1/10/22 Killarney + Gowran Park

 The best performance on Friday came from Troubled Times who won,the 9/2 chance was prominent leading after 3 furlongs. She was passed entering the straight but led again 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish. She stayed on well inside the final furlong beating Jetara by 3 1/4 lengths. In the other races Champagne Problem was 2nd. The 6/4 favourite tracked the leader in 2nd throughout but mistakes 3 out and 2 out ended her challenge. She kept on at the same pace on the run-in losing to She Is Electric by 1 1/2 lengths. At Dundalk Malrescia was also 2nd. The 6/1 shot sat 2nd two out but after coming under pressure she made no impression in the final 100 yards allowing Funny Money Honey to win by 3/4 of a length. 

 October begins with 7 races at Killarney and 8 at Gowran Park where there are two highlights. 

Killarney 1.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

2: Gulf Of Mexico: A promising horse who after an encouraging debut at The Curragh where he was second went onto Punchestown to finish 3rd 18 days ago. He left it late that day but he still has plenty of potential needing a stiffer test which he should get here. He is worth another chance and can open his account. 

Gowran Park 4.02: PWC Champion Chase (Grade 2)

1: Easy Game: A high-class course and distance winner who picked up his career best win at Listowel 2 weeks ago. He beat another in this field his stablemate Kemboy by an easy 11 lengths and can make amends after unseating his rider in this race 12 months ago. 

30/9/22 Gowran Park + Dundalk

 A good week of results carried on at Clonmel and Bellewstown on Thursday, in the early race Bonne Debut was 2nd. The 4/1 favourite was 4th at halfway moving into 3rd entering the straight. She sat 2nd two out but made no impression on the leader. She kept on at the same pace while Where's Bunny won by 3 lengths. Over at Bellewstown Hazy Mehmory was also 2nd,the 4/6 favourite chased the leader and led after 4 furlongs. She had a 2 length advantage at halfway but was passed 2 out. She kept on well in the closing stages but couldn't reach the winner Magellan Strait who came home by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 It's a day of top-class action on Friday with 8 races at both Gowran Park and Dundalk with in my opinion 3 standing out. 

Gowran Park 3.52: Pat Walsh Memorial Irish EBF Mares Hurdle. 

1: Champagne Problem: A useful horse who maintained her 100% record over hurdles with a very easy 38 length success at Kilbeggan 6 weeks ago. That was her 2nd win by a wide margin and with more to come she can complete her hat-trick here.

Dundalk 5.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Legacy Stakes.

8: Malrescia: A decent filly who has less on her plate here than in her last two runs. An 8th in a Group 2 at Doncaster was followed up by a 9th place finish in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket last weekend. Dropping down to listed level gives her a chance and she can resume winning ways. 

Gowran Park 5.37: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mucklemeg Mares Flat Race.

7: Troubled Times: Has shown improvement on both her hurdles starts with her best performance being a 2nd at Ballinrobe 73 days ago. She switches back to bumpers here a sphere where she picked up a Debut win back in May and with a tongue strap on for the 1st time she can double her tally.

29/9/22 Clonmel + Bellewstown

 Wednesday was another good day for both my picks at Bellewstown,in the 2.00 Sweeping Statement won. The 7/2 shot tracked the leaders and was 3rd at halfway. He led from 2 out building a 2 length advantage approaching the final furlong. He stayed on well and despite his lead being reduced he was in no danger of being caught, he beat James Henry by 1/2 a length. The 3.45 saw Polar Bear come 2nd. The 6/5 favourite sat 7th 3 out making headway into 5th soon after. He kept on well inside the final furlong grabbing 2nd close to home, Escaping Thejungle won the race by a comfortable 4 1/4 lengths. 

 The second double header of the week is on Thursday with 7 races at Clonmel and 8 at Bellewstown with two features. 

Clonmel 1.50: Clonmel Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Bonne Debut: A horse going in the right direction who after winning at Punchestown in May was an excellent 3rd at Wexford when last seen 113 days ago. She is just 1lb higher here so should challenge and despite the long lay-off she can win again.

Bellewstown 4.25: Kilsaran Race.

3: Hazy Mehmory: Has improved on each of her four runs culminating in a career best win at Down Royal 69 days ago. She came home by a comfortable 3 3/4 lengths and definitely has more to offer now stepped up in trip here, that is a major positive and she can follow up. 

