1/12/22 Thurles

 The best midweek result at Dundalk came from Dancing Tango who was 2nd, the 6/4 favourite was 6th at halfway making headway entering the straight. She was 2nd two out improving to lead briefly a furlong from the finish. She made no impression in the final 100 yards allowing River Rain to win by 2 1/4 lengths. In the other race La Tulipe Noire finished down in 7th.

 December begins with seven races at Thurles on Thursday with two main events.

1.32: Equuip From Foal To Race TY Programme Chase.

2: Darasso: A smart chaser who has race fitness on his side having run 4 times this season. He was last seen finishing third behind Blue Lord in the Clonmel Oil Chase 2 weeks ago. He is a big player here dropping down in class and with the other main challengers all making their season returns he has a good chance. 

2.32: Racing Again December 18th Irish EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

9: Foxy Girl: Ran well to finish second behind Matilda Du Berlais in a listed newcomers race at Auteuil on her only previous start 19 months ago. She has since left France and moved to the yard of Henry De Bromhead so gets the vote here to go one better on her reappearance. 

30/11/22 Dundalk

 At Punchestown on Tuesday Marvel De Cerisy won, the 4/1 joint favourite was in midfield making headway from the 9th. He led entering the straight and despite not being fluent at the last he stayed on well to easily beat Aarons Day by 6 1/2 lengths. The 2.55 saw Demandrivingdouvan finish 4th, the 1/1 favourite led early but was passed at the 6th. He was second and travelling well entering the straight but made no impression before the last. He had no extra inside the final furlong allowing Sandor Clegane to beat Bleu D'enfer by 12 lengths. 

 Dundalk stages 8 races on Wednesday with two features. 

2.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden.

13: La Tulipe Noire: A filly who has improved on each of her three runs and was last seen finishing 4th at Galway 30 days ago. She wears blinkers for the 1st time here and her record suggests she can take this making her the one to beat. 

5.00: Now Racing Every Wednesday At Dundalk Maiden. 

11: Dancing Tango: A lightly-raced horse who was a good fifth on her last outing at Ascot in August. Despite being off 116 days she makes her polytrack debut here on her first run for Joseph O’Brien after leaving the yard of Harry & Roger Charlton and she is just the pick as she attempts to achieve her first career win.

29/11/22 Punchestown

 After a day off we begin the Irish racing week with 8 races at Punchestown on Tuesday where there are two highlights. 

11.45: William Hill Ireland Rated Novice Chase. 

9: Marvel De Cerisy: A useful chaser who has one win from three runs this season. That came at Killarney back in May and he was travelling well when he fell at the last on his fences debut at Wexford 29 days ago. He goes up in trip here and can definitely bounce back returning to winning ways.

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

3: Demanddrivingdouvan: Made an excellent start to his career under rules when second on this course in May and he didn't need to improve to pick up his first win in a bumper at Thurles 26 days ago. He makes his hurdles debut here and this exciting prospect shouldn’t find the step up in trip a problem and can follow up.

27/11/22 Results

 The best performance on Sunday at Navan came from American Mike who finished 2nd, the 2/7 favourite was always challenging and disputed the lead for a second time 2 out. He was strongly pressed after being left in front at the last and he was passed inside the final furlong keeping on at one pace close to home, Dawn Rising took the contest by 8 lengths. In the other races both Frontal Assault and Williamstowndancer were 5th. 

 As another exciting weekend draws to a close Irish racing takes a break on Monday, However meetings do take place at Catterick, Kempton and Wolverhampton. The next Irish action is at Punchestown on Tuesday tips for the two big races will be up on Monday night. 

27/11/22 Navan

 A decent Saturday at Gowran Park saw Minella Cocooner finish 2nd, the 1/1 favourite led until he was strongly pressed before the last. He was passed after a slight mistake at the final obstacle making no impression and allowing Classic Getaway to win by 2 3/4 lengths. In the 1.05 Archies Charm was 3rd, the 5/2 favourite led early but was passed before 3 out. He made no impression and after a mistake 2 out he had no extra,upfront Dunboyne easily best Street Value by 10 lengths. 

