1/2/22 Limerick

 The week began with my pick Stumptown finishing 4th. The 5/2 shot sat 2nd at halfway dropping to 4th 2 out. He had no extra from early in the straight while upfront Captain Conby beat Bois De Clamart by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Limerick on Tuesday where the most interesting contest is the 3.10 when 17 line-up for the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Twitter Maiden Hurdle. State Man looked the likely winner when falling 2 out in a novice hurdle at Leopardstown on his Irish debut 37 days ago. He was travelling the best at the time and with entries in both the Supreme Novices and the Ballymore at Cheltenham next month connections will hope he can make amends here. Bugs Moran is a promising horse who was 2nd in a bumper at Tramore when last seen at the beginning of December. He was left with too much to make up that day finishing 16 lengths behind the winner but he switches to hurdles here and is feared most. The other who appeals is Plains Indian who returned after a 487 day break to finish 7th at Fairyhouse 23 days ago. He switches back to hurdles and shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 10: State Man.

31/1/22 Punchestown

 It was a good day for both my picks at Naas,in the 12.40 Stattler won. The 11/10 favourite sat 4th early and made headway to move into 2nd 2 out. He led inside the final furlong and despite coming under pressure close to home he stayed on well to beat Farouk D'alene by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other Grade 3 Whisky Sour came 3rd. The 3/1 shot tracked the leader in 2nd dropping to 3rd at the 4th. He was in 4th 2 out moving up to 3rd before the last. He kept on at the same pace inside the final furlong allowing Darasso to win by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 The final day of January sees 7 races at Punchestown where the highlight is the 3.20 when 6 line-up for the Bar One Racing Rated Novice Hurdle. Stumptown is a promising horse who after winning at Limerick in October found a big field at Leopardstown too competitive last month. His debut win is still fresh in the memory and with improvement expected back in calmer territory he is worth another chance. Captain Conby is a course and distance winner and looked to be going close when falling 2 out in a handicap here in December. He has more to offer and should go well. The other who deserves consideration is Bold Getaway who picked up his first victory in his third start at Limerick 34 days ago. He stayed on well to win by 3 1/2 lengths, he should progress further for a top stable and can't be overlooked. Of the rest look out for Bois De Clamart who's latest win was at Gowran Park in November and he was a creditable 3rd in a handicap hurdle at Cork 23 days ago so he could surprise the shortlisted runners. 

Big race prediction: 3: Stumptown. 

30/1/22 Naas

 On Saturday my pick Brandy Love finished 2nd. The 7/4 joint favourite led early and was soon 5 lengths in front. She had a reduced advantage entering the straight and she was passed after a mistake 2 out. She kept on well on the run-in without troubling the winner Allegorie De Vassy,the other joint favourite came home by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 Another busy Sunday sees 8 races at Naas with two Grade three's on the card, the first is the opener at 12.40 when 8 line-up for the Naas Racecourse Business Club Novice Chase. Stattler is a smart chaser who picked up his career best win on his fences debut at Fairyhouse 50 days ago. He should follow up that impressive display here for a stable having a good spell. The one feared most is Farouk D'alene a promising horse who after winning at Navan in early December was a good second to Master Mcshee in the Faugheen Novices Chase at Limerick 35 days ago. He goes up in trip here and deserves consideration. Run Wild Fred was a respectable 2nd in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown when last seen 32 days ago and should be well up there again while the other to look out for is En Beton. He picked up his best win in a novice chase at Punchestown on his fences debut at the end of December. He was an easy 21 lengths in front and with further progress expected he is a player here.

 The other big race comes at 1.40 when 6 begin the Betvictor Limestone Lad Hurdle. Whisky Sour is a smart hurdler who was a good 5th at Fairyhouse when last seen 63 days ago and with his yard in good form he has the edge and should go well. Saint Felicien made a winning start for Gordon Elliott when taking a hurdle at Gowran Park on his Irish debut 71 days ago. He won by 2 1/4 lengths and with improvement likely he definitely needs considering. The other on the shortlist is Darasso a good horse who was an excellent 4th to Honeysuckle in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse at the end of November. He goes back down in trip here so can’t be ruled out. Of the rest keep an eye on Petit Mouchoir a decent hurdler who finished last in the Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown 32 days ago in a race won by Sharjah. He needs to bounce back but can definitely do so.

Big race predictions: 12.40: 6: Stattler  1.40: 5: Whisky Sour.

