1/4/23 Bellewstown

 Friday's best came at Dundalk where Lightening Army was 2nd, the 100/30 shot travelled well sitting 3rd two out. He moved into 2nd soon after keeping on well in the final furlong without troubling the winner Buyin Buyin who came home by 3 lengths. Over at Wexford Glamorgan Duke came 5th, the 5/1 chance led early but was passed before the 5th. He was 2nd at halfway but a slight mistake 3 out dropped him to 3rd, he sat 5th before the last and had no extra on the run-in. Upfront Charlie Stout beat Darver Star by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 April begins with 7 races at Bellewstown on Saturday where 2 headline the card.

1.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

10: Fast Tara: Improved on her debut when 3rd at Dundalk on her last outing in October. This stiffer test of stamina should suit and despite being off 176 days she has shown enough in her two runs to suggest she can take this on her return. 

3.05: His Majesty's Cup Rated Race.

6: Sam's Xpress: A promising horse who arrives in good form after picking up a career best win at Dundalk 16 days ago. He travelled well coming home by an easy 3 3/4 lengths and another performance like that may be enough here. He should be well up there again and is the pick as he looks to complete a quick-fire hat-trick. 

31/3/23 Dundalk & Wexford

 An excellent Thursday saw both my picks win, at Naas Troubled Times led early but was challenged entering the straight. The 6/4 favourite kept on well from the last beating Chautuaqua by 2 1/2 lengths. Over at Limerick Alpesh Amin made early progress sitting 2nd at the 9th. The 4/11 favourite improved to lead before 2 out where he was challenged, he led narrowly at the last keeping on best under pressure to beat Teesconponentsyess by a neck.

 Two more meetings take place on Friday night with 7 races at both Dundalk and Wexford with two features. 

Dundalk 5.30: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

4: Lightening Army: A horse having his first run who comes from a decent family. He is a half-brother to 3 race winners including Blue Sky Dreamer and Mostaqqer with his sister being Group 2 victor Revenue. With those connections he will be more than ready and can make this a winning debut. 

Wexford 6.10: Arctic Tack Stud Veterans Handicap Chase. 

4: Glamorgan Duke: Wasn't seen at his best when pulled up 4 out in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival 17 days ago. That run can be overlooked and he should be judged on his performance in a Grade A at the Dublin Racing Festival back in February where he finished 2nd. He should find it easier in these calmer waters making him a big player who can bounce back. 

30/3/23 Naas & Limerick

 Wednesday's winner at Navan was Gooloogong, the 5/2 favourite led after a furlong asserting himself from 2 out. He was 3 lengths clear soon after keeping on well inside the final furlong beating Nation's Call by 2 1/4 lengths. In the earlier race Okita Soushi was a non-runner in a contest won by French Claim who beat Taipan by 7 1/2 lengths. 

 A Thursday double header sees 7 races at both Naas and Limerick with 2 standing out. 

Naas: 2.32: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

14: Troubled Times: Has won twice in her career the last being a listed race at Gowran Park on her previous outing in September. She came home by 3 1/4 lengths that day and with further improvement expected she can open her account in this sphere and build on her promise. 

Limerick 4.00: Molly's Late Bar Handicap Hurdle. 

9: Alpesh Amin: A promising horse who picked up his only career win on this course in December. He followed that up with a good 4th on handicap debut at Thurles 17 days ago and with more to come he should be well up there again giving him the vote. 

29/3/23 Navan

 After two days off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Navan on Wednesday where they have 2 highlights. 

 2.50: Navan Racecourse Race.

1: Okita Soushi: A good horse who picked up his second win of this year at Dundalk when last seen 33 days ago. Going significantly back up in trip here shouldn’t be a problem and another bold showing is definitely on the cards as he bids for an early year hat-trick.

4.00: navanracecourse.ie Maiden. 

3: Gooloogong: Made an encouraging debut when fifth at Dundalk back in November. He showed then he may need a stiffer test and he should get that here upped in trip taking a big step forward. Despite being off 145 days he will definitely improve and gets the vote for a trainer who won this with Stone Age 12 months ago on his way to the Epsom Derby. 

