1/7/23 The Curragh

 Friday's winner at The Curragh was The Franchise, the 7/1 shot was in midfield making headway from 3 out. He kept on well to lead inside the final 110 yards beating Booyea by 1/2 a length. In the earlier race Lygon Street was 4th, the 11/2 chance tracked the leaders sitting 4th at halfway. He had dropped to 6th a furlong out but railed in the closing stages managing to take 4th again before the finish. Upfront Tudor City beat Gradulatuons by 1/2 a length. 

 July begins on Saturday with day 2 at The Curragh where on an 8 race card there are 2 features. 

2.15: Airlie Stud Stakes (Group 2)

6: Matrika: Was a course and distance winner on debut in May before finishing an excellent 2nd behind Porta Fortuna in the Albany at Royal Ascot 8 days ago. She led from a furlong out there only being passed in the closing stages and with her yard in good form she is the one to beat here.

3.25: Yulong Pretty Polly Stakes (Group 1)

7: Via Sistina: A smart mare who picked up her career best win in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket 55 days ago. She moved into the lead 2 out going clear close to home and easily beating Al Husn by 6 lengths. That impressive performance sets a high standard and she can complete a hat-trick here.

As this is my 1,000th post I just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you for your support and fingers crossed for another 1,000.

30/6/23 The Curragh

 After Thursday's break 3 top-class days at The Curragh begin on Friday night where on a 7 race card 2 stand out. 

6.40: Silken Thomas & Lock 13 Apprentice Derby.

17: Lygon Street: A decent horse who put in a career best performance when 3rd at Gowran Park on his last outing 25 days ago. He stayed on to go 3rd inside the final furlong but didn't trouble the winner. He goes up in trip here which is a bonus and with more to come for a yard in good form he can take this.

7.50: J.J. Mahon & Sons Handicap. 

11: The Franchise: A horse with promise who was a creditable 2nd at Fairyhouse 3 weeks ago. He led 1 1/2 furlongs out but was strongly pressed being passed in the final 150 yards. He goes for the longer trip here on handicap debut and in what looks like a competitive race on paper he just gets the nod.

28/6/23 Results

 The best on a very poor Wednesday at Naas came from Shamwari who was 7th, the 11/1 shot was towards the rear making slight headway from 2 out. Despite keeping on in the final 110 yards she made no impression while upfront Library beat Empress Of Beauty by a head. It wasn’t any better in the 6.30 where Not Just Yet finished 8th in a race won by Sioux Spirit who beat Aussie Girl by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 After the midweek meeting Irish racing takes it's second break of the week on Thursday, meetings do take place at Newcastle, Nottingham, Newmarket, Leicester and Hamilton. The next Irish card is the start of 3 top-class days at The Curragh on Friday tips for the features will be up on Thursday night. 

28/6/23 Naas

 After a rest day Irish racing returns with 8 races at Naas on Wednesday where there are 2 main events. 

6.30: ARKequine Derbymed Handicap. 

10: Not Just Yet: Has one win from two runs this year that was a career best at Listowel 24 days ago. He made good headway to lead from 2 out keeping on well in the closing stages to come home by 1/2 a length. Despite being given a 3lb rise he should be well up there again and is more then capable of following up. 

7.00: Al Shir'aa Racing Irish EBF Naas Oaks Trial.

8: Shamwari: A promising horse who was a good second behind recent Ulster Derby winner Tower Of London in a listed race at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago. She ran well from a furlong out grabbing 2nd close to home and with her stable in good form and improvement expected she can go one better here. 

26/6/23 Results

 Monday's only finisher at Ballinrobe was Sign From Above who came 3rd, the 15/8 favourite was in midfield early making headway from just after halfway. He went 3rd a furlong out keeping on at one pace. Upfront Longclaw beat Summer Fly by 2 1/2 lengths. The other tip Simpson's Paradox was a non-runner in a race won by Green Sky who beat The First And Last by 1/2 a length. 