A high-class 7 race card takes place at Navan on Sunday with 3 standing out. 

1.20: John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

1: American Mike: An excellent horse who easily won by 6 1/2 lengths on his hurdles debut at Down Royal 23 days ago. He is an exciting prospect who should be among the top novice hurdlers this season, he is the one to beat before going onto better things.

2.20: Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase (Grade B)

9: Frontal Assault: Was runner-up in the Irish Grand National in April before gaining his first fences win at Galway on his return 54 days ago. Has a lot more to offer in major staying handicap  chases but before that he should build on that first chase success and follow up here.

3.20: Coolmore N.H. Sires In Swoop Irish EBF Mares Flat Race.

7: Williamstowndancer: Was an impressive winner on debut at Punchestown in October and was unlucky to run out of bounds in a good listed bumper at Cheltenham 15 days ago in a race won by Queens Gamble. That run can be overlooked and she still has plenty of potential so can build and return to winning ways here. 

26/11/22 Gowran Park

 A disappointing end to the week saw Maggie Mcgrath finish 7th at Dundalk, the 9/4 chance was 4th at halfway but made no impression from a furlong out. She kept on at one pace while upfront in an exciting finish Excesso Velocidad beat Anann by a neck. In the other race Adamaris was 4th, the 7/2 shot was in midfield making no impression from 2 out. He was 6th entering the closing stages gaining two places in the final furlong, Cozone won the race by a head. 

 A busy weekend begins with 7 races at Gowran Park on Saturday with two main events. 

12.00: Noreside Catering Irish EBF Beginners Chase.

5: Minella Cocooner: A smart hurdler who's latest win came at Leopardstown in February. He was only just beaten in a Grade One novice hurdle at Punchestown when last seen in April. He is an exciting prospect now going over fences and should be among the top novice chasers this season and he gets the nod here.

1.05: Gowran Park Handicap Chase. 

4: Archies Charm: A horse in decent form who was a good second on his last outing at Down Royal 3 weeks ago. He only lost out to the favourite by 3/4 of a length so dropping back down in trip here should suit. With improvement on the cards he should go well again and return to winning ways. 

25/11/22 Dundalk

 An excellent day at Thurles saw both my picks win, in the 1.35 Favori De Champdou led after the 1st but was passed at the 5th. The 11/10 favourite improved to lead again at the 9th, he was challenged regaining top spot at the last. He pulled away to beat Harry Des Ongrais by 3 1/4 lengths. The other race saw Sainte Dona make all the running after a slight mistake at the 1st. The 2/1 favourite asserted herself and was clear after the 6th. She eased down on the run-in easily beating Glorious Singer by 25 lengths. 

 We round off the week with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday evening where there are 2 features. 

5.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

8: Maggie Mcgrath: Has improved with each run culminating with a second at Cork when last seen 59 days ago. That was only her third run and with further progress expected she should go well again and make it fourth time lucky. 

8.30: William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap.

10: Adamaris: A decent horse who has one win from two runs this year, that came over course and distance back in January and he was a good third here on his last outing 3 weeks ago. He will be better with that run under his belt and going significantly back up in trip just gives him the vote. 

24/11/22 Thurles

 At Dundalk on Wednesday Ebtsama won, the 7/2 shot was 5th at halfway making headway from 2 out. She disputed the lead keeping on well in the final furlong hitting the front on the line beating Aces Wild by a short head. In the other race Brasillian Princess was 2nd. The 9/1 chance led until she was passed 2 out. She made no impression inside the final furlong keeping on at one pace and allowing White Birch to pull away and win by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 Thursday's meeting is at Thurles where 2 contests stand out in a 7 race card.

 1.35: I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle. 