26/3/23 Results

 A good day saw two of my tips win, at Limerick Thedevilscoachman was always in touch despite not having a fluent round of jumping. The 11/8 favourite challenged at the last leading soon after asserting himself in the final 100 yards beating Grandero Bello by 2 1/2 lengths, after his victory he was made the 5/1 favourite for the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. The other win was at Naas where Paddington was 4th at halfway improving to lead from a furlong out. He kept on well in the closing stages to beat Duke Of Leggagh by 1 3/4 lengths. In the second Naas race Self Belief was 3rd, the 9/4 shot was 5th at halfway making headway to sit 2nd a furlong out. He dropped to 3rd in the final 150 yards leaving Visualisation to beat Sunchart by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 After Sunday's top-class action Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Wincanton, Lingfield and Wolverhampton on Monday and Huntingdon, Hexham and Wolverhampton on Tuesday. The next Irish card is at Navan on Wednesday tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

26/3/23 Limerick & Naas

 The flat season didn't get off to a good start with the best performance at The Curragh coming from Kerkiyra who was 3rd. The 11/1 shot was in midfield finding herself short of room from 2 out. She went 4th a furlong from the finish moving into 3rd in the closing stages keeping on without threatening the winner Insinuendo who beat Redressed by 1 1/2 lengths. In the Irish Lincolnshire Carrytheone finished 11th, the 15/2 chance was always at the rear making no impression from a furlong out. Upfront Lattam beat Saltonstall by a short head. 

 A Sunday double header sees 7 races at Limerick and 8 at Naas with 3 main events.

Limerick 3.25: Way To Paris At Coolagown Stud Hugh Mcmahon Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

1: Thedevilscoachman: A decent winner over hurdles who got back on track when taking a Grade 3 at Naas 56 days ago, he crossed the line 2nd but was subsequently promoted. Despite Conceding weight to the rest of the field he has strong claims in what is a good-looking contest.

Naas 3.45: Irish Racing Writers Carmel Kirwan And Loretta O'Hanlon Memorial Madrid Handicap. 

3: Paddington: A promising horse who left his debut well behind when winning a maiden at The Curragh on his last outing in October. He went clear 2 out staying on in the final furlong to impressively come home by 5 lengths. With more to come this season he can follow up here on handicap debut. 

Naas 4.20: Plusvital Devoy Stakes.

1: Self Belief: Doubled his career tally when taking a listed race at Leopardstown back in October. He beat Kerkiyra by a head and despite being off 162 days further improvement is likely and he can follow up here.

25/3/23 The Curragh

 The best performance on Friday at Dundalk came from Heartrate who was 3rd, the 5/2 favourite tracked the leaders early sitting 2nd at halfway. He led briefly from 2 out but was passed soon after. He kept on at one pace inside the final furlong allowing Sea Chariot to pull away and beat Artemis Jones by 1/2 a length. In the 8.00 Jaafel finished 6th in a race won by She's In The Game who beat Benavente by 2 3/4 lengths.

 The Irish flat season gets underway with 8 races at The Curragh on Saturday where 2 take centre stage. 

3.25: Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire. 

4: Carrytheone: A horse who has won here in his career and was last seen finishing a good 6th over course and distance back in June. He needed a stronger gallop that day and can get that here,he can improve on his fifth placed finish in this last year and win it for a yard who have tasted victory this contest and can again.

3.57: Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (Group 3)

5: Kerkiyra: A useful filly who picked up 2 wins from 5 runs last year her latest was on this course in September. She was a good 2nd behind Self Belief in a listed race at Leopardstown on her last outing in October and despite being off 161 days she can continue her progress and take this even though she goes up in class.

