1/1/22 Tramore + Fairyhouse

 2021 ended on a poor note with my pick Cilaos Emery coming 4th. The 2/5 favourite disputed the lead early but made a slight mistake at the 4th. He led before the 6th but was passed entering the straight. He had no extra at the last dropping to 4th on the run-in. The race was won by Darver Star the 6/1 shot easily came home by 20 lengths. 

 We begin a new year with 7 races at Tramore and 8 at Fairyhouse. The main event at Tramore comes at 2.20 when 6 begin the Savills New Year’s Day Chase. Al Boum Photo is the standout horse who is looking to win this race for a 4th consecutive season. After his wins in 2019 and 2020 he went on to taste victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but came up short on his hat-trick bid after winning here last season. He is hard to oppose and should have little trouble en route to regaining his crown in March. Burrows Saint won the Irish National in 2019 and ran an excellent race when 4th in the Grand National in April. He jumped well but faltered late on. Despite that he is the main threat on his hurdles reappearance. Hardline is a smart chaser who went close in the PWC Champion Chase on his return at Gowran Park in October. His other run this season in the Clonmel Oil Chase can largely be overlooked and he has a good chance of picking up a minor place if on-song. The other to look at is Brahma Bull who has run well since returning in September. He was 3rd in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury last time and could well challenge to be placed again here.

Over at Fairyhouse the highlight is the 2.40 when 5 start the John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase. Elimay is a smart chaser who's last win was a listed race on this course back in April. Her season reappearance was a rare poor effort when she was 3rd at Aintree 28 days ago. She has every chance of getting back to winning ways if at her best and should be tough to beat. The main threat is Put The Kettle On who was 3rd to Nube Negra in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on her return in mid November. She has a bit to prove going up in trip but will definitely challenge if on form. The other on the shortlist is Mount Ida who didn't need to improve to win a listed chase at Clonmel 51 days ago. She comfortably beat Scarlet And Dove (who goes again here.) by 4 1/4 lengths. However she is still a relative newcomer over fences but can still make her presence felt. 

Big race predictions: Tramore: 2: Al Boum Photo  Fairyhouse: 5: Elimay. 

Just a quick thank you to everyone who has supported this blog in 2021 and fingers crossed for another exciting 12 months ahead.

31/12/21 Punchestown

 The final Irish racing day of 2021 sees 7 races at Punchestown where the main event comes at 1.20 when 9 begin the Tote + Pays You More On tote.ie Hurdle. Cilaos Emery is a smart chaser who didn't need to be at his best when winning a listed race at Thurles 36 days ago. He won easily and looks like the one to beat on his return to hurdling. Saint Felicien impressed when winning on his Irish debut at Gowran Park at the end of November. He showed enthusiasm that day and with further progress expected he is the main threat. Wolf Prince is a useful hurdler who has been a course winner in his career. His latest win was in a hurdle here in October and he was a good 6th at Navan 2 weeks ago and he will challenge. The other to look at is Darver Star who after finishing 2nd behind Cilaos Emery at Thurles was pulled up before the 5th in a handicap chase at Leopardstown just 4 days ago. He switches from chasing to hurdles and goes down in trip so has a chance.

Big race prediction: 4: Cilaos Emery. 

29/12/21 Results

 It was a great midweek for my picks,at Limerick Teahupoo won. The 8/15 favourite led for most of the way but was passed 2 out. He rallied on the run-in leading again in the final 50 yards beating Quilixios by 1/2 a length. At Leopardstown Run Wild Fred finished 2nd,the 9/4 favourite was 2nd early but soon disputed the lead. He made a bad mistake 7 out and kept on at one pace in the final furlongs allowing Fury Road to win by 8 lengths. In the final big race Sharjah made history winning the Matheson Hurdle for a 4th time. The 5/6 favourite was at the rear early but was soon chasing the leaders. He travelled smoothly in the straight and under pressure moved into the lead inside the final furlong. He stayed on well to beat Zanahiyr by a neck.

 After a busy 4 days at Leopardstown and Limerick with 8 Grade One's there is no Irish racing on Thursday but meetings do take place at Taunton, Haydock and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Punchestown on Friday my preview of that will be up on Thursday night. 