1: Favori De Champdou: A lightly-raced 7yo who didn't need to be at his best to win on this course when last seen 3 weeks ago. He beat another in this field Silver Gazette by 3 3/4 lengths and should build on that reappearance run here, he is a fluent jumper who is just the pick.

2.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

13: Sainte Dona: A decent horse who was a good second at Clonmel a month ago. She stuck to her task well and the longer trip here is a definite plus. She has the edge on form and is a big player who should open her account in what looks to be a good-looking contest. 

23/11/22 Dundalk

 It was a poor day at Limerick on Tuesday, in the 12.45 Alpesh Amin failed to finish. The 6/4 shot led from 3 out but a bad mistake at the next saw him unseat his rider,the race was won by Brookie who beat Walk With Paul by 1/2 a length. The next race saw Tony's Pet finish 8th, the 10/11 favourite was 5th at halfway but wasn't fluent from 5 out. He made no impression in 4th two out having nothing extra, Elusive Guy won the race by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 Dundalk stages the midweek meeting where in an 8 race card there are 2 highlights. 

2.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

10: Brasilian Princess: A promising filly who was a very good third on her first run for Adrian Murray in a nursery on this course 2 weeks ago. She was clear of the rest and with improvement expected she gets the nod in an open-looking contest. 

4.30: Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Maiden. 

5: Ebtsama: An interesting horse who despite being winless after 8 flat runs was a respectable 6th on stable debut on this course when last seen a fortnight ago. The run looked like it was needed and she should build on that here. Going back down in trip will definitely suit and she is more then capable of opening her account on only her second appearance on Irish soil.

22/11/22 Limerick

 Irish racing begins it's week with 8 races at Limerick on Tuesday where there are 2 main events.

12.45: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (Div 1)

1: Alpesh Amin: A fair hurdler who was a good third when last seen over course and distance 30 days ago. That was a stronger race and he definitely has the ability to take this opening his account. 

1.15: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (Div 2)

6: Tony's Pet: A decent hurdle/chase winner in France who makes his Irish debut here. He comes from a winning family and appeals on paper,he runs for an in-form stable and this interesting newcomer just gets the vote to make a successful start in this big field encounter. 

20/11/22 Results

 On Sunday at Punchestown my pick State Man won, the 4/9 favourite tracked the leader and despite not being fluent 3 out he disputed the lead at the next. He led narrowly entering the straight and built up a 3 length advantage at the last, he kept on well beating Sharjah by 4 lengths. Over at Cork Embittered was 2nd, the 15/8 favourite led after the 1st and was clear at the 4th. He had a reduced lead at the 5th being passed soon after. He led for a second time 3 out but had dropped to 4th at the last, he ran on well in the closing stages just failing to get to the winner Big Debates who came home by a head. In the other race Thedevilscoachman was a non-runner in a contest won by Darrens Hope.

 After another action packed weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Kempton, Musselburgh and Ludlow. The next Irish card is at Limerick on Tuesday tips for the main events will be up on Monday night. 

20/11/22 Punchestown + Cork

 On Saturday at Punchestown Queens Brook won,the 8/15 favourite tracked the leaders challenging before 3 out. She led soon after asserting herself entering the straight. She kept on well from the last beating Heaven Help Us by 6 lengths. In the other race Hallowed Star failed to finish, the 6/4 favourite didn't travel well falling 4 out. Midnight Run won the race beating Mars Harper by an easy 9 lengths. 

 The weekend comes to a close with 8 races at Punchestown and 7 at Cork where 3 contests stand out.

Punchestown 1.30: Liam & Valerie Brennan Florida Pearl Novice Chase (Grade 2)

6: Thedevilscoachman: A promising horse who is on a hat-trick after winning at Galway 3 weeks ago. He came home by a decent 1 3/4 lengths and with further progress likely he should build on that run here giving him the vote. 