29/1/22 Fairyhouse

 My Friday pick Knocklane Lass finished 3rd. The 11/4 shot was prominent early and sat 2nd at halfway. She led from 2 out but was passed just before the final furlong keeping on at one pace losing 2nd on the line. The 11/8 favourite Hadman won by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 We begin the weekend with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday where the highlight is the 1.40 when 9 begin the Grade 3 Betvictor Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle. There are lots of exciting horses in this renewal but the nod goes to Brandy Love who looked an excellent prospect when winning on her hurdles debut at Naas last month. That was her first run for Willie Mullins and she should take the rise in class in her stride. Two others from the same yard complete the shortlist, Grangee made a positive start over hurdles winning here in November. She went on to be a good 4th in the Grade One Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas making her a threat. The other fancied is Allegorie De Vassy who was impressive when opening her account over course and distance earlier this month. She jumped well easily coming home by 11 lengths and is well worth a look at this higher level. 

Big race prediction: 5: Brandy Love.

28/1/22 Dundalk

 Thursday didn't go well for my picks,in the 2.05 Klassical Dream finished 4th. The 1/3 favourite led early but wasn't fluent at the 8th. He was passed 2 out dropping to 3rd at the last. He made no impression inside the final furlong weakening while upfront Royal Kahala won by 1 3/4 lengths. It was worse in the 3.05 with Escaria Ten coming 8th. The 9/1 shot was at the rear of midfield but made progress to sit 5th 3 out. He soon made no impression dropping down the field leaving Longhouse Poet to beat Franco De Port by 3/4 of a length. 

 The week reaches it’s conclusion with 7 races at Dundalk on Friday where the main event is the 6.00 where 7 start the Join Us On Instagram @ dundalk_stadium Race. Knocklane Lass was a course and distance winner in December and returned to be a good 3rd when favourite 44 days ago. She has fitness and track experience on her side giving her the edge. Hadman is a useful horse who was 8th to Sacred Bridge in the Round Tower Stakes at The Curragh when last seen in August. Despite being off 154 days he has a good chance on form on this his polytrack debut. The main two are well matched and should fight this one out but if they falter then Spirit And Glory is the most likely to capitalise. She won a maiden on this course 2 weeks ago just about holding on at the end to come home by a nose. She will need to show further improvement if she wants to make it 2 in a row but still can't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 4: Knocklane Lass.

27/1/22 Gowran Park

 A busy Thursday sees 7 races at Gowran Park with 2 standout contests,the first is the 2.05 when 9 begin the Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle. Klassical Dream is another star from Willie Mullins who looked as good as ever when he beat Flooring Porter by 2 lengths in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on his return 30 days ago. He is the one to beat with a victory cementing his place at the top of the Stayers Hurdle market. Royal Kahala is a useful horse who picked up her career best win in a Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown at the end of December. She was suited by the increase in trip that day and goes up again here so should go well. The other shortlisted is Gentlemansgame who finished last season with a second behind Galopin Des Champs in a Grade 1 at Punchestown and was a respectable 10th on his return in a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown 30 days ago so cannot be ruled out here.

 The other main race comes at 3.05 when 21 line-up for the Goffs Thyestes Handicap. Trainer Gordon Elliott has 5 in the field as he bids to win this race for the 3rd time since 2018 and one of his Escaria Ten is the pick. He was a very smart chaser last season finishing 3rd in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He probably wasn't over that run when pulled up in the Irish National in April but is definitely capable of better and can show that here on his return. Mister Fogpatches has some decent handicap form to his name including a creditable 2nd at Cheltenham 48 days ago so is definitely one to consider as is Braeside. He won by 3 lengths on his reappearance at Cork in October and was a good 4th at Leopardstown over Christmas so can play a part here. Also look out for Eklat De Rire who after winning comfortably at Wexford in October showed his lack of experience when pulled up in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury a month later. He still has bags of potential and it would not be a surprise if he won.

Big race predictions: 2.05: 1: Klassical Dream  3.05: 5: Escaria Ten. 

25/1/22 Result

 My pick on Tuesday Alice Avril finished 5th. The 11/2 shot was at the rear early sitting 8th entering the straight. She made no impression before 2 out keeping on at one pace. At the front Bythesametoken won beating the favourite Delvino by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 It's another rest day for Irish racing on Wednesday but meetings do take place at Lingfield, Catterick, Wincanton and Kempton for your entertainment. The next Irish card is at Gowran Park on Thursday where the Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle and the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase take centre stage. My preview of those will be up on Wednesday night.