28/9/22 Bellewstown

 The good start to the week continued at Cork on Tuesday, in the opener Mount Ruapenu won. The 13/8 favourite made all the running and had a 2 length lead from a furlong out. He kept on well inside the final furlong beating Maggie Mcgrath by 3/4 of a length. In the big listed race Georgeville was 3rd. The 6/1 shot was at the rear sitting 10th at halfway. He made some progress from 2 out keeping on and moving into 3rd inside the final furlong without threatening the main runners, Statement beat Monaasib by a neck.

 The midweek meeting takes place at Bellewstown where there are two highlights. 

2.00: Savills Claiming Maiden.

4: Sweeping Statement: A fair horse who is still winless after 9 flat runs. He was 9th at Dundalk when last seen just 5 days ago but he goes down in trip here and with Cheekpieces on for the 1st time he has leading claims. Anything close to his recent form should be enough now he is dropping down to a claimer.

3.45: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. 

2: Polar Bear: A useful colt who was a creditable 4th at Naas just under 2 weeks ago. He has shown enough in recent runs to believe that a race of this nature can go his way and retaining a visor definitely helps. He has sound claims and can pick up his first career win here.

27/9/22 Cork

It was a decent start to the week for both my picks, at Down Royal Encosta won. The 5/2 shot recovered from a poor start to sit 4th at halfway. She made a challenge from a furlong out leading soon after. She went clear inside the final furlong comfortably beating Alabama Pearl by 2 1/4 lengths. In the Grade 3 at Roscommon Sit Down Lucy was 4th. The 5/2 chance was at the rear early sitting 4th at halfway. She dropped to 5th three out but regained 4th soon after. She kept on at one pace while upfront Enniskerry won by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 Cork stages 8 races on Tuesday with two standing out. 

1.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

4: Mount Ruapehu: A useful colt who was last seen finishing a respectable 4th at Naas 12 days ago. He hasn't done a lot wrong in his career and sets a good standard here,he goes down in trip and can open his account. 

3.45: Navigation Stakes.

3: Georgeville: A good horse who has been a course and distance winner in his career. His last three starts have all been group races including finishing sixth behind Jadoomi in the Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown 17 days ago. He is back in listed company here giving him a good chance. He is the pick on form and can achieve his first win of the year.

26/9/22 Down Royal + Roscommon

 The best performance at The Curragh on Sunday came from Art Power who won. The Evens favourite made all the running staying on strongly inside the final furlong to beat Sam Maximus by 3 lengths winning the race for a second consecutive year. In the Irish Cesarewitch Echoes In Rain was 2nd. The 6/1 shot was in midfield sitting 10th 3 out. She made headway to lead from a furlong out staying on well but just being passed near the line by Waterville who won by a neck. The other race saw Caroline Street finish 6th, the 2/1 favourite had a poor start sitting 9th two out. She found herself short of room soon after but improved to 5th a furlong out. She kept on at the same pace inside the final furlong allowing Basil Martini to win by 1/2 a length. 

 Another week begins with 8 races at Down Royal and 7 at Roscommon on Monday with 2 features. 

Down Royal 3.15: Irish EBF Auction Series Fillies Maiden .

3: Encosta: A promising horse who improved on her Leopardstown debut when 2nd at Naas 11 days ago. She ran on well in the closing stages and with progress on the cards she is a player here. She holds the edge on form and can go one better.

Roscommon 4.10: Ballymore Group Irish EBF Kilbegnet Novice Chase (Grade 3)

6: Sit Down Lucy: A good horse who has two wins from five runs this season. Her career best came at Galway 3 weeks ago where she beat Hallowed Star by an easy 8 lengths. She should definitely be taken seriously here as she bids for a hat-trick. 

25/9/22 The Curragh

 It was a mixed Saturday for my 3 picks,at The Curragh Continuous was a non-runner in a race won by Crypto Force while in the Goffs Million Hellsing was 2nd. The 5/1 chance was prominent disputing the lead from 2 out. He was 2nd soon after keeping on well towards the finish, Galeron won the race by 1/2 a length. Over at Listowel Bythesametoken finished 3rd. The 7/1 shot had a poor start and after a mistake at the 7th he improved to sit 2nd two out. He dropped to 3rd before the last making no impression while upfront Sil Ver Klass beat Mattie's Mountain by 2 lengths. 

