1/4/22 Dundalk + Wexford

 It wasn't a great day for my picks at Naas,in the 3.05 Govan was 5th. The 8/11 favourite was in touch at sat 4th after the 5th. He dropped to 5th before 2 out weakening before the last. Upfront Gatsby Grey easily beat Ballykeel by 15 lengths. In the days other big race Queen Jane was a non-runner. Irish Envoy won the contest by 3/4 of a length. 

 We begin a new month with 7 races at both Dundalk and Wexford with two highlights. 

Dundalk 5.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden 

2: Drunk In Love: In a field full of newcomers this well-bred filly just gets the nod. She is a half-sister to several winners including Lundy and Second Wind so is respected. 

Wexford 6.00: Arctic Tack Stud Veterans Handicap Chase

1: Ben Dundee: Was a bit below form when 11th in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen. However if he can reproduce the kind of run that saw him finish 2nd in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas then he will take plenty of stopping in this easier race.

31/3/22 Naas

 After another day off we have a 7 race card at Naas on Thursday with these being my picks for the 2 feature contests. 

3.05: Join The Naas Racecourse Business Club Rated Novice Hurdle 

1: Goven: A promising horse who impressed when getting off the mark on this course 47 days ago. He was 8 1/2 lengths in front at the end and he is more then capable of following up here.

5.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Flat Race

6: Queen Jane: Showed some ability when 3rd in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on debut 61 days ago. She should build on that effort here and make her first bumper start a winning one. 

29/3/22 Results

 At Navan on Tuesday New York City won,the 2/9 favourite was 2nd early but after travelling well he led from 2 out. He was clear a furlong from the finish staying on strongly to easily beat Gobi Star by 7 lengths. In the 4.00 Team Of Firsts was 4th. The 7/2 shot led early but was passed a furlong out. He made no impression in the closing stages allowing Dartan to win by a head.

 It's another day off for Irish racing on Wednesday however there are meetings at Lingfield, Market Rasen, Wincanton and Kempton. The next Irish card is at Naas on Thursday my picks will be up tomorrow night.

29/3/22 Navan

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Navan on Tuesday with these being my picks for the two highlights. 

2.15 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

5: New York City: Was a below form 2nd at The Curragh when last seen in October. Despite being off 154 days he sets a high standard and should get off the mark on his reappearance. 

4.00: Sp Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Handicap 

1: Team Of Firsts: Upped his form to take victory at Naas at the end of October. He had blinkers on for the first time and plenty in hand that day so another big run is on the cards here despite going up in trip.

27/3/22 Results

 Sunday was another good day for my picks, at Limerick Eqality Mans was 3rd. The 5/4 favourite was 5th at halfway but slight mistakes 4 out and 3 out saw him make no impression in 4th before the straight. He went 3rd at the last but never troubled the winner. At Naas Markaz Paname won,the 3/1 shot travelled well to lead from a furlong out. He kept on well to come home by 1 1/2 lengths. In the 4.25 License was 2nd. The 5/4 favourite led until he was passed in the final 150 yards by Layfayette who won by 1/2 a length. 

 After kicking off the flat season Irish racing takes a day's break. There are meetings at Hexham, Ludlow and Newcastle for you to enjoy. The next Irish card is at Navan on Tuesday my tips for that will be up on Monday night.

27/3/22 Limerick + Naas

 It was an excellent day on Saturday with both my picks at The Curragh winning. In the 3.41 Mother Earth was 2nd 2 out disputing the lead 1 1/2 furlongs from the end. She soon had a narrow advantage keeping on well under pressure in the final furlong beating Insinuendo by 3/4 of a length. In the Irish Lincolnshire Raadobarg was at the rear early but made progress to sit 4th a furlong out. The 9/2 favourite soon challenged and led in the final 150 yards asserting himself to beat Comfort Line by 2 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at both Limerick and Naas on Sunday with 3 feature contests for which these are my tips.

Limerick 3.26: Betvictor Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

2: Egality Mans: A useful chaser who didn't need to be at his best when easily winning a novice chase at Wexford 3 weeks ago. Now his jumping issues look to have been resolved he is a big player.

