31/10/22 Results

 It was a decent start to the week for both my picks, at Galway Boogie Woogie was 3rd. The 10/11 favourite led after 3 furlongs but was strongly pressed in the closing stages. She was passed in the final 100 yards making no impression close to home, Paris Secret won the race beating Astar by 3/4 of a length. In the days big listed contest at Wexford Run Wild Fred was also 3rd. The 8/11 favourite disputed the lead for a second time after the 6th sitting 2nd entering the straight. He had no extra in 3rd two out which allowed the front two to pull away, Grand National winner Noble Yeats beat Hurricane Georgie by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 After a busy Monday Irish racing takes a day off on Tuesday, meetings do take place at Redcar, Warwick, Southwell and Newcastle. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Wednesday tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

31/10/22 Galway + Wexford

 An excellent Sunday saw two of my picks win,at Galway Thedevilscoachman wasn't fluent early and after a slight mistake 4 out he recovered to make some headway. He improved further to lead narrowly from 2 out keeping on best inside the final furlong to beat Churchstonewarrior by 1 3/4 lengths. The other victory came at Wexford where Optional Mix led early and was 3 lengths clear at halfway. She made a slight mistake at the last but kept on well on the run-in to beat Handsworth by 1/2 a length. The only one who didn't win was Mica Malpic who was 3rd. The 9/2 shot was at the rear making headway to sit 5th three out. He moved into 3rd in the closing stages but couldn't get near the winner Flash De Touzaine who came home by 8 lengths. 

 Another busy day on Monday sees 8 races at Galway and 7 at Wexford where there are two highlights. 

Galway 12.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

3: Boogie Woogie: A promising horse who improved from her debut when second at Leopardstown 16 days ago. She was only a length behind the winner and she looks capable of better. Another bold show is likely and she is hard to look past here.

Wexford 3.15: M.W. Hickey Memorial Chase.

2: Run Wild Fred: A smart chaser who was a creditable second behind stablemate Galvin in a Grade 3 chase at Punchestown on his return 19 days ago. Despite falling in both the English and Irish Grand National's at the back end of last season he is mostly a good jumper and he should make a bold bid here to open his account for the year.

30/10/22 Galway + Wexford

 It was a decent Saturday for both my picks at Galway, in the 1.43 Sandor Clegane was 2nd. The 15/8 favourite tracked the leader making good headway to lead at the 2nd. He was passed 2 out making no impression on the run-in, Three Card Brag drew clear to win by 6 1/2 lengths. The 3.28 saw Merlin Giant finish 4th. The 9/2 shot was 8th at halfway improving to 6th two out. He went 4th before the last having no extra on the run-in, Ballyadam Destiny was the winner coming home by 4 1/2 lengths. 

 A Sunday double header rounds off the weekend with 8 races at Galway and 7 at Wexford with 3 main events.

Galway 1.15: Purchase By 3pm Today To WINABMW.ie Irish EBF Beginners Chase. 

8: Thedevilscoachman: A promising horse who picked up his career best win in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan when last seen in February. He switches from hurdles to chasing here and despite being off 8 months this is an excellent chance for him to open his fences account. 

Galway 1.50: Marlin Hotel Dublin, Supporting The National Breast Cancer Research Institute Handicap Chase. 

8: Mica Malpic: Has 2 wins from 5 runs this season his last being a career best at Listowel 36 days ago. He easily came home by 7 lengths and despite a weight rise he can challenge here and follow up.

Wexford 3.50: Jim And Kay Whitty Memorial Handicap Chase. 

3: Optional Mix: Looks a good chaser who opened her account at Thurles in March. Has shown improvement finishing second in both her starts this campaign including at Limerick a week ago. Should resume winning ways here giving her the nod. 

29/10/22 Galway

 On Friday at Dundalk Smullen's Pride was 2nd, the 9/2 shot was 5th at halfway improving to sit 2nd a furlong out. She made no impression on the leader in the final furlong keeping on at the same pace, Starspangledwaves won by 3 1/4 lengths. In the 6.00 Adams Barbour finished 10th, the 20/1 chance led early but was passed a furlong out. He had no extra in the closing stages while upfront Rough Diamond beat Dream Today by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 Eight races at Galway on Saturday begin a busy weekend where there are two features. 

