1/5/23 Down Royal + The Curragh

 Sunday's winner at Sligo was Semblance Of Order, the 1/1 favourite sat 2nd at halfway travelling well to lead entering the straight. He kept on strongly in the closing stages to beat Arniemac by 3 1/4 lengths. In the 4.55 Dha Leath was a non-runner in a race won by Tellthemi'mhere who beat Marvelosa by 3 lengths. 

May gets underway with a double header on Monday which sees 7 races at Down Royal and 8 at The Curragh with 3 taking centre stage. 

Down Royal 2.45: Club Orange Hurdle. 

4: Paul Marvel: A decent horse who won well on debut at Limerick in January coming home by 2 1/4 lengths. He was a good 3rd behind Senior Cheif at Navan when last seen 42 days ago and definitely has more to offer for a trainer in good form and he can resume winning ways here.

The Curragh 3.35: Coolmore Stud Circus Maximus Irish EBF Athasi Stakes (Group 3)

5: Queen Aminatu: A useful filly who ended last year with two listed wins on the all-weather. She carried on her winning streak when taking a conditiions stakes at Newcastle on reappearance in early April and despite her wins coming on the artificial surface she was 2nd on turf last autumn and can extend her winning run to 4 here.

The Curragh 4.10: Coolmore Stud Sottsass Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes (Group 2)

1: Luxembourg: A high-class horse who tasted victory twice last season including the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Didn't get a clear run in the Arc at Longchamp on his final start but he is the one to beat here and can make a winning return. 

30/4/23 Sligo

 Our only winner on the final day at Punchestown was Lossiemouth, the 1/2 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. She made headway from 2 out leading approaching the last. She kept on well on the run-in beating Zarak The Brave by 1 1/2 lengths. The other pick Love Envoi was 6th in a race won by Echoes In Rain who beat Anna Bunina by an easy 9 1/2 lengths. 

 There are 7 races at Sligo on Sunday where we have two features. 

2.45: Tote Download The App Median Auction Maiden 

4: Semblance Of Order: A useful horse who despite being winless in 8 flat runs was a very good 3rd in a handicap at Gowran Park when last seen 11 days ago. He ran on well inside the final furlong and going back down in trip here should suit. He is difficult to oppose and can finally open his account. 

4.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

1: Dha Leath: Had a good 2022 picking up 4 wins from 8 runs. She returned to finish a creditable 9th in the Irish Lincolnshire at The Curragh last month running well over the shorter trip. The step back up to 1m 2f is definitely in her favour making her the pick.

29/4/23 Punchestown

 The week ended with both my picks winning, in the 5.25 State Man made all the running travelling well to be 2 lengths clear early in the straight. Despite a slight mistake at the last he kept on well on the run-in beating Vauban by 3 lengths. In the next Impaire Et Passe was 3rd at halfway leading before the last. The 1/3 favourite drew clear on the run-in easily beating High Definition by 7 1/2 lengths. 

The Punchestown festival reaches it’s conclusion on Saturday where on an 8 race card there are two final main events. 

3.50: Coolmore N.H. Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: Love Envoi: A smart hurdler who has 2 wins from 3 runs this season. She found only the outstanding Honeysuckle too good when second in the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham 46 days ago and can go one better here making her the one to beat.

5.00: Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1)

8: Lossiemouth: Lost her unbeaten record when second to stablemate Gala Marceau at the Dublin Racing Festival in February but turned the tables with an impressive 2 1/4 length win in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. She should have enough here to confirm that dominance and she is hard to look past. 

28/4/23 Punchestown

 The one winner on Thursday was El Fabiolo, the 1/4 favourite sat 2nd early and despite mistakes at the 3rd and the 6th he improved to challenge from 2 out. He led soon after going clear before the last easily beating Dysart Dynamo by a comfortable 11 lengths. In the Champion Stayers Hurdle Teahupoo was 4th, the 3/1 joint favourite settled in behind the leaders sitting 4th at halfway. Despite being slightly hampered 3 out he was 3rd entering the straight however he had no extra in 4th before the last keeping on at one pace, upfront Klassical Dream won the race for a 3rd year in a row beating Asterion Forlonge by 1/2 a length. 