Naas 3.50: Madrid Handicap 

1: Markaz Paname: A promising horse who was 3rd to Snaffles in a listed race at Dundalk on his final start as a 2 year-old back in October. He makes his handicap debut here and should go well. 

Naas 4.25: Plusvital Devoy Stakes

5: Licence: A highly promising horse who won a maiden at Gowran Park by 6 lengths on debut in June. This is a step up in class but with group race entries later in the season he is well-regarded and is the pick.

26/3/22 The Curragh

 It was a day of differing results for my picks at Dundalk. In the 6.30 Patrick Street was 6th, the 85/40 favourite was in midfield early disputing 5th. He was 4th a furlong out but weakened soon after. The race was won by Singsong Lady who beat Aristovic by a neck. The 7.30 saw Jered Maddox come 3rd, the 6/1 shot was slowly away sitting 9th 2 out. He kept on without threatening in the final furlong grabbing 3rd close to home. Prisoner's Dilemma won by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The Irish flat season gets underway at The Curragh on Saturday with 2 standout contests on an 8 race card. These are my picks for those.

3.41: Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (Group 3)

2: Mother Earth: Winner of the 1000 Guineas last season and a good 4th in the Hong Kong Mile on her last start in December. This smart filly sets a high standard and is the one to beat here.

4.16: Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire 

9: Raadobarg: Picked up 3 wins from 6 runs last year and was sixth at Kempton when last seen in September. Despite being off 178 days he is an interesting prospect on his first run for Johnny Murtagh and should go well.

25/3/22 Dundalk

 Thursday saw both of my picks come 2nd. In the 2.55 Gibraltar led early but was passed at the 2nd, he improved to sit 2nd 4 out but dropped to 3rd soon after. He moved back into 2nd at the last just holding on. The race was won by the 40/1 shot Advanced Virgo who came home by 1 1/4 lengths. The 4.25 saw Wild Hunt sit at the rear of midfield early and make a mistake at the 4th. He made headway moving into 5th 2 out improving further to be 3rd at the last. Despite coming under pressure he kept on well on the run-in gaining another place but he couldn't catch the winner Nell's Well who won by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Eight races at Dundalk on Friday evening round off the week with the following being my 2 tips.

6.30: Find Us On Facebook @Dundalkstadium Handicap 

1: Patrick Street: Was an easy 2 length winner on this course when last seen 37 days ago. He was well on top at the finish and should progress here making him a big player.

7.30: Hone Of Irish All Weather Racing At Dundalk Stadium Handicap 

7: Jered Maddox: Picked up his 3rd win over course and distance in mid February and is getting better with each recent run. Despite facing tougher opposition here he should complete a straight hat-trick.

24/3/22 Cork

 At Dundalk on Wednesday Adams Barbour was 3rd. The 9/4 favourite tracked the leaders and made headway to dispute the lead early in the straight. He was passed soon after making no impression in the final 150 yards leaving Harry's Bar to win by 1/2 a length. In the 7.00 Incimination was 4th. The 8/11 favourite sat 6th at halfway moving up to 4th a furlong out. She had no extra keeping on at one pace while upfront Unconquerable Keen beat Exquisite Acclaim by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 There are seven races at Cork on Thursday with a couple of standout races for which these are my tips.

2.55: Way To Paris At Coolagown Stud Hurdle 

1: Gibraltar: A highly promising horse who won on his hurdles debut at Roscommon back in June. He has been off 9 months but is open to progress and should give Willie Mullins his 3rd win in this race since 2017.

4.25: Con Neigh's Yard Handicap Hurdle 

10: Wild Hunt: Picked up his career best when winning by 4 lengths at Down Royal a week ago. Further progress is expected and he can complete his hat-trick here.

23/3/22 Dundalk

 It was an excellent day at Clonmel with both my picks winning. In the 4.03 Shantou Lucky was 2nd 3 out but made headway to lead soon after. He was 2 lengths clear at the last keeping on well to win by 3/4 of a length. It was much easier for Blackbow. The 30/100 favourite was 5 lengths clear at halfway and despite a slight mistake 5 out he travelled well and had an increased advantage 2 out. He kept on well easily beating Spyglass Hill by a massive 36 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Dundalk on Wednesday and these are my tips for the two highlights. 