This is my 500th post so a quick thank you to all who have taken the time to read this blog It's much appreciated and here's to 500 more.

25/1/22 Down Royal

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Down Royal on Tuesday where the highlight is the 2.40 when 10 start the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase. Alice Avril is a useful horse who was a good 2nd in a handicap chase at Naas when last seen 23 days ago. She was unlucky to find a much improved Fighting Fit in the field who came home by 3 lengths but she should get back to winning ways here. Now Where Or When picked up his career best win taking a novice chase at Fairyhouse 10 day ago. He was 2 lengths in front at the finish coming under pressure in the closing stages and should do better. The other on the shortlist is The Priests Leap a decent chaser who was a good second at Limerick at the end of December. He would have got closer to the winner if he hadn't been hampered by loose horses and definitely enters calculations here. Of the rest look out for Gevrey who was a creditable 3rd behind Alice Avril at Naas and should not be taken lightly. 

Big race prediction: 8: Alice Avril. 

23/1/22 Results

 It was a good Sunday for both my picks at Thurles,in the 2.40 Minella Melody finished 3rd. The 9/4 favourite was 5th at halfway making headway to dispute the lead approaching the straight. She was 3rd at the last making no impression on the run-in allowing the 7/2 shot Ballyshannon Rose to win by 1/2 a length. In the other big race Allaho enhanced his Cheltenham credentials by taking the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase. The 4/11 favourite made all the running and was 2 lengths clear 3 out. He asserted himself approaching the last keeping on well to easily beat Fakir D’Oudairies by 12 lengths. 

 After an exciting weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday. There are however meetings at Southwell,Kempton and Wolverhampton for you to enjoy. The next Irish card is at Down Royal on Tuesday my preview of that will be up on Monday night.

23/1/22 Thurles

 Saturday was a poor day with my pick Danalisque finishing 10th. The 4/1 joint favourite tracked the leaders early sitting 7th 2 out. He made no further impression soon after while upfront The Very Man beat Palace Rock by 1 1/2 lengths.

 A busy Sunday sees 7 races at Thurles with a couple of Grade Two’s on the card, the first is at 2.40 when 7 begin the Coolmore N.H Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase. Minella Melody is a useful horse who showed good talent over hurdles including a creditable second to Stormy Ireland in the Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown back in May. Despite being off 8 months she makes her chase debut here and is a big player. Jeremy's Flame picked up her career best win when taking a novice chase at Naas by 8 lengths 3 weeks ago and she should be well up there again. The other who appeals is Ballyshannon Rose a good chaser who has one win from two runs this season that was on this course in October. She was going well when falling at the last in Florida Pearl Novices Chase at Punchestown 70 days ago but despite that she should go well. The other to look at is Darren's Hope. She was an excellent 2nd to Concertista at Limerick 26 days ago and shouldn’t be dismissed. 

 The other standout race comes at 3.15 when just 4 line-up for the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase. Allaho is a top-class chaser who made a successful return to take the John Durkan at Punchestown last month by 2 lengths. He won this race 12 months ago and will take all the beating here. Fakir D’Oudairies made a winning start to his season at Clonmel in November. He came home by 15 lengths there but was a disappointing 4th behind Allaho in the John Durkan however he should bounce back here. Notebook won by 10 lengths at Navan on his return in November but was well beaten in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork a month later. However if the main two falter he can still challenge. The other in the field is Battleoverdoyen a good chaser who was a creditable 2nd behind Envoi Allen in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and can't be ruled out here. 

Big race predictions: 2.40:6: Minella Melody   3.15:1: Allaho. 

22/1/22 Navan

 Friday saw my pick Kadinnka finish 3rd. The 6/5 favourite was prominent early sitting 2nd 1 1/2 furlongs out. She dropped to 4th under pressure a furlong out keeping on at the same pace moving up to 3rd in the closing stages. The race was won by the 25/1 shot Singsong Lady who beat Silk Danask by 3/4 of a length. 