Punchestown 2.05: Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: State Man: Was a very good hurdler last season winning the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and following up with victory in the Champion Novices Hurdle on this course when last seen in April. He beat Flame Bearer by 7 lengths and with more to offer this season he can show why he is such an exciting prospect and make a winning return here.

Cork 3.25: Kevin McManus Bookmaker Handicap Chase. 

1: Embittered: Was a below form 7th when tried at 3m in the Kerry National 60 days ago. That can be overlooked with his good 3rd on his last fences outing at Punchestown in May the run to consider. He is a major player here back over 2 miles.

19/11/22 Punchestown

 A good Friday at Dundalk saw Jaafel win, the 7/2 shot was 6th two out improving to 3rd soon after. He disputed 2nd inside the final furlong staying on well to lead near the line beating Leclerc by a neck. In the 7.00 Hotrocket finished 2nd, the 11/10 favourite was 3rd a furlong out going a close second inside the final furlong. He stayed on well strongly pressing the winner Marsa only losing by a neck.

 There is an interesting 7 race card at Punchestown on Saturday with two highlights. 

1.03: Oak Lodge Landscapes Craddockstown Novice Chase (Grade 2)

4: Hallowed Star: A promising horse who has 2 wins from 3 runs this season. He continued his good start over fences with a career best victory at Galway when last seen 46 days ago, he was clear after the final obstacle easily coming home by 19 lengths. He is the choice on form and can take this before stepping up to the top level. 

2.13: Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle.

6: Queens Brook: A useful hurdler who was disappointing when a below form 3rd behind Rebel Ivy in a listed race at Limerick on her return 27 days ago. She will definitely leave that run behind her here and she has a good chance to bounce back making her the one to beat.

18/11/22 Dundalk

 It was a decent Thursday at Clonmel with Blue Lord winning the big Grade 2, the 5/6 favourite was 4th entering the straight making headway to challenge 2 out. He led soon after keeping on well in the closing stages to beat Tornado Flyer by a neck. The other contest saw Scarlet And Dove finish 3rd, the 9/4 favourite recovered from a mistake at the 8th to sit 2nd at halfway. She was 3rd approaching the straight briefly disputing the lead 2 out. Another mistake soon after ended her challenge and she dropped back to 3rd offering no extra. Dolcita won the race beating Ballyshannon Rose by 1/2 a length. 

 The week draws to a close with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday evening where we have two features. 

6.00: William Hill Pick Your Places Apprentice Handicap. 

1: Jaafel: Despite still being winless after 17 flat runs he was a creditable second on this course when last seen 16 days ago. He came off the pace faring best of those held up and he can open his account here.

7.00: William Hill Racing Radio Rated Race.

5: Hotrocket: Confirmed his early promise when getting off the mark on only his 3rd start at Fairyhouse in July. He won by 5 1/2 lengths going clear in the final 100 yards, he has since switched trainers and with plenty more to come he is a big player who gets the nod on his all-weather debut. 

17/11/22 Clonmel

 The best performance on poor Wednesday came from Cyclamen who was 5th, the 18/5 shot was 2nd at halfway making progress to lead 2 out. She was passed a furlong from the finish having no extra and weakening in the closing stages, Sheer Chance won the race beating Bold Ribb by a head. The other race was worse with Monophonic finishing 7th. The 5/1 chance was 12th at halfway only making slight improvement from 2 out. She made no impression soon after while upfront the contest was won by Hogmanay. 

 A top-class 7 race card takes place at Clonmel on Thursday with 2 main events.

2.23: T.A. Morris Memorial Irish EBF Mares Chase.

3: Scarlet And Dove: A smart chaser who picked up her career best win in a Grade 2 at Punchestown when last seen in April. She easily beat another in this field Elimay by 15 lengths and despite being off 6 months she should challenge here and tops the shortlist. 

