1/6/23 Roscommon & Fairyhouse

 The best performance at Wexford on Wednesday came from Jungle Prose who was 2nd, the 11/8 shot was prominent early disputing the lead but losing 2nd after the 4th. He challenged again 3 out retaking 2nd soon after but despite keeping on well he couldn't reach Joyeux Machin who won by 7 lengths. In the other race Ifiwerearichman came 4th, the 9/4 favourite was 7th at halfway making headway to go 4th approaching the last. He kept on at one pace inside the final furlong while upfront As Tears Go By beat I a Connect by a neck.

 Another two meetings take place on Thursday with 7 races at Roscommon and 8 at Fairyhouse with 2 standing out. 

Roscommon 2.05: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

4: Spanish Flame: A promising horse who was 4th on debut at Leopardstown 2 weeks ago. The way he weaved through the field and kept on in the final 100 yards caught the eye and with progress expected he looks like the one to beat here. 

Fairyhouse 6.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

3: Eclat De Lumiere: A lightly-raced horse who was a good 4th at Dundalk when last seen back in October. She led until the final furlong before being passed so going slightly down in trip here and wearing blinkers for the 1st time should both help. With further improvement likely she is worth another chance on her return. 

31/5/23 Wexford

 On Tuesday at Tipperary Tiger Belle was 2nd, the 3/1 favourite led but was passed in the final 100 yards. She made no impression on the winner Supersonic Man who came home by 1 1/4 lengths. Over at Ballinrobe Royal Eagle finished 3rd, the 11/4 shot tracked the leaders early sitting 4th at halfway. Despite being hampered entering the straight she challenged but came under pressure in 3rd inside the final furlong keeping on at the same pace, upfront Can't Stop Smiling won beating Vischio by 1/2 a length. 

 Seven races take place at Wexford on Wednesday where there are two main events.

5.30: Wexford Racecourse Rated Hurdle. 

5: Ifiwerearichman: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 6th on handicap debut at Punchestown when last seen 34 days ago. He ran on well and wasn't disgraced in what was a competitive race. There should be more to come here and he just gets the nod. 

7.30: Support The Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Hurdle. 

4: Jungle Prose: Impressed over the winter winning 4 in a row culminating at Navan in November. He stepped up to finish 4th in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Limerick and a decent 10th at Leopardstown on his first start of this year 116 days ago. His yard is in good recent form and this looks like a good chance for him to pick up his 6th career win.

30/5/23 Tipperary & Ballinrobe

 Monday's best at Ballinrobe came from Life In The Park who was 3rd, the 3/1 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. He was hampered before the last dropping to 5th. He kept on well on the run-in going 3rd in the closing stages, Tullybeg won beating Slole Pretender by 1 3/4 lengths. The other pick Troubled Times finished 8th in a race won by Lunar Power who beat Power Of Pause by 3 1/4 lengths.

 The weeks first double header takes place on Tuesday with 8 races at both Tipperary and Ballinrobe with two highlights.

Tipperary 5.45: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race.

4: Tiger Belle: A promising horse who ran well on a winning debut at Cork 2 weeks ago beating another in this field Jenni by a neck. She dug deep to lead narrowly in the closing stages and with progress expected she should go well again and follow up. 

Ballinrobe 6.30: Monroe's Live John Monroe Memorial Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Royal Eagle: Got back to winning ways after 8 months off at Kilbeggan when last seen 18 days ago. She led approaching the straight keeping on well to beat Hide And Seek by 2 3/4 lengths. Despite a 9lb weight rise here improvement looks on the cards and she can pick up her 4th career win.

29/5/23 Ballinrobe

 Sunday's only winner at The Curragh was in the Irish 1,000 Guineas where Tahiyra sat 5th at at halfway making progress from 2 out. She challenged soon after leading a furlong from the finish. She kept on well asserting herself in the closing stages beating Meditate by 1 1/2 lengths. The 3.15 saw Jumbly finish 2nd, the 9/2 shot was in midfield making progress from 2 out. She kept on in the final furlong but made no impression on the winner Just Beautiful who came home by 2 1/4 lengths. The other pick Vadeni was fifth in a race won by Luxembourg who beat Bay Bridge by 1/2 a length. 

 Seven races take place at Ballinrobe on Monday evening where there are two features. 

5.30: McHale Mayo Handicap Hurdle. 