Punchestown enters it's 4th night on Friday with two more Grade One’s standing out.

5.25: Paddy Power Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: State Man: A top-class horse who was a respectable 2nd behind Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham when last seen 45 days ago. He doesn't have Nicky Henderson’s charge to contend with here and with his stable in good form he should resume winning ways and make it 5 from 6 for the season.

6.00: Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: Impaire Et Passe: A horse with promise who made it 3 from 3 in this sphere when taking the Ballymore at Cheltenham 44 days ago. He led at the home turn impressively beating stablemate Gaelic Warrior by 6 1/2 lengths. Another exciting prospect from the Willie Mullins yard has the best form on show and with better to come he is the one to beat.

27/4/23 Punchestown

 Wednesday saw another two winners at Punchestown, in the 5.20 Gaelic Warrior wasn't fluent early but improved entering the straight. He travelled well to lead at the last staying on strongly on the run-in to easily beat Affordale Fury by 10 lengths. The 6.30 saw A Dream To Share sit in midfield making progress from 4 out. The 8/11 favourite led from 2 out staying on well in the final furlong to beat Tullyhill by 3 3/4 lengths. The other pick Galopin Des Champs was 2nd, the 4/11 favourite disputed the lead from 4 out sitting 2nd entering the straight. He dropped to 3rd and made no impression before the last going 2nd on the line, Fastorslow won by 2 1/4 lengths. 

Thursday at the Punchestown festival sees two further Grade 1 features. 

5.25: Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

8: Teahupoo: A high-class hurdler who was a creditable 3rd behind the reopposing Sire Du Berlais in the Stayers at Cheltenham when last seen 42 days ago. Despite not being seen at his best there he is still a big player who can reverse the placings and get back to winning ways. 

6.35: Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

2: El Fabiolo: A decent novice hurdler last season who is an even better chaser making it 3 from 3 when taking the Arkle at Cheltenham in impressive fashion on his last outing. He beat Jonbon by 5 1/2 lengths with stablemate Saint Roi further back. This should be straightforward for a star of the Willie Mullins yard keeping his perfect record intact. 

26/4/23 Punchestown

 A good Tuesday at Punchestown saw two of my picks win, in the 4.15 Facile Vega was 2nd at halfway and despite a bad mistake 3 out he led narrowly entering the straight. He went clear at the last staying on strongly easily beating Il Etait Temps by 7 1/2 lengths. The other winner was Energumene, the 2/7 favourite tracked the leaders and despite a couple of mistakes he led from 2 out. He was challenged and passed inside the final furlong but he stayed on well to lead again close to home beating Chacun Pour Soi by 3/4 of a length. The only horse who didn't win was Journey With Me, the 9/4 favourite sat 2nd but mistakes at the 9th and 10th saw him drop to 3rd and he fell at the 12th, Feronily won the race beating Appreciate It by 1 3/4 lengths. 

It's night 2 of the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday where another 3 Grade one’s top the bill.

5.20: Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: Gaelic Warrior: A good hurdler who didn't have a problem with the longer trip when second behind stablemate Impaire Et Passe in the Ballymore at Cheltenham 42 days ago. He goes up in trip again here and if his stamina holds he will be tough to beat.

5.55: Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1)

5: Galopin Des Champs: A top-class horse who has been a course winner in his career. He confirmed himself as one of the best chasers around with an exceptional performance to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time beating another in this field Bravemansgame by 7 lengths. He is definitely the one to beat and can end the season with another Grade one success. 

6.30: Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 1)

1: A Dream To Share: Remains unbeaten after taking another step forward when winning the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham 42 days ago. He led inside the final furlong pulling away to come home by 1 1/4 lengths. Should take all the beating here and make it 5 in a row. 

25/4/23 Punchestown

 A good Monday at Naas saw Tenebrism finish 2nd, the 2/5 favourite was always in touch making headway to sit 2nd a furlong out. She challenged in the closing stages but made no impression in the final 100 yards. She kept on at the same pace allowing Moss Tucker to win by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other race Something Nice was also 2nd, the 2/1 favourite challenged from a furlong out briefly disputing the lead in the last 110 yards. He had no extra towards the finish with Immutable coming home by 1/2 a length. 