24/3/23 Dundalk

 Our only winner at Cork on Thursday was Blizzard Of Oz, the 5/4 favourite was 2nd four out disputing the lead for a second time soon after. He travelled well to lead from two out asserting himself in the closing stages to beat Any Road by 3 lengths. In the other race West Breeze failed to finish. The 4/1 shot led entering the straight but was strongly pressed from 3 out, he made a mistake at the next where he fell. The contest went to Waittillitellyou who beat Wowsham by 4 lengths. 

 Dundalk is the destination on Friday night for 8 races with two features. 

7.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

2: Heartrate: Returned from 6 months off to finish a good second here 3 weeks ago. He led until the final furlong losing by 1 1/4 lengths after being hampered. Going up to 7 furlongs here should suit and with improvement likely he gets the nod. 

8.00: Sky Bet Handicap. 

4: Jaafel: A decent horse who picked up a career best win on this course when last seen a month ago. That was his 3rd win here and with more to offer on this his debut for Adrian McGuinness a trainer in good recent form his excellent record should continue and he can definitely follow up.

23/3/23 Cork

 After a day off Irish racing returns at Cork on Thursday where on a 7 race card two stand out.

3.50: Conway's Yard 'Egg and Spoon' Handicap Hurdle. 

12: West Breeze: Picked up his career best win at Clonmel when last seen 35 days ago. He was clear entering the straight and despite his lead being reduced he came home by 4 1/4 lengths. He goes up in trip here giving him good claims and even with an 8lb weight rise he can follow up. 

5.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Pro/Am) Auction Flat Race.

5: Blizzard Of Oz: Has run well on all 3 of his starts his latest was a 2nd at Limerick 51 days ago. His form shows he is more than capable of taking this and with more improvement expected he should go well again and get off the mark at the 4th attempt. 

21/3/23 Results

 On Tuesday at Clonmel Bachasson won, the 4/7 favourite was 3rd after the 2nd and despite not being fluent at the 10th he improved to challenge 3 out. He made headway to lead before the next asserting himself approaching the last, he kept on well easily beating My Design by 7 lengths. The other pick Rolly Bowley Boy failed to finish. The 2/1 favourite led after the 2nd but had a reduced advantage from 2 out where he made a mistake and fell. The race went to Johngus who beat Clounts Pride by 17 lengths. 

 After a good Tuesday Irish racing takes a break on Wednesday however there are meetings at Ffos Las, Warwick and Haydock. The next Irish card is at Cork on Thursday tips for the features will be up on Wednesday night.

21/3/23 Clonmel

 Monday's winner at Navan was Any Second Now, the 5/4 favourite was up with the leaders challenging for a second time 2 out. He led before the last staying on well on the run-in to beat Velvet Elvis by 7 lengths. In the other race Slip Of The Tongue was a poor 8th, the 5/1 shot was at the rear sitting 11th 3 out. He made no impression from the next and was never a factor. The contest went to Better Times Ahead who beat Galon De Vauzelle by 4 lengths. 

 Seven races take place at Clonmel on Tuesday where there are 2 highlights. 

4.15: Kilmanahan Beginners Chase. 

5: Rolly Bowley Boy: A fair hurdler who's last win was on this course in January. He was a respectable 4th in a handicap hurdle at Gowran Park when last seen 10 days ago and despite this being his chase debut he is a big player on form and can make it a winning one.

4.50: Suir Blueway Chase.

2: Bachasson: A very smart chaser who picked up a career best win in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park on his last outing in March 2021. He easily beat Castlegrace Paddy by 16 lengths that day and despite being off over two years this classy 12 year old should have too much for this field. He can make it 6 wins in a row and reclaim a race he last took in 2020.

20/3/23 Navan

 The top-class action that should have taken place at Navan on March 10th now begins a new week where on a 7 race card there are 2 features. 

3.25: Webster Cup Chase (Grade 2)

1: Any Second Now: An excellent chaser who has been a course winner in his career. He was a good 4th behind Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown when last seen 44 days ago and he is the one to beat here in what should be his final warm up race before another go at the Grand National. 