1.43: Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. 

4: Sandor Clegane: A bumper winner back in December last year who was a talled-off 7th behind the victor Facile Vega in the Champion Flat Race at Punchestown when last seen in April. He makes his hurdles debut here and it looks like it could be his future, he should make a successful reappearance and make his mark.

3.28: W.B. Gavin & Co Handicap Hurdle. 

5: Merlin Giant: Left his hurdles debut well behind when winning a maiden on this course 91 days ago. He beat some good horses that day but he is still open to further improvement. This is his handicap hurdle debut and looking at his form here he is worth a chance to follow up.

28/10/22 Dundalk

 The best performance at Clonmel on Thursday came from Magic Daze who was 2nd, the 2/7 favourite was 3rd early improving to lead after the 3rd. She was passed after the 6th but moved into the lead again 4 out. She made a slight mistake soon after making no impression weakening on the run-in, Whosgotyanow won by an impressive 8 lengths. In the other race Balkykeel finished 5th. The 5/1 favourite was 3rd at the 8th dropping to 6th two out. He had no extra on the run-in while upfront Robinstown beat Time Marches On by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 The last Friday of October sees 8 races at Dundalk with two highlights. 

4.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

9: Smullen's Pride: An interesting filly who found the step up to listed level too much when she finished 11th in a race won by Funny Money Honey over course and distance a month ago. It was too early in her career for that type of race and she is well worth another chance here back down in class to confirm her debut promise.

6.00: William Hill Bet Boost Handicap. 

13: Adams Barbour: A seven-time course winner who has 3 victory’s from 11 runs this year. He struggled back a 5f on his latest start at Bellewstown 65 days ago so a return to six is in his favour. He definitely enjoys running here and this could begin a revival. He gets the nod to take an open looking contest.

27/10/22 Clonmel

 At The Curragh on Wednesday Immutable finished 2nd, the 6/5 favourite was 4th at halfway improving to challenge 2 out. He disputed the lead soon after keeping on well without reaching the winner Trachonitus who won by 1/2 a length. In the other race Danvers Gold was a non-runner in a contest won by Nightcliff who beat Azazat by 1/2 a length. 

 Seven races take place at Clonmel on Thursday with two standing out. 

4.05: www.grahamnorris.com Memorial Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Ballykeel: A good winner over hurdles who was a very creditable fifth at Punchestown when last seen 16 days ago. He ran well for a long way there but is still capable of better and providing he comes on from that race he can show it here.

4.40: Start Your Free Trial At racingtv.com/join Mares Chase.

2: Magic Daze: A smart chaser who picked up her career best win at Punchestown on her last outing in April. She impressed that day coming home by 2 1/4 lengths and despite being off 6 months this looks like a straightforward return and she is the one to beat.

26/10/22 The Curragh

 After two days off Irish racing finally gets it's week underway with 8 races at The Curragh on Wednesday where there are 2 main events. 

 1.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

5: Danvers Gold: Made a bright start when 3rd over course and distance on debut 124 days ago. She kept on well inside the final furlong leaving her best work for the finish. There is definitely more to come and she should challenge if recovered well after 4 months off.

1.40: Bet 10 Euros Get 20 Euros At Novibet Nursery Handicap. 

1: Immutable: Won a decent maiden at Gowran Park just 8 days ago staying on well under pressure to come home by 1/2 a length. Despite being turned out again quickly he has leading claims on this his handicap debut and can follow up.

23/10/22 Results

 A brilliant Sunday for my picks saw Moss Tucker win, the 6/5 favourite moved to the front at halfway asserting himself inside the final furlong. He ran on strongly and comfortably beat Big Gossey by 3 3/4 lengths. In the Munster National Ain't That A Shame was 2nd, the 5/1 favourite led at the 8th and despite not being fluent he had a 2 length lead when he made a mistake at the last. He was strongly pressed but kept on well being passed on the line by The Big Dog who won by a head. In the other race at The Curragh Baron Samedi was also second. The 6/1 chance was 3rd at halfway improving to lead 2 out. He was passed soon after keeping on at the same pace allowing the winner Emily Dickinson to pull away and come home by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 After some decent weekend action Irish racing takes a two day break. There are races at Ayr, Leicester, Redcar and Newcastle on Monday and Chepstow, Bangor-On-Dee, Catterick and Newcastle on Tuesday. The next Irish card is at The Curragh on Wednesday tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