 The Punchestown festival begins on Tuesday and on the opening night 3 Grade one’s take centre stage.

4.15: KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

2: Facile Vega: An excellent horse who won all 4 of his starts in bumpers last season. He looked just as good over hurdles when winning a Leopardstown Grade 1 over Christmas and despite losing his unbeaten run since he looked back on track when runner-up in the Supreme at Cheltenham and that performance sees him set the standard here.

5.25: William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)

3: Energumene: A top-class chaser who returned to form with a dominant 10 length win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen 6 weeks ago. He is the one to beat here and a repeat performance should see him defend the crown he won 12 months ago. 

6.35: Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

5: Journey With Me: Has made a good start over fences making it two wins from his last three at Naas in March. He asserted himself in the closing stages coming home by 3 lengths. The way he won suggests the move up to a Grade 1 shouldn't be a problem and with more to come he can follow up here.

24/4/23 Naas

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Monday with 7 races at Naas where 2 stand out.

6.40: Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes. 

6: Tenebrism: A smart filly who comfortably beat Wodao by 1 3/4 lengths at Cork on her reappearance earlier this month. With entries in bigger races to come this season in what should be a productive campaign she will be very hard to beat here. 

7.40: Naas Racecourse Business Club Blackwater Handicap. 

4: Something Nice: Showed improvement when picking up his first career win at Cork 16 days ago. He led late on going clear inside the final furlong easily beating Semblance Of Order by 4 1/4 lengths. There should be even more to come on this his handicap debut and he can follow up.

22/4/23 Results

 A decent Saturday saw 2 of my tips win, At Navan Emily Dickinson tracked the leaders and was 2nd at halfway. She made headway to lead from a furlong out keeping on well in the closing stages to beat French Claim by 5 lengths. The other winner came at Limerick where Dunum sat 3rd at halfway travelling well to challenge from a furlong out. The 5/1 favourite led in the final 150 yards beating Blues Emperor by 2 3/4 lengths. The two other listed races saw Jackie Oh come 2nd the 11/10 favourite was beaten by Village Voice who won by 3/4 of a length and The Antarctic finished 3rd in a race won by Ocean Quest.

 After a busy Saturday Irish racing takes a break on Sunday, there are meetings at Stratford-on-Avon and Plumpton. The next Irish card is at Naas on Monday tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night.

22/4/23 Navan & Limerick

 The best performance on Friday came at Kilbeggan where Happy D'ex was 2nd. The 7/4 favourite was 3rd at halfway improving to sit 2nd approaching the straight. She made no impression before the last keeping on at one pace allowing Elle Perfecta to win by 3 1/2 lengths. In the big listed race at Cork Ottilien was 11th, Moracana won beating Irish Lullaby by 1/2 a length. 

 There are two further meetings on Saturday with all 3 main events coming as part of a 7 race card at Navan.

3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Committed Stakes.

3: The Antarctic: A smart horse who picked up 2 wins from 5 runs last year. He was a very good second behind Blackbeard in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on his last outing back in September and despite being off 7 months he has the edge on form and can make a winning return. 

4.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil Stakes. 

7: Jackie Oh: A highly promising horse who won on debut at Naas 27 days ago. She led from 1 1/2 furlongs out and despite being strongly pressed in the final 150 yards she held on to win by 1/2 a length. The step up in trip here will definitely suit and this exciting prospect should follow up on her way to bigger things.

4.35: Vintage Crop Stakes. 

6: Emily Dickinson: A decent filly who picked up a career best win in the Loughbrown Stakes at The Curragh when last seen in October. She went clear in the final 150 yards easily beating Baron Samedi by 5 1/2 lengths. She is the one to beat and should be too strong for the rest of this field.

There is also racing at Limerick where the highlight is at 4.25 the Rathsallagh Country House Of The Year 2023 Handicap with my pick going to number 16 Durium.