3.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final (Grade B)

3: Slip Of The Tongue: A useful hurdles winner who upped his game in this sphere when 3rd at Gowran Park a month ago. With more to offer on this his handicap chase debut and going up in trip he just gets the nod. 

18/3/23 Results

 Saturday's winner at Thurles was Flame Bearer, the 11/10 favourite was 2nd at halfway leading from 3 out. He drew clear in the straight keeping on well to easily beat Upping The Anti by 13 lengths. In the 3.40 Quirke's Gate was 4th. The 1/1 favourite was 3rd approaching the straight but dropped to 4th after a mistake 2 out. He made no impression at the last leaving Tophill Low to beat Free Flowing by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 After Saturday's action Irish racing takes a break on Sunday, meetings do take place at Chepstow and Carlisle. The next Irish card is a top-class affair at Navan on Monday tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night. 

18/3/23 Thurles

 The Cheltenham Festival ended on a high note with two of my picks winning, in the Triumph Lossiemouth was 5th early making headway from 3 out. She led turning for home going clear on the run-in easily beating Gala Marceau by 2 1/4 lengths. In the big race of the day Galopin Des Champs wasn't fluent but began to challenge after the 16th. The 7/5 favourite improved to lead at the last staying on strongly and drawing clear in the final 150 yards beating Bravemansgame by 7 lengths. The other pick Corbetts Cross failed to finish,the 9/4 favourite had every chance when he ran out at the last. Stay Away Fay took the race beating Affordale Fury by a length. At Down Royal Pencilfulloflead was a non-runner in a race won by Longhouse Poet. 

 After the excitement of Cheltenham a quiet Irish racing weekend begins with 7 races at Thurles on Saturday where two stand out. 

2.30: Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

4: Flame Bearer: A smart hurdler who kicked off his year with an easy 38 length win in a beginners chase at Fairyhouse in January. He hasn't been seen at his best in two graded races since but this will be only his fifth start for Willie Mullins so it's early days and he is worth another chance here. 

3.40: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. 

10: Quirke's Gate: Has had 3 hurdles starts all this year with his best performance being a 2nd at Naas in January. He was last seen finishing fifth at Leopardstown 12 days ago in a race where he wasn't disgraced and he has shown enough to suggest he can take this.

17/3/23 Cheltenham + Down Royal

 Thursday was a better day for my picks at Cheltenham with the best performance coming from Shishkin who was 2nd. The 1/1 favourite was at the rear early making a mistake at the 6th. He made headway soon after but made another mistake 3 out. He recovered staying on well on the run-in going 2nd close to home without troubling the winner Envoi Allen who came home by 2 3/4 lengths. There was controversy in the Stayers Hurdle with Teahupoo crossing the line in 3rd but he was then promoted to 2nd after the original runner-up Dashel Drasher was deemed by the stewards to have caused interference at the last denying Teahupoo 2nd. In the other race Mighty Potter was 3rd in race won by Stage Star who beat Notlongtillmay by 3 1/4 lengths,in the contest at Dundalk Catherine Of Siena finished 2nd.

 Friday is the last day of the Cheltenham festival where 3 final Grade one’s headline the card.

1.30: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

14: Lossiemouth: An exciting horse who beat her stablemate the reopposing Gala Marceau by 7 1/2 lengths at Leopardstown over Christmas completing a hat-trick. She would have beaten her again if it wasn’t for interference at the same track last month but with more to come she can show why she is one of the best and get back to winning ways. 

2.50: Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (Grade 1)

3: Corbetts Cross: Showed more improvement when winning a Grade 2 at Naas last month on his first start for Emmet Mullins. He led inside the final furlong just holding on to beat Found A Fifty by a head. He definitely hasn't reached his full potential yet which puts him top of the shortlist and he can make it 4 in a row here.

3.30: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)

6: Galopin Des Champs: Was unlucky not to win the Turners here 12 months ago falling at the last when 11 lengths in front. He recovered to win the John Durkan at Punchestown in December and proved how good he is over 3 miles when beating Stattler by 8 lengths in the Irish Gold Cup last month. Despite this race being 2f longer he will be hard to beat. 