23/10/22 The Curragh + Limerick

 Saturday was a mixed day for my picks at Leopardstown, in the 3.10 Federal was a non-runner in a race won by Power Under Me while in the big Group 3 Hiawatha finished 2nd. The 7/4 favourite tracked the leaders and had made headway to dispute 2nd when badly hampered 2 out. He recovered to challenge from a furlong out leading briefly inside the final furlong. He kept on at the same pace being passed on the line by Speirling Beag who won by a short head.

 A busy Sunday sees 8 races at both The Curragh and Limerick where 3 stand out.

The Curragh 3.10: Hatstone Solicitors Waterford Testimonial Stakes.

4: Moss Tucker: A useful horse who was a very creditable fifth behind The Platinum Queen in the Prix De L'Abbaye at Longchamp when last seen 3 weeks ago. That run showed that returning to 6f here should suit and he holds the edge on form.

Limerick 3.35: JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Chase. 

11: Ain't That A Shame: A good horse who failed to meet expectations when 13th in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen. Despite being off 7 months his previous form should be taken into account and with his trainer going well he is worth another chance on his season return. 

The Curragh 3.45: Comer Group International Loughbrown Stakes (Group 3)

1: Baron Samedi: Was a creditable 3rd behind Kyprios in the Vintage Crop at Navan on his last outing in April. He has the best form in this field so a 6 month absence shouldn't worry him and he should open his account for the season.

22/10/22 Leopardstown

 Friday was a day of differing fortunes for my picks, at Sligo Riaan was 5th. The 6/4 shot tracked the leaders and was 3rd at halfway. He dropped to 4th entering the straight and had no extra on the run-in losing another place, the favourite Suain Na Draoicht won by 2 3/4 lengths. Over at Dundalk Manaccan won, the 1/1 favourite was 3rd a furlong out going 2nd in the closing stages. He stayed on well to lead close to home beating Logo Hunter by 1/2 a length. 

 There are 8 races at Leopardstown on Saturday with two features. 

3.10: Knockaire Stakes. 

6: Federal: A course winner in his career who has one win from two runs this year. That came on an impressive handicap debut taking the Irish Cambridgeshire at The Curragh 56 days ago. This is a big step up in class but he hasn't yet reached his full potential so he is well worth his place here and tops the shortlist. 

4.20: Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3)

2: Hiawatha: A horse in useful form who was unsuited by the drop in trip when finishing 11th at The Curragh a month ago. Racing over 7f clearly didn't suit but he definitely still has potential as a stayer so this test should be up his street. He is a big player who should get back on track here.

21/10/22 Sligo + Dundalk

 A decent Thursday saw Secret She Keeps win, the 8/15 favourite led and was 4 lengths clear at halfway. She had a reduced lead from 5 out and after a slight mistake she was briefly passed entering the straight. She led again before the last keeping on well on the run-in to beat Hope Des Blins by 4 1/2 lengths. In the days big race Cape Gentleman was 3rd, the 11/10 favourite recovered from a mistake at the 6th to sit 2nd at halfway. He wasn't fluent from 4 out dropping to 3rd before the last. He had no extra on the run-in allowing French Dynamite to win by 3 lengths. 

 Friday sees a double header rounding off the week with 7 races at Sligo and 8 at Dundalk where there are two highlights. 

Sligo 4.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. 

4: Riaan: A good horse with plenty of promise who was second at Gowran Park when last seen 20 days ago. He goes up in trip here and has the best form on show so should open his account on only his 4th start.

Dundalk 7.30: Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Pat Smullen Mercury Stakes (Group 3)

6: Manaccan: A smart colt who has three wins from eight runs this year. He didn't need to show any improvement to win a listed race at Ascot on his last outing 20 days ago and providing he takes to the surface on this his polytrack debut he can follow up in a competitive contest. 

