1/5/22 Sligo

 On the final day of the Punchestown festival Epatante was 3rd,the 4/6 favourite sat in midfield improving to 4th at halfway. She went 3rd entering the straight but made no impression approaching the last. She kept on well on the run-in while upfront Marie's Rock won by 1 1/4 lengths. In the 5.00 Vauban won,the 4/11 favourite travelled well after 2 out and made headway to lead before the last. He kept on well to easily beat Fil Dor by 4 lengths. 

Seven races take place at Sligo on Sunday with a couple of highlights. 

4.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

6: Sheishybrid: Was a promising 3rd on her return at Navan 33 days ago. That was her first run in 6 months and she should build on that encouraging performance here giving her the vote.

5.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

3: Nusret: A good horse who ran well to finish 2nd behind Shark Bay at Cork 28 days ago. That was his return after a 190 day break and with improvement likely he can open his account here on only his 3rd run.

30/4/22 Punchestown

 Friday was another good day with both my picks winning, in the 5.25 Honeysuckle travelled well sitting 2nd after the 4th. The 1/5 favourite challenged from 2 out leading entering the straight. She kept on strongly on the run-in beating Echoes In Rain by 3 lengths to pick up her 16th victory in a row. The other win came in the 6.00 where State Man improved after a slight mistake 3 out to challenge early in the straight. He led before the last soon asserting himself. He stayed on to go clear on the run-in beating Flame Bearer by 7 lengths. 

 The Punchestown festival concludes on Saturday with 2 final Grade one’s. 

3.50: Coolmore Kew Gardens Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

3: Epatante: A very smart hurdler who after being beaten by Honeysuckle at Cheltenham showed what she could do by taking the Aintree Hurdle in good style 23 days ago. She came home by 14 lengths and should be hard to beat here.

5.00: Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: Vauban: A promising horse who is on a hat-trick after winning the Triumph Hurdle 43 days ago. He won by a comfortable 2 1/2 lengths from another in this field Fil Dor. He is the one to beat and should give trainer Willie Mullins his 7th win in this race. 

29/4/22 Punchestown

 Thursday was a mixed day for my picks, in the 5.25 Klassical Dream won. The 11/10 favourite was 4th at halfway travelling well to make headway early in the straight. He led approaching the last soon asserting himself, he kept on well on the run-in beating Ashdale Bob by 1 1/4 lengths. Gentleman De Mee was a non-runner in the 6.35 the race was won by Blue Lord who beat Coeur Sublime by a head.

 The Grade One’s keep coming with two more main eventing Friday at Punchestown. 

5.25: Paddy Power Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

6: Honeysuckle: A top-class hurdler who made it 15 wins in a row when taking the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham 45 days ago. She beat Epatante by 3 1/2 lengths pulling clear from the home bend. She is very hard to oppose and should have little trouble winning this race for a 2nd year.

6.00: Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: State Man: A promising horse who is on a hat-trick after wins at Limerick and a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Cheltenham when last seen. That was his 4th start over hurdles and the manor in which he won was impressive. With further progress likely he is the one to beat.

28/4/22 Punchestown

 It was an excellent Wednesday for my picks with all three winning. The 5.20 saw The Nice Guy hit the front before the last staying on well under pressure on the run-in beating stablemate Minella Cocooner by 3/4 of a length. In the next Allaho made all the running and despite not being fluent at the last he comfortably beat Clan Des Obeaux by 14 lengths. In the final big race of the night Facile Vega was travelling well entering the straight leading from a furlong out. He stayed on strongly beating Redemption Day by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Two more Grade One’s headline Thursday at the Punchestown festival. 

5.25: Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

3: Klassical Dream: A high-class hurdler who won this race 12 months ago. He added to his victory tally when taking the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown and looked good when 5th to Flooring Porter in the Stayers Hurdle last time. Should win this for a second year.

6.35: Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

4: Gentleman De Mee: An improving horse who completed his hat-trick when winning the Maghull Novices Chase at Aintree 19 days ago. He beat Arkle winner Edwardstone by 4 1/2 lengths and with more to offer he should give trainer Willie Mullins his 7th straight win in this race. 

