here and after a 142 day break it will be interesting to see how he goes.

Big race prediction: 5: Moshammer. 

2/11/21 Fairyhouse

 On the beach at Laytown on Monday my pick Raamez was 2nd,the 5/1 shot was 2nd at halfway challenging a furlong out. He kept on well but was bumped inside the final furlong and he made no impression close to home with the 7/1 chance Limit Long winning by 1/2 a length. 

 Fairyhouse stages 8 races on Tuesday where the main event is the 2.15 when just 5 begin the fairyhouse.ie Hurdle. Ciel De Neige is a useful horse who picked up a victory at Sligo 11 days ago. He was 2 3/4 lengths in front at the finish after keeping on well in the closing stages making him a big player here. Trainer Gordon Elliott has been in good form since his return and has 2 in this field who should challenge. Queen's Brook last won on this course in October last year and this good hurdler was a respectable 2nd at Wexford 9 days ago. She was clear of the rest there and will be in the mix here. The other Elliott runner on the shortlist is Wide Receiver who after winning a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day last year returned there and finished 10th to Appreciate It in the Chanelle Pharma Novices Hurdle back in February. Despite being off 8 months he definitely can’t be ruled out on his return. 

Big race prediction: 1: Ciel De Neige.