5.00: Join Us On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap 

5: Adams Barbour: Is on a roll after picking up his career best win in a handicap over course and distance 7 weeks ago. He is looking for his fifth win in six starts and should get it here.

7.00: dundalkstadium.com race.

6: Incrimination: A promising horse who won a maiden over course and distance on her debut in December. Despite being off 105 days she has plenty more to come this year and has leading claims as she makes her return. 

22/3/22 Clonmel

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Clonmel on Tuesday where 2 contests standout, the following are my tips for those.

4.03: Kilmanahan Beginners Chase 

8: Shantou Lucky: Made a promising debut over fences when 3rd at Leopardstown 2 weeks ago and with improvement likely he should pick up his first Chase win.

4.38: Suir Blueway Chase.

1: Blackbow: A very smart chaser who was 2nd to Captain Guinness in the Newlands Chase at Naas when last seen 23 days ago. He goes back up in trip and is the one to beat here.

20/3/22 Results

 Sunday wasn't a great one for my picks at Downpatrick. In the 2.10 Vinnie Is Busy failed to finish,the 8/11 favourite was slowly away and was making no impression when he fell 3 out. The 3.45 saw Joshua Webb come 5th. The 10/1 shot sat 4th at halfway dropping to 5th 3 out. He had nothing extra keeping on at one pace on the run-in leaving Spades Are Trumps to win by 6 lengths. 

 After an exciting week at Cheltenham and a busy weekend Irish racing takes a day's break. However there are meetings at Southwell, Wincanton and Plumpton for you to enjoy. The next Irish card is at Clonmel on Tuesday my tips for that will be up on Monday night. 

20/3/22 Downpatrick

 Saturday was a decent day for both my picks at Thurles, in the 2.52 Ciel De Neige was 2nd. The 4/11 favourite led but faced a challenge 3 out. However she kept on well on the run-in only being passed on the line by French Dynamite who won by a nose. The 4.37 saw Crosshill finish 3rd. The 11/4 chance pressed the leaders from 4 out but she was soon outpaced and a tired jump at the last saw her weaken. The race was won by Gentlemansgame who beat Unexpected Depth by 8 1/2 lengths. 

Seven races take place at Downpatrick on Sunday with 2 more big contests with the following being my picks.

2.10: Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle 

4: Vinnie Is Busy: Won a bumper at Limerick on debut in January 2020 with a 4th and a 5th in the same year. Was off 2 years before finishing an encouraging 4th at Fairyhouse last month. Should build on that here and get off the mark.

3.45: Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase 

9: Joshua Webb: Reacted well to wearing cheekpieces for the 1st time when a creditable 2nd in a Novice Chase at Gowran Park a week ago. He goes significantly up in trip to make his handicap chase debut and should be taken seriously. 

19/3/22 Thurles

 There were another two winners from my picks on the final day at Cheltenham. In the Triumph Vauban led before the last and despite not being fluent he went clear in the final 110 yards beating Fil Dor by 2 1/2 lengths. In the Gold Cup history was made when A Plus Tard won. The 3/1 favourite went 2nd 2 out and led at the last, he went clear on the run-in staying on strongly to easily come home by 15 lengths making Jockey Racheal Blackmore the first woman to ever win jump racing's showpiece. Sadly it wasn't all good as Ginto suffered a fatal injury when challenging in the Albert Bartlett. 

 We return to Irish action on Saturday with 7 races at Thurles and 2 standout contests for which these are my picks.

2.52: Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

1: Ciel De Neige: A course and distance winner in his career who has 4 victory’s from 8 runs this season and is unbeaten in three starts over fences. His last win was by an easy 5 1/2 lengths at Punchestown in February and he is the one to beat.

4.37: Carey Glass Hurdle 

1: Crosshill: Was 5th in a novice chase at Leopardstown 81 days ago but is of interest here now back hurdling where he has some good form.