 We begin the weekend with 8 races at Navan on Saturday where the main event is the 1.40 when 17 begin the Navan Handicap Hurdle. Damlisque won this race by 7 1/2 lengths last year and after finishing 3rd at Leopardstown was a respectable 8th on this course 49 days ago and looks like the way to go here. Bread And Butter has been knocking on the door recently finishing a creditable 2nd at Punchestown at the end of December and can definitely make his presence felt again. Trainer Gordon Elliott has 3 runners and the pick looks to be Mars Harper who was a good 2nd at Leopardstown 24 days ago after an enterprising ride and looks competitive on form. 2 others in the field standout,Shady Operator has 2 wins from 5 runs this season his last was a cross country at Punchestown 69 days ago. He makes his handicap hurdle debut here so deserves consideration as does Palace Rock. A course winner who was a creditable 4th at Leopardstown when last seen just over 3 weeks ago and despite going up in trip cannot be ignored. The sentimental winner would be dual Grand National victor Tiger Roll. After being pulled up in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree 49 days ago he switches to hurdles here. Good days have been rare for him lately but hopefully he has one in this race. 

Big race prediction: 4: Damalisque.

21/1/22 Dundalk

 After another rest day we round off the week with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where the highlight comes at 6.45 when 17 line-up for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. Kadinnka showed promise when 3rd over this course and distance on debut 6 weeks ago. She should Improve and is definitely a big player here. Silk Damask was a close 4th in the same race on her debut so is the obvious threat in the field and shouldn’t be ruled out. The other on the shortlist is Sistine Madonna who makes her first start here. This sister to San Andreas looks good on paper and has plenty of speed in her pedigree so it will be no surprise if she runs well here. Of the rest look out for Breach,she was 5th in a maiden at Newbury on debut back in July. Despite being off 6 months this is her first run for a new yard and with improvement likely she can’t be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 9: Kadinnka.

19/1/22 Result

 In the midweek meeting my pick Dances With Stars was 5th. The 9/4 favourite was slowly into his stride and was 7th 2 out. He made some headway to briefly sit 2nd a furlong out however he made no impression after that leaving the 9/1 chance Adamaris to win by a length. 

After our 8 races today it's another day off for Irish racing on Thursday. However there are cards at Ludlow,Wincanton and Newcastle to keep you entertained. The next Irish meeting is at Dundalk on Friday my preview of that will be up on Thursday night. 

19/1/22 Dundalk

 After a day off Irish action returns with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where the main event is the 3.20 when 10 begin the Find Us On Facebook @dundalkstadium Handicap. Dances With Stars won on this course in late November and returned to finish a promising 3rd on his handicap debut last month. He may need a stronger gallop but going significantly up in trip gives him the nod. Jerandme is a useful chaser who wasn't at his best when 7th at Kilbeggan back in August. However he is a solid performer with an excellent strike rate and should go well again here on his return. The other shortlisted is Adamaris who bounced back to land a handicap over this course and distance 35 days ago. He showed his very best form that day and should be competitive again. Of the rest 3 standout,Picpoul had 2 wins from 6 runs last year his final one was on this course in November. He returned to finish a good second 5 days ago. He faces a stiffer test here but can still challenge. The other two go head-to-head again after meeting here 33 days ago. Dalvey won on that occasion beating Grandmaster Flash by 1/2 a length and despite going significantly back up in trip neither should be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 6: Dances With Stars.

17/1/22 Result

 The week got off to a good start with my pick Minella Crooner winning. The 2/5 favourite was 2nd at halfway but dropped to 3rd 3 out. He travelled well to challenge at the next and led early in the straight. He drew clear before the last keeping on well to easily beat Eye Van by 11 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a day off. There are cards at Newcastle, Exeter and Southwell for you to enjoy.  The next Irish meeting is at Dundalk on Wednesday my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night. 

17/1/22 Punchestown

 Sunday was an excellent day with both my picks winning. In the 12.15 Dysart Dynamo made all the running and asserted himself 3 out. The 4/9 favourite was clear when he made a slight mistake 2 out despite that he easily beat Gringo D'aubrelle by 19 lengths. In the Kildare Novice Chase Bob Olinger sat 4th at halfway. He challenged from 2 out and was 2nd entering the straight. He led before the last keeping on strongly on the run-in to beat Capodanno by 4 3/4 lengths. Soon after he was cut from 6/4 to evens for the Turners Novices Chase at Cheltenham.