27/4/22 Punchestown

 Tuesday was a mixed day for my picks. In the 4.15 Sir Gerhard was 3rd,the 4/7 favourite tracked the leaders making progress at the 4th. He was 3rd 3 out switching to the left in 2nd soon after. He made no impression before the last weakening in 3rd in the final 150 yards. Mighty Potter won by 4 lengths. The 5.25 saw Energumene win. The 4/7 favourite led for a second time before the last asserting himself on the run-in to easily beat Chacun Pour Soi by 8 1/2 lengths. The 6.35 was a dispointment with Bob Olinger being pulled up before 3 out. Capodanno won by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 Day 2 of the Punchestown festival sees three more Grade One’s. 

5.20: Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

11: The Nice Guy: Picked up his 4th win in a row when taking the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham 40 days ago. He beat stablemate Minella Cocooner by 5 lengths handling the step up in trip well and with further improvement likely he should make it 5 wins here.

5.55: Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1)

2: Allaho: A horse in outstanding recent form having won the last 2 Ryanair Chases at Cheltenham by a combined total of 26 lengths. He will be very tough to beat here on his return to 3 miles where he also has some top-class form. 

6.30: Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H Flat Race (Grade 1)

3: Facile Vega: Remains unbeaten after winning the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. He beat American Mike by 3 3/4 lengths and should put away the Gordon Elliott runner again to make it 4 from 4.

26/4/22 Punchestown

 On Monday at Naas Mooneista finished 3rd, the 7/4 favourite was at the rear early and stumbled slightly 1 1/2 furlongs out. She recovered to sit 4th a furlong from the finish keeping on well in the closing stages. Upfront Romantic Proposal won by 3/4 of a length. In the 7.15 Ivy League won,the 100/30 shot tracked the leaders and sat 4th at halfway. He led from a furlong out comfortably beating Fiach Mchugh by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 The 5 day Punchestown festival begins on Tuesday with an 8 race card and 3 highlights. 

4.15: Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: Sir Gerhard: Completed his hat-trick over hurdles when taking the Ballymore at Cheltenham by 3 1/2 lengths 41 days ago. He's not short of speed so the drop back down to 2 miles here is no issue and he should pick up his 4th win.

5.25: William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)

4: Energumene: A top-class chaser who didn't need to be at his best when winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham. He came home by 8 1/2 lengths that day and is the one to beat here.

6.35: Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

2: Bob Olinger: A high-class horse who was the fortunate winner of the Turners Novices Chase at Cheltenham. He was left clear when Galopin Des Champs fell at the last but despite that he should make it 4 from 4 over fences here.

25/4/22 Naas

 After a day off we begin a new week with 8 races at Naas and two highlights.

6.15: Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes.

5: Mooneista: A smart filly who won this race last year and was a creditable second on her reappearance in a listed race at Cork 22 days ago. That was an excellent run and she is the one to beat here. 

7.15: Naas Racecourse Business Club Blackwater Handicap. 

8: Ivy League: A promising horse who won a maiden at Dundalk when last seen 17 days ago. He comes from a stable who are having a good opening to the season and can make it 2 in a row on this his handicap debut. 

23/4/22 Results

 It was a good day for my picks at Navan. In the 3.41 Straight Answer was 2nd,the 11/8 favourite was upset in the stalls but recovered to sit 2nd at halfway. He kept on inside the final furlong making no impression on the winner in the final 100 yards leaving New York City to win by a length. The 4.15 saw Concert Hall win, The 2/1 favourite ran well sitting 4th at halfway. She made headway to go second a furlong out disputing the lead in the final 150 yards. She led on the line beating Magical Lagoon by a short head. In the 4.46 Search For A Song was 2nd. The 6/5 favourite moved into 2nd from just over 2 out making no impression inside the final furlong keeping on at one pace allowing Kyprios to win by 2 3/4 lengths. In the race at Limerick Business finished 6th.

 After a busy Saturday Irish racing takes a day off with Bath and Wetherby providing Sunday's action. The next Irish card is at Naas on Monday my tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night.

23/4/22 Navan + Limerick

 On Friday both my picks at Kilbeggan finished 2nd. In the 6.30 Brave Way tracked the leaders and led from 2 out. The 4/6 favourite was strongly pressed at the last being passed inside the final furlong. She kept on close to home with Esthers Marvel winning by 1 1/4 lengths. The 7.30 saw Bacardys make a slight mistake at the 2nd leaving him 3rd 4 out. He went 2nd inside the final furlong without reaching the winner Baptism Of Fire who came home by 2 lengths. 