18/3/22 Cheltenham

 It was another good day for my picks,in the Turners Novices Bob Olinger won. After Galopin Des Champs fell at the last when 12 lengths in front Rachel Blackmore steered the 6/5 shot home with Busselton a long way back in second. Allaho took the Ryanair Chase, the 4/7 favourite jumped well all the way easily beating Janidil by 14 lengths. The only horse who didn't win was Klassical Dream he came home 5th in the Stayers Hurdle. Over at Down Royal my pick Samcro came 3rd.

 Three final Grade one’s round off the Cheltenham Festival on Friday with the following being my picks.

1.30: JCB Triumph Hurdle 

12: Vauban: Arrives here after a 3 length win in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown. Is the best on form and should turn the tables on Pied Piper who beat him at Punchestown in December. 

2.50: Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle 

7: Ginto: Has won 4 in a row including 3 from 3 over hurdles and should win here despite having the excellent Hillcrest in the field.

3.30: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup 

2: A Plus Tard: Was a close 2nd in this race last year and made an excellent reappearance at Haydock in November. Galvin was just too strong last time but those placings can be overturned here.

17/3/22 Cheltenham + Down Royal

 Day 2 of the festival was an excellent one for my picks. In the Ballymore Sir Gerhard won,the 8/11 favourite led off the final bend staying on well to beat Three Stripe Life by 3 1/2 lengths. The only horse who didn't win was Beacon Edge who was 7th while the Queen Mother wasn't quite the battle we had hoped for. Shishkin was pulled up just after the 8th leaving Energumene to win, he led from 2 out asserting himself from the last to easily come home by 8 1/2 lengths. In the final big race of the day Facile Vega also won, the 15/8 favourite went clear inside the final furlong beating American Mike by 3 3/4 lengths. 

Three Grade one’s headline Thursday at Cheltenham with these being my tips.

1.30: Turners Novices Chase 

1: Bob Olinger: Took a novice hurdle at this meeting last year and is 2 from 2 as a chaser. Is an exciting prospect. 

2.50: Ryanair Chase 

1: Allaho: Won this race in impressive fashion last year and should win again if at his best.

3.30: Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle 

4: Klassical Dream: His last run can be overlooked and he is a major player off the back of 2 Grade one wins in 2021.

There are also 7 races at Down Royal where the big race is the 4.35 when 5 start the Bluegrass Stamm 30 Chase and my pick for that is number 2 on the card Samcro. 

16/3/22 Cheltenham

 The first day of the festival didn't go well for my picks. In the Supreme Dysart Dynamo fell 3 out in a race won by Constitution Hill while in the Arkle Riviere D’etel was 5th with Edwardstone winning. The only bright spark was Honeysuckle who made it 15 wins in a row in the Champion Hurdle. She led from 2 out and after a good jump at the last she kept on strongly going clear on the run-in to beat Epatante by 3 1/2 lengths and become the first mare to win this race twice. In the days other race Telmesomethinggirl was brought down 2 out.

 There are a further 4 Grade One's at Cheltenham on Wednesday and these are my picks for them.

1.30: Ballymore Novices Hurdle 

6: Sir Gerhard: Won the Champion Bumper here 12 months ago and has impressed on both his hurdles starts including a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time.

2.10: Brown Advisory Novices Chase 

2: Beacon Edge: Was 4th in last years Stayers Hurdle but has been a Grade 1 winner since and has good claims.

3.30: Queen Mother Champion Chase 

2: Energumene: Was Beaten by Shishkin in the Clarence House last time but definitely has the ability to turn the tables here.

5.30: Weatherbys Champion Bumper 

7: Facile Vega: Has picked up 2 wins at Leopardstown including a Grade 2 last time, both wins have been by wide margins and he should make it a hat-trick here.

15/3/22 Cheltenham

 Tuesday is day one of the Cheltenham Festival with 4 Grade One's. The following are my picks for those. 

1.30: Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle.

3: Dysart Dynamo: Has won 4 in a row in impressive fashion and can make it 5 here.

2.10: Sporting Life Arkle. 

11: Riviere D'etel: Was unlucky in the Irish version of this race last time and can make amends here.