20/10/22 Thurles

 Wednesday was a mixed day for my picks at Navan, in the opener Ardad's Great was 2nd. The 1/2 favourite was 4th at halfway improving to challenge 2 out. She disputed the lead soon after but couldn't reach the winner Decorated My Life who came home by a neck. The 3.55 saw Blues Emperor finish 7th, the 7/4 favourite led early but was passed after 4 furlongs sitting 2nd at halfway. He made no impression from a furlong out having no extra in the closing stages. Upfront the surprise 66/1 winner was Bridge Of Dawn who beat Allihies by 1/2 a length. 

 7 races take place at Thurles on Thursday where two stand out.

2.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

9: Secret She Keeps: A promising horse who was second on her fences debut at Fairyhouse 12 days ago. She stuck to her task well only losing by a nose and with improvement expected she is the one to beat and can go one better.

4.20: He'llberemembered Hurdle.

2: Cape Gentleman: A smart chaser who was running well until he fell at the last in a handicap chase at Listowel on his 4th outing of the year 29 days ago. He switches to hurdles here and holds the edge on form so should bounce back and resume winning ways in this sphere. 

19/10/22 Navan

 At Gowran Park on Tuesday Dark Side was 2nd, the 3/1 favourite was 4th two out switching to the left soon after. He was 3rd a furlong out staying on well to grab 2nd close to home, Immutable won the race by 1/2 a length. In the 2.30 Operatic Artist finished 5th, the 4/1 shot was in midfield sitting 7th two out. She was 6th a furlong out keeping on at one pace and moving up a place. Upfront Drummin Life won by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 An 8 race card takes place at Navan on Wednesday where there are two main events.

1.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

12: Ardad's Great: A useful horse who was a below form second when last seen at The Curragh 25 days ago. Despite that she sets a high bar and will be hard to beat here if at her best so is definitely worth another chance. 

3.55: Like Navan on Facebook Handicap. 

6: Blues Emperor: A promising horse who has improved with each run culminating with a win at Listowel 27 days ago. He responded well in the final 100 yards to come home by 3/4 of a length and going up in trip here should help. He has a likable attitude and is definitely open to further improvement which is why he gets the nod to follow up. 

18/10/22 Gowran Park

 After a day off Irish racing begins it's week with 8 races at Gowran Park on Tuesday where there are two features.

2.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

3: Dark Side: A promising horse who has shown plenty in his two starts. He ran well when 6th on his last outing at The Curragh 23 days ago and the Step up in trip here should help to see further progress. He can definitely do better and take this competitive race.

2.30: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. 

9: Operatic Artist: Was an encouraging fifth on debut at Down Royal 22 days ago. She showed there that she needs a stiffer test and this longer trip should provide that. Improvement is expected which is why she heads the shortlist and she can pick up her first win.

16/10/22 Results

 The standout result at Naas on Sunday came from Yaxeni who won, the 2/1 favourite made all the running only being challenged in the final furlong. She kept on well under pressure beating Term Of Endearment by 1/2 a length.  In the other listed race Maristella was 3rd, the 15/2 shot was 4th at halfway challenging from a furlong out. She kept on but had no extra close to home while upfront Toy won by 1/2 a length. Montesilvano was a non-runner in a race won by Panic Alarm who beat Goa Gajah by 2 lengths. 

 After another exciting weekend Irish racing has a break on Monday. Meetings do take place at Windsor, Plumpton, Wolverhampton and Pontefract where the listed Silver Tankard Stakes is the main event. The next Irish card is at Gowran Park on Tuesday, tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night. 

16/10/22 Naas

 Saturday's best came from Sierra Blanca who was 2nd,the 5/1 shot tracked the leaders sitting 5th two out. He went 3rd soon after and kept on without threatening the winner grabbing 2nd in the final strides, Cairo won the race by 2 3/4 lengths. In the other races Goodie Two Shoes was 7th and Teed Up finished 9th.

 There are 16 races spread over two meetings on Sunday but in my opinion the three main events all come at Naas.

2.20: Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final.

7: Montesilvano: A useful colt who has one win from three runs this year. That victory came at Leopardstown in July and he arrives here after finishing an excellent third behind Mysterious Night in a Group 3 at Deauville 63 days ago. He gets the nod to resume winning ways in a decent contest. 