 After Monday's action Irish racing takes another break on Tuesday, there are meetings at Beverley, Brighton, Newton Abbot and Newbury. The next Irish card is at Naas on Wednesday where the Naas Oaks Trial takes centre stage, tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night. 

26/6/23 Ballinrobe

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Ballinrobe on Monday evening where there are 2 highlights. 

5.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

2: Simpson's Paradox: A lightly-raced horse who was a bit below form when 4th at Gowran Park on his return 68 days ago. He was unsuited by the trip there so going back up to just over a mile will definitely suit. He also wears cheekpieces for the first time and gets the vote here. 

7.50: GAIN The Advantage Series Handicap. 

4: Sign From Above: A good winner on the flat who was a creditable 3rd in a novice hurdle at Punchestown when last seen 34 days ago. He ran well leading after the last only being passed inside the final furlong. He was a useful hurdler who is enjoying his return to this sphere where he can pick up his second career win.

24/6/23 Results

 Saturday's winner came in the Ulster Derby where Tower Of London sat 5th at halfway, the 5/2 favourite made headway leading from a furlong out. He drew clear in the final 100 yards beating Ibrahimovic by 4 1/4 lengths. In the other race at Down Royal Grecian Slipper was 2nd, the 5/1 shot was at the rear early making progress from 2 out. She kept on well inside the final furlong just failing to reach the winner Enfranchise who came home by a nose. Over at Limerick Pivotal Revive was also 2nd, the 1/1 favourite was 5th at halfway improving into 2nd a furlong out. He kept on at the same pace making no impression on the winner Artemis Jones who was victorious by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 After a busy Saturday Irish racing takes a break on Sunday, there are meetings at Hexham, Ffos Las and Pontefract where the Sky Bet Sunday Series continues. The next Irish card is at Ballinrobe on Monday tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night. 

24/6/23 Down Royal & Limerick

 Friday's winner came at Limerick where Layfayette was towards the rear early but made headway from a furlong out. The 15/8 favourite led inside the final 110 yards keeping on to beat Term Of Endearment by 3/4 of a length. Over at Down Royal Taipan was 2nd, the 10/11 favourite was 3rd at halfway making progress to lead 3 out. He was passed a furlong out keeping on at one pace allowing Powerful Aggie to pull away and win by 1 1/2 lengths.

 A total of 14 races take place on a busy Saturday with 7 each at Down Royal and Limerick where 3 stand out. 

Down Royal 3.45: Boylesports Irish EBF Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap. 

3: Grecian Slipper: Was a creditable 3rd on her return and handicap debut at Gowran Park in April. She ran there again finishing 9th behind Final Gesture in the Vintage Tipple 52 days ago but that can be overlooked and with cheekpieces on for the 1st time she gets the nod here. 

Down Royal 4.25: Boylesports Ulster Derby.

1: Tower Of London: A lightly-raced horse who picked up his career best win in the listed King George V Cup at Leopardstown 16 days ago. He led from 1 1/2 furlongs out staying on well and comfortably beating Shamwari by 1 3/4 lengths. That decisive performance makes him the pick here on his handicap debut. 

Limerick 5.23: Party Time Maiden. 

6: Pivotal Revive: A promising horse who was a good second on debut at Dundalk in November. He only had Bertinelli in front who has won at Royal Ascot this week and with improvement likely he should be hard to beat here on his return. 

23/6/23 Down Royal & Limerick

 My poor recent form continued at Leopardstown on Thursday where the best came from Aird who was 5th, the 3/1 shot led early but sat 3rd at halfway. She was 4th a furlong out but made no impression inside the final furlong, upfront Sugaree won beating Alalcance by 3 lengths. In the 5.10 Akkadian Emperor was 7th in a race won by Sea Singer who beat Port Louis by a nose.

 A Friday double header sees seven races at both Down Royal and Limerick with two features.