3.30: Unibet Champion Hurdle. 

10: Honeysuckle: Made it 14 wins in a row last time and was impressive in this race last year. Will be the first mare to win this contest twice.

4.10: Close Brothers Mares Hurdle. 

11: Telmesomethinggirl: Won the Dawn Run here last year and was a very good 3rd in a Grade 3 at Leopardstown last time, should have enough. 

13/3/22 Result

 The weekend didn’t end well with my pick Champagne Platinum finishing 7th. The 7/2 joint favourite was at the rear early but improved to be 5th at halfway. He made a slight mistake at the 10th dropping to 7th,he made no impression from 2 out keeping on at one pace. The race was won by Diol Ker the other joint favourite beat Ronald Pump by 1/2 a length. 

 After Sunday's action Irish racing takes a 3 day break . But we have the small matter of the Cheltenham Festival to keep us entertained, I will put up my day 1 picks on Monday night. The next Irish card is at Down Royal on Thursday. 

13/3/22 Naas

 The tip for Saturday Master McShee was 2nd. The 13/8 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 3rd 3 out. He went 2nd at the last staying on well on the run-in but he couldn't reach the winner Sizing Pottsie who won by 3/4 of a length. 

 It's another double header on Sunday with 8 races at Limerick and 7 at Naas. The standout contest of the day is the 4.40 at Naas when 12 line-up for the Baroneracing.com Leinster National Handicap Chase. Champagne Platinum last won at Navan in January and was a very good second behind Death Duty at Punchestown when last seen a month ago, he is a player here and should go one better. Franco De Port is a smart chaser who was an excellent 2nd on his handicap chase debut at Gowran Park 45 days ago. That performance in the Goffs Thyestes makes him the main threat. Ronald Pump was a below form fifth in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan just 19 days ago but he can't be ruled out on this his handicap chase debut. Alfa Mix was a respectable 7th at Punchestown at the beginning of February, having cheekpieces back on here should see him challenge. The other to look at in this open race is Scoir Mear. He took this contest last year and was a good 5th at Fairyhouse just over 2 weeks ago. This veteran is respected in his follow-up bid.

Big race prediction: 4: Champagne Platinum. 

12/3/22 Navan

 Friday's pick No Trouble was 3rd. The 4/1 shot sat 4th 4 out dropping a place when switching to the right 2 out. He went 3rd early in the final furlong keeping on at one pace. At the front Dances With Stars beat Jake Peter by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at both Gowran Park and Navan to kick off the weekend and the highlight of the day is the 4.00 at Navan where 6 start the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase. Master McShee is a very smart chaser who was 2nd to Galopin Des Champs in a Grade 1 novice chase at Leopardstown when last seen 34 days ago. He goes back down in trip here and should return to winning ways. Sizing Pottsie is a course and distance winner who looked back on track when second in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park 3 weeks ago. That performance puts this good horse firmly in the mix. The other one to respect is Castlegrace Paddy who was a creditable 3rd in a handicap chase at Fairyhouse on his last outing 62 days ago. He is also another course and distance winner who definitely can’t be ruled out. There are 2 others in the field with a good chance, Cilaos Emery was last seen unseating his rider in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in early February. He goes down in trip so shouldn't be overlooked neither should Notebook. He was a below form 3rd to Allaho in the Kinloch Brae chase at Thurles 48 days ago so needs to bounce back. 

Big race prediction: 1: Master McShee. 

11/3/22 Dundalk

 The Thursday pick Ernie Mccracken finished 2nd,the 13/8 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 2nd at halfway. He led from 3 out but was passed before the next. He led again on the run-in but couldn't hold on. He made no impression on the winner Ballyadam Destiny who came home by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Friday evening sees 8 races at Dundalk where the main event is the 6.30 when 10 line-up for the Betvictor Proud To Support Irish Racing Handicap. Two in the field go head-to-head again after running over course and distance 5 weeks ago. No Trouble won that day picking up his career best win and his 4th here. He travelled well to come home by 1/2 a length and is a big player. The second horse Dances With Stars goes again. His last win  was here in November and he kept on well to impress last time. He has the ability to go one better which is why he makes the shortlist. Elzaamsan was a respectable runner-up in a maiden over course and distance 28 days ago. He makes his handicap debut here so cannot be taken lightly. Of the rest watch out for Dalvey who's latest win was on this course in February. He returned to be 4th here 2 weeks ago and deserves respect. 

