27/2/22 Result

 Sunday's pick Blackbow was 2nd. The 15/8 chance sat 2nd when making a challenge on the near side from 2 out. Despite jumping slightly left he kept on well on the run-in but he was no match for the winner Captain Guinness who came home by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 After today's action there is no more Irish racing until Thursday. However Carlisle, Plumpton and Wolverhampton race on Monday. Catterick, Leicester and Newcastle on Tuesday with Lingfield, Musselburgh, Wincanton and Kempton racing on Wednesday. The next Irish card is at Clonmel on Thursday my preview of that will be up on Wednesday night. 

27/2/22 Naas

 On Saturday my pick Burrows Saint finished 3rd. The 6/5 favourite disputed the lead before the 5th. He dropped to last after 3 out and was beaten, he moved into a remote 3rd at the last. The race was won by Any Second Now who was immediately cut to 10/1 favourite for the Grand National in April. 

 The most interesting race of 8 at Naas on Sunday is the opener at 2.00 when just 4 line-up for the Grade 3 Betvictor Chase. Blackbow is a very smart chaser who was a creditable 5th at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago. He was unsuited by the step up in trip there but he should get back to winning ways for a stable in good form so expect a bold run. Darasso is a versatile horse who has 4 wins from 10 runs this season. He was a respectable 2nd to Teahupoo in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park 8 days ago and switching from hurdles to chasing here makes him the main threat. The other two in the field return after finishing behind Chacun Pour Soi in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown at the beginning of this month. Captain Guinness was 3rd that day but this smart chaser has won a Grade 3 over course and distance in his career so deserves respect as does Cash Back. He is also a course and distance winner who last tasted victory at Clonmel in January. He is the outsider here but can still challenge. 

Big race prediction: 2: Blackbow. 

26/2/22 Fairyhouse

 The Friday pick Mulgrave finished 5th. The 7/2 shot chased the leaders early and was switched to the left to make a challenge from 2 out. He had every chance on the far side in the final furlong but weakened in the last 110 yards. The race was won by Punk Poet who beat Super Over by a short head.

 There are 7 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday where the highlight is the 4.18 when 4 begin the Grade 3 Tote Bobbyjo Chase. Burrows Saint won the Irish National in 2019 and ran a brilliant race to finish 4th in the Grand National at Aintree in April only faltering late on. He improved on a 3rd place finish at Clonmel in December when 2nd to Al Boum Photo in the Savills Chase at Tramore on New Year’s Day and looks like the way to go here before a return to Aintree. Escaria Ten is a smart chaser who is better then his 8th in the Goffs Thyestes at Gowran Park last month. He finished tired that day on his return but he should definitely improve and he is the main threat. Any Second Now was a good third in the Grand National but has only had 2 hurdles starts so far this season. A 7th at Navan was followed up by at 6th at Gowran Park at the end of January, a good performance here should set him up for another attempt at the Aintree showpiece. The other in the field is Coko Beach a smart chaser who was a creditable 4th in a handicap chase at Punchestown 2 weeks ago. However he has work to do if he is to challenge here.

Big race prediction: 3: Burrows Saint.

25/2/22 Dundalk

 In Thursday's big race Berkshire Royal finished 2nd. The 9/2 shot wasn't fluent from 3 out but made headway to sit 3rd approaching the last. He kept on well on the run-in taking 2nd towards the finish,The Goffer took the race winning by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Eight races at Dundalk round off the week where the main event is the 5.00 when 11 start the Betvictor Casino Handicap. Mulgrave made it 2 from 2 for a new yard when picking up his career best win in a handicap over this course and distance 72 days ago. Despite a weights rise he should complete his hat-trick here. Tyrconnell is a 4-time course winner including this race last year. He was a creditable 3rd over course and distance 2 weeks ago and can definitely make his presence felt again as he looks to defend his crown. In an open contest the other to consider is Meishar another multiple time course winner who was a good second behind A Case Of You here at the beginning of this month. He goes significantly back up in trip in this race but is in the mix. Of the rest one to keep an eye on is Ransom. He was a respectable 3rd in a handicap at Sandown when last seen back in May. Despite being off 9 months this is his first run for his new trainer so he can’t be dismissed. 