21/4/23 Cork & Kilbeggan

 Thursday's only finisher was at Kilbeggan where Ballyglass Beauty came 5th, the 11/4 favourite was towards the rear early but made headway after the 6th. He made no impression in 4th approaching the straight dropping to 5th and having no extra in the closing stages, Desert Heather won beating Townhill Penny by 9 lengths. Over at Tipperary Leap Year was a non-runner in a race won by Son Of Corballis who beat Edwardian by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 The weeks third double header takes place on Friday with 7 races at both Cork and Kilbeggan where we have 2 features. 

Cork 3.08: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes. 

1: Ottilien: A smart filly who rounded off her career with trainer David Menuisier with a good 3rd behind Sea La Rosa in the Prix De Royallieu at Longchamp in October. She has since moved to Joseph O’Brien and on form should make a winning start for him here.

Kilbeggan 6.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

4: Happy D'ex: A useful chaser who already has 2 wins from 6 runs this season her latest was at Perth in September. She was a creditable 2nd behind Time To Rocco in a novice chase at Thurles when last seen 34 days ago and she looks like the one to beat as she attempts to open her fences account.

20/4/23 Tipperary & Kilbeggan

 Wednesday's winner was American Sonja, the 11/8 favourite made progress from 2 out improving further to lead soon after. She stayed on strongly inside the final furlong comfortably beating All Lies Ahead by 3 1/4 lengths. The other tip Hey Whatever was a non-runner in a race won by Snowcapped who beat Collage by a head.

 Two more meetings take place on Thursday with 7 races at both Tipperary and Kilbeggan where there are 2 highlights. 

Tipperary 4.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

3: Leap Year: A good-looking newcomer who is related to City Runner and a half-brother to Flying Rock. Is bred to go further than this races distance but he should have enough to make a winning start for a trainer who took this 12 months ago. 

Kilbeggan 6.20: KilbegganRaces.com Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Ballyglass Beauty: Has been a course winner in his career and was an encouraging 3rd at Thurles when last seen 33 days ago. That was his first run after a 12 week break and despite having no extra late on his previous form shows why he is the pick and he has to be taken seriously here. 

19/4/23 Gowran Park

 A good Tuesday saw two of my tips win, at Tipperary Solness made all the running being challenged from 2 out. He asserted himself before the last keeping on well comfortably beating Chameron by 5 lengths. Over at Gowran Park Mellow Magic led after 4 furlongs, the 4/1 shot repelled a challenge from 2 out keeping on well soon after easily beating Kingswear by 2 1/2 lengths. In the other race Panic Alarm was 3rd, the 2/1 chance was 4th at halfway going 3rd inside the final furlong. He had no extra soon after keeping on at one pace, Lord Massusus won by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 We have a second day at Gowran Park on Wednesday where on a 7 race card there are two main events. 

5.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

10: American Sonja: Didn't need to be at her best to pick up her first career win at The Curragh when last seen in October. She led 1 1/2 furlongs out staying on well in the closing stages to come home by 3 1/2 lengths. Further improvement is expected this season and despite being off 6 months she should be taken seriously here. 

6.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden. 

7: Hey Whatever: Showed there was plenty to work with when 4th on debut at Naas 24 days ago. She made good headway in the final furlongs and with more progress to come she should put that experience to good use and take this contest. 

18/4/23 Gowran Park & Tipperary

 A poor day at Tramore saw Jump The Shark finish 4th, the 7/2 chance led narrowly before the 4th but was passed 2 out. He dropped to 3rd at the last where a slight mistake saw him weaken and move down to 4th, Pat Coyne won the race by 1 1/2 lengths. It was worse in the 6.15 where Hardwired came 7th, the 15/2 shot was 3rd after the 12th but lost a place having no extra before 2 out. Upfront Another Million beat Read To Return by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 An early week double header takes place on Tuesday with 7 races at both Gowran Park and Tipperary where 3 stand out.

Gowran Park 4.03: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race. 

2: Panic Alarm: A promising horse who picked up two wins from four runs last year his latest was at Naas in October. He was a good third on handicap debut at the same course 3 weeks ago and with more to come he should take some stopping here.

Tipperary 4.25: TipperaryRaces.ie Rated Novice Chase. 

5: Solness: A good chaser who achieved his 2nd career win at Leopardstown 43 days ago. He travelled well all the way asserting himself on the run-in and coming home by a comfortable 4 3/4 lengths. He just has the edge on form and with improvement likely he can follow up here. 