9: Troubled Times: A promising horse who picked up a career best win in a novice hurdle at Cork when last seen 23 days ago completing a hat-trick in the process. She asserted herself in the closing stages coming home by 4 1/2 lengths, she makes her handicap hurdle debut here and with more to come she can achieve the 4-timer.

6.30: McHale Mayo National Handicap Chase. 

3: Life In The Park: A decent individual who picked up 2 wins from 5 runs last season. He was a creditable 3rd at Punchestown 31 days ago with the reopposing Tullybeg in fifth. That was a good performance in a competitive race and with his trainer going well and Rachael Blackmore on board he should be too strong for this field. 

28/5/23 The Curragh

 The best on a poor Saturday at The Curragh came from Garrus who was 4th,the 2/1 joint favourite was at the rear but improved to sit 6th 2 out. He was 4th soon after keeping on at one pace while upfront the other joint favourite Art Power won easily beating Big Gossey by 4 3/4 lengths. In the Irish 2,000 Guineas Royal Scotsman was 9th in a race won by Paddington who beat Cairo by 2 lengths. 

 The weekend concludes with 8 races on a 3rd day at The Curragh where 3 stand out. 

2.45: Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1)

5: Vadeni: An excellent colt who was 4th behind Iresine on his return in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp a month ago. He wasn't disgraced there and judged on his form last season including a second in the Arc he just gets the nod in what is a highly competitive race. 

3.15: Lanwades Stud Stakes (Group 2)

4: Jumbly: A useful filly who was last seen winning the Group 3 Valiant Stakes at Ascot back in July. She challenged inside the final furlong leading on the line beating Oscula by a nose. She has since moved to the yard of Joseph O’Brien making her debut for him here and despite being off 10 months there is more to come making her the pick.

3.50: Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas (Group 1)

8: Tahiyra: Won the Moyglare Stud Stakes here in September impressively beating the reopposing Meditate by 2 1/4 lengths. She ran well on her return just failing to beat Mawj in the English 1,000 at Newmarket 3 weeks ago and should be hard to beat here. 

27/5/23 The Curragh

 The only winner on Friday came at Limerick where My Gaffer was always prominent challenging from 2 out. The 8/11 favourite led at the last staying on well to beat Littlefoot by 3/4 of a length. At The Curragh Dunum was 2nd, the 4/1 favourite was 3rd at halfway challenging from a furlong out. He led inside the final 150 yards but was denied on the line by Rahmi who won by a short head. In the other race Snowcapped finished 3rd, the 3/1 shot was at the rear but improved from a furlong out. She kept on well in the closing stages while upfront Bellaphina won beating Cloumacon by a head.

 A second top-class day at The Curragh on Saturday sees 8 races with 2 main events. 

2.30: Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (Group 2)

4: Carrus: A smart horse who picked up his career best win in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket when last seen 37 days ago. He led inside the final furlong just holding on to beat Commanche Falls by a head. He is the pick to follow up here and continue the UK raiders excellent record in this race. 

3.40: Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (Group 1)

11: Royal Scotsman: A good colt who finished a decent 3rd behind Chaldean in the English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket 3 weeks ago. Despite being hampered 6 out his performance in the closing stages shows he has the ability to win this if setting better and he does look like the stand out horse here.

26/5/23 Limerick & The Curragh

 At Limerick on Thursday Hurricane Georgie finished 2nd, the 5/2 shot tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. She moved into 2nd entering the straight but made no impression from 2 out. She kept on well on the run-in but couldn't reach the winner Jeremys Flame who came home by 1 1/4 lengths. In the 6.30 The Friday Man was also 2nd, the 15/8 favourite was 3rd at halfway improving into 2nd two out. He kept on at one pace on the run-in allowing Toss Again to win by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 The week ends with a Friday double header that sees 7 races at Limerick and 8 at The Curragh with 3 taking centre stage.

Limerick 5.10: Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. 

10: My Gaffer: A good bumper winner who ran better than the result suggests when fifth at Punchestown 30 days ago. He was 2nd two out and travelling well until the last when his stamina was exposed dropping down the field. He goes down in trip here and with improvement expected he is the pick.

The Curragh 6.00: DNG Spring Fillies Handicap. 