Big race prediction: 9: Mulgrave. 

24/2/22 Thurles

 My midweek pick Burning Victory won. The 1/2 favourite made all the running and was soon clear. She was 6 lengths in front when producing a good jump at the last,her lead was reduced on the run-in but she still beat Queens Brook by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 A seven race card takes place at Thurles on Thursday where the highlight comes at 3.40 when 6 line-up for the Grade 3 Markaye Contracts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle. Berkshire Royal has been a good flat winner in his career and impressed when taking a novice hurdle by 10 lengths at Kilbeggan back in May. He has been off since then but with plenty more to come he has an excellent chance on his return. Captain Conby looked good when winning at Punchestown 24 days ago. He travelled well to easily come home by 1 1/4 lengths and with further progress likely he is a threat. The other to respect is The Goffer who last won at Navan in December and finished 4th on this course when last seen 32 days ago. He comes from the yard of Gordon Elliott who is having a particularly decent spell and the horses good form should continue. The other one I like is The Little Yank who picked up his 3rd win of a busy season on this course 2 weeks ago by a good 9 lengths. He kept on well and can't be ruled out here. 

Big race prediction: 4: Berkshire Royal.

23/2/22 Punchestown

 My picks achieved results at both ends of the scale at Navan on Tuesday, in the 2.20 Darver Star was a non-runner. The race was won by Thedevilscoachman the 4/1 shot beat Ashdale Bob by a head. In the other Grade 2 Farouk D’alene won. The 4/11 favourite disputed the lead early and despite not being fluent led from the 8th. He faced a strong challenge from 2 out but he kept on well on the run-in just doing enough to beat Beacon Edge by 3/4 of a length. 

 Eight races take place at Punchestown on Wednesday where the standout contest is the opener at 1.00 when 6 start the Grade 3 Watch On Racing TV Quevega Mares Hurdle. Burning Victory is a good horse who won the 2020 Triumph Hurdle and showed her versatility when 2nd in last year’s Cesarewitch. She wasn’t disgraced in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown when last seen finishing 3rd and is a big player here. Dysart Diamond has been a course winner in her career but this useful hurdler was a below form 7th behind Royal Kahala in a Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown in December. She was in contention until a mistake at the last and can definitely bounce back here. The other threat is Gauloise who's latest win was by an easy 10 lengths on this course back in April. She definitely wasn’t 100% on her return in a listed hurdle at Sandown last month but she is another one who can bounce back and can't be ruled out. Of the others look out for Queens Brook who picked up her career best win at Fairyhouse when last seen 113 days ago. She definitely has more to come and could surprise the field here. 

Big race prediction: 6: Burning Victory.

21/2/22 Result

 The week began on a poor note with my pick Barbados finishing 6th. The 13/8 favourite was 5th at halfway but had no extra to offer from 2 1/2 furlongs out. The race was won by Jerandme who beat Grandmaster Flash by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 Just a quick reminder that the 8 race card that should have taken place at Navan on Sunday is now happening tomorrow (Tuesday. ) The Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle is still at 2.20 where my pick remains Darver Star while the Ten Up Novice Chase still goes off at 4.05 where Farouk D’alene stays as my tip. If you would like a more detailed preview then please refer back to my post that was put up on Saturday night. 

21/2/22 Dundalk

 Sadly Sunday's high-quality card at Navan didn't pass it's early morning inspection. After 11mm of overnight rain the track was waterlogged in places and unfit for racing. The meeting which includes the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle and Ten Up Novice Chase will now take place on Tuesday with the first race off at 1.10.