Gowran Park 5.13: SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Handicap. 

6: Mellow Magic: A decent horse who was a respectable 8th when last seen at Goodwood back in July. Despite being off 8 months and going significantly down in trip she will have been well prepared for this her first run for a new yard and is the pick. 

17/4/23 Tramore

 Sunday's only winner was Point Lonsdale, the 6/4 favourite tracked the leader in 2nd challenging from a furlong out. He led inside the final furlong staying on strongly to beat Visualisation by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other Group race Power Under Me was 6th, the 5/1 shot was 3rd two out but made no impression soon after dropping down the field, upfront Goldana won beating Mea Domina by 1 3/4 lengths. Over at Tramore Tyre Kicker finished 4th,the 9/2 chance was 2nd when challenging 2 out. He soon made no impression dropping to 4th and having no extra in the final 50 yards, Brideswell Lad won beating Priory Park by 3 lengths. 

 Another week begins with a second day at Tramore where on a 7 race card we have 2 features. 

 5.45: Summer Flat Racing July 11th Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Jump The Shark: A promising horse who was a very creditable 2nd at Cork when last seen 25 days ago. Despite coming under pressure at the last he kept on well on the run-in only losing by 1/2 a length. He is going in the right direction and can go one better here. 

6.15: Tramore Promenade Beginners Chase. 

3: Hardwired: A fair chaser who despite not winning in 20 starts was a respectable 3rd in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse on his last outing 79 days ago. He switches from hurdles back to chasing here and in a race where lot’s have something to prove he should be well up there giving him the vote to finally pick up a win.

16/4/23 The Curragh + Tramore

 A Sunday double header sees 8 races at The Curragh and 7 at Tramore with 3 highlights. 

 The Curragh 3.10: SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Alleged Stakes (Group 3)

4: Point Lonsdale: Had a good 2021 season winning 3 group races and finishing 2nd in the National Stakes here. Was 10th in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on his only 3-y-o start but is the class act here on his return and should have a bit too much for this field. 

The Curragh 3.45: Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes (Group 3)

4: Power Under Me: A decent horse who picked up two wins from six runs last year. He returned with an encouraging run to finish 5th behind Buckaroo in the listed Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown 11 days ago and with that under his belt he gets the vote here. 

Tramore 4.35: Book A Table For The August Festival Handicap Chase. 

2: Tyre Kicker: A horse having an excellent year completing a hat-trick at Leopardstown 42 days ago. He goes back up in trip here and with further improvement expected he should take all the beating and achieve a 4-timer. 

14/4/23 Results

 The best performance on Friday came at Dundalk where Emperor Of Rome was 2nd, the 4/11 favourite made headway from 2 out challenging 1 1/2 from the finish. Despite coming under pressure he kept on well close to home going 2nd in the last strides, Parkside Boy won by 1/2 a length. Over at Ballinrobe Carbon King finished 6th. The 3/1 shot was 2nd at halfway leading from 4 out. He was passed 2 out making no impression approaching the last, he had no extra on the run-in while upfront Bal De Rio beat Wee Charlie by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 After a busy Friday Irish racing has a rare Saturday off. Meetings do take place at Chepstow, Newcastle, Yarmouth, Aintree where it's Grand National day and Wolverhampton. The next Irish cards are at The Curragh and Tramore on Sunday tips for the highlights will be up on Saturday night. 

14/4/23 Dundalk + Ballinrobe

 Irish racing returns on Friday with a double header that sees 8 races at Dundalk and 7 at Ballinrobe with 2 main events.

 Dundalk 4.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

1: Emperor Of Rome: A good-looking newcomer who is closely related to two useful winners Robin Hood and Shada. He comes from the yard of Aidan O’Brien who can never be overlooked and on paper he looks like the one to beat here. 

Ballinrobe 5.50: McGrath Limestone Works 60th Anniversary Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Carbon King: Has progressed well since switching to handicaps making it 3 wins in his last 4 starts at Navan 25 days ago. He led before 3 out and despite having a reduced advantage close to the finish he came home by 1 1/2 lengths. A hefty 13lb weight rise may not stop him winning again and completing a hat-trick. 