We begin a new week with 7 races on a second day at Punchestown where the highlight is the 3.00 when 13 start the Hollywoodbets Powering Jamie Moore & Daniel Muscutt Maiden Hurdle. Minella Crooner won two in a row at the back end of 2021 including on this course and was a promising 2nd at Leopardstown on his hurdles debut 19 days ago. He stayed on well there and going up in trip here he should take all the beating despite this being a stiffer test. Eye Van is a useful hurdler who was a very good 4th to Eric Bloodaxe in a Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at Limerick 3 weeks ago. He definitely deserves respect here back in maiden company. The other who should go well is Dublin Calling a promising horse who was 6th on debut at Fairyhouse in early December. He is likely to improve here and definitely can’t be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 11: Minella Crooner.

16/1/22 Punchestown

 Saturday saw my pick Indigo Breeze finish 2nd. The 9/4 favourite was 4th at halfway but found himself briefly short of room 2 out. He was still in 4th when he made a mistake soon after but he recovered to go 2nd at the last. He kept on well inside the final furlong without reaching the winner Autumn Evening who came home by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Punchestown on Sunday with 2 standout contests, the first is the opener at 12.15 when 7 begin the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle. Dysart Dynamo is a promising horse who won on his hurdles debut at Cork 42 days ago. He came home by an easy 19 lengths that day and should take the step up in class in his stride with plenty more to come. Hawai Game won a novice hurdle at Naas on his Irish debut in mid December. He impressed there but can still do better making him a threat. The other main challenger is Guily Billy who has one win from two runs this season that came at Tramore 38 days ago where he stayed on strongly to come home by a massive 25 lengths. He is open to further process and should definitely go well. Of the rest look out for Gringo D'aubrelle who was a very good 3rd behind Stage Star in the Challow Novices Hurdle at Newbury 18 days ago. He goes back down in trip here and cannot be overlooked. 

The other big race is at 2.20 when 8 line-up for the Grade 3 Kildare Novice Chase. This contest has had some decent winners in recent years including Envoi Allen and one horse standsout in this renewal Bob Olinger. One of last seasons best novice hurdlers his highlight came at Cheltenham where he won the Ballymore by 7 1/2 lengths. He made a winning start over fences at Gowran Park 57 days ago and will be hard to beat here. Capodanno ran well over hurdles last season and continued his good form when landing his chase debut at Naas 31 days ago. That was his return after 8 months off and he should go well here. The other to keep an eye on is Gaillard Du Mesnil a smart novice hurdler who was second to Bob Olinger in the Ballymore and then went on to take the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. His return saw him finish 3rd to Capodanno at Naas but he has plenty more to offer and improvement is expected. 

Big race predictions: 12.15: 1: Dysart Dynamo  2.20: 1: Bob Olinger. 

15/1/22 Fairyhouse

 Friday was a poor day with my pick The Churchill Lad finishing 6th. The 100/30 joint favourite was at the rear early after being slowly away. He made some progress from 3 out but kept on at one pace inside the final furlong. Upfront the other joint favourite Barbapapa won beating Brave Troop by 3/4 of a length. 

 A busy weekend begins with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday where the main event is the 12.50 when 6 line-up for the Easter Festival 16-18 April Hurdle. Indigo Breeze picked up his career best win at Gowran Park when last seen 56 days ago. He was well on top at the finish coming home by 1 3/4 lengths and has the capability to follow up here with further process expected. Daly Tiger is a smart chaser who won well at Limerick on his last outing on Boxing day. That was his career best on his return over hurdles making him a big threat. The other challenger should be Autumn Evening who has one win from three runs this season that came in a hurdle at Listowel in September. He was a creditable 8th in a handicap hurdle over this course and distance 48 days ago so definitely shouldn’t be ruled out. Of the rest the one I like is Annamix. He needs to bounce back after falling 3 out in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury 49 days ago. He switches to hurdles here and goes significantly down in trip so needs to be considered. 

Big race prediction: 4: Indigo Breeze.

14/1/22 Dundalk

 We finally get some Irish racing action this week with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where the highlight is the 6.15 when 13 begin the Book Online At dundalkstadium.com Maiden. The Churchill Lad is a promising horse who caught the eye when 6th over this course and distance on debut 6 weeks ago. He is open to progress and should find the required improvement here. Golden Beach was 9th over this race distance here when last seen 56 days ago however he will be a player if on his best form and shouldn’t be ruled out. Barbapapa was 5th on this course a month ago despite being impeded briefly 2 out,he can definitely make his presence felt and will challenge. The other on the shortlist is Zoffany Portrait who makes his debut here. A half-brother to useful winner Babbo's Boy this newcomer is definitely one to note. Of the rest 3 others are also on debut. Bright Image, Knightlaila and Man Johnny all deserve consideration. 