 The 8 races that should have taken place at Dundalk on Friday now begin a new week where the main event comes at 3.45 when 7 line-up for the Betvictor Proud To Support Irish Racing race. Barbados is a smart horse who ended a long losing streak at Listowel in September. He has continued in good form since including a 3rd over hurdles at Thurles a week ago and could be hard to beat on this his polytrack debut. Grandmaster Flash was 8th over course and distance when last seen 30 days ago. He weakened from 2 out but should put in a big run here as he looks to win this race for a second year. Here And Now was a good second in a claimer on this course 3 weeks ago. He was sent off as favourite that day on his first run for a new yard and going significantly back up in trip here should suit and he can challenge. The other to look at is Jerandme a useful chaser who returned after 5 months off to be a good 4th in a handicap over this course and distance 30 days ago and he could easily surprise the field here. 

Big race prediction: 1:Barbados. 

20/2/22 Navan

 Saturday saw both my picks win,in the 2.20 Teahupoo was prominent early and made headway to lead from 3 out. The 13/8 favourite went clear from 2 out easily coming home by 11 lengths. In the 3.30 Melon made all the running going clear at the last pulling away to win by 6 lengths. 

 If it survives an 8am inspection then eight races at Navan round off the weekend with two more standout contests,2.20 sees the first when 14 line-up for the Grade 2 Betvictor Boyne Hurdle. Darver Star is a smart hurdler who was a good second at Lingfield in mid January. He should add to his Punchestown success in December where he came home by 20 lengths and is the pick. Ashdale Bob was 3rd to Royal Kahala in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park when last seen 24 days ago. He has been a course winner in his career putting him on the shortlist. Ronald Pump is a good hurdler who was a below form 7th behind Klassical Dream in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown 54 days ago. He returns to wearing blinkers here and should be in the mix if they help him. The other to watch out for is Longhouse Poet who picked up his career best win in a handicap chase at Gowran Park 24 days ago. He found something extra that day and shouldn’t be ruled out on his return to hurdles.

 The other big race comes at 4.05 when 6 begin another Grade 2 the Betvictor Ten Up Novice Chase. Farouk D’alene is a course winner who was a good second to Stattler in a Grade 3 chase at Naas 3 weeks ago. He was well clear of the rest that day and should get back to winning ways here. The other two to look at also come from the yard of Gordon Elliott, Run Wild Fred is a very good chaser who was a respectable 2nd in the Neville Hotels Chase at Leopardstown during the Christmas festival. Another performance like that should see him challenge. Braeside completes the shortlist another smart chaser who last won at Cork in October. His saddle slipped when he was pulled up 4 out in the Goffs Thyestes at Gowran Park 24 days ago but that can be forgotten and he is worth another chance here.

Big race predictions: 2.20: 8: Darver Star  4.05: 4: Farouk D’alene. 

19/2/22 Gowran Park

 If all weather inspections are passed then an excellent 7 race card takes place at Gowran Park on Saturday with 2 standout contests,the first is at 2.20 when 7 begin the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle. A couple in the field go head-to-head again after running in the Limerick Hurdle over Christmas. Teahupoo is a smart hurdler who didn't need to improve to win by 1/2 a length that day and he could achieve further success here before a trip to the Cheltenham Festival. The horse who finished a creditable 2nd Quilixios goes again. He travelled strongly only losing the lead in the final 50 yards. Coming from the yard of Henry De Bromhead and with Rachel Blackmore on board he is definitely one to consider. The horse who could spilt these two is Saldier a course and distance winner who needs to bounce back after being pulled up at the 5th in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown 53 days ago. He definitely has a chance if on his best form so don't rule him out.

 The other big race is the 3.30 when 5 line-up for the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase. Melon is a high-class chaser who despite not yet winning this season was a good 4th behind Galvin in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown 53 days ago. He has leading claims on form and should pick up an overdue success here. Daly Tiger is another good chaser who after winning at Limerick In December was 4th at Fairyhouse 35 days ago. His last Grade 2 saw him finish 2nd in the Hilly Way Chase and he should go well back in this sphere. The other shortlisted is Chatham Street Lad who wasn’t disgraced when 3rd in the Betfair Chase at Haydock when last seen 91 days ago. He goes back down in trip here and shouldn’t be discounted. The best of the other two is Sizing Pottsie who needs a better performance after unseating his rider 2 out in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown. Despite that he can still challenge.