 8 races take place at The Curragh on Sunday with 3 top-class highlights. 

3.05: William Hill Ireland Renaissance Stakes (Group 3)

1: Art Power: A smart horse who has five wins from seventeen flat runs. He had a poor start when 8th in the Sprint Cup at Haydock 22 days ago but despite that he is back in calmer waters here and holds the edge on form,he won this race 12 months ago and can do so again.

3.40: Weld Park Stakes (Group 3)

2: Caroline Street: A horse with promise who was an excellent second behind Auguste Rodin in the Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown 15 days ago. She travelled smoothly for most of the way and dropping back to 7f here should suit making her the one to beat. 

4.15: Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch.

18: Echoes In Rain: Showed improvement to win on only her second flat start for Willie Mullins at the Galway festival 62 days ago. She beat another in this field Maze Runner by 1 1/2 lengths and should be well up there again giving her a good chance to follow up.

24/9/22 The Curragh + Listowel

 Friday was another poor day for both my picks, at Listowel Glan failed to finish. The 11/2 shot was 8th at halfway making no impression entering the straight. She was pulled up before 2 out leaving Magnor Glory to win the race by 3 lengths. In the race at Dundalk State Occasion finished 4th. The 10/11 favourite was slowly away sitting in midfield 3 out. She made headway soon after staying on at the finish,upfront Bear Story beat Feeescape by a neck.

 A busy weekend begins on Saturday with 8 races at both The Curragh and Listowel where 3 stand out.

The Curragh 1.35: Alan Smurfit Memorial Beresford Stakes (Group 2)

2: Continuous: Looked impressive when winning a maiden on this course on debut 35 days ago. He kept on well coming home by 1 1/2 lengths, his trainer Aidan O’Brien has a good record in this race in recent years and this colt should find the improvement needed to keep that going.

The Curragh 3.20: Goffs Million 

5: Hellsing: Has made an excellent start to his career winning here on debut before going on to be second in a Group 3 at Leopardstown. He took a listed race at Tipperary when last seen in early August and with more to come Europe’s richest 2-y-o race can stay in Ireland. 

Listowel 4.18: Charlie Chute Memorial Handicap Chase. 

3: Bythesametoken: Made a good start over fences earlier this year culminating in a win at Down Royal in January. His first start in 6 months was needed when he was 4th at Ballinrobe 33 days ago in what was a stiff test. He will be sharper now and he is worth a chance on this his handicap chase debut. 

23/9/22 Listowel + Dundalk

 Thursday was a mixed day for my picks at Listowel, in the 1.25 Simpson's Paradox was a non-runner in a race won by Lark In The Mornin while the 4.20 saw Autumn Evening finish 2nd. The 7/2 shot was 7th at halfway improving to sit 5th two out. He was 3rd soon after staying on well under pressure inside the final furlong grabbing 2nd close to home, Flying Scotsman won by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 There are two meetings on Friday with 8 races at both Listowel and Dundalk with 2 main events.

Listowel 2.15: Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Glan: Was a good 4th behind the reoposing Tudor City in the Galway Hurdle when last seen 57 days ago. He fared best of those that were held up and on form he tops the shortlist and can reverse the placings here off a similar mark.

Dundalk 7.00: Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Diamond Stakes.

8: State Occasion: A smart filly who has 3 wins from 5 runs this year. Her career best came in a handicap at York 35 days ago where she beat Amanzoe by 2 lengths. She has solid claims and should take the step up in class in her stride with the British raider able to complete a hat-trick. 

22/9/22 Listowel

 Well it took until Wednesday but I finally got my first winner of the week thanks to Amir Kabir. The 6/4 favourite was 4th early moving into 3rd 4 out. He travelled well to lead narrowly before 2 out pulling away on the run-in to beat Flaming Moon by 3 lengths. In the Kerry National Early Doors was a non-runner in a race won by Busselton who came home by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 Eight more races take place at Listowel on Thursday with two features. 

1.25: Buckley Agri New Holland Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

4: Simpson's Paradox: A promising horse who improved from his debut when third at Galway 16 days ago. He is still open to progress but that performance means he has to be taken seriously here and he gets the vote to open his account on only his third start.

4.20: Listowel Printing Works Handicap. 

9: Autumn Evening: Was a bit below form when 7th on his last outing at Galway 56 days ago. He was left poorly placed that day so that run can be overlooked and his useful performances on the flat mean he could be the answer in a tough race to predict. 