 It's a busy Saturday with the 3 big races coming as part of an 8 race card at Navan.

3.41: Committed Stakes.

6: Straight Answer: Made a good impression when winning his first two starts last year. A Maiden at The Curragh and the listed Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse. Despite disappointing in the Dewhurst on his last outing he is well worth another chance here.

4.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil Stakes.

1: Concert Hall: A useful filly who picked up 2 wins from 6 runs last year. Her final run saw her finish 6th to Inspiral in the Fillies Mile at Newmarket in October but despite being off 6 months fitness shouldn't be an issue and she is a big player here.

4.46: Vintage Crop Stakes.

8: Search For A Song: A smart mare who has won the Irish St Leger twice. She last ran over in France in October. She went well on her return last year so could be the way to go here.

There are also 8 races at Limerick where the feature is the 4.30 and my pick for that is number 9 Business. 

22/4/22 Kilbeggan

 It was another good day with both my Thursday picks winning. At Tipperary The Antarctic sat 2nd at halfway and improved to lead narrowly 1 1/2 furlongs out. The 6/4 favourite was strongly pressed in the final 100 yards but he kept on best close to home beating Wodao by 1/2 a length. Over at Kilbeggan Walk On The Moone was at the rear early making headway to press the leaders from 2 out. She led soon after going clear and despite drifting right inside the final furlong she beat Blossom De Mai by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 A second day at Kilbeggan rounds off the week with 7 races and two features. 

6.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

2: Brave Way: A useful winner over hurdles who was a let-down on her chasing debut at Thurles when last seen 6 months ago finishing 4th. However much better is expected here and she is worth another chance. 

7.30: Racing Again Friday Evening May 13th Beginners Chase. 

1: Bacardys: A smart hurdler at his best but he hasn't won since 2019. He was a good second behind Max Flamingo in a novice chase at Thurles 34 days ago and despite the fact that he can make the odd mistake another bold bid is likely here.

21/4/22 Tipperary + Kilbeggan

 It was a good day for my picks at Bellewstown with both winning. In the 4.05 Sun King made all the running and despite bumping the rail at halfway the 1/1 favourite stayed on well in the final furlong beating Zoffman by 1 1/2 lengths. In the days other race Jarvis ran well and despite being strongly pressed inside the final furlong he stayed on close to home beating Neo Soul by 1/2 a length. 

 It's a double header on Thursday with 8 races at Tipperary and 7 at Kilbeggan and there are 2 highlights. 

Tipperary 3.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

3: The Antarctic: All eyes will be on this horse a brother to the mighty Battaash. He made a successful debut on his way to becoming a champion sprinter and this colt should do the same here.

Kilbeggan 6.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race.

10: Walk On The Moone: Comes from a successful family being a half-sister to 5 winners including Sizing Tennessee and Mount Ida. She represents Willie Mullins so a winning debut here would be no surprise. 

20/4/22 Bellewstown

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 8 races at Bellewstown on Wednesday with 2 features. 

4.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

8: Sun King: A good horse from the stable of Aidan O’Brien who was a respectable 2nd at Navan on his return 22 days ago. Despite being no match for the winner there he has classic entries this season in the Dante at York and the Epsom Derby and should open his account here.

5.10: Thesaurus Software Rated Race.

2: Jarvis: A useful horse who ended his 2021 with a career best win at Dundalk. Despite not being seen since he should have more to come this year for a yard in good form and gets the nod on his return. 

18/4/22 Results

Easter Monday was a poor day for my picks, at Cork Nelly's Money fell 2 out while in the lead and at Fairyhouse Blackbow fell at the 4th sadly suffering a fatal injury. The only horse to finish was Gaillard Du Mesnil who was 3rd in the Irish Grand National, the 11/2 favourite was 4th at halfway improving to 3rd entering the straight. He was short of room before 2 out making no impression at the last. Lord Lariat won the race the 40/1 shot beat Frontal Assault by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 After a busy Easter at Cork and Fairyhouse Irish racing has a day off. Meetings do take place at Sedgefield, Epsom, Yarmouth, Worcester and Wolverhampton so there is plenty to keep you entertained. The next Irish card comes at Bellewstown on Wednesday, my tips for that will be up on Tuesday night. 