Big race predictions: 2.20: 3: Teahupoo  3.30: 4: Melon.

17/2/22 Dundalk update

 My pick for Thursday Mr Fred Rogers failed to finish. The 7/4 shot was pressing the leaders when he stumbled and slipped up just before 2 out sadly being fatality injured. The race was won by Shantreusse who comfortably beat Eye Van by 5 lengths. 

 The 8 race card due to take place at Dundalk on Friday has been called off due to the threat posed by Storm Eunice. The forecast was for up to 80mph winds during racing tomorrow so the meeting was abandoned on safety grounds. The meeting is now scheduled to go ahead on Monday. I will put up a preview on Sunday night.

17/2/22 Clonmel

 The midweek pick In From The Cold came 5th. The 9/2 shot led early but was passed 1 1/2 furlongs out. He dropped to 5th soon after making no further impression. The race was won by Dalvey who beat Bowerman by 1/2 a length.

 A good seven race card takes place at Clonmel on Thursday and is headlined by the 2.30 when 6 start the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes Benz Novice Hurdle. Mr Fred Rogers is a promising horse who picked up his career best win in a hurdle at Thurles when last seen 60 days ago. He stayed on well despite a bad mistake to come home by 1 1/4 lengths, this longer trip will definitely suit and he should take all the beating. Shantreusse built on a promising hurdling debut when taking a novice hurdle at Cork at the beginning of this year. He easily won by 17 lengths and with more to come he is a danger here. The other to consider is Monishter Are Mwee a useful hurdler who has been a course winner in her career. She was a good 4th to the impressive Allegorie De Vassy in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse 19 days ago. She goes up in trip here and definitely can’t be ruled out. The other one to look out for is Rebel Ivy who's last win was at Limerick in December. She was a below form 6th at Gowran Park 3 weeks ago but despite that she shouldn't be discounted. 

Big race prediction: 1: Mr Fred Rogers.

16/2/22 Dundalk

 After a two day break Irish racing returns with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where the main event comes at 2.55 when 7 begin the View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. In From The Cold was a below form 11th in a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown 10 days ago. However he has some useful flat form and drops down in class on his return to this sphere and is worth a chance. Pachmena was a respectable 6th to Dalvey in a handicap over this course and distance when last seen 61 days ago. She has also won here in her career and has a good chance on form. The shortlist is completed by Dare To Flare a course and distance winner who was a good 4th here 12 days ago. That was a decent performance despite being slowly away and he can give a good account of himself. There are two others to keep an eye on. After his win here in December Dalvey was a good 5th on his return to this course at the beginning of this month so deserves respect as does Sunwalk. He didn't need to improve to win a maiden over course and distance 2 weeks ago. He makes his handicap debut in this race and can't be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 1: In From The Cold.

13/2/22 Result

 On Sunday my pick Floueur finished 3rd,the 7/1 shot was 6th at halfway making headway to track the leaders 3 out. He was 3rd approaching the last where after a bad mistake he kept on at one pace making no impression. The race went to Death Duty who beat Champagne Platinum by 3 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break. There are meetings at Catterick, Plumpton and Wolverhampton on Monday with Lingfield, Ayr and Newcastle being Tuesday's cards. The next Irish races are at Dundalk on Wednesday my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night. 

13/2/22 Punchestown

 My Saturday pick Elimay won,the 2/13 favourite made all the running travelling strongly. She went clear on the run-in easily beating Court Maid by 5 lengths. 