2.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Garnet Stakes.

5: Maristella: A promising horse who has shown good improvement to win her last two races at Galway and Navan. This is a step up but she can complete her hat-trick with further progress and first time cheekpieces which should also help giving her the vote.

3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Bluebell Stakes.

1: Yaxeni: A good mare who has been a course winner in her career. She has two wins from six runs this year and was a respectable 15th at The Curragh when last seen 3 weeks ago. She goes back down in trip here and on form is the one to beat. 

15/10/22 Leopardstown

 A good day at Dundalk saw Longbourn finish 2nd,the 7/2 shot was 4th at halfway moving into 3rd a furlong out. He was 2nd in the final 100 yards keeping on well but he couldn't reach the winner Finans Bay who came home by a neck. In the 8.00 Sistine Madonna was 3rd, the 2/1 favourite was prominent early challenging from 2 out. She led soon after but was passed inside the final furlong losing second in the closing 110 yards, Marsa won the race by 3/4 of a length. 

 All eyes will rightly be on Ascot for British Champions Day on Saturday but there are still 8 races at Leopardstown with three highlights. 

3.45: Killavullan Stakes (Group 3)

9: Sierra Blanca: An improving horse who caught the eye when staying on well to finish second at The Curragh 20 days ago. He has plenty more to offer and is a big player who can confirm his promise and open his account. 

4.20: Trigo Stakes.

10: Goodie Two Shoes: A filly with promise who followed up her winning debut when beating another in this field Monaasib at Punchestown 32 days ago. She won by 1/2 a length and should take the step up in class in her stride. This smart prospect definitely has the potential to complete a hat-trick here.

5.30: Leopardstown October Handicap. 

14: Teed Up: A decent horse who confirmed himself to be useful over hurdles when winning at the Galway festival back in July. He is high on the shortlist here back on the flat and he can follow up. 

14/10/22 Dundalk

 Thursday's best performance came at The Curragh where American Sonja won, the 10/11 favourite was 4th two out improving to lead 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish. She stayed on well in the final furlong to beat McCauley's Tavern by 3 1/2 lengths. In the race at Tramore Bellatior was 5th, the 9/2 chance was in touch sitting 4th at the 6th. She made no impression from 2 out and had no extra. The race was won by Kilbunny Pontic who came home by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The week comes to a close with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday with two stand out contests.

6.00: William Hill Extra Places Every Day Handicap. 

2: Longbourn: Arrives in good form after finishing second on this course when last seen a month ago. He is on a handy looking mark here and is a big player back in handicap company. He can go one better and open his account for the year.

8.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

3: Sistine Madonna: Was a winner at Gowran Park in July and followed that up with a very good second on her last outing at Cork 63 days ago. She is expected to continue here progress here and can win again to enhance her excellent profile. 

13/10/22 The Curragh + Tramore

 An excellent Wednesday saw both my picks at Punchestown win. In the 3.55 Adamantly Chosen challenged from the 4th leading at halfway. The 5/6 favourite was pressed from 2 out but he kept on well from the last beating Visionarian by 3 3/4 lengths. The other Grade 3 saw Galvin sit 3rd early challenging three out. The 11/10 favourite moved into a narrow lead entering the straight asserting himself before the last. He kept on well on the run-in easily beating Run Wild Fred by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 The week's first double header takes place on Thursday with 8 races at The Curragh and 7 at Tramore where there are two main events. 

The Curragh 2.35: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

13: American Sonja: A promising horse who was second on this course when last seen 18 days ago. That is by far the best piece of form in this field and she sets a high bar. She is more then capable of opening her account at the fourth time of asking giving her the vote. 

Tramore 3.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

1: Bellatior: Made a winning debut in a bumper at Naas back in November last year coming home by 3/4 of a length. She moved up to a Grade 2 at Leopardstown 3 months later but ran far too free finishing 11th. Despite that she is in top hands on her first hurdles start and with progress expected she can bounce back here. 