Down Royal 7.10: His Majesty's Plate.

1: Taipan: A useful horse who has had a good year so far winning his last two including at Listowel 19 days ago. He led from halfway there asserting himself a furlong out and easily coming home by 5 1/2 lengths. His yard is having a good recent spell and he can complete the hat-trick here. 

Limerick 7.20: Tally Ho Stud Irish EBF Martin Molony Stakes.

1: Layfayette: Was a decent 4th behind Luxembourg in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh when last seen 26 days ago despite not being ideally placed. He has the best form on show here and should capitalise on this drop down in grade to pick up an 8th career win.

22/6/23 Leopardstown

 On Wednesday at Wexford Pink In The Park won, the 2/5 favourite disputed the lead early sitting 2nd at halfway. She travelled well leading approaching the straight keeping on well on the run-in comfortably beating Barry Lyndon by 1 1/4 lengths. In the 7.28 Atimetodream was a non-runner in a race won by Feet Of A Dancer who beat Buttons And Bows by 4 lengths. 

 Leopardstown stages 8 races on Thursday with 2 main events. 

4.40: Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Fillies Maiden. 

2: Aird: A horse with promise who has run well in both her starts the latest was an encouraging 3rd at The Curragh 2 weeks ago. That was her return after 8 months off and with more to come she can build on that here and pick up her 1st career win.

5.10: Irish EBF Auction Series Race.

1: Akkadian Emperor: Made an eye-catching debut when 7th on this course 34 days ago finishing with plenty left in the tank after picking his way through the field. Improvement is definitely on the cards and in a tough race to predict he just gets the nod to take a big step forward and win this for a trainer in good form.

21/6/23 Wexford

 Tuesday was another poor day this time this time at Wexford, In the 4.00 Oscer Romero failed to finish. The 5/1 shot led early but after being passed 4 out he dropped to 3rd and made no impression weakening and being pulled up before the last. Pats Choice won the race beating Clever Currency by a fortunate 17 lengths. The other pick Gateau De Miel was a non-runner in a race won by Battle Of Mirbat who beat Goodnightngodbless by 1/2 a length. 

The midweek meeting sees a second day at Wexford where on a 7 race card there are two highlights. 

6.25: Boylesports Novice Hurdle.

7: Pink In The Park: A useful hurdler who didn't need to be at her best to win at Cork 46 days ago. She led for most of the way and despite a slight mistake two out she comfortably came home by 5 1/2 lengths. Her stable is in good form and she should be too strong here as she looks to follow up. 

7.28: Racing Again July 7th Ladies Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Atimetodream: A promising horse who was a good second on handicap debut at Limerick 26 days ago. She stayed on strongly from the last grabbing 2nd close to home. She goes up in trip here which should definitely suit and she can go one better picking up her first career win.

20/6/23 Wexford

 Neither of Monday's tips ran as both Miss Tempo and Choice Of Words were non-runners. The 6.13 went to Streets Of Doyen who beat Waitnsee by 2 1/4 lengths while Pakens Rock took the 7.43 beating The Dara Man by 1/2 a length. 

 The eyes of the racing world will be on Royal Ascot from Tuesday but there are seven races at Wexford with two standing out.

4.00: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase. 

4: Oscer Romero: A course winner in his career who was a creditable 3rd at Limerick when last seen 26 days ago. He goes back down to a shorter trip here which will definitely help and he has to be taken seriously as he attempts to return to winning ways. 

4.37: Support The Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Chase. 

2: Gateau De Miel: Picked up his latest win at Fairyhouse in November and was a good second in the Killarney National when last seen 37 days ago. With that decent comeback run under his belt he tops the shortlist here and should go well again as he looks to achieve his 3rd career win.

19/6/23 Kilbeggan

 It was a very poor Sunday for both my picks, at Gowran Park Marsa was 6th. The 9/1 shot was never really in touch making no impression from a furlong out keeping on at one pace while in a close finish Plume Noire beat Touching Clouds by a head. Over at Downpatrick Natural Look was 12th in a race won by Cottie who beat Royal Eagle by an easy 9 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Kilbeggan on Monday night with two features. 