 Punchestown hosts 7 races on Sunday and the highlight is the 2.40 when 13 line-up for the Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial Handicap Chase. Floueur picked up his career best win in a novice chase at Fairyhouse 2 weeks ago,he came home by 1/2 a length just holding on under pressure. He goes significantly up in trip here on his handicap chase debut and gets the vote. The Dabbler has 2 wins from 6 runs this season his latest was at Gowran Park in October. He was a good second at Fairyhouse when last seen 77 days ago and that performance means he deserves consideration. The other one of note is Champagne Platinum who achieved his first win of the season at Navan 22 days ago. He stayed on strongly to win by a neck and is definitely a player here. There are two others who can't be ruled out,Torygraph was a bit below form when 3rd on this course 44 days ago. He goes up in trip to make his handicap chase debut so should improve. The other one is Coko Beach who needs to bounce back after finishing 6th at Gowran Park 17 days ago,despite that he enters calculations. 

Big race prediction: 4: Floueur. 

12/2/22 Naas

 The week came to a close with my pick A Case Of You winning. The 4/11 favourite sat 2nd at halfway leading just over a furlong out. He drew clear inside the final furlong keeping on well to beat Meishar by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 Eight races at Naas kick off the weekend and the highlight is the 4.00 when 5 begin the Bba Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase. Elimay is a smart chaser who was a respectable 2nd to Mount Ida at Fairyhouse 42 days ago. She was the 1/1 favourite that day and with another go at the Mares Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month her destination she should take care of some inferior rivals here and win this race for a second year. Court Maid is the only danger a good horse who was 5th behind Royal Kahala in the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park last month. She has a slight chance if back to her best on her return to chasing. It's difficult to pick out another one from the field but I would put That’s Lifebuoy on the shortlist. This fair hurdler was a below form 7th in a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown 6 days ago. She makes the switch to chasing here but faces a stiff task.

Big race prediction: 1: Elimay. 

11/2/22 Dundalk

 My pick on Thursday Ash Tree Meadow finished 2nd. The 4/7 favourite was 3rd early and despite a slight mistake he had a narrow lead 4 out. He was passed entering the straight and had no extra keeping on at the same pace allowing The Little Yank to pull away and win by 9 lengths. 

 Eight races at Dundalk round off the week on Friday where the most interesting contest is the finale at 7.30 when 5 line-up for the Book Online @dundalkstadium.com Race. A Case Of You is a course and distance winner who took the Group one Prix De L'abbaye at Longchamp in October. He then went on to be 5th in the Breeders Cup Turf at Del Mar on his final start of last season and is the one to beat if ready for his return. Logo Hunter is also a course and distance winner who picked up 4 wins from 7 runs last year. He was a below form 5th to Mooneista in the Sapphire Stakes at The Curragh when last seen back in July but is certainly capable of bouncing back here. In a small field the other shortlisted is Meishar a 4-time course winner who last tasted victory here in December. He was 9th in a handicap on this course 9 days ago his 3rd run here this year so he shouldn’t be ruled out. 

Big race prediction: 1: A Case Of You.

10/2/22 Thurles

 My midweek pick The Dabbler was a non-runner. The race went to Full Time Score who beat Discorama by a length. 

 There are seven races at Thurles on Thursday where the main event is the 3.30 when 4 begin the Betvictor Rated Novice Hurdle. Ash Tree Meadow confirmed early promise when picking up his first win at Navan 19 days ago. He was comfortable at the finish coming home by 5 lengths and with further improvement likely he is the pick here. The Little Yank is a useful hurdler who made it a hat-trick of 3rd place finishes at Leopardstown just 5 days ago. The quick turnaround may suit it fully recovered and he is shortlisted on this his 20th start of the season. Ll Courra last won at Kilbeggan in September and was 6th in a novice chase at Leopardstown when last seen 44 days ago. He switches back to hurdles here and has a chance. The other in the field is Ferdia a fairly good hurdler who didn't run well when 5th to Dysart Dynamo in the Moscow Flyer at Punchestown 25 days ago. He went off at 250/1 that day and despite going back up in trip he is the outsider again here.

Big race prediction: 1: Ash Tree Meadow.