5: Snowcapped: A promising horse who made it 2 from 2 this year when winning on this course 25 days ago. Despite a poor start she recovered to lead in the final 100 yards keeping on well and coming home by 3 1/4 lengths. There is definitely more to come and she can complete the hat-trick for a trainer who won this 12 months ago. 

The Curragh 7.30: Novibet Emerald Mile Handicap. 

6: Dunum: A horse who progressed well last season completing a 4-timer at Galway back in July before finishing a good 2nd here on his final start. Picked up a career best win on return at Limerick 5 weeks ago by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths and looking at that performance he can follow up by taking this.

25/5/23 Limerick

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Limerick on Thursday evening where there are 2 features. 

6.00: El Electronics Irish EBF Mares Chase.

3: Hurricane Georgie: A good horse who ended last season finishing 2nd behind Noble Yeats in a listed contest at Wexford in October. She has a record of going well fresh and the conditions here should suit making her the pick to take this on her return. 

6.30: Shoe Rescue Beginners Chase.

8: The Friday Man: A useful winner over hurdles who was 3rd in a novice chase at Down Royal on fences debut 24 days ago. His inexperience showed there but with that run under his belt and his record over hurdles he looks like the one to beat here.

23/5/23 Results

 Our winner on Tuesday came at Punchestown where Horantzau D'airy made all the running travelling well and going clear 2 out. The 1/6 favourite stayed on well on the run-in easily beating Striking by 16 lengths. Over at Gowran Park Mashia finished 2nd, the 10/11 favourite made good progress to lead from 3 out. She was strongly pressed 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish being passed soon after. She kept on at the same pace and was slightly hampered inside the final furlong allowing Moon De Vega to pull away to win by 3 3/4 lengths. 

 After a busy day Irish racing takes a break on Wednesday, there are meetings at Yarmouth, Warwick, Ayr,Kempton and Southwell. The next Irish card is at Limerick on Thursday tips for the highlights will be up on Wednesday night. 

23/5/23 Punchestown + Gowran Park

 Monday's winner at Roscommon was Port Louis, the 7/1 shot led early but dropped to 4th at halfway. He made headway entering the straight leading for a second time two out. He asserted himself keeping on well inside the final furlong beating Courageous Strike by 2 1/2 lengths. The other pick Hutton Glen was 7th in a race won by Pearl Of Australia who beat Astar by 1/2 a length. 

 The week continues with a double header on Tuesday which sees eight races at both Punchestown and Gowran Park with two standing out. 

Punchestown 2.45: Punchestown's Fittest Club Sunday June 11th Maiden Hurdle (Div 1)

6: Horantzau D'airy: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 4th on this course when last seen 24 days ago. He comes from the yard of Willie Mullins who is in good form setting a clear standard and he can open his Irish account here.

Gowran Park 5.10: Gowranpark1 On Twitter Fillies Race.

3: Mashia: Made a good impression when winning on debut at Naas 17 days ago. She led early in the final furlong keeping on well in the last 100 yards coming home by 1 3/4 lengths. She looks a useful prospect who has big race entries to come and should follow up. 

22/5/23 Roscommon

 Sunday's only winner at Naas was The Antarctic, the 13/8 favourite made all the running in the far side group and was two lengths clear 150 yards from the finish. He kept on well just holding on close to home beating Ocean Quest by a head. In the other two races both Mooneista and Ribchestina finished 4th.

 There are eight races at Roscommon on Monday night with two main events. 

5.25: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. 

10: Port Louis: A promising horse who was a good 4th at The Curragh when last seen 3 weeks ago. He kept on well inside the final furlong taking 4th in the closing stages. He was suited by the increase in trip there so going up again here will help. He has more to offer and in a field full of newcomers his experience gives him the nod.

6.55: Shanagher Hearing Maiden. 

9: Hutton Glen: A decent horse who built on his debut when 2nd at Gowran Park 19 days ago. He ran well throughout but couldn't reach the winner grabbing 2nd close to the finish. He should appreciate this longer trip and with improvement expected he looks like the one to beat here. 

21/5/23 Naas

 At Wexford on Saturday Good As Hell came 3rd, the 11/2 shot tracked the leaders early sitting 3rd at halfway. She made no impression before the last keeping on at one pace. Upfront Fruit Blossom beat Presenting Doyen by a comfortable 4 1/2 lengths. In the 4.00 Uncle Phil failed to finish, the 5/1 chance had a 4 length lead at halfway but had dropped to 3rd when he unseated his rider at the last. Watch House Cross won beating Senecia by 3 3/4 lengths, 

A top-class 8 race card takes place at Naas on Sunday with 3 topping the bill.