21/9/22 Listowel

 The poor start to the week continued on Tuesday at Listowel, in the 4.20 Charterhouse was 6th. The 8/1 shot was slowly away but improved to sit 4th at halfway. He made a challenge from 2 out but came under pressure soon after, he had no extra inside the final furlong keeping on at the same pace. Upfront Neptune Rock beat Venice Biennale by 1/2 a length. The next saw Tiymara fail to finish. The 5/2 favourite was behind the leaders when she slipped up and fell 4 out. The race was won by Lord Massusus who came home by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 Day 4 of the Listowel Harvest festival takes place on Wednesday with 7 races and 2 highlights. 

2.35: Seamus Mulvaney Bookmaker Novice Hurdle. 

2: Amir Kabir: A promising horse who has one win from two runs this season. That came at Roscommon in July and he was only 1/2 a length behind the reposing Flaming Moon when 2nd in a listed race at Galway when last seen 57 days ago. He may well have finished closer if it hadn't been for a mistake at the last and with improvement likely he can turn the tables here.

4.20: Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase. 

7: Early Doors: Was a good fifth in the Irish National at Fairyhouse in April and then went to Tipperary and was 8th in the Grimes Hurdle 83 days ago. That run can be overlooked and he makes the switch from hurdles to chasing here. A bold show is likely if in the right form and he is the best of the Joseph O’Brien runners a trainer who won this race last year. 

20/9/22 Listowel

The week didn't get off to a great start for either of my picks,at Listowel Ebasari was 5th. The 17/2 shot tracked the leaders and sat 3rd at halfway. He dropped to 5th from 2 out making no impression while upfront Prairie Dancer beat Man O Work by 6 1/2 lengths. Over at Fairyhouse Coralillo finished 4th. The 9/4 favourite was slowly away and was 8th at halfway. She made headway from 2 out going 4th inside the final furlong but she made no further impression, Beauty Crescent won the race by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 Tuesday sees a third day at Listowel with an 8 race card and 2 stand out.

4.20: Edmund & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes.

1: Charterhouse: A useful horse who arrives here on top form after a career best win in a listed race at Killarney 33 days ago. He beat Panama Red by 1 1/4 lengths and with another bold bid expected here he has every chance of following up.

4.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery Handicap. 

4: Tiymara: A lightly-raced horse who didn't get a clear run when 3rd at Roscommon 36 days ago. She is one of many making their handicap debuts in this field but she is open to further progress which is why she gets the vote to pick up her first win. 

19/9/22 Listowel + Fairyhouse

 After such a bad Saturday Sunday was a good day for both my picks at Listowel, in the 2.40 Nikini won. The 5/6 favourite led before the 2nd and despite being briefly passed she was 2 lengths clear from 2 out. She kept on well on the run-in beating Hollymount by 1 1/4 lengths. The 4.40 saw Kemboy finish 2nd. The 5/2 shot recovered from a mistake at the 3rd to sit 2nd at halfway. He made no impression from 2 out and after a slight mistake at the last he had no extra, the only other finisher Easy Game won by 11 lengths. 

 There are seven races at Listowel and eight at Fairyhouse on Monday with two main events. 

Listowel 3.35: Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle. 

8: Ebasari: Returned to form after a poor Cheltenham Festival with an easy 6 1/2 length win at Downpatrick in July. He was then a good 4th at Galway when last seen 52 days ago and he gets the nod here in what should be a competitive handicap.

Fairyhouse 5.50: Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes.

5: Coralillo: A course and distance winner on debut who was a close third behind Treasure Trove in the Round Tower Stakes at The Curragh 23 days ago. That useful performance gives her good claims here and if in the same form she sets a good standard making her difficult to beat.

18/9/22 Listowel

 Saturday turned out to be a terrible day for both my picks, at Navan Swelltime was 9th. The 11/4 shot tracked the leaders and was 4th two out. He weakened soon after while upfront Nibiru won beating Tullypole Annie by 3 1/2 lengths. It was worse in the big Group 3 at Gowran Park where Galleria Borghese finished 14th. The 7/2 favourite led early but sat 2nd at halfway. She dropped to 4th 2 out but had no extra weakening, Paris Peacock won the race by a neck.

 Seven races at Listowel round off the weekend on Sunday with two highlights. 