29/12/21 Limerick + Leopardstown

 Tuesday was an excellent day for my picks. At Limerick Concertista won,the 1/2 favourite was 4th after the 6th and disputed 2nd closing in on the leader approaching the straight. She led from 2 out keeping on well on the run-in to beat Darren's Hope by 4 lengths. At Leopardstown Flooring Porter was 2nd. The 16/5 shot was always tracking the leader in a clear 2nd. He made no impression before the last allowing Klassical Dream to win by 2 lengths. In the other big race A Plus Tard was 2nd. The 8/11 favourite was 3rd 2 out and travelled well to lead narrowly before the last. He kept on and was looking at a victory until he was passed in the final strides by Galvin who won by a short head.

 The festivals at Limerick and Leopardstown reach their conclusions on Wednesday with another three standout contests, the first is the 1.30 at Limerick where 6 begin the Boylesports Sporting Limerick Hurdle. The top 2 in the field go head-to-head again after meeting in the Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas last month. Teahupoo came out on top that day by 12 lengths and this smart hurdler should go well again while Quilixios was second but needed the run and is expected to be more of a threat here. The other one in with a chance is Slip Of The Tongue who after winning a maiden hurdle at Tipperary on debut in May returned to be 2nd at Gowran Park 39 days ago. He definitely has more to offer and could challenge so shouldn't be dismissed. 

The other two races are both Grade One's at Leopardstown, the first comes at 1.45 when 8 start the Neville Hotels Novice Chase. Run Wild Fred finally opened his fences account when winning the Troytown at Navan 38 days ago. He travelled strongly to win by 7 1/2 lengths and a repeat performance will make him tough to beat. Ontheropes is a smart chaser who was 4th in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury at the end of last month. That was a below form run but he is a big player here back in novice company for the yard that won this race 12 months ago. The other who demands respect is Vanillier the winner of the Florida Pearl Novice Chase on his second start over fences at Punchestown 45 days ago. He also won the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham by 11 lengths but is still open to progress and could easily win here. The final big race of the festival is at 2.20 when 6 line-up for the Matheson Hurdle. The standout horse here and in my opinion of the festival is Sharjah who is looking to emulate Istabraq and Hurricane Lane by winning this race for a 4th time. After his hat-trick victory last year he was runner-up to Honeysuckle twice and made his reappearance last month taking the Morgiana Hurdle by 3 lengths. He has some good challengers but should win this again. The two horses beaten in the Morgiana complete this shortlist, Zanahiyr was 2nd after an 8 length win in the WKD Hurdle at Down Royal on his season return in October while Echoes In Rain wasn’t seen at her best when finishing 3rd but she is better than that which was shown when she picked up 3 wins in a row last spring including the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown in April and should be closer to the main two this time.

Big race predictions: Limerick: 2: Teahupoo 

                                       Leopardstown: 1.45: 7: Run Wild Fred 2.20: 4: Sharjah. 

28/12/21 Limerick + Leopardstown

 Monday didn't go well for my picks. At Leopardstown Chacun Pour Soi was a non-runner it was later revealed he had sustained the equivalent of a hamstring injury this morning with further investigations needed to determine how bad it is, Envoi Allen won the race by 7 1/2 lengths. In the other Leopardstown race Grangee was 4th,the 10/3 chance led briefly from 2 out but soon dropped to 3rd offering no extra in the closing stages. The race was won by Mighty Potter who beat Three Stripe Life by 1 1/2 lengths. It was even worse at Limerick where Brampton Belle finished 5th. The 10/11 shot was 4th 3 out but she dropped to 5th and weakened before 2 out. The race went to Eric Bloodaxe the 11/8 favourite beat Freedom To Dream by 7 1/2 Lengths. 