9/2/22 Fairyhouse

 After two day's off Irish racing returns with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Wednesday where the highlight is the 1.45 when 10 line-up for the Fairyhouse Easter Festival 16-18 April Rated Chase. The Dabbler is a useful chaser who has 2 wins from 6 runs this season. He was a good second behind Smoking Gun in a handicap chase on this course when last seen 73 days ago and with most of this field having something to prove he gets the nod. Defi Bleu is a threat,a good horse who needs to bounce back after being pulled up 2 out at Limerick at the end of December. He can definitely make an impact if back on form. The other to consider is Lord Lariat who was a course winner in November and returned here to be a respectable 6th in a handicap hurdle 11 days ago. He switches back to chasing and definitely has a chance. Looking at the rest keep an eye on Off You Go who finished 6th at Punchestown 40 days ago and also makes the switch to chasing here. He is one of the field who arrives with a bit to prove but shouldn't be ruled out.

Big race prediction: 10: The Dabbler.

6/2/22 Results

 It was an excellent Sunday at Leopardstown with both my picks winning. In the 1.50 Chacun Pour Soi travelled strongly to lead at the 6th. He faced a challenge 3 out but went clear before the last. He kept on well on the run-in easily beating Dunvegan by 12 lengths. In the 3.00 Honeysuckle made it 14 wins in a row. She led from 2 out easing clear at the home turn. She kept on strongly to win by 6 1/2 lengths giving her a 10th Grade 1. She is now the 4/7 favourite to retain her Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham. 

 After an exciting weekend Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Carlisle, Fontwell and Wolverhampton on Monday with Market Rasen,Taunton and Southwell on Tuesday all for your entertainment. The next Irish card is at Fairyhouse on Wednesday my preview of that will be up on Tuesday night.

6/2/22 Leopardstown

 It was a decent day for both my picks on Saturday, in the 2.10 Riviere D’etel was 2nd. The 2/1 favourite was 2nd at halfway improving to lead from 2 out. She made a mistake at the last and was passed soon after when slightly hampered. She kept on well under pressure in the closing stages only losing to Blue Lord by 1/2 a length. In the days other race Kemboy finished 5th. The 3/1 shot tracked the leaders disputing the lead briefly at the 7th. He made no impression after the next and a mistake at the last saw him drop to fifth. At the head of the field Conflated beat Minella Indo by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 Leopardstown hosts day 2 of the Dublin Racing Festival on Sunday with another two Grade one's standing out,the first comes at 1.50 when 5 line-up for the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase. Chacun Pour Soi is a top-class chaser who definitely wasn't himself when finishing last in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December. That was a blott on an otherwise outstanding record and he should take all the beating back on home soil. The winner at Sandown Greaneteen goes again, after coming home by 5 1/2 lengths he found Shishkin too good at Kempton over Christmas but with that star absent he should be a big player. The pick of the rest is Captain Guinness another smart chaser who after winning at Naas by 4 3/4 lengths looked good when 3rd in the Tingle Creek. He needs the top two to have a bad day to turn the tables although it's difficult to see that happening. 

The other standout race is the 3.00 when 5 start the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle. Honeysuckle is unbeaten in 13 starts after an impressive 8 length victory in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in November. She is looking for a hat-trick in this race on her way to defend her Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham and will be hard to beat. Zanahiyr is a smart hurdler who was a very close 2nd to Sharjah over course and distance in the Matheson Hurdle 39 days ago and definitely needs considering. Saint Roi is another good hurdler who was 3rd in the Matheson and with his yard in good form he is respected. The other who should challenge for the minor places is Echoes In Rain. She is another who finished behind Sharjah over course and distance last time coming home in 4th. That was a below form run and she needs to bounce back here. The only other runner is the outsider Heaven Help Us but this should be another Honeysuckle win.

Big race predictions: 1.50: 3: Chacun Pour Soi  3.00: 5: Honeysuckle. 

5/2/22 Leopardstown

 Friday saw Dances With Stars finish 2nd. The 9/4 favourite was at the rear of midfield early but he didn't have a clear run in 5th from a furlong out.  He made headway between horses inside the final furlong keeping on well but he couldn't get to the winner No Trouble who won by 1/2 a length.