2.40: Kerry Group Irish EBF Mares Hurdle.

5: Nikini: A useful horse who made a successful hurdles debut at Kilbeggan 43 days ago. She was a comfortable 3 1/4 lengths in front there and going up in trip here shouldn’t faze her. Improvement is expected and she can take this step up in her stride giving her the vote.

4.40: Kerry Group Chase.

2: Kemboy: A top-class chaser who was last seen finishing 6th in a Grade 1 hurdle at Auteuil 120 days ago. He races back over fences here and shouldn’t need to run at his best to see off this field as he will be very hard to beat if anywhere near peak form. 

17/9/22 Navan + Gowran Park

 It was a decent end to the week for both my picks,at Downpatrick Majavango was 3rd. The 9/2 shot was 5th at halfway improving to sit 2nd from 4 out. He had every chance on the run-in but made no impression dropping to 3rd close to home, Ingenious Stroke won the race by a length. Over at Dundalk Congo River won, the 4/7 favourite travelled well to lead narrowly from 1 1/2 furlongs out. He stayed on well under pressure in the final furlong to beat Dontspoilasale by a neck.

 A busy Saturday sees 8 races at Navan and 7 at Gowran Park with two features. 

Navan 3.10: Navan Racecourse Ladies Handicap Hurdle. 

5: Swelltime: Looked as good as ever when winning at Kilbeggan in July and he enjoys running here. A win in August was followed up by a creditable 2nd in a handicap 2 weeks ago. He switches from the flat back to hurdles here and is capable of making a winning return to this sphere.

Gowran Park 3.55: Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes (Group 3)

11: Galleria Borghese: A useful filly who took a big step forward when an excellent 3rd behind Above The Curve in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes at The Curragh just 6 days ago. A repeat of that performance may be enough here back down in class and she has to be taken seriously. 

16/9/22 Downpatrick + Dundalk

 It was a good Thursday for both my picks at Naas, in the 3.10 Miami Girl was 2nd. The 100/30 joint favourite was prominent sitting 2nd at halfway. She made no impression in the final 150 yards allowing Felix Natalis to win by 2 lengths. The 4.55 saw Betterdaysrcoming win, the 11/8 favourite was 5th at halfway making headway from 2 out. He strongly challenged leading in the final 150 yards keeping on well to beat Encosta by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 A Friday double header sees 7 races at Downpatrick and 8 at Dundalk with two standing out. 

Downpatrick 4.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. 

7: Majavango: A fair horse who was a good second on his fences debut on this course when last seen 119 days ago. He only found Na Caith Tobac too good and if he can build on that run here he can go one better. He looks competitive on form and could be the answer. 

Dundalk 4.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

3: Congo River: Ran a good race when a close second at Navan 22 days ago. He had a decent lead from a furlong out but was passed close to home going down by a neck. He makes his polytrack debut here setting a clear standard and making him the one to beat.

15/9/23 Naas

 Wednesday was a good day at Sligo for both my picks, in the opener Mighty Meggsie was 2nd. The 7/4 favourite was 2nd at halfway making headway to lead from 5 out. She made a slight mistake soon after and was passed 2 out, she made no impression when hampered at the last leaving her a distant 2nd. Faith Du Val won by an easy 15 lengths. The 3.10 saw Dollar Value win. The 11/8 favourite tracked the leaders making headway to lead after the 3rd. He travelled well asserting himself before the last drawing clear on the run-in to beat Bold Emperor by 10 lengths. 

 We move onto Naas on Thursday with 8 races and two main events. 

3.10: Goffs Sportsman's Challenge. 

11: Miami Girl: A useful filly who has two wins from six runs this year. She was last seen finishing 8th behind Juliet Sierra in the Dick Poole Fillies Stakes at Salisbury 2 weeks ago. Another bold show is likely here and she can take this valuable prize.

4.55: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. 

1: Betterdaysrcoming: A good colt who was favourite and had cheekpieces on for the 1st time when a creditable 2nd at Bellewstown 22 days ago. He just failed to reach the winner there losing by a head so a first-time visor looks like a good move here. He definitely holds strong claims and has the ability to take this contest and finally get off the mark.