12/4/23 update

 Neither of Wednesday's tips ran after the meeting at Gowran Park was called off due to heavy overnight rain,the track was waterlogged in places and deemed unfit for racing. The meeting has been rescheduled for next Tuesday April 18th.

 After today's abandonment Irish racing takes a break on Thursday, there are meetings at Aintree where it's the 1st day of the Grand National festival, Taunton, Newcastle and Chelmsford. The next Irish action is a double header at Dundalk and Ballinrobe on Friday tips for the highlights will be up on Thursday night. 

12/4/23 Gowran Park

 Tuesday's winner at Dundalk was Red Riding Hood, the 2/7 favourite led early and was 4 lengths clear at halfway. She had a reduced advantage early in the straight and despite veering sharply to the right in the final 150 yards she kept on to beat Letiza by 3/4 of a length. The other pick Vanity Pays finished 2nd, the 11/8 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 3rd at halfway. She was bumped by a rival a furlong out but kept on well in the closing stages just failing to reach the winner Brighter who came home by a head. 

 The midweek meeting takes place at Gowran Park where as part of a 7 race card 2 stand out. 

4.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

2: Shadowed: A horse in good form who achieved a career best win at The Curragh 18 days ago. He went clear in the closing stages staying on strongly and easily coming home by 2 1/4 lengths. There is definitely more to come and with fitness over his main rivals on his side he can follow up here. 

5.10: SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Handicap. 

5: Newfoundland: A lightly-raced horse who was a creditable 9th in a stronger race at Royal Ascot on his final run of last year. He has since left Aidan O’Brien and moved to son Joseph's yard and remains with plenty of potential. Despite being off 10 months improvement is expected and he can make a winning return. 

11/4/23 Dundalk

 A good Monday at Fairyhouse saw two of my tips win, in the 3.50 Asterion Forlonge was 4th at halfway making headway to lead 2 out. He kept on well on the run-in beating Monkfish by 1/2 a length. The other winner was Easy Game, the 2/1 shot led early but was passed 6 out. He made no impression from 2 out but was left well clear when Janidil fell at the last, he beat Royal Rendezvous by 81 lengths. The Irish Grand National saw Thedevilscoachman fail to finish, the 7/1 shot weakened just past 2 out being pulled up before the last. I Am Maximus won the race beating Gevrey by a length. In the big race at Cork All Those Years finished 3rd in a contest won by Brandy Harbour. 

 After a busy Easter Irish racing rolls on to Dundalk on Tuesday evening where on a 7 race card there are 2 features. 

5.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

6: Vanity Pays: An interesting newcomer who is related to some good horses including Doctor Strange and Esprit D'Argent. She is highly respected on debut for a trainer who's first 2-y-o runner of the season won at Cork on Saturday which is one of the reasons why she is the pick here.

6.15: irishinjuredjockeys.com Fillies Maiden. 

8: Red Riding Hood: A good horse who was second behind stablemate the highly promising Jackie Oh at Naas 16 days ago. She challenged in the final 150 yards only going down by 1/2 a length. The step up in trip will definitely suit and with plenty of big race entries to come down the line including both 1,000 Guineas she is hard to oppose here.

10/4/23 Fairyhouse + Cork

 Sunday's only winner came at Cork where Bachasson made all the running jumping well. The 6/4 favourite had a 2 length lead before the last keeping on well and comfortably beating Feronily by 3 1/4 lengths. Over at Fairyhouse Magical Zoe finished 5th while in the 4.55 Mighty Potter sadly suffered a fatal fall at the 10th in a race won by Flame Bearer. 

 The Easter action concludes on Monday with all 3 highlights coming as part of an 8 race card at Fairyhouse. 

3.50: Rathberry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2)

2: Asterion Forlonge: A high-class horse who returned to hurdling to finish 2nd at Thurles last month. That was his first run in a year and if as expected he improves on that then he has leading claims and will take some stopping here as he looks to go one better.

4.20: McInerney Properties Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2)

1: Easy Game: An excellent chaser who looked as good as ever when beating stablemate Kemboy in the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park when last seen in October. He came home by 2 1/4 lengths and looks like the one to beat here as he aims to make it a hat-trick of wins in this race. 