Big race prediction: 3: No Trouble. 

10/3/22 Thurles

 After two days off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Thurles on Thursday where the highlight is the 4.45 when 8 begin the Thurles Handicap Hurdle. Ernie Mccracken was a good second on his handicap debut at Gowran Park 19 days ago. He goes up in trip here which should suit and bring out further improvement making him the one to beat. Robinstown was a creditable 3rd at Punchestown 25 days ago. He has been in good recent form and should give another good account making him the main threat. The shortlist is completed by Bay Ambition a course winner in her career who was 5th at Fairyhouse when last seen nearly 2 weeks ago. She switches from chasing to hurdles here where she has shown her best form so she definitely has solid claims. Of the rest look out for Indiana Jones who needs to bounce back after falling 2 out in a novice chase at Gowran Park in mid February. He was running well that day so can’t be discounted on this his handicap hurdle debut. 

Big race prediction: 5: Ernie Mccracken.

7/3/22 Result

 Monday's pick Glengouly won. The 5/2 shot was 2nd early but a mistake at the 2nd saw him drop to 4th. He improved to challenge before the last and he led soon after. He stayed on well on the run-in to beat Sam's Choice by 3/4 of a length. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Newcastle, Sandown and Wolverhampton on Tuesday with Fontwell, Lingfield, Catterick and Kempton providing Wednesday's cards. The next Irish races are at Thurles on Thursday my preview of that will be up on Wednesday night. 

7/3/22 Leopardstown

 It was a mixed bag of results for my picks on Sunday, at Wexford Cliffton Warrior was 2nd. The 11/10 favourite was 2nd at halfway. He made no impression before the last keeping on at the same pace allowing Arctic Warrior to win by 2 1/2 lengths. At Leopardstown Fakir D'alene was a non runner. The race was won by Discordantly who beat Jerandme by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 A second day at Leopardstown kicks off a new week with 8 races where the main event comes at 2.35 when 7 start the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle. Glengouly is another promising horse from Willie Mullins who achieved his career best win at Gowran Park 39 days ago. He stayed on despite coming under pressure inside the final furlong and should make it 2 in a row here. Pinkerton has 2 wins from 3 runs this season and was a good 3rd at Naas when last seen 23 days ago. He arrives here in decent form and is definitely one to consider. The other who deserves respect is Sam's Choice a useful hurdler who was a creditable 2nd to Glengouly at the end of January. He goes back down in trip here so definitely shouldn’t be ruled out. Of the rest look out for John Cannon who was a respectable 2nd to Peaceful Sunday in a novice hurdle at Fairyhouse 9 days ago. He has a good chance on recent results so can’t be overlooked. 

Big race prediction: 1: Glengouly. 

6/3/22 Wexford + Leopardstown

 The Saturday pick Gentleman De Mee won. The 1/5 favourite made all the running travelling strongly and led by 25 lengths 4 out. Despite having a slightly reduced lead from 3 out he was unchallenged and easily beat Grange Walk by 16 lengths. 

 There are two meetings on Sunday with seven races at both Wexford and Leopardstown and two standout contests, the first is the 3.55 at Wexford when 7 begin the Michael O'Murchadha Memorial Handicap Hurdle. Clifton Warrior arrives in good form after being an excellent 2nd at Down Royal 40 days ago. His yard is having a decent spell and he should go one better here. Goulane Chosen is having a good year so far with two fourth place finishes including a handicap hurdle at Naas a week ago so is a definite threat. The other to consider is Arctic Warrior who needs to bounce back after falling at the last in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown 69 days ago. He was running well there and coming from the yard of Willie Mullins he should be respected on this his handicap debut. 