14/9/22 Sligo

 At Punchestown on Tuesday Goodie Two Shoes won,the 11/10 favourite was 3rd early travelling well and making headway sitting 2nd two out. She led soon after staying on well under pressure in the final furlong to beat Monaasib by 1/2 a length. In the 4.20 Maristella was a non-runner,the race was won by Miramis who came home by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 Sligo hosts the midweek meeting with a 7 race card and two highlights. 

2.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

6: Mighty Meggsie: A fair chaser who was a creditable second in a novice chase at Kilbeggan when last seen 12 days ago. The drop back in trip here should suit and this could be the perfect chance for her to get off the mark over fences in a contest with little depth. 

3.10: Frank O'Beirne Memorial Handicap Chase.

1: Dollar Value: A horse having a good spell who has 2 wins from 4 runs this season. His career best was at Downpatrick 16 days ago where he was unchallenged from the 4th coming home by a very easy 29 lengths. He should be well up there here despite a weight rise and is more than capable of following up. 

13/9/22 Punchestown

 Irish racing resumes on Tuesday with 8 contests at Punchestown and two features. 

3.10: Punchestown Turf Race.

8: Goodie Two Shoes: A decent filly who was an impressive winner on debut at Killarney 64 days ago. She quickened well to go clear inside the final furlong coming home by 4 3/4 lengths. With a tongue strap on for the first time and improvement expected she is worth a chance to follow up here.

4.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

1: Maristella: A horse who built on her early promise when winning at Galway on only her 3rd start a week ago. She kept on asserting herself in the closing stages to win by 2 1/2 lengths,with her yard in good form and more to come she gets the vote here to make it two wins.

11/9/22 Results

 It was a good Sunday at The Curragh for all 3 of my picks,in the 2.25 Highfield Princess won. The 5/4 favourite was always prominent leading from 2 out. She drew clear in the final 100 yards beating Erosandpsyche by 3 1/4 lengths. The 3.55 saw Aesop's Fables finish 4th. The 8/13 favourite was 2nd at halfway moving into a narrow lead 2 out. He was passed just over 100 yards from the finish offering no extra, Al Riffa won the race beating Proud And Regal by 1 1/4 lengths. In the Irish St Leger Kyprios won. The 8/11 favourite was 3rd at halfway improving to lead entering the straight. He kept on well inside the final furlong beating Hamish by 3/4 of a length. 

 After a brilliant weekend of action Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are however meetings at Worcester, Thirsk, Brighton and Kempton. The next Irish card is at Punchestown on Tuesday, tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night.

11/9/22 The Curragh

 The best of Saturday's picks was Vadeni who came 3rd,the 7/4 favourite was 6th at halfway making progress a furlong out. He hept on in the final 100 yards without troubling the leaders, Luxembourg won the race beating Onesto by 1/2 a length. In the Justify Matron Stakes Homeless Songs finished 4th. The 5/4 favourite was in touch sitting 3rd at halfway. She made no impression from a furlong out dropping to 4th inside the final furlong. Pearls Galore took the contest by a comfortable 3 lengths. 

 There are 4 Group one’s on the second day of Irish Champions Weekend at The Curragh on Sunday where I think 3 stand out.

2.25: Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Flying Five Stakes ( Group 1)

12: Highfield Princess: A high-class mare who has taken her place at the top table this season. She made all the running to win the Prix Maurice De Cheest at Deauville and took the drop back to 5f in her stride to take the Nunthorpe at York by an impressive 2 1/2 lengths 3 weeks ago. She is definitely the one to beat and can complete a hat-trick of Group one’s. 

3.35: Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group 1)

1: Aesop's Fables: A smart colt who arrives here unbeaten after a good win at Naas and in the Futurity Stakes over course and distance last time. He beat another who goes in this race Hans Andersen by 2 1/4 lengths and he can maintain his perfect start here.

4.10: Comer Group International Irish St Leger (Group 1)

4: Kyprios: A horse who has beaten all put before him this year and comes here having won 4 in a row. He has taken the Ascot Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup on his last two starts beating Stradivarius on both occasions and should make it 5 from 5. 

10/9/22 Leopardstown

On Friday at Ballinrobe both my picks Still Ciel and Frazel Express were non-runners. She Is Electric won the 4.25 beating Inclusion by 3 lengths while in the 5.35 Kitty Galore beat Influetial Lady by an easy 9 1/2 lengths. 

 Irish Champions Weekend begins with 8 races at Leopardstown on Saturday where there are two group one’s on the card.