5.00: Boylesports Irish Grand National Chase (Grade A)

7: Thedevilscoachman: Won a Grade 3 at Limerick on his last outing 2 weeks ago leading after the final fence and coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. His jumping improved as the race wore on and if his stamina holds out he can follow up here. 

There is also racing at Cork where the main event is at 3.00 the Coolmore N.H. Sires Capri Handicap Chase and my pick goes to number 3 All Those Years.

9/4/23 Fairyhouse & Cork

 A good Saturday saw two of my tips win, at Cork Tenebrism tracked the leaders moving into the lead a furlong out. She went clear close to home comfortably beating Wodao by 1 3/4 lengths. At Fairyhouse Risk Belle was 8th at halfway but travelled well to dispute the lead 2 out. She was passed before the last but stayed on well to challenge again on the run-in crossing the line 2nd however after a stewards enquiry she was promoted to 1st. In the other race Verdant Place was 2nd, the 11/4 favourite sat 5th before the last staying on well on the run-in to go 2nd close to home. Western Walk won the contest by 7 lengths. 

 Sunday is another top-class day with 8 races at both Fairyhouse and Cork where 3 stand out.

Fairyhouse 2.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

9: Magical Zoe: A promising horse who was an excellent 2nd behind You Wear It Well in the Dawn Run at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen 24 days ago. She was left with a lot to do there and despite going up in trip she is a big player here who can bounce back. 

Cork 3.30: Bar One Racing Chase (Grade 3)

2: Bachasson: A smart chaser who didn't need to be at his best to win at Clonmel on his return 19 days ago. He led before 2 out asserting himself before the last and easily coming home by 7 lengths. Going back up in trip here shouldn’t be a problem and he is the one to beat as he looks for his 7th win in a row. 

Fairyhouse 4.55: WillowWarm Gold Cup Novice Chase (Grade 1)

7: Mighty Potter: An excellent chaser who has been a course and distance winner in his career. He was a respectable 3rd behind Stage Star in the Turners at Cheltenham 24 days ago and he should return to winning ways here. 

8/4/23 Cork & Fairyhouse

 An excellent 3 days begins on Saturday with 8 races at Cork and 7 at Fairyhouse with 3 main events. 

Cork 3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes.

2: Tenebrism: A smart filly who finished last year with a good 5th in the Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot in October. There is definitely plenty more to come and over this trip she looks like the one to beat and can make a winning return.

Fairyhouse 4.30: I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final (Grade B).

10: Verdant Place: A promising horse who has two wins from four runs this season his last being a career best at Punchestown 48 days ago. Further progress is likely and he can continue his good form in handicaps by completing an early year hat-trick here.

Fairyhouse 5.05: RYBO Handicap Hurdle (Grade A)

14: Risk Belle: A horse in decent form who was a good 3rd behind the re-opposing Jazzy Matty in the Boodles at Cheltenham 25 days ago. This will be only her 6th start so with improvement expected she gets the nod here.

6/4/23 Results

 A good day saw two of my tips win,at Bellewstown Fast Tara disputed the lead early sitting 2nd at halfway. The 7/4 favourite led from 2 out keeping on well in the final furlong to beat Hokusai by 1 3/4 lengths. Over at Clonmel Emancipator travelled well and led narrowly from 4 out. He had a reduced lead approaching the straight being passed 2 out, he led again in the closing stages running on well and beating Eddies Pride by 7 lengths. In the other race Sam's Xpress was 3rd. The 7/2 shot led until he was passed in the final 100 yards by Polar Bear who beat Escaping Thejungle by 3/4 of a length. 

 After a busy Thursday Irish racing takes a break on Friday, there are meetings at Newcastle where it's all-weather finals day, Lingfield and Bath. The next Irish cards are on Saturday with the beginning of 3 top-class days at Cork and Fairyhouse tips for the highlights will be up on Friday night.

