26/2/23 Results

 Sunday's winner at Naas was Corbetts Cross, the 7/4 shot was 3rd early making headway into 2nd two out. He led soon after but was challenged at the last, he regained a narrow lead inside the final furlong staying on well close to home to beat Found A Fifty by a head. In the other big race Percy Warner was a non-runner, the contest was won by Limerick Lace who beat Jody Ted by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 After a decent weekend of action Irish racing takes a 3 day break. There are meetings at Plumpton, Ayr and Wolverhampton on Monday Leicester, Catterick and Southwell on Tuesday and Musselburgh, Lingfield, Wincanton and Kempton on Wednesday. The next Irish card is at Clonmel on Thursday tips for the highlights will be up on Wednesday night.

26/2/23 Naas

 An excellent Saturday at Fairyhouse saw both my picks win, in the 1.35 Zenta tracked the leaders early and was on terms 2 out. The 4/9 favourite led soon after gaining an increased advantage at the last. She pulled away on the run-in beating Hypotenus by 3 lengths. In the other Grade 3 Kemboy led early and was 5 lengths in front before the 12th. He had a reduced lead after a mistake 2 out but he kept on well under pressure on the run-in beating Vanillier by 1/2 a length. 

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

2.40: Barberstown Castle Novice Handicap Chase (Grade B)

3: Percy Warner: A promising horse who wore cheekpieces for the first time when 2nd here on handicap chase debut 4 weeks ago. He seemed to enjoy going up in trip and with improvement definitely expected he can go one better. 

3.40: Johnstown Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

1: Corbetts Cross: A good hurdler who easily won by 6 lengths at Fairyhouse when last seen 43 days ago. He has since moved to the yard of Emmet Mullins and with plenty more to offer he has a big shout on debut for his new trainer and can make it 3 from 4 over hurdles in what is an excellent renewal of this race. 

25/2/23 Fairyhouse

 Friday's best at Dundalk came from Curvature who was 2nd, the 1/1 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 4th at halfway. She challenged from 2 out disputing the lead soon after, she had every chance inside the final furlong but just failed to reach the winner Miss Caruso who came home by 1/2  a length. The other race saw Miss Mirabell finish 5th, the 7/2 shot was 2nd at halfway challenging for the lead 3 out. She moved to the front but was passed a furlong out and had no extra in the closing stages, Mulgrave won the contest by a neck.

 A good-looking 7 race card at Fairyhouse on Saturday kicks off the weekend with 2 features. 

1.35: Norman Colfer Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 3)

6: Zenta: A good hurdler in France who won a listed race at Auteuil when last seen back in September. She has since joined Willie Mullins and with improvement expected this exciting prospect can come out on top here.

3.55: Tote Fantasy Bobbyjo Chase (Grade 3)

6: Kemboy: A high-class chaser who has been a course winner in his career. His last outing was a 6th behind Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago. That was his 3rd grade one this season the others were second place finishes in the Champion Chase at Down Royal and the Savills Chase at Leopardstown. He has leading claims here dropping slightly down in class and he can take advantage. 

24/2/23 Dundalk

 In Thursday's big race at Thurles Sa Fureur won, the 5/6 favourite was 4th at halfway improving to 3rd three out. He challenged soon after leading narrowly approaching the last. He kept on well just holding on to beat Buddy One by a short head. In the other contest Johngus was a disappointing 10th, the 8/1 shot tracked the leaders early sitting 5th at halfway. He dropped to 7th three out and after a slight mistake at the next he had no extra. Upfront O Mio Babbino beat Cahirdown Boy by a length. 

 The week concludes with our regular Friday night trip to Dundalk where on an 8 race card there are 2 highlights. 

4.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

2: Curvature: A well-bred newcomer who was a good 4th over course and distance on debut 84 days ago. That was a promising start and with further improvement expected she can open her account here in what is a useful-looking contest. 

5.00: Crowne Plaza Dundalk Race & Stay Package Handicap. 