2.53: Clonmel Oil Chase (Grade 2)

2: Blue Lord: An excellent horse who won the Barberstown Castle Novices Chase on his last start 6 months ago. He just held on to beat Coeur Sublime by a head to take that Grade 1 and going up in trip here will suit. He has the best form in the field and is the pick to make a successful return. 

16/11/22 Dundalk

An excellent Tuesday saw Broomfield Hall win, the 11/4 chance was 3rd at halfway making headway to dispute the lead from 3 out. She had a slight advantage 2 out soon going clear to easily beat Razzle Dazzle Love by 7 1/2 lengths. In the 2.07 Temptationinmilan finished 2nd, the 3/1 joint favourite was 3rd at halfway and recovered from a bad mistake at the 7th to sit 2nd 4 out. He made no further impression keeping on at one pace allowing Hoke Colburn to pull away and win by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Dundalk on Wednesday where two stand out.

2.30: View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Median Auction Maiden. 

13: Monophonic: A horse on debut who is a half-sister to 5f winner Sonny Red. She is well bred and in excellent hands so she will challenge, of the ones in the field having there first starts she is a big player and gets the nod. 

3.00: Floodlit Friday's At Dundalk Maiden. 

13: Cyclamen: A useful filly who despite still being winless after 11 flat runs got back on track when 4th on this course a week ago. She travelled well early but weakened inside the final furlong however that can be overlooked and returning to a mile here will suit. She sets the standard and is well worth another chance. 

15/11/22 Fairyhouse

 After a day off we begin the Irish racing week with seven races at Fairyhouse on Tuesday where there are two highlights. 

1.37: Advanced Ticket Offer At Fairyhouse.ie Rated Novice Chase. 

1: Broomfield Hall: A useful hurdler who completed a hat-trick when making a winning start over fences in a course and distance maiden when last seen 38 days ago. She just held on to come home by a head and with plenty more to offer she is preferred here.

2.07: Lorna Brooke Ireland v Britain Challenge Handicap Chase. 

2: Temptationinmilan: Arrives in top form after winning at Listowel in September and then finishing a good second behind another in this field Menindee at Punchestown 34 days ago. He can definitely maintain his good recent record and should quickly resume winning ways. 

13/11/22 Results

 A decent day at Navan on Sunday saw Hercule Du Seuil win, the 11/10 favourite made all the running and was 3 lengths clear at halfway. He had a reduced lead approaching the straight and despite a slight mistake at the last he kept on well on the run-in to beat Imagine by 3/4 of a length. In the Grade 2 Bob Olinger was 2nd,the 13/8 favourite was 3rd at halfway travelling well to lead from 3 out. He was passed early on the run-in keeping on at one pace allowing Home By The Lee to win by 2 lengths. Ferny Hollow was a non-runner in the 2.30 a race won by Captain Guinness. 

 After an excellent weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Plumpton, Exeter, Leicester and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Fairyhouse on Tuesday tips for the features will be up on Monday night. 

13/11/22 Navan

 The best performance on Saturday came from Fil Dor who finished 2nd, the 8/11 favourite wasn't fluent early but improved to dispute the lead from 4 out. He led until a bad mistake 2 out saw him being passed. He made no impression from before the last but kept on well on the run-in, Brazil won the race by 3 1/2 lengths. In the other contests Cash Back was 13th and Gentleman De Mee failed to finish unseating his rider on the run-in. 

 An excellent weekend concludes with 8 races at Navan on Sunday where there are 3 features. 

1.20: Gibney's For Auction Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

3: Hercule Du Seuil: A highly promising horse who impressed when winning by an easy 16 lengths at Tipperary when last seen 41 days ago. That run showed he should go on to better things and can take the step up in class here in his stride. His yard is in good form giving him the nod. 

1.55: Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2)

5: Bob Olinger: A course and distance winner in his career who won his first three starts over fences last season although he was fortunate to win at the Cheltenham Festival. He was pulled up 3 out in a Grade One at Punchestown when last seen but can get back on track here returning to hurdling. 