12/10/22 Punchestown

 Tuesday was another mixed day for both my picks this time at Punchestown,in the 2.55 Abacadabras failed to finish. The 4/6 favourite was in midfield making a mistake at the 5th. He didn't recover and was pulled up 2 out, the race was won by Darver Star who easily came home by 7 1/2 lengths. In the other race Grozni won, the 16/5 favourite made a couple of early mistakes but made headway to lead 3 out. He was clear entering the straight staying on well on the run-in to beat Coventry by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 A second day at Punchestown on Wednesday sees a 7 race card and two Grade three's take centre stage.

3.55: Buck House Novice Chase (Grade 3)

4: Adamantly Chosen: A promising horse who has one win from three runs this season,that came on his fences debut at Listowel 3 weeks ago. He looked a good prospect crusing home by 8 lengths and should take the step up in class here in his stride. Despite some tough opposition he gets the vote. 

4.30: Irish Daily Star- Best For Racing Coverage Chase (Grade 3)

1: Galvin: After winning this race 12 months ago showed improvement to beat A Plus Tard on the line in the Savills Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. He was 4th behind the same rival in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and was then a below form 6th in a Grade One here on his final start of the last campaign. He is the class act in this field and if close to his best he should take this race again on his season debut. 

11/10/22 Punchestown

 The week began with results at both ends of the scale for my picks, in the 1.20 Londoner was a non-runner in a race won by Rubio Draco while in the next Clemmie C won. The 13/8 favourite was 3rd at halfway making good headway to lead from a furlong out. She stayed on well in the closing stages beating Lizzy's Filly by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 The first of two days at Punchestown sees 7 races on Tuesday with two features. 

2.55: Paddy Power Feel Like A Favourite Hurdle. 

5: Abacadabras: A smart horse who has been a course winner in his career. He was 3rd behind Jesse Evans in the Grade 3 Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle on his season reappearance at Tipperary 9 days ago and should be fitter after that run. He should take all the beating here.

4.40: Paddy Power ' Bingoton A Drama With Balls' Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Grozni: Picked up his first career win at Navan last month staying on well to come home by 1 1/2 lengths. His follow up run at Listowel just two days later can be overlooked and based on previous efforts he has to be taken seriously. This 6-y-o is well worth another look and just gets the nod.

10/10/22 Killarney

 After a day off Irish racing returns with an 8 race card at Killarney on Monday where there are two highlights. 

 1.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

2: Londoner: Made a promising debut when 4th at Navan just 5 days ago. He is turned out again quickly with improvement expected and that should be enough to win at the second time of asking. 

1.50: KillarneyRaces.ie Fillies Maiden. 

4: Clemmie C: A lightly-raced horse who was a good 4th in a handicap at Dundalk when last seen 17 days ago and she has leading claims here going back down in trip. She looks like the way to go in what doesn't seem to be a strong race on paper and she can pick up her first win of the year. 

8/10/22 Results

 The best result on Saturday came at Fairyhouse where Hurricane Darwin won, the 3/1 favourite was in midfield sitting 6th at halfway. He was 3rd three out but was left in front at the next when the leader fell. He was challenged on the run-in briefly losing top spot but he kept on best close to home to regain the lead and beat Marshalled by a length. In the races at The Curragh Be Happy was 5th in a contest won by Lumiere Rock while the 2.35 saw Pretty Rebel finish 7th.

 After a busy day Irish racing takes a break on Sunday. There are meetings at Southwell, Goodwood and Ffos Las where the Welsh Champion Hurdle takes centre stage. The next Irish card is at Killarney on Monday tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night. 

8/10/22 The Curragh + Fairyhouse

 A good set of results on Friday saw Sam's Choice finish 2nd at Downpatrick, the 9/4 joint favourite was 3rd at halfway going 2nd two out. He led at the last but was passed 50 yards from the finish by Inclusion who won by 1/2  a length. Over at Dundalk Freedom Falls finished 5th,the 11/4 shot was 4th at halfway but had no extra in the final 150 yards while upfront Malleymoo won by 1 1/4 lengths. In the 5.30 King Of Scotia was 2nd. The 11/10 favourite led from 1 1/2 furlongs out but after drifting left inside the final furlong he was passed in the closing stages by Brighter London who came home by 3/4 of a length. 