 Both festivals continue on Tuesday with 7 races at Limerick and Leopardstown, the main event at Limerick comes at 1.30 when 7 begin the Grade 2 Boylesports Irish EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase. Concertisa is a promising horse who has 1 win from 2 runs this season that came in a chase at Cork on her fences debut 23 days ago. Her jumping wasn’t fluent all the way but it was good when needed and despite going significantly up in trip here she definitely has more to offer giving her the nod. Sayce Gold caught the eye when finishing 4th in the same Cork race and this useful hurdler will be suited by the stiffer test so is the main threat. The other to keep an eye on is Kitty Galore a good chaser who picked up her latest win in a chase at Clonmel in October. She fell in a handicap chase at Fairyhouse just over 2 weeks ago so needs to bounce back. 

The other two big races are both Grade One's which take place at Leopardstown,the first is at 1.45 when 11 start the Dornan Engineering Christmas Hurdle. Flooring Porter landed this contest 12 months ago and went on to win the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham. His two runs since then have been disappointing he was pulled up at Punchestown in April and was on the way to a winning return before falling 2 out at Navan last month. If he is none the worse and has recovered well he should retain. Klassical Dream showed a 487 day absence didn't worry him when winning the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown in April. He has been off since then but he is clearly capable when fresh so is the main threat. The other two to look at both come from the yard of Gordon Elliott,Sire Du Berlais was 3rd in this race last year and was 2nd to Flooring Porter at Cheltenham. He wasn't at his best when 2nd in a Grade 2 at Navan on his return but should be sharper now and will challenge as should Abacadabras. He won Grade One's at Punchestown and Aintree last season and was a respectable 3rd to Honeysuckle in the Hatton’s Grace on his return so shouldn’t be overlooked. The other big race at Leopardstown comes at 2.20 when 8 line-up for the Savills Chase. The one standout horse in the field is last year’s winner A Plus Tard who was very impressive when winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock by 22 lengths on his season return 38 days ago. He has the best chance on form and should easily retain here. Galvin is a top-class chaser who has one win from two runs this season that came in a Grade 3 at Punchestown and he was a good 2nd to Frodon in the Champion Chase at Down Royal 59 days ago but he will only be fighting for the minor places here as will the 2019 winner of this race Delta Work who needs to bounce back after finishing 4th in the same race at Down Royal on his return but this is all about  A Plus Tard. 

Big race predictions: Limerick: 1: Concertista 

                                      Leopardstown: 1.45: 3:Flooring Porter  2.20: 1: A Plus Tard.

27/12/21 Leopardstown + Limerick

 It was a good Boxing Day for my picks with 2 wins and a 3rd. At Down Royal O'toole won,the 4/9 favourite disputed the lead from 3 out leading soon after. He asserted himself before the last keeping on strongly and comfortably coming home by 7 1/2 lengths. The other win came at Leopardstown where Ferny Hollow led at the 1st,the 10/11 favourite made all the running and despite coming under pressure after the last he kept on well inside the final furlong beating Riviere D’etel by 1 1/2 lengths. The only one who didn't win was Gabynako who finished 3rd. The 6/4 chance was prominent early but a slignt mistake 3 out ended his challenge. He had no extra from 2 out with the race going to the 10/1 shot Master Mcshee. 

 It's another busy day on Monday with 7 races at both Leopardstown and Limerick with 3 standout contests,the first is the 1.10 at Leopardstown when 4 line-up for the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase. Chacun Pour Soi is a top-class horse who is a 3 time course and distance winner including this race 12 months ago. He was a disappointing last in the Tingle Creek at Sandown 23 days ago but that can be dismissed as he is pretty much unstoppable in Ireland and should retain here. Envoi Allen is a brilliant chaser who was a respectable 6th to Allaho in the John Durkan at Punchestown when last seen at the beginning of this month. However much more will be needed to trouble the pick. The other two in the field although good horses look up against it,Battleoverdoyen didn't need to be at his best to win a chase at Galway when last seen in July while Sizing Pottsie was 3rd to Energumene in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork 22 days ago but both are likely to come up short here. 

At 1.45 6 begin the Grade One Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle. Grangee is a promising individual who picked up her career best win on her hurdles debut at Fairyhouse 30 days ago. She quickened to win by 5 1/2 lengths and was very impressive. Despite this being a much tougher race she has the potential to follow in the footsteps of stablemate Appreciate It who won this race last year. Largy Debut looked good when winning his first hurdles start at Cork earlier this month. He is a good prospect making him a major player. The other shortlisted is Mighty Potter who was a good 3rd in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse when last seen 29 days ago. He is open to improvement and needs considering. 