Big race prediction: 12: The Churchill Lad.

9/1/22 Result

 The big race of the weekend saw my pick Dunvegan win. The 7/2 joint favourite sat 2nd for most of the way but improved to dispute the lead from 2 out. He strongly pressed and led at the last. He stayed on well on the run-in beating the other joint favourite Blackbow by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 After today's feature there is no more Irish racing until Friday. There are however meetings at Taunton,Ludlow and Wolverhampton on Monday. Doncaster, Exeter and Southwell on Tuesday. Lingfield, Leicester and Kempton on Wednesday with cards at Catterick, Bangor-On-Dee,Newcastle and Chelmsford on Thursday all for your enjoyment. The next Irish action takes place at Dundalk at the end of the week my preview of that will be up on Thursday night. 

9/1/22 Fairyhouse

 Saturday wasn't a great day for my pick with Scheu Time coming 5th. The 4/1 favourite was 7th at halfway and made some headway to sit 5th approaching the straight. He made no impression from 2 out offering nothing extra in the closing stages. The race was won by Rebel Early the 11/1 shot beat Carrigeen Lotus by 5 lengths.

 Seven races take place at Fairyhouse on Sunday where the highlight is the 2.20 when 12 line-up for the Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase. Two in the field meet again after going head-to-head here 6 weeks ago. Dunvegan won that day for his only victory this season. That was his career best and on form he has a good chance to make it two in a row. After finishing second Grange Walk went on to win a handicap chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day beating Exit Poll by 3 3/4 lengths. He stayed on well and definitely enters calculations. The other main  threat is Capuccimix who's only win this season came at Killarney back in July. He was 6 lengths in front at the finish and despite being off 177 days he definitely deserves consideration. Of the rest keep an eye on Blackbow who despite finishing 6th to Chantry House in the Golden Miller Novices Chase at Cheltenham when last seen back in March has a good chance on this his handicap chase debut. 

Big race prediction: 5: Dunvegan. 

8/1/22 Cork

 Friday's pick Chicago Lightening finished 2nd. The 5/4 favourite led early but was put under pressure 2 out. She was challenged inside the final furlong and passed close to home. Her stablemate Sixteen Arches won the 12/1 shot came home by a neck.

 If it passes a 7.30am inspection then a seven race card will take place at Cork on Saturday where the main event is the 2.13 when 12 begn the Racing Again March 24th Handicap Hurdle. Scheu Time has been a course winner in his career and arrives here after finishing a good 4th at Cheltenham when last seen 56 days ago. He holds good claims and looks like the way to go in this one. That's Lifebuoy put in her best recent performance when a creditable second in a chase at Tramore a week ago. She switches to hurdles here and goes back up in trip making her the main threat. In an open handicap the other to focus on is Castlegrange who was a very good second at Limerick 12 days ago. He wears cheekpieces for the first time and is well in the mix. Of the rest there are two who could spring a surprise. Bois De Clamart needs to bounce back after falling at the first at Leopardstown at the end of December. He makes the switch to hurdles and can give a good account as should Owenacurra Lass. Her latest win was at Tramore in October and she was a decent 5th at Punchestown 34 days ago. With her yard having a good spell she deserves consideration. 

Big race prediction: 6: Scheu Time.

7/1/22 Dundalk

 My pick on Thursday Classic Getaway finished 2nd. The 5/6 favourite who cost a record £570,000 at auction in December was 2nd early and led at the 6th. He was passed 2 out and made no impression on the run-in. The race went to his stablemate Cash Back who easily came home by 6 lengths. 

 We round off the week with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday where the highlight is the 6.15 when 17 line-up for the Follow Us On Twitter @DundalkStadium Maiden. Chicago Lightening made a promising debut when 3rd on this course 42 days ago. With improvement likely she should open her account with this longer trip definitely suiting. Sister Bridget showed plenty of promise when 4th over this course and distance on debut 3 weeks ago. She has better to come and is a threat. Trent is a fair horse who enjoys running here. 2nd and 3rd place finishes were followed by a below form 5th over this race distance 37 days ago. Despite that run he has the record to play a big part if wearing blinkers for the first time triggers a resurgence. Of the rest the other to look at is Sixteen Arches who makes her debut here. She comes from the same yard as Chicago Lightening so it will be interesting to see how she goes.