There is also racing at Down Royal where the main event is at 3.50 and my pick is number 6 Pencilfulloflead.

16/3/23 Cheltenham + Dundalk

 After a brilliant day 1 Wednesday at Cheltenham didn't go as well, the best performance came from Gerri Colombe who was 2nd. The 5/4 favourite chased the leaders and despite not being fluent at the 9th he stayed on well on the flat. He went 2nd in the final 75 yards just failing to reach the winner The Real Whacker who came home by a short head. In the other races Edwardstone was 5th and Hermes Allen finished 6th.

 Day 3 at Cheltenham sees three more Grade 1 highlights. 

1.30: Turners Novices Chase (Grade 1)

6: Mighty Potter: A top-class hurdler who has been hugely impressive over fences this season. He won a Grade 1 novice chase at Leopardstown last month beating Adamantly Chosen by 8 1/2 lengths completing a hat-trick. Further progress is expected making him the one to beat. 

2.50: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)

9: Shishkin: Despite being disappointing in the Queen Mother 12 months ago he enjoys this festival having won the Supreme in 2020 and the Arkle in 2021. He showed he was back to his best with an easy 16 length victory in the Ascot Chase last month with the step up in trip suiting. He is definitely up with the chasing elite again and can prove that by picking up his 3rd festival win here.

3.50: Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

11: Teahupoo: An excellent hurdler who achieved a career best win in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in December. Despite a 9lb penalty he followed up in good style taking a Grade 2 at Gowran Park and with the longer trip here not an issue he can complete a hat-trick. 

There is also racing at Dundalk where the main event is at 6.50 with the pick being number 3 Catherine Of Siena. 

15/3/23 Cheltenham

 An excellent first day saw all 3 of my picks win,in the 2.10 El Fabiolo travelled well leading narrowly from 2 out. He was 3 lengths in front at the last staying on well on the run-in to beat Jonbon by 5 1/2 lengths. The Champion Hurdle saw Constitution Hill track the leaders moving to the front 3 out. He quickened away before the last impressively beating State Man by 9 lengths. In the final Grade 1 there wasn't a dry eye in the house as Honeysuckle won what was her last race. The 9/4 joint favourite put in a challenge at the last leading for a second time on the flat. She stayed on beating Love Envoi by 1 1/2 lengths.

 Another 3 Grade one’s take centre stage at Cheltenham on Wednesday. 

1.30: Ballymore Novices Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: Hermes Allen: Made it 3 from 3 in this sphere with an excellent performance in the Challow at Newbury on New Year’s Eve beating You Wear It Well by 4 3/4 lengths. This top prospect will continue to improve and should take plenty of beating as he aims to make it 4.

2.10: Brown Advisory Novices Chase (Grade 1)

4: Gerri Colombe: Remained unbeaten when winning the Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown last month, he jumped well easily beating Balco Coastal by 1 3/4 lengths. There is definitely more to come and he should be suited by the longer trip. This is a highly competitive race but he should make a bold bid as he attempts to keep his record. 

3.30: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

3: Edwardstone: A good horse who won five in a row last season including the Arkle here. Continued his top-class form when winning the Tingle Creek on his return but then suffered a rare jumping blip when 2nd in the Clarence House Chase in January. Despite that expect a good performance and a return to winning ways. 

14/3/23 Cheltenham

 Monday's winner at Thurles was Mylestown Upper, the 9/2 shot sat 3rd before the 6th but after a mistake he dropped to 5th 3 out. He recovered to be on terms before the last leading on the run-in, he kept on best to beat Gali Flight by 2 1/4 lengths. In the other race Champella was 6th, the 9/2 chance was at the rear early sitting 10th at the 7th. She made some progress before 2 out but weakened before the last. The race went to Papal Lodge who beat Whatsavailable by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 The eyes of the racing world including this blog will rightly be focused on the Cheltenham Festival from Tuesday and in my opinion on day 1 three races stand out.