3: Miss Mirabell: Ran an excellent race to finish 3rd on her all-weather debut over course and distance when last seen at the beginning of December. She finished strongly despite suffering late interference and with the 4th and 5th finishers that day both winning since she gets the nod here to pick up her 2nd career win off the same mark.

23/2/23 Thurles

 The best performance on Wednesday at Punchestown came in the Grade 3 where Brandy Love finished 3rd. The 6/4 shot tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. She was 2nd two out but after a mistake at the last she made no impression dropping to 3rd close to home, Queens Brook won the race beating Anna Bunina by 4 1/2 lengths. In the earlier race Faulty failed to finish. The 11/8 favourite was still in with a chance when he stumbled and slipped up entering the straight, the race was won by the surprise 66/1 shot Connors Cross who beat Easy Fella by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 We move on to Thurles on Thursday were on a 7 race card two stand out. 

2.30: Thurles Racecourse (Q.R.) Handicap Chase. 

5: Johngus: A decent point winner who after finishing 2nd at Limerick in December saw his jumping issues return when 5th in a hunters chase at Clonmel when last seen 37 days ago. Despite this he tops the shortlist here off a reduced mark and he can pick up his first rules success just giving him the nod.

3.40: Markaye Contacts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle ( Grade 3)

2: Sa Fureur: A promising horse who picked up his career best win at Punchestown just over 3 weeks ago. He kept on the best in the final 100 yards coming home by 1/2 a length. With his trainer in good form and further progress expected he is the pick here as he aims to complete a hat-trick. 

22/2/23 Punchestown

 Irish racing returns on Wednesday with 8 races at Punchestown where they have 2 features. 

1.40: I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. 

5: Faulty: A promising horse who was a good 3rd on hurdles debut at Navan when last seen just 10 days ago. That performance showed he is ready for this longer trip and if he performes to the level he has so far then he will take some stopping as he aims to pick up his 1st career win.

2.15: Racing TV Quevega Mares Hurdle (Grade 3)

1: Brandy Love: Signed off last season with an impressive 8 length win in a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse back in April beating the excellent Love Envoi. Despite being off 10 months there should be even more to come and she will have been well prepared by Willie Mullins. She is a big player even with the weight penalty and should be hard to beat. 

19/2/23 Results

 A very poor Sunday at Punchestown saw Eabha Grace finish 7th, the 3/1 shot was in touch early sitting 2nd. She was 3rd at the 8th moving back into 2nd 3 out. She weakened quickly after that dropping down the field, upfront Hauturiere won beating Shecouldhavebeenanything by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other race Angels Dawn failed to finish unseating his rider 2 out. The contest went to Coko Beach who beat Death Duty by 5 1/2 lengths.

 After a good weekend of action Irish racing takes another two day break. There are meetings at Carlisle, Lingfield and Newcastle on Monday and Market Rasen, Taunton and Southwell on Tuesday. The next Irish card is a return to Punchestown on Wednesday tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night. 

19/2/23 Punchestown

Saturday's winner at Gowran Park was Janidil, the 7/2 chance was 4th early making progress to sit 3rd two out. He led before the last and despite not being fluent he kept on well beating Haut En Couleurs by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other graded race Sharjah finished 2nd. The 4/7 favourite recovered from a bad mistake at the 5th to sit 3rd three out. He challenged before the last keeping on well on the run-in without reaching Fil Dor who won by 1/2 a length. 

 Eight races take place at Punchestown on Sunday where two top the bill.

2.10: Quinnbet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade B)

9: Angels Dawn: Picked up a career best win at Down Royal 26 days ago beating Ballykeel by 1/2 a length. He arrives on the up and despite a 6lb rise he has to be taken seriously with this longer trip definitely a plus point, with a promising jockey on board he can follow up.

2.40: Apple's Jade Mares Novice Hurdle. 