2.15: Sole Power Sprint Stakes. 

8: Mooneista: A smart mare who has been a course and distance winner in her career. She ended last season out of form culminating in a 15th place finish at Longchamp in October. Despite being off 7 months this is a good race for her to bounce back starting off for a new yard making her the pick.

2.45: Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes (Group 3)

9: Ribchestina: Showed promise when winning over course and distance on debut 27 days ago. She challenged inside the final furlong leading in the last 100 yards keeping on well to comfortably come home by 2 lengths. She has since moved stables with this her first start for Paddy Twomey and with plenty more to come she gets the vote to follow up. 

3.45: Goffs Lacken Stakes (Group 3)

5: The Antarctic: A good horse who has been a course winner. He was 3rd behind another in this field Ocean Quest at Navan on reappearance 29 days ago but with his stable in good form he can take this before moving on to bigger things.

20/5/23 Wexford

 Friday's best came at Downpatrick where Vaucelet finished 2nd, the 4/6 favourite was 3rd early and sat 2nd 6 out. He disputed the lead 4 out leading soon after, he was passed 2 out making no impression in the closing stages keeping on at one pace. Billaway won the race by 3 lengths. In the big Group 3 at Leopardstown Emily Dickinson was 6th, the 2/5 favourite was prominent and led after 3 furlongs. She was passed early in the straight soon having no extra and weakening, upfront Yashin beat Point King by a short head. 

 Seven races at Wexford on Saturday kick off the weekend where there are two highlights. 

2.15: Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Good As Hell: A course and distance winner who picked up her career best victory in a handicap chase at Tipperary when last seen 16 days ago,she just held on coming home by a nose. She switches to hurdles here and off a good mark can follow up. 

4.00:Poolcourt Novice Chase 

6: Uncle Phil: A useful winner over hurdles who was a very good 3rd at Punchestown 22 days ago. He recovered from a poor start going 3rd on the run-in, he should do a lot better over fences if he settles well and turn into a good chaser. With more to come he has an excellent chance of making a winning start in this sphere. 

195/23 Leopardstown + Downpatrick

 A very poor Thursday at Tipperary saw Crowsatedappletart finish 7th in a race won by Hi Ski who beat Sovereign Duke by 1/2 a length while the other pick Pidoyne came 9th. That contest went to Fiveonefive the 11/4 favourite beat Inchiquin Star by 1 3/4 lengths. 

The second double header of the week takes place on Friday night with 8 races at Leopardstown and 7 at Downpatrick with 2 standing out. 

Leopardstown 6.55: Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes (Group 3)

2: Emily Dickinson: An excellent filly who picked up a career best win in the listed Vintage Crop at Navan 27 days ago. She went into the lead a furlong out keeping on well to easily beat French Claim by 5 lengths. That performance took her to the top of the market for the Ascot Gold Cup and she is hard to look past here.

Downpatrick 7.45: Down Royal Corporation Of Horse Breeders Hunters Chase.

8: Vaucelet: A useful chaser who picked up 2 wins from 5 runs last season. He was a creditable 2nd at Punchestown 3 weeks ago running on well close to home and he looks hard to beat in this one.

18/5/23 Tipperary

 At Cork on Wednesday Jenni was 2nd, the 11/4 favourite led at halfway and despite being strongly pressed in the final 150 yards she kept on well. She was eventually passed in the closing stages by Tiger Belle who won by a neck. The other pick Two Stars was a non-runner in a race won by Not Too Real Bad who beat Escaping Thejungle by a head.

 Seven races take place at Tipperary on Thursday with two features. 

6.05: Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle (Div 1)

1: Crowsatedappletart: A winner at Limerick in March by 3 3/4 lengths who was a very good 3rd at Cork when last seen 38 days ago. He led from 2 out keeping on well but being passed in the closing stages dropping to 3rd close to home. That performance showed more improvement and despite a 2lb rise he should be taken seriously here.

6.40: Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle (Div 2)

6: Pidoyne: A horse in good recent form who picked up a career best win at Tramore 31 days ago. She led at the last comfortably coming home by 4 1/4 lengths. Her trainer is having a good spell so she should definitely be respected and she is more than capable of following up here.