18/4/22 Cork + Fairyhouse

 An excellent Sunday saw both my picks win. At Cork Melon made all the running and despite slight mistakes 3 out and at the last he kept on strongly on the run-in easily beating Doctor Duffy by 8 lengths. At Fairyhouse Galopin Des Champs travelled well and had a 3 length lead 2 out. He quickly went clear and despite not being fluent at the last the 2/11 favourite was the easy 18 length winner.

 The Easter festivals at both Cork and Fairyhouse conclude on Monday with 3 standout races. 

Cork 2.59: Coolmore N.H. Sires Mogul Handicap Chase. 

6: Nelly's Money: Arrives in the middle of a good run. A win in a beginners chase at Wexford in March was followed up by a good second at Limerick 22 days ago. She looks the best on form and gets the vote. 

Fairyhouse 4.20: Devenish Chase (Grade 2).

5: Blackbow: A high-class chaser who picked up his career best win at Clonmel 27 days ago. He is the best of Willie Mullins 4 runners and should come out on top here.

Fairyhouse 5.00: Boylesports Irish Grand National. 

4: Gaillard Du Mesnil: Was last seen finishing behind Ahoy Senor and L’Homme Presse in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham 33 days ago. He has yet to win over fences but is a class horse who has a big shout on this his handicap debut. 

17/4/22 Cork + Fairyhouse

 At Cork on Saturday Thunder Kiss won,the 2/1 favourite sat 4th at halfway travelling well to sit 3rd 3 out. She led soon after and was 3 lengths clear entering the final furlong. She kept on well beating Annerville by 4 1/2 lengths. Over at Fairyhouse Iberique Du Seuil was a non-runner. The race was won by Glan who beat La Prima Donna by 1/2 a length. 

 We continue the Easter weekend with a second day at both Cork and Fairyhouse where there are two feature contests. 

Cork 3.30: baroneracing.com Chase (Grade 3).

1: Melon: A high-class chaser who last won at Gowran Park in February. He was a below par 5th behind Allaho in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham 31 days ago. However he is a big player here back in an easier race.

Fairyhouse 4.55: Boylesports Gold Cup Novice Chase (Grade 1).

4: Galopin Des Champs: One of the best chasers around who after winning twice at Leopardstown was well on course to make it 5 wins in a row when falling at the last in the Turners Novices Chase at Cheltenham. He should get back to winning ways here with a clear run as compensation awaits. 

16/4/22 Cork + Fairyhouse

 After a rest day a busy Easter weekend begins with 8 races at Cork and 7 at Fairyhouse on Saturday with 2 standout contests. 

Cork 3.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes.

1: Thunder Kiss: A smart mare who won a listed race at Naas when last seen in October. Despite being off 6 months this course and distance winner is the best on form and she should make a winning return here.

Fairyhouse 4.50: Rybo Handicap Hurdle. 

19: Iberique Du Seuil: Last won at Cork back in December and was a creditable 7th in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham 32 days ago. He still hasn't reached his full potential and is worth a chance here to show what he's capable of.

14/4/22 Results

It was a poor day for my picks at Clonmel on Thursday, in the 4.15 Joseph Conrad was a non-runner while in the 5.20 Carnet De Stage was 6th. The 18/1 shot sat 7th after the 6th and he made no impression before 2 out weakening before the last. The race was won by Emancipator who impressively came home by 20 lengths. 

 After Thursday's action it's a day off for Irish racing on Friday. There are meetings at Lingfield, Newcastle and Chelmsford for your enjoyment. The next Irish cards are at Cork and Day 1 of the Irish National meeting at Fairyhouse on Saturday my tips for those will be up on Friday night. 

14/4/22 Clonmel

 It was a day of differing fortunes for my picks on Wednesday at Gowran Park. In the 3.40 Star Girls Aalmal won,the 2/1 joint favourite sat 2nd early moving into the lead 2 out. She went clear staying on strongly in the final furlong impressively beating Prettiest by 3 lengths. It didn't go as well in the 4.15 with Cyclamen coming 7th. The 4/1 shot was in midfield sitting 7th 2 out. She soon made no impression while upfront Affogato won by a neck.