The final big race of the day is the 2.05 at Limerick when 10 start the Grade two Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle. Brampton Belle made a winning reappearance at Tramore 18 days ago putting her hurdles debut well behind her. Despite this being a significant step up in class there is definitely more to come from this 5 year old and she has an excellent chance to make it 2 in a row here. Eric Bloodaxe is a good hurdler who was a respectable 2nd to the very smart prospect Ginto in a novice hurdle at Navan 23 days ago. This trip should suit more and he is a big player. Humble Glory is a useful horse who was a very close second behind Party Central in a listed hurdle at Punchestown 22 days ago so has to be taken seriously. The other to look at is Freedom To Dream who won a novice hurdle at Punchestown at the end of last month and with his yard having a good spell he is a threat.

Big race predictions: Leopardstown: 1.10: 2: Chacun Pour Soi  1.45: 6: Grangee

                                       Limerick: 8: Brampton Belle.

26/12/21 Down Royal, Leopardstown + Limerick

 A bumper Boxing Day fixture list sees 7 races at Down Royal,Leopardstown and Limerick. The first big race of the day is the 12.48 at Down Royal when 11 line-up for the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. O'Toole was a good 15 length winner of a bumper on debut at Fairyhouse in February before being a 4 3/4 length second to Kilcruit in the Champion Flat Race at Punchestown when last seen in April. He makes his hurdles debut here and could go on to have an excellent season making him the pick. Free Nelson is a promising horse who was a very good second in a Novice Hurdle at Clonmel 45 days ago. His yard is having a good spell and with improvement likely he is the main challenger. The other in the field who standsout is Helisone who makes her debut. Coming from the yard of Henry De Bromhead this filly deserves respect. 

The other two features are both Grade one's, we begin with the 2.20 at Leopardstown when 6 begin the Racing Post Novice Chase. In a small field two standout, Ferny Hollow has beaten some good horses in his career. He took the scalp of Bob Olinger on his only hurdles run at Gowran Park 13 months ago. He was a 4 length winner on his chase debut at Punchestown at the beginning of this month and this top-class prospect can definitely win again here. The other main player is Riviere D’etel a hugely promising filly who made it 3 from 3 over fences when she beat Take All by 12 lengths in a Grade 3 at Navan 22 days ago. This fluent jumper has also won by 11 and 22 lengths this season and may take some beating. The best of the rest is Coeur Sublime who made a promising Chase debut when 2nd to Ferny Hollow at Punchestown so he deserves consideration. 

The final big race of the day comes at 2.40 at Limerick when 8 start the Boylesports Faugheen Novice Chase. There are several promising chasers in the field testing themselves at the top level but the pick goes to Gabynako who's latest win was in a chase at Fairyhouse early last month and he wasn't disgraced when 2nd to Beacon Edge in the Drinmore Novices Chase 28 days ago. He showed then he wasn't fazed in Grade 1 company and he can go one better here. Farouk D'alene put in a career best performance when winning on his fences debut at Navan 22 days ago. He jumped well that day and with his trainer having a good spell he shouldn’t be ignored. The other to be shortlisted is Lieutenant Command who dismissed all his hurdles form when winning a Novice Chase on his fences debut at Fairyhouse 29 days ago and he is capable of going better here.

Big race predictions: Down Royal: 2:O'Toole  Leopardstown: 2:Ferny Hollow 

                                      Limerick: 3:Gabynako. 

19/12/21 Result

 My Sunday pick Braganza finished 4th. The 13/8 favourite was 2nd at halfway but dropped to 5th 4 out. She improved to lead from 2 out however she was passed before the last. She had no extra on the run-in allowing the 5/2 shot Lunar Display to win by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 And that's it after today's meeting at Thurles there is no more Irish racing until a triple header on Boxing day, two grade one's at Leopardstown and Limerick and a card at Down Royal. My preview of those will be up on Christmas Eve. 