2.10: Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase (Grade 1)

3: El Fabiolo: A smart novice hurdler last season who was 2nd to another in this field Jonbon in an Aintree Grade 1, he has impressed winning both starts this term including beating Bainbridge by 10 lengths in the Irish version of this race at Leopardstown last month. He has leading claims for a yard looking to win this for a 5th time since 2015.

3.30: Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

1: Constitution Hill: A brilliant horse who won the Supreme here 12 months ago. He showed why he is one of the best hurdlers around when easily beating Epatante in both the Fighting Fifth and last time in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. He is by far the best in this field and cannot be opposed. 

4.10: Close Brothers Mares Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: Honeysuckle: An outstanding mare who was unbeaten in 16 runs including taking this race and two Champion Hurdle's. Despite losing her winning record in the Hatton’s Grace and finishing 2nd in the Irish Champion Hurdle she is still a big player going back up in trip and gets the nod. 

13/3/23 Thurles

 Sunday's only winner was Journey With Me, the 8/13 favourite led for a 2nd time after the 5th being challenged from 2 out. He kept on well on the run-in asserting himself in the closing stages beating Limerick Lace by 3 lengths. At Naas the Tack Room was 6th while in the other race Harmonya Maker failed to finish. The 1/1 favourite was in the lead when she fell 2 out. The contest was won by Eabha Grace who beat Hauturiere by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The meeting that should have taken place at Thurles last Thursday now kicks off a new week where on a 7 race card there are 2 highlights. 

1.20: Leugh Beginners Chase. 

7: Mylestown Upper: A hurdles winner in his career who definitely needed the run when returning after 2 years off finishing 12th in a handicap hurdle at Navan just 9 days ago. He makes his fences debut here and despite being turned out again quickly he looks like the way to go.

4.15: Thurles Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Champella: Last won at Wexford back in October and was a creditable 5th on her return at Down Royal 48 days ago. She makes her handicap hurdle debut here and with further progress expected she can continue her good form returning to winning ways. 

12/3/23 Limerick & Naas

 Two of Saturday's 3 tips didn't run after the meeting at Navan was abandoned due to snow on the track making it unfit for racing while at Gowran Park Cayd Boy made his second mistake 4 out weakening soon after with the 9/4 favourite being pulled up before the next. The race went to Grange Walk who beat Minx Tiara by 2 1/4 lengths.

 It's another busy day on Sunday with 7 races at both Limerick and Naas with 3 features. 

Limerick 2.15: Irish Wire Products Irish EBF Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3.)

1: Harmonya Maker: A promising horse who has 2 wins from 4 runs this season. She unseated her rider early at Punchestown 3 weeks ago in a race won by another in this field Hauturiere but she still has plenty of potential. The trip here should also suit and she is worth another chance. 

Naas 4.17: Bar One Racing 'Extra Places at Cheltenham' Directors Plate Novice Chase (Grade 3)

5: Journey With Me: Was an excellent second behind Impervious in the Killarney Novices Chase at Punchestown when last seen 56 days ago. He won by 13 lengths on this course before that so sets a good standard and in what is a decent looking race he is the one to beat. 

Naas 4.52: Bar One Racing Leinster National Handicap Chase (Grade A)

14: The Tack Room: Picked up a career best win at Fairyhouse 46 days ago beating a subsequent hurdles winner Sweet Will by 3/4 of a length. He goes up in trip here and definitely has more to offer, despite a weight rise he can take this valuable prize.

 

11/3/23 Navan & Gowran Park

 An excellent Friday at Dundalk saw both my picks win,in the 6.15 Bowerman was 5th four out making headway from 2 out. The 15/8 favourite hit the front soon after keeping on well inside the final furlong beating Cristal Clere by 1 3/4 lengths. The later race saw San Andreas lead after three furlongs going 2 lengths clear a furlong out. He drew further clear in the final 150 yards coming home by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 The weekend kicks off with 7 races at Navan (if it passes a 7.30am inspection.) and 8 at Gowran Park with 3 standing out. 