 Thursday arrives with 7 races at Clonmel and the following are my tips for the 2 main events.

4.15: Tote Always sp Or Better Beginners Chase. 

4: Joseph Conrad: Picked up a good 7 1/2 length win over hurdles in late 2020 and will now be better after his first run for a new yard at Navan 33 days ago. That was his first race for 15 months so he is one to consider on this his chase debut. 

5.20: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.

7: Carnet De Stage: Despite only picking up one win in 27 starts and being 13th in a handicap hurdle at Naas 2 weeks ago he has a good chance on form and is worth another go here as he switches from hurdles to chasing. 

13/4/22 Gowran Park

 Tuesday was a decent day for my picks at Dundalk, in the 5.30 Tiger Paw was 3rd. The 1/1 favourite led early but was passed 2 out. He came under pressure in 4th soon after keeping on at the same pace inside the final furlong taking back 3rd close to home. The race was won by Ocean Vision who beat Lady Tilbury by 3/4 of a length. The 6.30 saw Shamiyana come 5th. The 5/6 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 3rd at halfway. She had no extra from a furlong out allowing Lily Pond to win by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 The midweek meeting sees 8 races at Gowran Park where 2 standout. 

3.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

4: Star Girls Aalmal: A promising horse who was a comfortable 4 3/4 length winner in a maiden at Dundalk when last seen in November. She is a useful prospect who looks like the one to beat here. 

4.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden. 

7: Cyclamen: A good filly who remains winless after 8 flat runs. However she was a decent 3rd in a handicap on her season return at Leopardstown 11 days ago. She is the best on form setting a high standard for a yard having a good spell. 

12/4/22 Dundalk

 The week began with a good day at Tramore, in the 6.30 Yabo was 3rd. The 6/4 favourite led early but wasn't fluent from the 10th. She made a mistake at the 13th and was passed dropping to 3rd before 2 out. She made no impression sitting 4th at the last keeping on at the same pace taking back 3rd on the run-in, Clonmoyle won the race by a head. The 7.30 saw Good Bye Sam win,the 5/6 favourite began to make headway at the 6th sitting 3rd before 2 out. He stayed on to challenge the leader at the last leading close to home beating Er Dancer by 1/2 a length. 

 There are 7 races at Dundalk on Tuesday evening with two features. 

5.30: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

4: Tiger Paw: This interesting newcomer is one of many making there first start in this race. He is related to winner Rue De La Gaite and coming from a yard in good form he looks like the one to beat. 

6.30: irishinjuredjockeys.com Fillies Maiden.

9: Shamiyana: A horse in useful form who was 3rd behind History at Gowran Park on her final 2 year-old start back in September. Despite being off 6 months and going significantly up in trip she sets a high standard and can claim the prize here before moving on to the Irish Oaks.

11/4/22 Tramore

 It was a decent Sunday for my 3 picks,at The Curragh High Definition was 2nd. The 5/2 favourite led from a furlong out but was passed in the closing stages. He kept on at the same pace allowing Layfayette to win by 1 1/4 lengths. In the 3.40 Markaz Paname won, the 1/1 favourite travelled well and led from 1 1/2 furlongs out. He stayed on well in the final furlong beating Sh Boom by 1/2 a length. At Tramore Siberian Star was 5th. The 7/2 favourite made no impression before the last while upfront Presenting Point easily won by 7 1/2 lengths. 

 A second day at Tramore kicks off a new week and on a 7 race card there are 2 highlights. 

6.30: Tramore Promenade Beginners Chase. 

13: Yabo: A fair chaser who was a very good second in a novice chase at Clonmel when last seen 20 days ago. She goes significantly back up in trip here and should gain her first fences success. 

7.30: Waterford Hunt Fundraiser Hunters Chase.

5: Good Bye Sam: Should have picked up his first win at Thurles 32 days ago but having led he made no impression on the run-in weakening. However that was a blip and if he can show the form that saw him finish 2nd behind Cheltenham Festival winner Billaway at Naas in February then he is worth another chance. 

10/4/22 The Curragh + Tramore

 Irish racing returns on Sunday with 8 races at The Curragh and 7 at Tramore with 3 highlights.