19/12/21 Thurles

 On Saturday my pick American Mike won. The 1/8 favourite was 2nd early but improved to lead 2 out. He went well clear a furlong from the finish staying on strongly in the closing stages. He was impressive easily beating Battling Bessie by 17 lengths,straight after his odds for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March were cut from 7/2 to 3/1.

 The last Irish racing day before Christmas takes place at Thurles on Sunday where the highlight comes at 1.40 when 9 line-up for the Betvictor Irish EBF Boreen Belle Mares Novice Hurdle. Braganza impressed when making a successful debut over hurdles on this course 24 days ago. She pulled clear to win by 6 lengths and should take the step up in grade in her stride here giving her the nod. Lunar Display is a useful hurdler who's latest win came at Wexford in October. She was a very good second when last seen at Fairyhouse at the end of last month and is definitely a big player. The other threat is The Getaway Star who produced a rare below par performance when 5th in a listed hurdle at Punchestown 2 weeks ago. She is the type to bounce back quickly and will definitely go well. Looking at the rest of the field keep an eye on Family Business who left all her previous runs far behind when winning a maiden hurdle by an easy 15 lengths on this course 45 days ago. This race is an obvious step up but further improvement can't be ruled out. 

Big race prediction: 3: Braganza. 

18/12/21 Navan

 Friday saw my pick Freescape finish 5th. The 7/2 shot was at the rear early but he made some progress from 2 out. He ran on well inside the final furlong but couldn't get close to the winner. The race was won by Dalvey who beat Grandmaster Flash by 1/2 a length. 

 The weekend begins with 8 races at Navan on Saturday where the highlight is the 3.30 when 7 line-up for the listed Future Champions Flat Race. The standout runner is American Mike who was an easy 7 length winner on debut at Down Royal 49 days ago. That performance saw him go to the top of the betting for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and he shouldn’t have any trouble following up here. Stablemate Harmonya Maker looked promising when 2nd to The Model Kingdom in a listed race over this course and distance on debut last month. She stayed on well and is open to progress making her the main challenger. The pick of the rest is Battling Bessie who after winning at Cork in May was 3rd in the same race as Harmonya Maker on this course 27 days ago. That was her first run for a new trainer and she can’t be discounted here.

Big race prediction: 1: American Mike.

17/12/21 Dundalk

 Thursday's pick Gaillard Du Mesnil finished 3rd. The 4/11 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 3rd at halfway. He made headway early in the straight and briefly disputed the lead from 2 out. He was 2nd when a slight mistake at the last ended his challenge,he kept on at one pace on the run-in while upfront Capodanno won by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 An 8 race card at Dundalk rounds off the week where the main event comes at 7.00 when 10 begin the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. Freescape is a five-time course winner his last being a handicap 2 weeks ago. He goes significantly up in  trip here but is the one to beat on his hat-trick bid. Raamez followed up a second at Laytown in November with a win over this course and distance 16 days ago. He is a threat and definitely needs considering. The other challenger should be Pachmena who has been a course and distance winner in her career but could only finish 6th here at the beginning of this month. Despite weakening in the final 100 yards she has to be taken seriously. The other to look at is Dalvey who definitely enjoys this course. A 2 3/4 length win in late November was followed by a good 2nd in a handicap when last seen 2 weeks ago. His yard is having a good spell and he can't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 4: Freescape. 

16/12/21 Naas

 My pick for Wednesday Master Copy was a non-runner. The race was won by In Ecstasy the 2/1 chance beat Rene Artois by 3/4 of a length. 

 Seven races take place at Naas on Thursday where the highlight comes at 2.00 when 17 begin the Get A Run For Your Money With Betvictor Beginners Chase. This race has been won by some talented horses in the past few years and the standout runner in this renewal is Gaillard Du Mesnil. He was a smart novice hurdler last season finishing 2nd behind Bob Olinger in the Ballymore at Cheltenham before going one better to take the Grade one Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown when last seen at the end of April. He is definitely the one to beat here on his chase debut. The main challenger is Capodanno who picked up his career best win when taking a handicap hurdle by 12 lengths at Punchestown 8 months ago. This is also his chase debut and with the main two Coming from the yard of Willie Mullins they have the potential to be among this season's top novice chasers. The best of the rest is Crosshill a promising horse who was a good 2nd in a maiden at Thurles on his first fences start 3 weeks ago so he has to be taken seriously. 