Navan 3.25: Webster Cup Chase (Grade 2)

1: Any Second Now: A top-class chaser who has been a course winner in his career. He was a good 4th behind Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown when last seen 35 days ago and he looks like the one to beat here in what looks like a decent warm-up before another go at the Grand National. 

Gowran Park 3.45: Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase (Grade B)

2: Cayd Boy: Was a little disappointing when a below form 5th at Fairyhouse 56 days ago. He has both a tongue strap and cheekpieces on for the 1st time here so is well worth another chance. He is more than capable of bouncing back and picking up his 4th career win.

Navan 4.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final (Grade B)

3: Slip Of The Tongue: A useful hurdles winner who upped his game in this sphere when 3rd at Gowran Park 3 weeks ago. With more to offer on this his handicap chase debut he just gets the nod. 

10/3/23 Dundalk

 Neither of Thursday's tips ran after the meeting at Thurles was called off due to significant overnight snow, the course failed a 7.30am inspection with the track unfit for racing. The meeting has been rearranged for next Monday March 13th.

After today's abandonment we move on to the all-weather at Dundalk on Friday evening where on an 8 race card there are 2 main events. 

 6.15: View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

2: Bowerman: A good horse who's 10th career win came here in February. He was an excellent 2nd over course and distance when last seen 23 days ago only losing by a neck. He was unsuited by the way the race paned out which makes that performance more impressive and he should resume winning ways.

7.15: Join Us On Instagram At dundalk_stadium Race. 

4: San Andreas: A 4-time course winner who was a decent 2nd here 2 weeks ago. He goes back down in trip and with the best form on show he stands out. He is the pick as he looks to make it 5 and take a race he won 12 months ago. 

9/3/23 Thurles

 After a couple of days off the Irish racing week continues with 7 contests at Thurles on Thursday where there are 2 highlights. 

 1.55: Leugh Beginners Chase. 

8: Politicise: A fair hurdler who despite not winning in his last 15 runs finished 4th in a novice chase at Punchestown when last seen 18 days ago. He is back in calmer waters here and going significantly back up in trip should also help, he has some of the best recent form in the field making him the pick. 

4.50: Thurles Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Champella: Last won at Wexford back in October and was a creditable 5th on her return at Down Royal 44 days ago. She makes her handicap hurdle debut here and with further progress expected she can continue her good form recovering from that blip and returning to winning ways. 

6/3/23 Results

 The best Monday performance at Leopardstown came from Solness who won, the 4/5 favourite jumped well and had a 2 length lead at halfway. He asserted himself on the run-in keeping on to beat Hamundarson by 4 3/4 lengths. In the 2.15 Captains Nephew was a non-runner in a race won by Della Casa Lunga who beat Ideal Du Tabert by 6 1/2 lengths. 

After a good start to the week Irish racing takes a two day break. There are meetings at Sandown, Newcastle, Lingfield and Southwell on Tuesday and Catterick, Fontwell, Lingfield and Kempton on Wednesday. The next Irish card is at Thurles on Thursday tips for the features will be up on Wednesday night. 

6/3/23 Leopardstown

 Another poor day on Sunday saw both my picks fail to finish, at Wexford Jiving Jerry was travelling well sitting 3rd until he made a mistake 2 out and fell. The race was won by Doyen Ta Win who beat Bythesametoken by an easy 10 lengths. Over at Leopardstown Panda Boy was always towards the rear falling at the 5th, Lieutenant Command took the contest beating Mars Harper by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 A new week begins with 7 races on a second day at Leopardstown on Monday where 2 stand out.

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

1: Captains Nephew: Was much improved when picking up his first career win at Clonmel 18 days ago. A change of tactics saw him ridden more prominently going clear before the last and comfortably coming home by 18 lengths. With more to offer he can go well again and follow up.

4.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. 

6: Solness: A promising horse who was a good second on his fences debut at Thurles 25 days ago. He only had the excellent Saldier in front of him there and with nothing of that calibre to worry about here and improvement expected he is definitely the one to beat.