The Curragh 3.05: Hollywoodbets Alleged Stakes (Group 3)

6: High Definition: Looked like a high-class 2 year old when he won the Beresford Stakes here in 2020 but after a good 3rd in the Dante the rest of last season was a disappointment. It's interesting that connections have persisted with him and he drops down in grade on his return so is worth one more chance.

The Curragh 3.40: Hollywoodbets Gladness Stakes (Group 3)

10: Markaz Paname: A promising horse who is definitely one to follow for the season after a comfortable 1 1/2 length win at Naas 2 weeks ago. He has more to come and can achieve further success here.

Tramore 4.30: Book Your August Festival Marquee Table Handicap Chase. 

10: Siberian Star: Picked up his latest win at Leopardstown in December and was a creditable 3rd when he returned there 34 days ago. He should continue his good run of form now back over fences and is a major player. 

8/4/22 Results

 Both my Friday picks came 2nd,at Ballinrobe The Dara Man tracked the leaders and was 4th at halfway. The 3/1 favourite was 2nd 2 out but wasn't fluent at the last. He made no impression on the run-in offering nothing extra. Magnor Glory won by an easy 17 lengths. In the 7.50 at Dundalk Honey Girl led from 2 out and was 2 lengths ahead approaching the final furlong. She had a reduced advantage in the last 110 yards being passed towards the finish. Fiach McHugh won by 1/2 a length. 

 After today's action it's a day off for Irish racing on Saturday. However it's still a busy day with meetings at Newcastle, Thirsk, Bangor-On-Dee, Wolverhampton and the small matter of the Grand National at Aintree. The next Irish cards are at The Curragh and Tramore on Sunday my tips for those will be up on Saturday night.

8/4/22 Ballinrobe + Dundalk

 It was a poor day for both my picks,at Limerick Noble Birth was 6th. The 15/2 shot was prominent early sitting 3rd after the 2nd. A bad mistake 4 out ended his challenge and he made no impression in 5th 2 out and another mistake at the last saw him fall to 6th. The race was won by Sparkling Stars who beat Francios by 3/4 of a length. The least said about the 5.30 at Gowran Park the better with Zaajirah finishing 13th. The 5/2 favourite was slightly hampered leaving the stalls but made progress to be 3rd at halfway. However she weakened just over a furlong out dropping down the field. Red Heel won by 1/2 a length. 

 There are 7 races at both Ballinrobe and Dundalk on Friday with 2 highlights. 

Ballinrobe 5.35: McGrath Limestone Works Handicap Hurdle. 

8: The Dara Man: Definitely looked back on track after a 120 day break when winning a handicap chase at Limerick by 11 lengths almost 2 weeks ago. Despite a quick return he is respected back over hurdles and gets the nod.

Dundalk 7.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

10: Honey Girl: A promising horse who improved on her debut run when second over course and distance on her last outing in early December. She was well clear of the rest that day and despite being off 119 days she should progress further and go one better here.

7/4/22 Limerick + Gowran Park

 Wednesday saw both my picks at Leopardstown win. In the 2.30 Above The Curve was in midfield early but made progress to lead just over a furlong out. The 6/5 favourite soon asserted herself keeping on well to beat Thoughts Of June by 2 3/4 lengths. The 4.15 saw Pearls Galore chase the leaders, she challenged leading from a furlong out. She went clear in the closing stages beating Pretreville by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at both Limerick and Gowran Park on Thursday with 2 standout contests. 

Limerick 3.38: McDermott's Gala Patrickswell Handicap Hurdle. 

10: Noble Birth: A promising horse who was a very creditable 2nd at Navan when last seen 26 days ago. He kept on well inside the final furlong and the step up in trip here should definitely suit as he aims to go one better. 

Gowran Park 5.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

4: Zaajirah: After making a winning debut at Kempton her best performance was a good 3rd at Newcastle back in November. This is her first run for a new yard and her first start in Ireland and it can be a winning one.

6/4/22 Leopardstown

 After two days off Irish racing returns with 8 races at Leopardstown on Wednesday with 2 features. 

2.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

1: Above The Curve: A highly promising horse who was 3rd on this course on debut 172 days ago. Despite being slowly away she finished well and is open to significant progress giving her the nod.