17/5/23 Cork

 Our winner on Tuesday came at Sligo where Blazing Sunset sat 3rd at halfway. The 13/8 favourite challenged 3 out leading narrowly 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish. He kept on well asserting himself inside the final furlong beating Right Now by 2 lengths. Over at Killarney Maybe Just Maybe was 3rd, the 7/2 shot was 4th at halfway but made no impression from a furlong out. She kept on at one pace going 3rd in the closing stages, upfront Ma Belle Artiste beat Impact Warrior by a head.

 There are seven races at Cork on Wednesday with two main events. 

5.50: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

2: Jenni: A half-sister to The Mackem Bullet who was fifth on debut at The Curragh 31 days ago. She went off 7/4 favourite but wasn't disgraced on what was heavy ground so on a better surface she will be a different proposition. She definitely has more to offer so can leave that run behind her and open her account here. 

6.20: Follow Us On Social Media Handicap. 

2: Two Stars: A horse who enjoys running here, a third on debut was followed up by a win when last seen 2 weeks ago. He had a narrow lead from 1 1/2 furlongs out keeping on well under pressure and asserting himself in the closing stages coming home by 1 1/4 lengths. He makes his handicap debut here and with improvement expected he can follow up. 

16/5/23 Killarney & Sligo

 Monday's only winner at Killarney was Saint Sam, the 9/4 favourite was 3rd at the 9th travelling well to lead two out. He asserted himself before the last keeping on to easily beat Effernock Fizz by 4 1/4 lengths. In the other race The Big Chap was 3rd, the 11/2 shot led early but was passed before the 3rd. He had dropped to 4th by 3 out improving into 3rd at the last. He ran on well but couldn't reach the winner Prince Zaltar who beat Optional Mix by a neck.

The weeks first double header takes place on Tuesday night with 7 races at both Killarney and Sligo where there are 2 highlights. 

Killarney 5.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Race.

5: Maybe Just Maybe: Picked up her only career win on her second start at Leopardstown back in August and was then 8th after being hampered in the Weld Park Stakes at The Curragh when last seen in September. Despite being off 7 months she just sets the standard here and can take this before a tilt at the Irish 1,000 Guineas. 

Sligo 6.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.

1: Blazing Sunset: A promising horse who was 4th on debut behind subsequent Dee Stakes winner Alder at Killarney when last seen in July with the other horses in front that day Valiant King and Hiawatha also going well since. Despite being off 10 months and going up in trip here there is plenty more to come making him the pick. 

15/5/23 Killarney

 The weekend finished on a poor note at Killarney with the best coming from Party Central who was 4th, the 7/4 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. She improved into 2nd entering the straight but a mistake 3 out ended her challenge. She had no extra in 4th from 2 out while upfront Shecouldbeanything beat Walk With Paul by a length. The other listed contest saw Kilbree Warrior finish 6th in a race won by Mighty Tom who beat Magnor Glory by a comfortable 10 lengths. 

 A second eight race card takes place at Killarney on Monday night where 2 stand out. 

6.25: M.D. O'Shea & Sons Handicap Hurdle. 

14: The Big Chap: A horse in good recent form which culminated with a career best win at Kilbeggan 25 days ago. He battled well in the closing stages and despite coming under pressure he won by 1/2 a length. He goes significantly back up in trip here but should be respected and he can follow up. 

6.55: Boylesports An Riocht Chase (Grade 3)

1: Saint Sam: A smart chaser who didn't need to be at his best to win at Tramore when last seen 29 days ago. He made all the running being unchallenged and coming home by a very easy 20 lengths. With much more to offer he is the one to beat in what is a very competitive Grade 3.

14/5/23 Killarney

 The best result on Saturday at Navan came from Jalaybee who was 2nd, the 9/1 shot led early but was challenged 1 1/2 furlongs out. He kept on well under pressure in the final furlong eventually being passed close to home by Givemethebeatboys who won by 3/4 of a length. The other contest saw St Vincents Garden finish 6th in a race taken by Peking Opera who beat Etna Rosso by 1/2 a length. 

 The weekend reaches it’s conclusion with 8 races at Killarney on Sunday where 2 take centre stage. 

2.55: Easyclean Tourist Attraction Mares Hurdle. 