Big race prediction: 9: Chicago Lightening. 

6/1/22 Clonmel

 The midweek meeting saw my pick Meishar finish 4th. The 11/4 favourite was 3rd early and moved into 2nd just over a furlong out. He had no extra dropping to 4th inside the final furlong, the race was won by Brushwork who beat Adams Barbour by a neck.

 Seven races take place at Clonmel on Thursday where the main  event is the 1.50 when 5 begin the Munster Hurdle. Classic Getaway made light work of his rivals when taking a bumper by 15 lengths on debut at Tipperary back in May. This exciting prospect switches to hurdles on his return and despite going up in trip he can maintain his 100% record. Uhtred is a useful hurdler who's latest win came at Naas in early November. He fell at the 6th on his last outing at Limerick 11 days ago but his stable is in good form and he should challenge. The other to keep an eye on is Cash Back who was a very smart chaser in the 2019/20 season, wins at Navan and Naas were followed up by a second behind Notebook at Leopardstown. However his jumping went off the boil after a fall in the Arkle at Cheltenham. He also hit the deck in the Poplar Square Chase and the 2020 running of the Hilly Way Chase. He returned to finish 4th in last months renewal at Cork in a run that was needed and he can’t be ruled out here.

Big race prediction: 5: Classic Getaway. 

5/1/22 Dundalk

 After a couple of days off Irish racing returns with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where the highlight is the opener at 1.35 when 10 line-up for the Happy New Year From Dundalk Stadium Handicap. Meishar was a 4 time course winner in 2021 his last was at the beginning of December. His run of good form was bought to an end when he was 7th in a handicap here 26 days ago,despite that he should get back to winning ways on his return. Parkers Hill has been a course winner in his career and was a close second here when last seen back in September. He ran better than the result would suggest only losing by a neck and despite being off 125 days he definitely enters calculations. No Speed Limit picked up his latest win here in November and was a creditable second when he returned to this course at the beginning of December. He is on an excellent run of form at the moment and should figure. The other to look at is Brushwork who was a good third behind No Speed Limit here 26 days ago and should go well again.

Big race prediction: 1: Meishar. 

2/1/22 Result

 The first big race of the year went well with my pick Ginto winning. The 5/4 favourite led narrowly early but was put under pressure at the 3rd. He had an increased advantage at the 6th with his lead being reduced 4 out. He asserted himself again on the run-in keeping on well to beat Grand Jury by 4 1/4 lengths. After his odds for the Cheltenham Festival were cut he is now 8/1 for the Ballymore and 5/1 for the Albert Bartlett. 

 After an exciting Sunday there is no more Irish racing until Wednesday. Action does take place at Southwell, Lingfield, Musselburgh and Wolverhampton on Monday and Lingfield, Hereford and Newcastle on Tuesday. The next Irish meeting is the midweek card at Dundalk my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night.

2/1/22 Naas

 2022 got off to a great start for my picks. At Tramore Al Boum Photo won the New Year’s Day Chase for a 4th season. The 1/6 favourite was 2nd until he moved into the lead at the 8th. He pushed on and was 3 lengths clear 3 out,he kept on well from the last comfortably beating Burrows Saint by 4 lengths. At Fairyhouse Elimay was 2nd. The 1/1 favourite tracked the leaders in 4th early but dropped to last at the 7th. She made headway to sit 3rd 3 out and was a close 2nd before the last. She stayed on well under pressure on the run-in but could not reach the winner Mount Ida who came home by 1/2 a length. 

 7 races take place at Naas on Sunday where the main event is the 2.10 when 7 line-up for the first Irish Grade one of the year the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle. This is a cracking renewal where the pick goes to Ginto who is looking for 4 wins in a row here. This smart prospect impressed when beating Eric Bloodaxe by 11 lengths in a novice hurdle at Navan 29 days ago. He forged clear that day and with more to offer he looks like the one to beat. Hollow Games arrives here after maintaining his unbeaten record when winning at Navan at the end of November. He was well on top at the finish and could easily make it 5 wins here. Whatdeawant won on his hurdles debut 29 days ago. This exciting horse also beat Ginto at Fairyhouse a year ago and cannot be ruled out. The other to look at is Grand Jury who's last win was at Punchestown on his hurdles debut 40 days ago. He should improve over this longer trip so deserves to be considered. 

Big race prediction: 2: Ginto.