Big race prediction: 6: Gaillard Du Mesnil. 

15/12/21 Dundalk

 After 3 days off racing returns to Ireland with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where the highlight is the 6.00 when 9 line-up for the Lengthen The Odds With Betvictor Race. Master Copy progressed from a 5th placed debut when 3rd in a maiden over this course and distance 12 days ago. He is open to improvement and with his stable in good form he gets the nod. In Ecstasy left a poor debut well behind when winning here over this race distance in mid November. He kept on well in the final 100 yards and can definitely challenge. Rene Artois finished in front of Master Copy when a creditable 2nd here at the beginning of this month. He should give another good account putting him high on the shortlist. The other to look at is Knocklane Lass who didn't need to improve to get off the mark on this course just 5 days ago. She came home by 3 lengths and should be competitive again.

Big race prediction: 4: Master Copy.

11/12/21 Result

 My only weekend pick Millen To One finished 3rd. The 4/1 chance sat 5th at halfway and improved to be 3rd entering the straight. He moved into 2nd 2 out but made no impression on the leader dropping to 3rd before the last. The race was won by Arahecan the 12/1 shot beat Fighting Fit by 5 lengths. 

 After Saturday's card there is no Irish racing until Wednesday. However there are plenty of meetings in England to keep you entertained with action at Carlisle, Southwell,Plumpton, Chelmsford, Wolverhampton,Ayr,Wincanton and Newcastle. The next Irish races come in Midweek at Dundalk my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night. 

11/12/21 Fairyhouse

 The week came to a close with my pick Knocklane Lass winning. The 11/10 favourite was prominent and led after 1 1/2 furlongs. Despite coming under pressure she kept on well inside the final furlong beating Honey Girl by 2 lengths. 

 There is only one Irish meeting this weekend and it takes place at Fairyhouse on Saturday where the highlight of an 8 race card comes at 12.30 when 13 line-up for the Visit fairyhouse.ie For Christmas Ideas Handicap Chase. Millen To One ran better then an 8th place finish would suggest when he caught the eye on his chase debut at Naas 35 days ago. He makes a quick switch to handicaps here and is the pick. The main challenger is Soviet Pimpernel a useful winner over hurdles who was a creditable 3rd in a maiden at Thurles just over 2 weeks ago. He makes his handicap chase debut and with his yard having a good spell he is a threat. The other who interests is Samurai Cracker. He was a good 7th in a handicap chase at Navan when last seen 20 days ago. He goes significantly back down in trip here but should still play a part.

Big race prediction: 9: Millen To One.

10/12/21 Dundalk

 The action at Tramore finally took place on Thursday with my pick Powerful Out winning. The 7/1 shot was off the pace early and sat last 3 out. She made good headway 2 out and was 2nd at the last. She led inside the final furlong staying on well to beat Robyndeglory by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 We arrive at Friday and there are 8 races at Dundalk where the highlight is the 4.30 when 15 line-up for the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. Knocklane Lass was a good 2nd over this course and distance when last seen 35 days ago. That was her second runner-up finish in recent weeks and she sets the clear standard here. Honey Girl is a promising horse who exceeded expectations when 5th on debut at Killarney at the beginning of October. She should improve here making her a challenger. The other to feature on the shortlist is Boragh Empress who makes her debut. This half-sister to winners Rijeka and Crafted Mastery looks good on paper and should go well. Of the rest with form Different Vibes deserves a mention. She was 6th in a maiden on her last start in late August. Despite being off 104 days and going back up in trip here she can’t be ignored. 

Big race prediction: 4: Knocklane Lass.

8/12/21 Result

 The midweek meeting saw my pick Sunwalk finish 4th. The 1/1 favourite led early but he was passed just under 2 out. He made no impression in 3rd early in the final furlong keeping on at one pace and dropping to 4th close to home. The race went to Indigo Desert,the 9/2 shot won by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 Just a quick reminder that the 7 races that should have taken place at Tramore on Monday now happen tomorrow. The big race is still the Book A Table For New Year's Day Mares Handicap Hurdle which is now the 1.05 and my pick is Powerful Out who is still horse number 4. I'll post the result along with a preview of Friday's action at Dundalk on Thursday night. 