 The other race is at Leopardstown at 4.50 when 15 line-up for the TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase. Fakir D'alene has 3 wins from 7 runs this season his latest was in at Chase at Thurles in January. He only came home by a neck that day putting in a battling effort,his follow up run on this course 28 days ago saw him finish a disappointing 7th but that came too soon after Thurles so he deserves another chance and gets the vote. Donkey Years was the one beaten 6 weeks ago. He ran well and was unlucky so is definitely a big player. The other on the list is Bold Assassin who was a very good 6th in a novice chase at Fairyhouse 36 days ago. He makes his handicap chase debut here and with his trainer going well he definitely shouldn’t be ruled out. There are 3 more to look out for,Winter Escape was a good 3rd on this course when last seen a month ago and can't be taken lightly neither should Jerandme. He won by a clear 5 1/2 lengths at Dundalk 2 weeks ago and switches from the flat to chasing here so should run well. The other one is Fan De Blues who's latest win was at Galway back in July. His fall at the 7th here 28 days ago can be ignored and he can challenge, 

Big race predictions: Wexford: 3: Clifton Warrior  Leopardstown 4: Fakir D'alene. 

5/3/22 Navan

 On Friday my pick Juncture won. The 10/11 favourite challenged from 1 1/2 furlongs out and led soon after. She quickened to move clear in the closing stages comfortably beating Morning Soldier by 6 lengths. 

 Eight races at Navan begin a busy weekend where the highlight is the 3.58 when 6 line-up for the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase. Gentleman De Mee is a promising horse who got off the mark over fences at Thurles last month. He won in fine style by 34 lengths and should take the step up in class here in his stride making him the one to beat. Velvet Elvis is a useful chaser who was a good 3rd in a chase on this course when last seen 77 days ago. He should improve further and with better days ahead of him he is a threat. The other shortlisted is Grange Walk who has 3 wins from 12 runs this season his last was at Leopardstown in December. He returned there to be a good 2nd in a handicap chase 28 days ago and he should continue his good form here. Of the rest look out for Fancy Foundations who's latest win came at Sligo in September. He was a below form fifth on this course in early December so needs to get back on track but still can't be discounted. 

Big race prediction: 2: Gentleman De Mee.

4/3/22 Dundalk

 On Thursday my pick Western Zara won,the 100/30 shot led briefly after the 2nd and the 6th but sat 2nd at halfway. She led again 3 out and asserted herself entering the straight. She kept on well beating Carrigeen Lotus by 12 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Dundalk on Friday where the main event is the 8.00 when 8 start the Patton Stakes. Juncture won a maiden at Leopardstown by an impressive 3 1/4 lengths in June and returned there a month later to finish 2nd behind Agartha in the Group 3 Sliver Flash Stakes. She is open to further process as she moves up to a mile here and looks like the one to beat. Absolute Ruler made a good winning debut over course and distance in August but wasn't suited by the drop in trip when he disappointed in a listed race here on his last outing in October. Despite that run he is well worth another chance making him a threat. In Ecstasy left his debut well behind him when taking a maiden over course and distance in November. He returned here to win again when last seen in December and should progress further as he looks for his hat-trick win. The other to watch out for is Angel Girl who improved on her debut when winning on this course 11 days ago. She goes significantly up in trip but should offer more so can’t be discounted. 

Big race prediction: 7: Juncture. 

3/3/22 Clonmel

 We finally get some Irish racing this week with 7 races at Clonmel on Thursday where the highlight is the opener at 2.20 when 8 begin the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. Western Zara looked good when picking up her career best win in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse 33 days ago. She asserted herself from 2 out and despite a mistake at the last she won by 2 lengths and looks like the way to go on this her chase debut. Fort Worth Texas is a useful chaser who was 8th on her return in a novice chase at Fairyhouse at the beginning of last month. That run was needed after 15 months off and much better is expected here making her one to fear. The shortlist is completed by Carrigeen Lotus who despite finishing last in a novice chase at Thurles a week ago has a good chance if back to the form that saw her finish 2nd at Fairyhouse at the start of February. Also look out for Rebel Early who despite being pulled up at Gowran Park 12 days ago should improve and making the switch from hurdles to chasing should help.

Big race prediction: 8: Western Zara.