3: Eabha Grace: A horse going in the right direction who won a maiden hurdle on this course when last seen 34 days ago. She was unchallenged all the way asserting herself before 2 out and going clear to easily come home by 30 lengths. She should continue her progress here taking the step up in grade in her stride and win again. 

18/2/23 Gowran Park

 An excellent Friday at Dundalk saw both my picks win, in the 4.25 Vanguard Star led after a furlong and despite being challenged 1 1/2 from the finish he kept on well asserting himself in the closing stages beating Almendares by 3 1/2 lengths. In the later race Cash Out disputed the lead early challenging from 2 out. The 5/4 favourite led narrowly soon after staying on inside the final furlong to beat Miami Thunder by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 It's Red Mills day at Gowran Park on Saturday where there are 2 main events.

2.17: Red Mills Trial Hurdle (Grade 3)

1: Sharjah: A good hurdler who at the age of 10 might not be the force he once was but he has run well in two Grade one’s this season. A second in the Morgiana at Punchestown was followed up by a 3rd in the Matheson at Leopardstown over Christmas. Those performances have showed enough to make him the one to beat here.

3.27: Red Mills Chase (Grade 2)

5: Janidil: A very smart chaser who hasn't been seen at his best on his last two starts. He failed to complete at Fairyhouse and was pulled up at the 11th in the Punchestown Gold Cup when last seen 9 months ago. Despite those poor runs he goes well fresh and if back to anything like his best he has a big chance for a trainer looking to win this race for a 3rd year in a row.

17/2/23 Dundalk

 The only runner at Clonmel on Thursday was Bonnie Kellie who finished 3rd, the 5/2 shot was in touch sitting 6th at halfway. She improved to be 3rd entering the straight but she made no impression before the last. She had no extra on the run-in keeping on at one pace allowing Whiskywealth to beat Joy Of Life by 2 1/4 lengths. In the Grade 3 Corbetts Cross was a non-runner in a race won by Monty's Star.

 We round off the week with another Friday meeting at Dundalk where they have 2 highlights. 

4.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

6: Vanguard Star: A lightly-raced horse who was an excellent 3rd in a nursery on this course when last seen back in October. Despite being off 119 days and wearing a tongue strap for the 1st time he has leading claims and is just the pick for a stable in good form. 

6.00: Dundalk Stadium Maiden. 

3: Cash Out: A promising horse who put his debut run behind him when 2nd over course and distance a week ago. He was unlucky only going down by a short head after being passed on the line and with improvement expected another performance like that may be enough and he should take all the beating here. 

16/2/23 Clonmel

 Wednesday's best performance at Dundalk came from Bowerman who was 2nd, the 2/1 favourite was slowly away but recovered to sit 5th at halfway. He found himself short of room from 2 out and was 4th from a furlong out. He kept on strongly in the closing stages but he couldn't reach the winner Elzaam Blue who came home by a neck. In the days other race Pub Talk finished 3rd, the 7/1 shot was 3rd early and had every chance from a furlong out. He kept on without reaching the front two allowing Malacanne to beat Bright Dick by a neck.

 Clonmel stages Thursday's meeting where on an 8 race card 2 stand out.

2.15: Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

2: Corbetts Cross: A promising horse who picked up his career best win in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse when last seen 33 days ago. He had plenty in hand beating Martha Divine by 6 lengths and with more to offer he should take this step up in class in his stride on his hat-trick bid.

4.30: Grange Novice Handicap Chase. 

3: Bonnie Kellie: A decent individual who picked up her latest win at Limerick in December. She has finished runner-up here either side of that performance including over this races distance 30 days ago. Despite losing by 3 1/4 lengths she is still unexposed in this sphere and she has a good chance to get back to winning ways. 

15/2/23 Dundalk

 After 2 days rest Irish racing returns on Wednesday with 8 contests at Dundalk and 2 features. 

 3.25: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap. 

3: Pub Talk: A course and distance winner back in November who was 6th behind Malacanne here 19 days ago. Despite having no extra in the closing stages that day he enjoys this course and should be judged on his second place finish at the beginning of this year. He has a good chance on form and can resume winning ways. 