 There are 8 races at The Curragh and 7 at Fairyhouse on a busy Saturday where 3 contests stand out. 

The Curragh 2.00: Staffordstown Stud Stakes (Group 3)

1: Be Happy: A promising horse who won on debut at Cork 31 days ago. She came home by 1 1/4 lengths and with plenty more to offer she should be well up there again and follow up for a trainer who has won five of the last eight runnings of this race.

The Curragh 2.35: Bord Na Mona Recycling Brigid's Pastures Stakes.

6: Pretty Rebel: A useful mare who picked up her latest win at Cork last month. She was a good second when last seen at Gowran Park 3 weeks ago despite being slowly away and holds the edge on form. She should achieve the third course win of her career here.

Fairyhouse 3.20: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase. 

10: Hurricane Darwin: Has two wins from two runs this season his last was an improved performance at Listowel 2 weeks ago. He switches from hurdles to chasing here and has to be taken seriously on his hat-trick bid.

7/10/22 Downpatrick + Dundalk

 The best performance at Thurles on Thursday came from Delightful who was 2nd,the Evens favourite tracked the leader early sitting 2nd at halfway. She made no impression from a furlong out keeping on at one pace allowing Foniska to win by 2 lengths. In the 2.35 Timely Boost was 13th in a race won by Village Voice who beat Shangrilama by 1/2 a length. 

 The first double header of the week takes place on Friday with seven races at Downpatrick and eight at Dundalk where there are 3 main events.

Downpatrick 3.42: I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. 

1: Sam's Choice: A useful hurdler who despite being pulled up when last seen at Punchestown 5 months ago showed enough in previous races to suggest he can take a race like this, he gets the vote to make a winning return here.

Dundalk 5.00: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. 

2: Freedom Falls: A decent horse who was a creditable second at The Curragh on her last outing 12 days ago. She only found Lord Massusus too good in the final furlong that day and she can go one better on this her polytrack debut. 

Dundalk 5.30: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

4: King Of Scotia: A promising type who was a good second on debut at The Curragh 48 days ago. The winner that day has impressed since but with improvement expected this interesting horse looks up to winning here.

6/10/22 Thurles

 A brilliant Wednesday saw both my picks win at Navan. In the 3.00 Rough Diamond tracked the leaders sitting 3rd two out. He led inside the final furlong staying on well to beat Princess Sela by 1/2 a length. The 4.10 saw Maristella have a poor start but recover to sit 3rd at halfway. The 9/4 joint favourite was 2nd with 100 yards to go keeping on well under pressure to lead close to home, he beat Prioritise by a short head.

 Thurles stages seven races on Thursday with two features. 

2.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

1: Delightful: A good filly who took a step forward from her debut when 3rd at Gowran Park 19 days ago. She definitely has better days ahead of her and she is well-bred from a top yard. She will improve further here giving her the nod. 

2.35: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. 

3: Timely Boost: A horse on debut who comes from a good family. He is a brother to Coeur D'Amour and half-brother to several interesting winners including Rosasora and Imperioso. He comes from a yard who have had some decent horses recently and with Billy Lee on board he is just the pick to beat the ones with experience here.

5/10/22 Navan

 A mixed day at Galway saw Jon Snow finish 5th,the 5/6 favourite was 2nd early but wasn't fluent from the 3rd dropping to 4th at the 7th. He was 3rd at the next dropping a place from 4 out. He was soon under pressure weakening in the final furlong, Frontal Assault won the race by 4 1/2 lengths. In the 4.10 Gevrey was 3rd,the 7/2 shot was at the rear improving to 5th at the 6th. He made progress from 3 out sitting 2nd soon after, he dropped to 4th on the run-in keeping on at one pace grabbing 3rd inside the final furlong. The race was won by Jeremy's Flame who beat Kitty Galore by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Navan on Wednesday where there are two highlights. 

3.00: Troytown Chase Day Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now Handicap. 

9: Rough Diamond: Picked up his latest win at Naas in May and despite running well he was a bit below form 9th at The Curragh when last seen 24 days ago. That was a stronger race so can be overlooked and on form he has a good chance here. 