8/12/21 Dundalk

 After Tuesday's postponement Wednesday sees 8 races at Dundalk where the feature comes at 4.15 when 15 line-up for the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Maiden. Sunwalk was a little disappointing when a below form 4th at Leopardstown when last seen in August. Despite being off 118 days and going significantly up in trip he sets a high standard and should open his account here. The danger in the field is Eagle Terrace who enjoyed his best performance of the season so far when a good second in a handicap on this course a week ago. He is another one who goes back up in trip and should definitely be respected. The other who appeals is Granville Street who makes his debut here. This half-brother to both Cosette and Dark Pearl looks good on paper so it will be interesting to see how the betting goes for this newcomer. Of the rest another on debut stands out. Holly Dowland is a half-sister to Ciaras Cookie and should go well so is worth a look.

Big race prediction: 7: Sunwalk. 

Tramore update

 Today's card at Tramore has been postponed. Red and orange weather warnings have been issued for parts of Ireland due to storm Barra and with winds as high as 80 MPH forecast for the day it was an easy decision for all involved. The meeting is now scheduled to take place on Thursday (fingers crossed) so please refer to last night's piece for my pick.

7/12/21 Tramore

  After a rest day we begin a quiet week with 7 races at Tramore on Tuesday where the feature is the 1.10 when 10 begin the Book A Table For New Year's Day Mares Handicap Hurdle.  Powerful Out was a bit below form when 7th in a Novice Hurdle at Thurles 12 days ago. She was ridden too aggressively there but if she can reproduce the kind of run that saw her finish 3rd at Limerick then she is a big player. Robyndeglory has picked up 2 wins from 6 runs this season her career best came in a handicap hurdle at Limerick 3 weeks ago. She goes back down in trip here and looking for a hat-trick makes her the obvious threat. The other to consider is Kilashee who despite finishing 8th to Party Central in a listed hurdle at Punchestown at the weekend has a chance here back in more suitable company as long as she is ridden better.

Big race prediction: 4: Powerful Out.

5/12/21 Result

 Sunday was an excellent day with both my picks winning. At Punchestown Allaho was always challenging and had a 5 length lead 3 out. He made a mistake 2 out but just remained in front, he kept on well on the run-in beating Janidil by 2 lengths. At Cork Energumene led at the 2nd. He was bumped at the 7th but led again 3 out. He had a 3 length lead 2 out and asserted himself before the last comfortably beating Daly Tiger by 8 1/2 lengths. 

 After Grade one action rounded off the weekend there is no Irish racing on Monday. There are races at Musselburgh,Ludlow and an evening card at Wolverhampton for you to watch. The next Irish meeting is at Tramore on Tuesday my preview of that will be up on Monday night. 

5/12/21 Punchestown + Cork

 Saturday was a day to forget with my pick Burning Victory finishing 16th. The 11/4 favourite was at the rear of midfield early showing small improvement to sit 12th 3 out. She weakened soon after dropping down the field. At the front the 40/1 chance Commander Of Fleet beat A Great View by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 There is a double header on Sunday with 8 races at both Punchestown and Cork. The main event at Punchestown comes at 2.00 when 10 line-up for the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase. Willie Mullins saddles 7 of the field and one of his Allaho stands out. His impressive 12 length win in the Ryanair Chase was followed by a good second to Chacun Pour Soi in the Champion Chase on this course when last seen back in April. He is the best on form and is the one to beat on his return. Envoi Allen is a high-class chaser who didn't need to be at his best to win a Grade 2 by 22 lengths at Down Royal on his reappearance at the end of October. That win showed just how good he can be after a disappointing end to last season and he is definitely the main threat. A shortlist of top chasers is completed by Fakir D’Oudairies who has one win from 2 runs this season that came when he beat Royal Rendezvous by 15 lengths in the Clonmel Oil Chase 24 days ago. He also has race fitness on his side and should go well. Of the rest Asterion Forlonge, Kemboy and the Grand National winner Minella Times all make their returns and none can be ruled out.