5.10: View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

3: Bowerman: A three-time course and distance winner who's last victory came here 12 days ago. He led narrowly in the final 100 yards beating the favourite Firstman by 1/2 a length with the reopposing Dalvey in 3rd. Despite a weight rise he races off a handy-looking mark and can follow up. 

12/2/23 Results

 The only winner on Sunday at Navan was Churchstonewarrior, the 9/4 shot was always prominent leading from 3 out. He made a slight mistake at the next but stayed on well under pressure on the run-in beating Mahler Mission by 3/4 of a length. In the other race Saint Sam was a disappointing 5th, the 1/1 favourite was up with the leaders early but dropped to the rear of midfield at the 4th. He made a slight mistake 4 out which dropped him to 6th and another mistake 2 out ended any hope and he made no further impression. Upfront Blazing Khal won the race beating Meet And Greet by 3 lengths a successful return after 428 days off due to injury. 

 After another excellent weekend Irish racing takes a 2 day break. Meetings do take place at Plumpton, Catterick and Wolverhampton on Monday and Lingfield, Ayr and Newcastle on Tuesday. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Wednesday tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

12/2/23 Navan

 A good Saturday at Naas saw Hands Of Gold win, the 15/8 favourite was 2nd early but after a slight mistake 3 out he sat 3rd entering the straight. He led before the last and despite being challenged he stayed on well beating Purse Price by 3 1/4 lengths. In the big listed race Dinoblue finished 2nd,the 4/5 favourite was prominent sitting in 2nd entering the straight. She wasn't fluent from 2 out and made no impression in the final 100 yards allowing Magic Daze to pull away and win by 3 3/4 lengths. 

 An 8 race card at Navan on Sunday sees 2 highlights. 

2.40: William Hill Boyne Hurdle (Grade 2)

9: Saint Sam: A smart chaser who returned after 8 months off to win a hurdle at Punchestown by a comfortable 6 1/2 lengths 43 days ago. He still has plenty more to show over hurdles and can begin to do that here by following up.

3.40: William Hill Ten Up Novice Chase (Grade 2)

2: Churchstonewarrior: A good horse who was a creditable 2nd behind Gaillard Du Mesnil in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown 45 days ago. That was his 3rd runner-up finish in a sphere he has taken to well. He holds leading claims here and can pick up a deserved first chase win at the 4th time of asking. 

11/2/23 Naas

 An excellent Friday at Dundalk saw both my picks win, in the 4.25 Harry's Bar sat 2nd early moving into the lead a furlong out. The 8/11 favourite kept on well inside the final furlong comfortably beating San Andreas by 1 3/4 lengths. In the other race Stormy Entry tracked the leaders and was 4th at halfway. The 7/4 shot improved to 3rd a furlong out keeping on Strongly to lead on the line beating Cash Out by a short head. 

 A decent weekend begins with 7 races at Naas on Saturday with 2 main events.

1.40: Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle. 

1: Hands Of Gold: A fair hurdler who picked up a career best win at Gowran Park 16 days ago, he comfortably beat Purse Price and Della Casa Lunga both of whom reoppose here and with further improvement likely he can do so again and follow up. 

3.25: BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase.

4: Dinoblue: A promising horse who achieved a career best when second behind Impervious in a Grade 2 at Cork 62 days ago. She pulled clear of the rest there and with more to come over fences she is the pick here and the best of the Willie Mullins duo as the prolific trainer aims to take this race again.

10/2/23 Dundalk

 At Thurles on Thursday Saldier won, the 4/9 favourite disputed the lead after the 3rd reaching the front before the 5th. He had an increased advantage 2 out but saw that reduced at the last, he kept on well on the run-in beating Solness by 2 1/4 lengths. In the 3.15 Spanish Harlem was 2nd, the 8/11 favourite challenged early but he was passed before the 5th. He recovered from a slight mistake at the next to challenge for a 2nd time at the last. He kept on well but couldn't reach the winner Riaan who came home by 1/2 a length. 