2.30: Sean P. Muldoon & Patrick F. Gormley Fortria Chase (Grade 2)

1:Ferny Hollow: A top-class chaser who picked up a career best when winning the Racing Post Novices Chase at Leopardstown in December last year. That was his last run as injuy ruled him out and saw him miss his tilt at last seasons Arkle,despite that he is a class act who should take all the beating on his return. 

12/11/22 Naas

 The week ended on a good note for my picks at Dundalk, in the 6.45 Ceallach won. The 5/4 favourite sat 5th two out improving to be 2nd shortly after. He led inside the final furlong staying on well to beat Dalvey by 1/2 a length. In the other race Las Cuatro finished 3rd. The 8/11 favourite had a poor start making a slight recovery to track the leader in 3rd. That's where she sat for the rest of the contest making no impression from 1 1/2 furlongs out keeping on at one pace. Catherine Of Siena won the race beating Capital Guarantee by 5 lengths. 

 A top-class weekend begins with 8 races at Naas on Saturday where there are three main events. 

12.55: Pre-Order At Irishracingyearbook.com Fishery Lane Hurdle (Grade 3)

1: Fil Dor: A good juvenile hurdler last season who's wins included a Grade 2 at Leopardstown last Christmas. He found just Vauban too strong when second in three Grade one’s on his final starts of the campaign but can resume winning ways on his reappearance. 

1.30: Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle (Grade B)

2: Cash Back: Was a good second at Cork when last seen back in April. Despite being off 6 months that near miss should stand him in good stead. He makes a belated handicap hurdle debut here and with his stable in good form he can definitely make his presence felt in a big field. 

2.05: Barberstown Castle Poplar Square Chase (Grade 3)

1: Gentleman De Mee: Ended last season with a career best win in the Maghull Novices Chase at Aintree beating Edwardstone by 4 1/2 lengths. Despite not being seen since he has good claims here and with more improvement expected this season he can make a winning return. 

11/11/22 Dundalk

 After a second day off this week there are 8 races at Dundalk on Friday with two highlights. 

 4.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

6: Las Cuatro: A promising horse who was a good third on debut on this course 2 weeks ago. She ran on late that day and holds the edge on form. With improvement likely she gets the nod to open her account here.

6.45: William Hill Racing Radio Handicap. 

12: Ceallach: A horse who enjoys running here he got off the mark in July and was then a good second over this races distance when last seen a fortnight ago. He finished well and was unlucky not to win only going down by a neck. He likes this surface and should confirm his recent promise by getting back to winning ways. 

9/11/22 Results

 A decent Wednesday at Dundalk saw Oh Cleo finish 2nd, the 5/4 favourite led but was strongly pressed from a furlong out. She was passed close to home and had no extra allowing Navarra Pace to win by a neck. In the other race Superior Force was 3rd, the 7/1 chance was in midfield early sitting 6th two out. He was 4th soon after keeping on without threatening grabbing 3rd in the closing stages. Instrumental won beating Redsrone Well by a neck.

 It's another day off for Irish racing on Thursday however there are meetings at Newcastle, Market Rasen where the listed Bud Booth Mares Chase is the highlight, Taunton and Chelmsford. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Friday tips for the highlights will be up on Thursday night. 

9/11/22 Dundalk

 An excellent day at Fairyhouse on Tuesday saw both my picks win,in the opener Gateau De Miel was 4th at halfway making headway into 2nd three out. The 15/8 favourite travelled well to lead after the second last keeping on well on the run-in, he easily beat Politicise by 12 lengths. The 2.22 saw Eric Bloodaxe make all the running gaining a length lead at halfway. He asserted himself from 2 out keeping on well, the 4/6 favourite beat Captain Conby by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 Wednesday's meeting takes place at Dundalk where on an 8 race card two stand out.

2.45: Story Of Dundalk Stadium Book Available Online Maiden.