6/4/23 Bellewstown + Clonmel

 The best at Leopardstown on Wednesday came from Homeless Songs who was 2nd, the 13/8 favourite tracked the leaders and sat 4th at halfway. She made headway from 2 out challenging 150 yards from the finish she kept on well but made no impression on the winner Buckaroo who came home by a neck. In the earlier race Azazat finished 3rd, the 1/1 favourite was 6th at halfway improving entering the straight. She was 3rd a furlong out keeping on at one pace in the closing stages, upfront Savethelastdance beat Boogie Woogie by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 A Thursday double header sees 7 races at both Bellewstown (Rearranged from Saturday) and Clonmel with 3 features. 

Bellewstown 1.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

9: 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 181 days she has shown enough in her two runs to suggest she can win this on her return. 

Bellewstown 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 3 weeks ago. He travelled well coming home by an easy 3 3/4 lengths and another performance like that may be enough here as he looks to complete a quick-fire hat-trick. 

Clonmel 4.35: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase. 

3: Emancipator: A decent individual who took this race by an impressive 20 lengths 12 months ago. Despite being pulled up two out at Gowran Park when last seen 70 days ago he switches back to chasing here and can take this again.

5/4/23 Leopardstown

 Irish racing begins it's week with another trip to Leopardstown on Wednesday where on an 8 race card 2 stand out. 

 1.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

3: Azazat: Showed plenty of promise when second at The Curragh on debut back in October. She was clear of the rest that day and with this longer trip likely to suit plus further progress anticipated she gets the vote here to make a winning return. 

3.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Heritage Stakes.

3: Homeless Songs: A decent filly who has been a course winner in her career. Having looked like she was heading for the top she was below form in her final two starts of last season including a 7th in the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. Despite being off 6 months she sets a high standard here and should get back on track. 

2/4/23 Results

 An excellent day at Leopardstown saw two of my picks win, in the 2.35 Hans Andersen tracked the leaders travelling well to lead from 1 1/2 furlongs out. He was clear soon after staying on strongly to comfortably beat Bold Discovery by 2 1/2 lengths. The 1000 Guineas trial saw Never Ending Story sit in Midfield challenging from a furlong out. She led  approaching the closing stages staying on to beat Matilda Picotte by 2 1/2 lengths, after her victory she was cut to 8/1 for the Guineas at Newmarket. In the other race Alexandroupolis finished 3rd. The 4/5 favourite was 2nd two out but dropped to 3rd a furlong from the finish and made no impression in the closing stages, the contest went to White Birch who beat Up And Under by 1/2 a length. Over at Downpatrick My Design was 2nd in the Ulster National. The 5/1 shot disputed the lead from 4 out going to the front soon after. She was passed a furlong out by Malina Girl who won by 3 3/4 lengths. 

 After a busy Sunday Irish racing takes a 2 day break, meetings do take place at Ludlow, Lingfield and Newcastle on Monday and Fontwell, Thirsk and Southwell on Tuesday. The next Irish card sees a return to Leopardstown on Wednesday tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

2/4/23 Leopardstown + Downpatrick

 Neither of Saturday's tips ran after the meeting at Bellewstown was called off due to heavy overnight rain the track was declared unfit for racing early on Saturday morning, the meeting has yet to be rearranged. 

 There are two more meetings on Sunday and as long as a 7.30am inspection is passed all 3 highlights will be part of a 7 race card at Leopardstown. 

2.35: Ballylinch Stud 'Red Rocks' 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes (Group 3)

5: Hans Andersen: A useful colt who won a maiden at The Curragh back in July before finishing second in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes on the same course. He returned there to finish a decent fifth in the National Stakes on his last outing. He sets a high standard here and can get back to winning ways. 

3.10: Ballylinch Stud 'Priory Belle' 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes (Group 3)

8: Never Ending Story: A useful filly who picked up two wins from four runs last year. She was a creditable 3rd behind Blue Rose Cen in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp when last seen in October and despite being off 6 months she just gets the nod here. 

3.45: P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes (Group 3)

2: Alexandroupolis: Impressed when making a winning debut at Galway 6 months ago. He pulled away in the closing stages to come home by 1 3/4 lengths and with plenty more to offer now going up in trip he can take this for a trainer who has an excellent record in this race.

It is also Ulster National day at Downpatrick and my pick in the big race at 4.00 goes to number 9 My Design.