4.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

1: Maristella: A good horse who has one win from three runs this year. That came at Galway on her handicap debut 4 weeks ago her first run for 5 months. She asserted herself in the closing stages to come home by 2 1/2 lengths and with more to offer she can follow up. 

4/10/22 Galway

 The week got off to a decent start at Tipperary, in the 4.05 Motown Maggie was 3rd. The 3/1 shot led early but was passed two out. She soon came under pressure making a slight mistake at the last. She kept on at one pace allowing So Scottish to win by 7 lengths. The next saw Union Park come 2nd. The 9/2 chance was at the rear after a mistake five out. He made progress soon after sitting 4th 2 out. He stayed on in 3rd and was left in 2nd after two fell at the last. He kept on at the same pace on the run-in with Good As Hell winning by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 Tuesday sees a seven race card at Galway where two stand out.

3.00: Mongey Communications Chase.

2: Jon Snow: A useful hurdler who opened his chasing account at Killarney 46 days ago. He was a comfortable 2 1/2 lengths in front there and with more to come he can build on that run here and confirm his promise in this sphere. 

4.10: Guinness Handicap Chase.

4: Gevrey: A decent horse who picked up his latest win at Fairyhouse in April. He was last seen finishing a good fourth at Perth 2 weeks ago in a race where he wasn't disgraced. He goes back down in trip here which shouldn't be a problem and this versatile chaser has to be taken seriously. He just gets the nod in a tricky-looking contest to predict.

3/10/22 Tipperary

 The best on a poor Sunday came from Jason The Militant who was 4th,the 7/4 joint favourite wasn’t fluent in 2nd from the 3rd. He improved from 4 out but weakened quickly before the last, Jesse Evens won the race by a comfortable 4 1/2 lengths. In the other contest at Tipperary Markaz Paname was 7th. The 9/2 shot was prominent early but sat 6th at halfway. He came under pressure 1 1/2 furlongs out and made no impression inside the final furlong, Statement won the race by 5 1/2 lengths. At Killarney Desertmore House was a non-runner in a race won by Toss Again.

 There are seven races at Tipperary on Monday with two main events. 

4.05: Schooling At Tipperary Rated Novice Chase. 

1: Motown Maggie: A useful chaser who picked up her career best win at Listowel on her fences debut 12 days ago. She went clear to win by 4 1/4 lengths showing that she may well be better over fences than she was over hurdles. She is open to further progress and looks like the answer here.

4.40: Tipperary Handicap Chase. 

4: Union Park: A good winner over hurdles who was a creditable 6th at Killarney when last seen 45 days ago. He was unsuited by the way the race developed that day but a repeat of his run at Kilbeggan in July will give him a chance and he should be challenging giving him the nod. 

2/10/22 Killarney + Tipperary

 An excellent Saturday saw both my picks win,at Killarney Gulf of Mexico led early and despite being passed 3 out the 5/2 shot regained the lead soon after. He kept on well from a furlong out easily coming home by 1 1/2 lengths. In the big race at Gowran Park Easy Game led early but sat 3rd at halfway. The 8/11 favourite disputed the lead from 4 out moving into top spot for a second time 2 out. He stayed on well on the run-in beating his stablemate Kemboy by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 Sunday is another busy day with 8 races at both Killarney and Tipperary where there are 3 features. 

Killarney 2.10: SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Rated Novice Hurdle. 

1: Desertmore House: A useful hurdler who has two wins from five runs this season. His last couple of victory’s have both been at Downpatrick including a career best 16 days ago. He battled well that day and going up in trip here is a plus and he can complete a hat-trick. 

Tipperary 2.25: Coolmore US Navy Flag Concorde Stakes (Group 3)

1: Markaz Paname: A horse with a positive profile who has 2 wins from 3 runs this year. He was a respectable sixth when last seen at Leopardstown 22 days ago dropping away inside the final furlong. He has won at this level before so despite a weight penalty he has good claims and should return to winning ways. 

Tipperary 3.35: Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle. 

2: Jason The Militant: A smart hurdler who was 9th behind Kyprios in the Irish St Leger on his last outing 3 weeks ago. He switches from the flat to hurdles here and is the pick on form.