13: Oh Cleo: Was a promising 4th on debut at Navan 76 days ago. She led until 2 out there and with improvement expected she will definitely challenge and can open her account here.

4.15: irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap .

1: Superior Force: A consistent horse who was a creditable fifth at Bellewstown when last seen 77 days ago. He ran well towards the finish keeping on in the final furlong. He goes back down in class here off a career-low mark and has a good chance on form. He could be the answer with a good apprentice jockey taking off another 7lb so he gets the nod.

8/11/22 Fairyhouse

 After a rest day Irish racing begins it's week with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Tuesday with two features. 

12.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. 

3: Gateau De Miel: A useful chaser who was running well when he fell at the last in a handicap chase over course and distance 31 days ago. His stable is going well and he is the clear pick on form so this is an excellent chance for him to bounce back. 

2.22: 2023 Fairyhouse Membership Hurdle. 

2: Eric Bloodaxe: A good hurdler who was a Grade 2 winner last season. He took a step back in the right direction when second in a handicap hurdle on this course when last seen in April. This is his first run for Gordon Elliott and despite being off 6 months he gets the nod here. 

6/11/22 Results

 On a decent Sunday Yaxeni was 3rd, the 13/8 joint favourite led early but was challenged from 2 out. She was passed a furlong from the finish having no extra and dropping to 3rd inside the final furlong, the other joint favourite Duke De Sessa won the race beating Sunchart by a short head. In the Cork Grand National Recite A Prayer was also 3rd. The 11/2 favourite was in midfield making progress to sit 3rd three out. He made no impression before the last keeping on at one pace on the run-in, Captain Kangaroo won the race by 2 1/4 lengths. In the other race at Naas The Shunter was 4th, the 4/1 favourite made progress from 4 out moving into 4th inside the final furlong. Upfront Drop The Anchor beat My Mate Mozzie by a neck.

 After an excellent few days Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there is action at Kempton, Carlisle and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Fairyhouse on Tuesday tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night. 

6/11/22 Naas + Cork

 On Saturday at Down Royal both my picks were 4th, in the big Grade 1 Galvin was in touch until a mistake at the 11th. The 5/6 favourite recovered but made no impression from 2 out, he kept on at one pace allowing Envoi Allen to pull away and beat Kemboy by 1 3/4 lengths. The 3.07 saw Fighter Allen lead early but he was passed at the 5th. The 11/10 favourite challenged again from 4 out but had no extra sitting in 3rd two out. He dropped to 4th before the last while in an exciting finish Fury Road beat Delvino by a short head. 

 A Sunday double header sees 8 races at Naas and 7 at Cork where there are 3 main events.

Naas 2.57: Finale Stakes. 

3: Yaxeni: A useful mare who picked up her 3rd listed win of the season on this course 3 weeks ago. She kept on well under pressure to beat Term Of Endearment by 1/2 a length and she should be well up there again and make it 4.

Cork 3.13: Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase. 

4: Recite A Prayer: Picked up his latest win at Killarney in May and was back on form when finishing second in the Kerry National at Listowel when last seen 46 days ago. His trainer is having a good spell and he should put in another bold show here giving him the nod in a good field. 

Naas 3.27: Colm White Bookmaker November Handicap. 

4: The Shunter: A good winner on the flat and over hurdles who last tasted success at Sligo in May. He was 7th at Punchestown on his last outing 54 days ago although he was unsuited by the drop in trip. He makes his handicap debut over a more suitable distance and with further progress expected he is the pick.

5/11/22 Down Royal

 The best performance on an excellent Friday came from Pied Piper who won. The 1/8 favourite made all the running and despite a couple of mistakes he stayed on well easily beating David Garrick by 3 1/4 lengths. In the other race at Down Royal Nikini was 2nd. The 100/30 shot led for a second time 3 out but was challenged soon after. She regained the lead after the last but came under pressure inside the final furlong, she was passed close to home by Magical Zoe who won by a length. Over at Dundalk Smile Of Love finished 3rd. The 100/30 chance was in midfield early running on well from a furlong out. She went 3rd towards the finish while upfront Juncture comfortably won by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The weekend begins with 7 races on a second day at Down Royal on Saturday where 2 contests stand out.