3.45: Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)

7: Vadeni: A fast improving horse who surprised some when easily taking the Prix Du Jockey Club by 5 lengths at Chantilly in June. He followed that up by beating another in this field Mishriff by a neck in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown when last seen. He definitely still has more to offer and can pick up his 4th win in a row here.

4.55: Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes (Group 1)

7: Homeless Songs: Has shown improvement from last season with two wins so far this campaign. She won a 1000 Guineas trial in April but was most impressive when taking the Irish 1000 Guineas itself by 5 1/2 lengths in May. Despite being off since a repeat performance could see her complete a hat-trick making her the one to beat. 

9/9/22 Ballinrobe

 On Thursday at Laytown Dream Today won,the 7/4 favourite was 3rd at halfway travelling well to lead from a furlong out. He kept on inside the final furlong beating Chavajod by 2 1/4 lengths. In the 7.25 Alessandro Algardi was 2nd. The 6/5 favourite led for a second time two out. He came under pressure and was passed close to home, Cordouan won the race by a short head.

 As I write this (8.45pm on Thursday 8th September) Irish racing still goes ahead on Friday with 8 races at Ballinrobe and two highlights. 

4.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Opportunity Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

14: Still Ciel: A promising horse who looked good when second in a novice hurdle at Cork 39 days ago. She was well clear of the rest there and with improvement likely she can go one better here giving her leading claims.

5.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Frazel Express: A consistent performer this season who picked up her latest win at Tramore in June. She was a very creditable second at Sligo when last seen 23 days ago running on well late. Another performance like that gives her a good chance here and she has to be taken seriously. 

8/9/22 Laytown

 The best performance on Wednesday at Cork came from Spirit Genie who was 2nd,the 6/4 favourite was 3rd two out leading soon after. He was passed inside the final furlong keeping on at the same pace close to home, Bossy Parker won the race by 1/2 a length. In the other contest King Of Scotia was a non-runner in a race won by Imadpour who beat Dark Side by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 Six races take place on Irish Racing's yearly visit to the beach at Laytown on Thursday with two standing out. 

6.55: O'Neills Sports Handicap. 

1: Dream Today: Put in his best performance of the year when 2nd at Dundalk 24 days ago. He kept on well inside the final furlong pressing the winner close to home only going down by 1/2 a length. He is capable of one better and can achieve that here if in the same form.

7.25: Glina's Cottage Inn Race.

1: Alessandro Algardi: A lightly-raced winner who was a very good second when last seen at Tipperary 2 weeks ago. That was a step back in the right direction after a low-key start to the season and providing he takes to the surface on this his All-weather debut he should be hard to beat for a stable in good form. 

7/9/22 Cork

Tuesday was a good day for both my picks at Galway, in the 5.40 Keep In Touch won. The 13/8 favourite disputed the lead for a second time 1 1/2 furlongs out taking top spot narrowly soon after. She kept on well asserting herself inside the final furlong and despite being pressed close to home she held on to win by 1/2 a length. In the other race Azallya finished 2nd. The 11/2 shot was 8th at halfway moving into 3rd a furlong out. She kept on in the final furlong going into 2nd in the final strides, Yaxeni won the race by 4 lengths. 

 Seven races take place at Cork on Wednesday with two features. 

6.15: Coolmore Stud Gleneagles Irish EBF Maiden.

10: King Of Scotia: A horse who showed there is plenty to work with when second on debut at The Curragh 18 days ago. Despite being slowly away he travelled well from 2 out and with improvement expected he should be taken seriously and he can take this contest. 

6.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery Handicap. 

2: Spirit Genie: A promising horse who arrives here after winning at Roscommon when last seen 23 days ago. He stayed on well in the final furlong to come home by 3/4 of a length and with more to come he can follow up here on this his handicap debut. 

6/9/22 Galway

 The week began with mixed results for my picks. In the 4.10 Hubrisko won,the 4/9 favourite was prominent leading from 2 out. He asserted himself well gaining a 5 length advantage at the last. He kept on easily beating Royal Romeo by 8 1/2 lengths. The other race saw The Shunter finish 6th. The 5/4 favourite was in touch sitting 4th at halfway. He wasn't fluent from 2 out making no impression at the last. He had no extra while upfront Darver Star won the race by 8 1/2 lengths. 

 There is a second day of action at Galway on Tuesday with 8 races and two main events. 