2: Party Central: A horse with promise who made a winning start on the flat at Gowran Park last month. She switches back to hurdles here a sphere where she picked up her career best win at the 2022 Punchestown Festival. She is open to further improvement and can complete a hat-trick. 

3.25: Oyster Tavern Handicap Hurdle. 

10: Kilbree Warrior: Ran well when winning at Fairyhouse on his last outing 35 days ago leading from halfway drawing further clear on the run-in to come home by a very comfortable 16 lengths. A 10lb weight rise may not be enough to stop him if he puts in a similar performance and he gets the vote to follow up.

13/5/23 Navan

 Friday's best performance at Kilbeggan came from Nine Graces who was 5th, the 4/1 shot made headway to sit 7th four out. She made no impression in 5th before the last keeping on at one pace, upfront Desert Heather won beating Desertmore House by a head. In the later race Falco Blitz was 10th in a contest won by The Echo Boy who beat Arctic Ambition by an easy 6 1/2 lengths. 

There are 8 races at Navan on Saturday with two main events. 

1.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

6: Jalaybee: A lightly-raced horse who was 3rd at Naas when last seen a week ago. He was unsuited by the drop in trip there so going slightly back up here should help. Another bold bid is expected and he is worth a chance to open his account on only his third career start.

4.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Yeats Stakes.

6: St Vincents Garden: Made a highly promising debut when 3rd at Leopardstown 6 days ago. He ran well in the closing stages taking 3rd inside the final furlong. With improvement expected he should progress further here and just gets the nod to pick up his first win.

12/5/23 Kilbeggan

 The best on a really poor Thursday at Clonmel came from Wasthatok who was 5th. The 10/3 shot was 3rd at halfway dropping to 4th two out. He made no impression approaching the last soon having no extra, Gentleman Joe won the race beating Stuzzikini by 2 1/4 lengths. In the earlier race Boom Boom Boom was 12th in a contest won by As Tears Go By who beat Grange Walk by a length. 

 We round off the week with 7 races at Kilbeggan on Friday night where there are 2 features. 

6.45: Moyvore Whisky Vault Handicap Hurdle. 

6: Nine Graces: A horse in good form who has two wins from three runs this year her last being a career best at Ballinrobe a month ago. She led approaching the last asserting herself on the run-in winning by a comfortable 3 1/2 lengths. She still has more to offer and despite the step up in class she can complete the hat-trick here. 

7.55: William Hill Extra Places Daily Handicap Chase.

4: Falco Blitz: Got back on track with a good third at Limerick when last seen 47 days ago. He travelled well in the closing stages going 3rd on the run-in. With improvement expected and going off a high mark he is just the pick here.

11/5/23 Clonmel

 The midweek meeting at Gowran Park saw both my picks finish 4th, in the 1.20 Toughen Up led early but was soon strongly pressed. The 5/6 favourite was passed a furlong out having no extra and dropping to 4th in the last strides, Lady Onyx won the race beating Neowise by 1 1/2 lengths. The 3.05 saw Vadiana make progress to sit 5th two out. The 9/2 shot moved into 4th soon after but she had no extra in the final furlong, upfront Esculenta beat Fools Glory by a head.

 Eight races take place at Clonmel on Thursday where two stand out. 

5.18: Tote Fantasy Who's In Your Stable Handicap Hurdle. 

13: Boom Boom Boom: A decent horse who's last run an 11th at Dundalk in December can be overlooked. He switches from the flat to make his handicap hurdle debut here for a yard in good form and given his progress since he last tackled obstacles he just gets the nod. 

5.48: Camida Perfect Chemistry Rated Novice Hurdle. 

2: Wasthatok: Made a winning start over hurdles at Kilbeggan 3 weeks ago asserting himself on the run-in and comfortably coming home by 6 lengths. With plenty more to come and further improvement expected he has strong claims and is the pick here. 

10/5/23 Gowran Park

 After a day off Irish racing returns with an 8 race card at Gowran Park on Wednesday where there are 2 highlights. 

1.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

3: Toughen Up: Put in a career best performance when second at Limerick just under 3 weeks ago, He pressed the leader in the closing stages only losing by a head. Despite wearing a tongue strap for the 1st time here a repeat will make him tough to beat.

3.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

3: Vadiana: A lightly-raced horse who picked up her first career win at Dundalk in December. She led from a furlong out staying on well and comfortably coming home by 3 1/4 lengths. Despite being off 140 days she gets the nod on this her reappearance and handicap debut. 