2.32: Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1)

4: Galvin: Was second in this race last year before going on to beat A Plus Tard on the line in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December. Had the perfect preparation for this with a win in a Grade 3 at Punchestown last month and with that run under his belt he gets the nod here to go one better than 12 months ago. 

3.07: Eventsec Chase (Grade 2)

3: Fighter Allen: A promising horse who picked up his latest win at Tramore in April. He couldn't follow up when falling at Punchestown later in the same month but despite being off since then he is still a bright chasing prospect and can return to winning ways on his season reappearance. 

4/11/22 Down Royal + Dundalk

 Thursday saw differing results for my picks at Thurles, the best performance came from Demandrivingdouvan who won. The 1/4 favourite led after 6 furlongs and despite being challenged from 3 out he led again soon after asserting himself and keeping on well inside the final furlong. He beat Spitalfield by 2 1/2 lengths. In the other race First Dare finished 6th. The 9/1 shot was keen early but made progress to sit 4th before the straight. She had no extra from 2 out while upfront Global Equity beat Rebal Early by an easy 8 lengths. 

 A top-class double header rounds off the week with 7 races at Down Royal and 8 at Dundalk where there are 3 highlights. 

Down Royal 1.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

2: Nikini: Made it 2 from 2 over hurdles with a 1 1/4 length victory at Listowel when last seen 47 days ago. There is definitely more to come and she is the best of the 4 trained by Willie Mullins giving her the nod to give him his fifth win in this race since 2014.

Down Royal 2.05: WKD Hurdle (Grade 2)

2: Pied Piper: Has useful form on the flat including a 6th at Royal Ascot and he made a good impression on his return to this sphere when winning at Cheltenham last month. Definitely has more to offer and he is the one to beat here.

Dundalk 7.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cooley Fillies Stakes.

12: Smile Of Love: A progressive horse who is on a hat-trick after wins at Bellewstown in August and on this course a month ago. She should take the step up in class here in her stride giving her the vote. 

3/11/22 Thurles

 Wednesday was a decent day for both my picks at Dundalk,in the 3.00 Queen Maedbh won. The 4/6 favourite was 2nd at halfway travelling well to challenge from 2 out. She led soon after keeping on well in the final 150 yards to beat Catherine Of Siena by 2 3/4 lengths. The next saw Shadowed finish 3rd. The 1/1 favourite led early but dropped to second by halfway. He made no impression in the closing stages keeping on at one pace, Carracci won the race beating Farnborough by 1/2 a length. 

 Thurles stages seven races on Thursday with two features.

3.22: Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

7: First Dare: Showed improvement when winning on her hurdles debut at Tramore 3 weeks ago. She beat the favourite by a neck challenging in the closing stages and going up in trip here should suit. She definitely has more to offer now switching to handicapping and can follow up. 

4.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Flat Race.

1: Demandrivingdouvan: A promising horse who was second in a bumper on debut at Punchestown 159 days ago. Despite being no match for the winner there he may not need to improve to land this contest. He has been an easy point winner in his career and should open his rules account here.

2/11/22 Dundalk

 After a day off Irish racing begins it's November with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where two stand out.

3.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden. 

4: Queen Maedbh: A promising horse who made a good start when second at Leopardstown on debut in July. Despite being off 111 days there is definitely more to come on this her first run for Joseph O’Brien. She is the one to beat and she should get off the mark here.

3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

10: Shadowed: Showed improvement when a promising second behind current Epsom derby favourite Auguste Rodin at Naas when last seen 123 days ago. Further progress is definitely expected and he is hard to look past here as he aims to pick up his first career win.