5.40: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. 

6: Keep In Touch: A promising horse who was a good third on this course when last seen 39 days ago. She ran on well that day and with improvement likely she definitely looks up to winning a race which she can achieve here.

6.40: Ardilaun Hotel Oyster Stakes.

2: Azallya: A useful filly who was 2nd in a listed race at Naas on her final run last year. Her below-par reappearance at The Curragh in May can be overlooked and she has been rested since so she is more than capable of bouncing back here giving trainer Dermot Weld his 4th win in this race since 2015.

5/9/22 Galway

 After a day off on Sunday Irish racing returns with 8 races at Galway on Monday where there are two highlights. 

4.10: Kenny Developments Maiden Hurdle. 

6: Hubrisko: A promising horse who was clear of the rest when second in a novice hurdle on this course when last seen 37 days ago. There is definitely better to come from this 5 year old and he should take plenty of stopping here.

5.15: Deacy Gilligan Hurdle. 

7: The Shunter: A smart chaser who ran a cracker when an excellent third at Killarney 18 days ago despite being unsuited by how fast the race was run early on. He switches from the flat to hurdles here which goes in his favour and he can return to winning ways giving him the nod.

3/9/22 Results

 Saturday wasn't a great day for my picks with best performance coming at Wexford where Upping The Anti was 3rd. The 1/2 favourite led early but was passed 2 out. He was a length behind when he made a mistake at the last losing 2nd on the run-in, Tullybeg won the race by 3 3/4 lengths. In the race at Navan Dontspoilasale finished 4th. The 100/30 shot led early losing top spot 2 out. He had no extra in the final 150 yards dropping to 4th close to home. The contest went to Silmaniya who came home by a neck.

 After the weeks 3rd double header it's another day off for Irish racing on Sunday. Action does take place at Fontwell and York where the listed Garrowby Stakes is the highlight. The next Irish card is at Galway on Monday tips for the main events will be up on Sunday night. 

3/9/22 Navan + Wexford

 Friday was a decent day for both my picks, at Down Royal Ocean Jewel won. The 11/10 favourite led at halfway and was 2 lengths clear a furlong out. She stayed on well inside the final furlong easily beating Bonny Power by 4 lengths. Over at Kilbeggan Daisy Dufresne finished 3rd. The 17/2 shot was in touch sitting 3rd 4 out. She made no impression on the leaders from 2 out keeping on at one pace, Innisfree Beauty won the race by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 A very busy Saturday sees 8 races at Navan and 7 at Wexford with two standing out. 

Navan 1.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery (Premier Handicap)

2: Dontspoilasale: A Lightly-raced horse who continued his race-by-race progression when winning at Naas 33 days ago. He beat Sioux Sweet by 1 3/4  lengths there and despite a weight rise he gets on the shortlist here and is just the pick in a small field. 

Wexford 4.30: Kehoe Agri & DIY Enniscorthy Rated Novice Chase. 

1: Upping The Anti: A horse with plenty of promise who has two wins from two runs this season. His last victory was a career best at Tipperary 48 days ago where he was unchallenged from 3 out winning by a massive 32 lengths. His other win was by 19 lengths at Kilbeggan in May and he can continue his excellent start over fences here completing a hat-trick on his way to better things.

2/9/22 Down Royal + Kilbeggan

 The best performance on Thursday at Clonmel came from Harry's Legacy who was 3rd. The 11/4 favourite was at the rear but after switching to the left he made headway from a furlong out. He was 4th inside the final furlong keeping on well grabbing 3rd in the last 100 yards, Lunar Power won the race by 1/2 a length. In the other contest Dartington was 10th. The 16/5 shot was 2nd at halfway but he weakened after being hampered inside the final furlong.  Upfront Kojin beat Dare To Flare by 3/4 of a length. 

 There are seven races at both Down Royal and Kilbeggan on Friday with two features. 

Down Royal 4.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.

4: Ocean Jewel: A promising horse who showed plenty when 6th on debut at The Curragh 20 days ago. With improvement on the cards she sets a good standard and is definitely worth taking a chance on here.

Kilbeggan 5.00: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. 

5: Daisy Dufresne: Won a hurdle at Sligo in July and was a good third on her handicap debut at Tramore 3 weeks ago. She runs off the same mark here so she has to be taken seriously. She just gets the nod in this open looking contest.