8/5/23 Update

 Neither of Monday's tips ran after the meeting at Roscommon was called off. There was 10mm of overnight rain which left the track waterlogged in places and unfit for racing, the card has yet to be rearranged. 

After today's abandonment Irish racing takes a break on Tuesday. There are meetings at Lingfield, Ffos Las, Fakenham, Ludlow and Newcastle. The next Irish card is at Gowran Park on Wednesday tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night. 

8/5/23 Roscommon

 The best performance on an important Sunday at Leopardstown came in the Derby Trial where Up And Under was 2nd, the 11/4 shot was 7th at halfway making progress from 2 out. He kept on well moving into 2nd inside the final furlong without threatening the winner Sprewell who came home by 3 lengths. In the days other Group three's both American Sonja and New Energy finished 4th.

 We begin another week with 7 races at Roscommon on Monday where there are 2 main events. 

4.30: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

6: Thia: A horse who showed plenty of promise when 3rd at The Curragh on only his second career run 22 days ago. He goes up in trip here for a trainer going well with his experience a plus, improvement is likely which just gives him the nod. 

6.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race.

1: Pivotal Trigger: A useful individual who last won at Galway back in July last year while his final start of 2022 over at Longchamp can be overlooked. Despite being off 7 months and going significantly up in trip he has the best form on show here and can make a winning return. 

7/5/23 Leopardstown

 Saturday's only winner came at Naas where Caroline Street sat 7th at halfway making headway from 2 out. The 11/2 shot made further progress between horses to lead entering the final furlong she kept on well in the closing stages beating Lumiere Rock by 1/2 a length. It was a poor day elsewhere with Something Nice finishing 9th and Dame Rapide coming 8th.

 An 8 race card takes place at Leopardstown on Sunday with 3 topping the bill.

2.15: Cornelscourt Stakes (Group 3)

1: American Sonja: A promising horse who picked up her career best win at Gowran Park 18 days ago. She went clear inside the final furlong comfortably coming home by 3 1/4 lengths. Another bold show is likely and she can complete a hat-trick here.

2.50: Amethyst Stakes (Group 3)

3: New Energy: A smart horse who ran well in group company last season including a 3rd in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. He was second behind Kinross in the Park Stakes at Doncaster before finishing a respectable 6th in the Prix De La Foret at Longchamp when last seen in October. This looks like a good race to make his reappearance and he is the one to beat. 

3.25: Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3)

8: Up And Under: Was a good second behind White Birch in the Ballysax Stakes over course and distance 35 days ago. With plenty more to come this well-bred colt can go one better here.

6/5/23 Cork + Naas

 The best performances on Friday both came at Cork, in the 5.15 Mauiewowie was 5th at halfway moving into 3rd 1 1/2 furlongs out. The 5/2 favourite went 2nd inside the final furlong but she made no impression on the winner Fix You who came home by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other listed race All Lies Ahead was also 2nd, the 7/2 favourite travelled well leading narrowly 1 1/2 furlongs out. She was passed close to home by Earls who won by 1/2 a length. Over at Downpatrick Splashing Out was 4th in a race won by Return To Base who beat Theonewedreamof by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 Two more meetings take place on Saturday with 7 races at Cork and 8 at Naas where 3 stand out. 

Cork 2.23: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

5: Dame Rapide: A useful winner on the flat who was 4th on hurdles debut at Fairyhouse in April and then finished 6th in a listed race at Punchestown when last seen 11 days ago. Her performance there showed she will be suited by this longer trip and with further improvement expected she is just the pick.

Naas 3.20: Dillon Marshall Property Consultants Handicap. 

6: Something Nice: A lightly-raced horse who last won at Cork in April. He was a good second on handicap debut here 12 days ago only losing by 1/2 a length. He goes back down in trip here and with another bold showing likely he gets the vote. 

Naas 3.55: Al Shira'aa Racing Irish EBF Blue Wind Stakes (Group 3)

2: Caroline Street: A decent horse who was a below form 6th in the Weld Park Stakes at The Curragh on her last outing back in September. Despite being off 7 months and going significantly up in trip she sets a high standard and has the best chance.