 We round off the week with another Friday trip to Dundalk where on an 8 race card 2 stand out.

4.25: Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Race.

1: Harry's Bar: A smart horse who picked up 3 wins from 8 runs last year. He was a good 4th behind Summerghand in a listed contest at Lingfield when last seen 90 days ago and this 3-time course and distance winner tops the shortlist here.

6.00: Dundalk Winter Series Leading Trainer & Jockey Championship Race.

1: Stormy Entry: A promising runner who got off the mark on this course 23 days ago. He comfortably beat Miami Thunder by 1/2 a length and with further progress definitely on the cards he should go well again and follow up. 

9/2/23 Thurles

 A good day at Fairyhouse on Wednesday saw both my picks finish 2nd, in the 1.45 Minella Crooner chased the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. The 8/13 favourite went 2nd two out keeping on but making no impression on the winner Velvet Elvis who came home by 3 1/2 lengths. In the next One Last Tango was 3rd early making headway travelling well and moving into 2nd approaching two out. The 1/1 favourite challenged after the last but couldn't reach the winner Henning who held on to take the race by 1/2 a length. 

 Thursday's meeting takes place at Thurles where there are two features on a 7 race card.

1.30: Horse & Jockey Beginners Chase. 

7: Saldier: A decent hurdler who was a below form 6th behind Home By The Lee in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown when last seen 43 days ago. He goes back down in trip on this his chase debut and if he takes to the sphere he should be too good for this field for a trainer who won this race 12 months ago. 

3.15: Leugh Rated Novice Hurdle. 

1: Spanish Harlem: A promising horse who is progressing well including a good second at Fairyhouse 2 weeks ago. Despite being beaten by the excellent Three Card Brag he is open to improvement and is a big player who can pick up his second career win here in what is a decent looking contest. 

8/2/23 Fairyhouse

 After 2 days off Irish racing returns on Wednesday with 8 contests at Fairyhouse where we have two highlights. 

1.45: Fairyhouse Easter Festival 8th-10th April Rated Chase.

2: Minella Crooner: Picked up his latest win here in December but was a bit below form when 3rd behind Impervious in a novice chase at Punchestown 24 days ago. He was unsuited by the shorter trip there but this test should be more to his liking and he can return to winning ways. 

2.20: Book Your Easter Early Bird Tickets Now Rated Novice Hurdle. 

1: One Last Tango: A useful hurdler who has two wins from six runs this season his latest came at Wexford in October. He came up short on his hat-trick bid when 3rd at Leopardstown 43 days ago but despite that he looks like just the one to beat back in novice company. 

5/2/23 Results

 Sunday's winner at Leopardstown was Mighty Potter, the 1/1 favourite recovered from a mistake at the 6th to sit 2nd at halfway. He led from 2 out gaining a 2 length advantage before the last. He stayed on strongly to beat Adamantly Chosen by 8 1/2 lengths, he was immediately made the 6/4 favourite for the Turners Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. In the 2.10 Blue Lord was 2nd, the 1/4 favourite made a mistake 2 out but sat 2nd entering the straight. He made no impression on the run-in keeping on at one pace allowing Gentleman De Mee to win by 7 lengths. There was no fairytale in the Irish Champion Hurdle where Honeysuckle finished 2nd, the 11/8 shot was 2nd at halfway and despite a mistake 3 out she was soon pressing the leader. Sadly she made no impression before the last with State Man pulling away to win by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 After an exciting weekend Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Fontwell, Carlisle and Wolverhampton on Monday and Market Rasen, Taunton and Wolverhampton on Tuesday. The next Irish card is at Fairyhouse on Wednesday tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night.