5/3/23 Wexford & Leopardstown

 A poor Saturday at Navan saw The Echo Boy finish 8th, the 11/2 shot led from the 2nd but after a couple of mistakes he wasn't fluent from 3 out. He was passed 2 out weakening soon after dropping down the field on the run-in, Kallis's Quest won the race beating Definite Plan by a neck. In the days Grade 3 Hollow Games was a non-runner, the race was won by Indiana Jones who beat Ha D’or by 2 lengths. 

 A jam-packed Sunday sees 7 races at both Wexford and Leopardstown where we have 2 main events. 

Wexford 3.25: Micheal O'Murchadha Memorial Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Jiving Jerry: Has put in decent efforts in his last 2 starts including a creditable fifth at Fairyhouse 8 days ago. It may have been a while since he tasted victory but he arrives here off a fair mark and he definitely can’t be ruled out.

Leopardstown 4.55: Carrickmines Handicap Chase (Grade B)

1: Panda Boy: Was a very good 3rd in a slightly more competitive race on this course when last seen 68 days ago. He stuck to his task well beating some good horses including the favourite Ain't That A Shame. He appeals the most here and should improve further making him the pick. 

4/3/23 Navan

 Friday's best at Dundalk came from Cairo who won, the 30/100 favourite disputed the lead going to the front 2 out. He was pressed soon after but he kept on well asserting himself in the closing stages beating News At Ten by 2 lengths. In the other race Segomo failed to finish, the 5/4 favourite was 4th at halfway but he was pulled up quickly 2 out. The contest went to Tabuk who beat Alazne by 3/4 of a length. 

 A busy weekend begins with 7 races at Navan on Saturday where there are 2 features. 

4.20: PS Supplies Doors & Floors Flyingbolt Novice Chase (Grade 3)

4: Hollow Games: A smart chaser who has been a course winner in his career. He found Grade 1 company too much when finishing 4th in the Racing Post Novices Chase at Leopardstown last time so dropping down should suit. He is still open to improvement in this sphere but gets the nod. 

4.50: Navan Members Veterans Handicap Chase. 

3: The Echo Boy: Put in a respectable performance when fifth on his fences return over course and distance 20 days ago. The ground is also a positive for this 10-y-o who tops the shortlist off a 1lb lower mark and he can win here.

3/3/23 Dundalk

 A good Thursday at Clonmel saw both my picks finish 2nd, in the opener Pont Aval tracked the leaders challenging from 2 out. She made no impression on the run-in keeping on at one pace allowing My Design to pull away and win by 2 1/2 lengths. The 4.25 saw Trust Me Nate lead early going clear after the 2nd. He had a 5 length lead at halfway but that was reduced from 3 out. He was strongly pressed and passed at the last making no impression on the run-in, Figaroc won the race by a length. 

 There are 8 races at Dundalk on Friday night where they have 2 highlights. 

7.00: Story Of Dundalk Stadium Book Available Online Maiden. 

8: Segomo: A decent horse who was second over course and distance when last seen 30 days ago. He was clear of the rest and with cheekpieces on for the 1st time he has leading claims here and can go one better. 

7.30: Patton Stakes.

1: Cairo: Made good progress as a 2-y-o picking up a career best when he made it 2 wins from 4 starts taking the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown in October. He still has better to come and this looks like a decent race to make his return. He enjoys the trip having already won over a mile which is why he is the one to beat here. 

2/3/23 Clonmel

 We finally get some Irish racing this week with 7 contests at Clonmel on Thursday where 2 stand out.

 2.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

6: Pont Aval: A useful hurdler who left her chase debut well behind when 2nd at Fairyhouse 3 weeks ago. She should build on that performance here and improve further going one better for a yard in good recent form. 

4.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. 

11: Trust Me Nate: Improved on his hurdling debut with a good second at Limerick when last seen 30 days ago. He was well clear of the others there and judged on that performance he sets the standard here as he looks to pick up his first career win.