 The Dublin Racing Festival begins at Leopardstown on Saturday with two standout Group one’s, the first is the 2.10 when 6 start the Patrick Ward & Co Solicitors Irish Arkle Novice Chase. Trainer Gordon Elliott has never won this race but his runner here Riviere D’etel could change that. She made it 3 from 3 over fences in a Grade 3 at Navan in December. She ran into an impressive Ferny Hollow in a Grade 1 over course and distance last time but is the way to go in this one. Blue Lord was a good novice hurdler last season and has a perfect 2 from 2 record over fences after winning at Naas last month. Further improvement is likely making him the pick of the Willie Mullins trio. Another one of his Saint Sam completes the shortlist, he was a good hurdler finishing runner-up in last year's Fred Winter. He has already proved himself a much better chaser when making a winning start at Fairyhouse last month. He is sure to progress and challenge here.

 The other big race is at 3.15 when 8 begin the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. Kemboy is a top-class chaser who won this race last season. He was a good third to Galvin in the Savills Chase here over Christmas and should make a bold bid to defend his crown. Minella Indo beat A Plus Tard to take the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March and was an excellent 3rd behind Frodon at Down Royal on his return in October. He clearly wasn't right when he was pulled up 3 out in the King George and is worth another chance here to show he still has the Gold Cup form. Frodon is the only English raider who after winning at Down Royal was a below form 4th in the King George when attempting to win the race for a second year. He definitely has the ability to win here and it would be no surprise if he did. Delta Work,Janidil and Asterion Forlonge are the others to look out for in this highly competitive race.

Big race predictions: 2.10: 6: Riviere D’etel  3.15: 7: Kemboy. 

4/2/22 Dundalk

 Eight races take place at Dundalk on Friday where the main event is the 4.30 when 11 line-up for the Betvictor Casino Handicap. Plenty have a chance here but Dances With Stars gets the nod,he was a course and distance winner in November and returned here to be a creditable 5th 16 days ago. He had to pick his way through the field that day so going back down in trip should suit and he can pick up his second victory here. Harriet's Force has been a winner here in her career and showed she was back to form when 5th over course and distance 3 weeks ago. She is in the mix providing she stays on. Top Line Tommy won over this course and distance last year and he was a good 3rd in a chase at Tramore 34 days ago despite not jumping fluently. He should feature on his return to the flat. The other worth a look is Dare To Flare who despite having an up and down career looked as good as ever when winning on this course a week ago. He came home by 3/4 of a length and can challenge. 

Big race prediction: 3: Dances With Stars. 

2/2/22 Result

 My midweek pick Business won,the 4/1 joint favourite chased the leaders and sat 3rd 2 out. He travelled well after and led from a furlong out. He stayed on well inside the final furlong beating Rocky Dreams by a length. 

 After Wednesday's action there is no Irish racing on Thursday. Meetings do take place at Southwell, Wincanton, Kelso and Chelmsford City. The next Irish meeting is at Dundalk on Friday my preview of that will be up on Thursday night. 

2/2/22 Dundalk

 Tuesday's pick State Man won,the 1/7 favourite was prominent and led at the 3rd. He went clear soon after and kept on strongly easily beating Plains Indian by 12 lengths. 

 The midweek meeting sees 8 races at Dundalk where the highlight is the 4.35 when 12 begin the Follow Us On Twitter @dundalkstadium Handicap. This is a competitive race where the pick goes to Business. He won twice over course and distance in December and should make a bold bid for his hat-trick for a yard recently joined. Ajax Tavern picked up a career best win when completing a course and distance hat-trick 12 days ago. He is respected and shouldn’t be ruled out. The other who arrives in top form is Prisoner's Dilemma another 3-time course and distance winner who last tasted victory here at the beginning of January. He is definitely a danger who can challenge. The other to keep an eye on is Godhead who was an excellent 2nd on this course just 5 days ago and he is a player if in the same form. Of the rest don't rule out Meishar who's latest win was here in December and he was 3rd over course and distance 12 days ago so he definitely enters calculations. 

Big race prediction:7: Business.