4.15: Gradguide Heritage Stakes.

3: Pearls Galore: A smart mare who was 2nd in two Group one's at the back end of last year. She was only beaten by a neck in the Justify Matron Stakes on this course and then went to Longchamp where she lost to Space Blues in the Prix De La Foret. She wasn't disgraced when 6th in the Breeders Cup Mile in November and despite being off 151 days if ready to go she should take plenty of stopping. 

3/4/22 Results

 The weekend ended on another decent note for my picks,at Cork Mooneista was 2nd. The 10/1 shot was always in touch sitting 4th 2 out. She led narrowly in the final furlong keeping on well and only being passed in the final strides by Power Under Me who won by a neck. At Fairyhouse Arctic Warrior fell 3 out when leading while in the 4.05 Flame Bearer won. The 5/4 favourite was 3rd at halfway but didn't get a clear run entering the straight. He was short of room before the last but switched to the left keeping on well on the run-in. He led close to home beating Ha D'or by a neck.

 After another busy couple of days Irish racing takes 2 days off. There are meetings at Redcar, Windsor and Kelso on Monday with Pontefract, Southwell and Exeter providing Tuesday's action. The next Irish card is at Leopardstown on Wednesday my tips for the two highlights will be up on Tuesday night. 

3/4/22 Cork + Fairyhouse

 It was a decent Saturday for my picks at Leopardstown, in the 2.35 Dr Zempf won. The 11/10 favourite was 2nd at halfway travelling well to challenge the leader 2 out. He led soon after keeping on in the final furlong and despite having a reduced advantage close to home he held on to win by 1/2 a length. At 3.10 Sacred Bridge was 4th. The 5/4 favourite sat 3rd just over a furlong out but she was soon short of room dropping to 4th. She kept on but was no match for the winner Homeless Songs. The 3.45 saw Buckaroo come 2nd. The 9/2 shot was 9th at halfway but made excellent progress to challenge a furlong out. He led narrowly only being passed in the final strides by Piz Badile who won by a short head. 

 There are 7 races at Cork and 8 at Fairyhouse on Sunday with 3 feature contests. 

Cork 3.12: Cork Stakes

4: Mooneista: A smart filly who won the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes at The Curragh on her penultimate start last season. Despite finishing 11th in the Flying Five Stakes when last seen in September she has to be taken seriously.

Fairyhouse 3.30: awardsandgifts.ie Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

1: Arctic Warrior: A useful hurdler who picked up his career best win in a handicap hurdle at Wexford 28 days ago. He kept on well to come home by 2 1/2 lengths and can follow up here.

Fairyhouse 4.05: Tom Quinlan Electrical Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

1: Flame Bearer: A good horse who has 2 wins from 4 runs this season including the Johnstown Novices Hurdle at Naas when last seen 35 days ago. He was driven clear on the run-in and can complete a hat-trick here.

2/4/22 Leopardstown

 It was another poor day for my picks on Friday, at Dundalk Drunk In Love was 4th. The 6/4 favourite had a bad start but was soon 6th. She was 5th 2 out making no impression in the final furlong. The race was won by It's Showtime Baby who beat Carlotta by 1 1/4 lengths. Over at Wexford Ben Dundee was 5th,the 13/8 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 5th at halfway. He improved to 3rd 4 out and was disputing the lead entering the straight. He was passed 2 out and had no extra keeping on at one pace. The race was won by R'evelyn Pleasure who came home by 4 lengths. 

 Seven races at Leopardstown kick off a busy weekend with 3 standout contests. 

2.35: Ballylinch Stud 'Red Rocks' 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes.

1: Dr Zempf: Signed off last season with a creditable 8th in the Middle Park Stakes. Has the edge on form and should get back to winning ways here before he tackles better company again.

3.10: Ballylinch Stud 'Priory Belle' 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes (Group 3)

8: Sacred Bridge: Was unbeaten in her first 4 starts before ending the campaign with a very good 8th in the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. She wasn't disgraced that day and should pick up her fifth win on this her season return. 

3.45: P.W. Mcgrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes ( Group 3)

4: Buckaroo: A promising horse who improved with each run last season culminating in a 4th in the Group 1 Criterium De Saint Cloud in October. Despite being off 161 days he should make a successful reappearance here.