5/2/23 Leopardstown

 Our one winner on Saturday was Galopin Des Champs, the 30/100 favourite ran well and was always in touch sitting 2nd entering the straight. He disputed the lead at the last taking over at the front soon after, he stayed on strongly inside the final furlong comfortably beating Stattler by 8 lengths afterwards he was quoted at 7/4 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. In the other races Lossiemouth was 2nd, the 1/3 favourite didn't travel well until the last where she moved into 2nd. She kept on but couldn't reach Gala Marceau who won by 2 1/2 lengths and Appreciate It was 3rd. The 11/8 favourite tracked the leaders disputing 2nd at the last. He made no impression on the run-in losing 2nd on the line, El Fabiolo won the race by an easy 10 lengths. 

 The Dublin Racing Festival reaches it’s climax at Leopardstown on Sunday where 3 more Grade One’s take centre stage. 

1.40: Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1)

6: Mighty Potter: Put in an outstanding performance when completing a hat-trick in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse when last seen 63 days ago. He beat the reaposing Gaillard Du Mesnil by 4 1/2 lengths and with further progress expected this exciting prospect sets a high standard and should make it 4.

2.10: Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1)

1: Blue Lord: A top-class horse who's only defeat in 7 fences starts came when he was 3rd in the Arkle at Cheltenham last season. He established himself in this sphere when winning the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase over course and distance 6 weeks ago making him the one to beat for a trainer who has won every running of this race.

3.10: Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

6: Honeysuckle: A fantastic mare who lost her unbeaten record when 3rd behind Teahupoo in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse on her return in December. She has won this race 3 times and can definitely bounce back and take this for a 4th time.

4/2/23 Leopardstown

 A very poor Friday at Dundalk saw Surac finish 12th, the 7/2 shot was never really in touch making no impression from 2 out keeping on at one pace while upfront Barretstown won beating Clever Capall by a head. In the other race Seattle Creek was a non-runner in a contest won by Bowerman.

 One of the biggest weekends in the Irish racing calendar begins on Saturday with day 1 of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown where 3 Grade one’s stand out.

1.55: Donohue Marquees Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)

8: Lossiemouth: An exciting prospect who made it 3 from 3 when taking the Knight Frank over course and distance 40 days ago. She comfortably beat another in this field her stablemate Gala Marceau by 7 1/2 lengths and is the one to beat here.

2.30: Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

1: Appreciate It: A highly promising individual who has made an excellent start over fences picking up a career best win at Naas 27 days ago. He easily came home by 21 lengths and should take all the beating here as he attempts to achieve a hat-trick in this sphere. 

3.05: Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)

4: Galopin Des Champs: An excellent hurdler who is an even better chaser winning his 3rd Grade 1 when taking the John Durkan at Punchestown on his return in December. That was his fifth Grade 1 overall and he will be very hard to beat on his way to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

3/2/23 Dundalk

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Friday with our second visit of the week to Dundalk where on an 8 race card there are 2 features. 

6.30: Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

4: Seattle Creek: Made a good return to form when a creditable 2nd over course and distance on handicap debut when last seen 63 days ago. He is only 1lb higher here and tops the shortlist as he aims to go one better. 

7.30: Follow Us On Twitter @DundalkStadium Handicap (Div 2)

2: Surac: Has had a decent campaign over hurdles which included a good 3rd at Punchestown back in October. He returns to the flat to make his polytrack debut and should transfer that form making him a big player here.

1/2/23 Results

 February began with a winner at Dundalk on Wednesday, Cooler led early but was passed after 2 furlongs. The 5/4 favourite regained the lead 3 out staying on well in the final furlong he beat Segomo by 2 3/4 lengths. The other contest saw Hodd's Girl finish 4th,the 11/4 shot recovered from a poor start soon sitting 5th. She dropped to 6th 2 out but improved slightly a furlong out, she had no extra in the closing stages while upfront Tosen Wish won by 3/4 of a length. 

 After the midweek action Irish racing takes a break on Thursday, meetings do take place at Southwell, Wincanton, Fakenham and the evening races at Chelmsford. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Friday tips for the 2 highlights will be up on Thursday night.