 Over at Cork the highlight is the 2.20 when 6 begin the Grade 2 Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase. The standout horse here is Energumene who despite having to miss Cheltenham completed a good season with a career best win in the Ryanair Novices Chase at Punchestown in April. He beat Janidil by 16 lengths and is clearly the best in the field and should win on his return. Notebook is a high-class chaser who impressed when winning the Fortria Chase by 10 lengths 28 days ago. Another bold showing is likely making him the main challenger. The only other one to look at is Darasso who was a creditable 4th to Honeysuckle in the Hatton's Grace 7 days ago. He switches to chasing here and has a chance.

Big race predictions: Punchestown: 1: Allaho  Cork: 1: Energumene. 

4/12/21 Navan

 The week reached it's conclusion with my pick Dances With Stars finishing 3rd. The 2/1 favourite was at the rear but improved to sit 8th at halfway. He switched to the right making progress from a furlong out. He kept on well in the closing stages moving up to 3rd near the finish. The 11/4 chance Golden Twilight won by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 A big weekend of action begins with 8 races at Navan on Saturday where the highlight is the 1.08 when 23 line-up for the Bective Stud Handicap Hurdle. Burning Victory ran an excellent race when 2nd in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket on her UK flat debut 56 days ago. This improving mare from the yard of Willie Mullins should go one better here. Duffle Coat arrives in good form and is unbeaten over hurdles. He was a good 8th in a handicap at Naas when last seen at the end of October,he is open to progress and switching back to hurdles makes him the main challenger. The other threat is Coventry who was a very good second in a handicap hurdle at Galway 42 days ago. He responded well and has to be taken seriously. There are 2 others in the field worth considering. Sassy Yet Classy picked up her career best win in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown last month and has a good chance as does A Great View. He finished a creditable 3rd at Naas 28 days ago and could challenge in this cracking handicap. 

Big race prediction: 2: Burning Victory. 

3/12/21 Dundalk

 My pick for Thursday Pencilfulloflead was a non runner. The race was won by Western Victory who easily beat Minx Tiara by 11 lengths. 

 Dundalk ends the week with 8 races on Friday where the feature comes at 6.30 when 9 begin the Betvictor Casino Handicap. Dances With Stars didn't need to improve to pick up his first career win in a maiden over this course and distance 9 days ago. He makes his handicap debut here and gets the nod. Golden Twilight has 2 wins from 5 runs this year, His best was a handicap on this course 28 days ago. He battled well that day to come home by a neck and should give it another good go. The other main challenger will be Dalvey. He showed great improvement on recent efforts when winning on this course a week ago. He was comfortable finishing 2 3/4 lengths in front and going back down in trip will suit. His yard is in good form so back-to-back wins could easily be achieved. Looking at the rest keep an eye on In From The Cold. He was a good 3rd in a hurdle at Gowran Park towards the end of last month. That was his hat-trick bid and with this being his polytrack debut he shouldn’t be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 9: Dances With Stars.

2/12/21 Clonmel

 Wednesday's race didn't go well with my pick Fortune Maker coming 6th. The 9/2 shot was at the rear early and made no impression from 2 out. He kept on at one pace in the final furlong while up front Doitforandrew beat Hey Kameir by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 Seven races take place at Clonmel on Thursday where the feature is the 1.30 when 9 line-up for the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Hurdle. Pencilfulloflead was a lot better over fences last year with his best performance being a win in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown. He definitely has more to come and has a decent record fresh so this could be a good stepping stone to further victory's. Burrows Saint was the 2019 Irish National winner who ran a brilliant race to finish 4th in the Grand National at Aintree back in April. He travelled and jumped well but weakened late on. Another trip to Liverpool is his main target this season with probably the National in mind but he is good over hurdles having finished 2nd in this race 12 months ago and he should go well again. The other fancied is Minx Tiara a useful hurdler who was a creditable 4th in a handicap hurdle at Naas 26 days ago. Despite going off too hard that day she may run well again if she gets to the front early.

Big race prediction: 6: Pencilfulloflead.