5/5/23 Cork & Downpatrick

 Thursday's winner at Tipperary was Maxxum, the 1/1 favourite was always prominent despite some jumping mistakes. He led from 2 out asserting himself at the last keeping on well on the run-in beating Walk Away by 3 lengths. In the other race Know The Game was 4th, the 5/1 shot was 2nd at halfway disputing the lead from 3 out. He was passed after a slight mistake 2 out and had no extra before the last keeping on at one pace, upfront Good As Hell beat Politicise by a nose.

 A Friday double header sees 7 races at both Cork and Downpatrick with 3 features. 

Cork 5.15: Goffs Irish EBF Polonia Stakes.

11: Mauiewowie: A promising horse who won a listed race at The Curragh when last seen back in August beating another in this field Treasure Trove by a short head. Despite being off 8 months she should improve further and take this on her return. 

Cork 6.25: Mallow Handicap. 

12: All Lies Ahead: A horse in good form who won at Leopardstown on reappearance in April just coming home by a neck. She showed further improvement when second at Gowran Park 16 days ago only finding the progressive American Sonja too good. With plenty more to come she is the pick to return to winning ways here. 

Downpatrick 6.50: Randox Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Splashing Out: A decent horse who was a below form 10th at Fairyhouse 25 days ago. She wasn't seen in the best light there so having cheekpieces on for the 1st time here should help. She is definitely open to improvement and can get back on track. 

4/5/23 Tipperary

 A really bad Wednesday at Gowran Park saw Grecian Slipper finish 9th, the 9/2 shot made no impression from 2 out in a race won by Final Gesture who beat Joupe by 5 lengths. It was worse in the other listed contest where Redressed came 14th, the 4/1 chance was never a factor while upfront Indian Wish beat Angels Wrath by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 Tipperary is the destination on Thursday evening for a 7 race card with 2 main events. 

6.25: Tipperary Racecourse Handicap Chase. 

3: Know The Game: Last won at Naas in December and then put in a career best performance when second behind Freddie Robdal at Tramore 18 days ago. He only lost by a nose and despite going up 4lb he should run well again here and go one better. 

6.55: Storm The Stars At Coolagown Stud Beginners Chase. 

4: Maxxum: A useful hurdler who beat a big field to land a handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas. He finished a respectable 14th in the Pertemps Network Final at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen 49 days ago and can continue his excellent season here by returning to winning ways on this his chase debut. 

3/5/23 Gowran Park

 An excellent Tuesday at Ballinrobe saw both my picks win, in the 4.45 Lucid Dreams was 2nd early improving to lead 2 out. The 9/4 favourite moved clear on the run-in comfortably beating Make The Plan by 8 1/2 lengths. The next saw Banntown Girl sit 2nd at halfway. The 8/13 favourite led soon after and despite being challenged before the last she regained the lead on the run-in keeping on well to beat Conyers Hill by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Gowran Park on Wednesday night where two stand out.

5.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Vintage Tipple Stakes. 

3: Grecian Slipper: A useful filly who was a very good third behind Mellow Magic on this course when last seen 2 weeks ago. That was her best recent run leaving most of her 3-y-o form behind and she should improve again here and can pick up her second career win.

6.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes. 

7: Redressed: A winner at Navan in September who stepped up to Group 3 level on her return 39 days ago finishing a good 2nd in the Park Express Stakes at The Curragh. She only found Insinuendo too good and with more to come she has an excellent chance here going back up in trip making her the pick.

2/5/23 Ballinrobe

 The best on a poor Monday came at Down Royal where Paul Marvel was 4th, the 15/8 favourite was 2nd early but wasn't fluent from the 7th. He dropped to 5th from 2 out making no impression, Bella Bliss won the race beating Cocoplum by 2 1/2 lengths. In the 2 big group races at The Curragh Queen Aminatu was 7th with Honey Girl taking the contest while in the other Luxembourg came 5th in a race won by Visualisation who beat Layfayette by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 The week continues with 8 races at Ballinrobe on Tuesday where there are two highlights. 

4.45: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (Div 1)

10: Lucid Dreams: A promising horse who was second on hurdles debut at Fakenham in March before finishing 3rd in a bumper on this course 18 days ago. She has shown enough in those performances but still has more to offer and can open her account here.

5.18: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (Div 2)

5: Banntown Girl: A useful individual who despite remaining winless after 7 hurdles runs was a respectable 2nd on this course when last seen two weeks ago. She may have been no match for the winner that day but she has the best form on show here and is the one to beat.