6.13: Paul & Carmel Fay Memorial Handicap Hurdle. 

6: Miss Tempo: Has shown improvement this year winning at Naas and following that up with a career best victory at Tipperary 46 days ago. She made all the running asserting herself from 2 out going clear before the last and coming home by 9 lengths. She definitely has more to offer and can complete the hat-trick here. 

7.43: Galway Races Galway Plate Trial Handicap Chase. 

5: Choice Of Words: Left previous chase form well behind her when an excellent second on this course on her last outing 38 days ago. She was leading until the closing stages but still finished well clear of the rest. She makes her handicap chase debut here and has to be taken seriously. 

18/6/23 Gowran Park & Downpatrick

 Saturday's winner at Downpatrick was Bal Kauto, the 6/5 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 2nd three out. She travelled well to dispute the lead 2 out moving to the front soon after. She stayed on strongly on the run-in easily beating Monexide by 9 lengths. In the other race Anglesworknovrtime finished 3rd, the 10/3 shot ran well and despite a slight mistake at the 5th she was 3rd two out. She moved into 2nd entering the straight but made no impression dropping to 3rd inside the final furlong, Mel Monroe won beating Howaya C D and E by an impressive 13 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Gowran Park and 7 at Downpatrick on a busy Sunday with 2 taking centre stage. 

Gowran Park 2.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

12: Marsa: A course and distance winner in her career who was a below form 9th on reappearance at The Curragh 3 weeks ago. That run was definitely needed and with that under her belt and a tongue strap on for the 1st time she can resume winning ways here. 

Downpatrick 2.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

11: Natural Look: Returned after 8 months off to finish 6th at Tramore 15 days ago, that was a blip in an otherwise excellent recent record which includes a win at Gowran Park in October where she came home by an easy 6 lengths. She needs to bounce back and this looks like a good race for her to do that. 

17/6/23 Downpatrick

 There were two winners on Friday both at Cork, in the Munster Oaks Rosscarbery was 4th at halfway travelling well to lead from 2 out. Despite being pressed inside the final furlong she kept on to beat Azazat by 1/2 a length. The 7.10 saw Star Kissed be prominent early sitting 3rd three out. The 5/2 favourite led from a furlong out just doing enough to hold on and beat Safecracker by a neck. The only tip who didn't win was Pretreville who was 3rd at Fairyhouse in a race won by Vernet who beat Monaasib by 1/2 a length. 

 Seven races at Downpatrick on Saturday kick off the weekend with two highlights. 

1.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

4: Angelsworknovrtime: Ran the best race of her career when returning after 7 months off to finish 3rd at Limerick 22 days ago. The step back up in trip here should suit and a repeat performance could be enough to see her take this and continue to go in the right direction.

3.30: Tote Always SP Or Better At Downpatrick Handicap Chase. 

2: Bal Kauto: A promising horse who has shown improvement since switching yards winning his last two starts, at Limerick last month and on chase debut at Clonmel just 8 days ago. He asserted himself from 2 out there coming home by 1/2 a length. With further progress likely he can complete a quick-fire hat-trick here.

16/6/23 Cork & Fairyhouse

 At Leopardstown on Thursday Ocean Jewel won, the 16/5 shot sat 2nd early challenging from 2 out. She led 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish keeping on well in the closing stages to beat Real Appeal by 1 1/4 lengths. In the 7.00 Yokkell was 2nd, the 5/2 favourite was prominent mounting a challenge from 2 out. She kept on but was no match for the winner No Niki No who came home by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 A busy Friday sees 8 races at Cork and 7 at Fairyhouse with 3 standing out. 

Cork 6.35: Darley Munster Oaks Stakes (Group 3)

1: Rosscarbery: A smart mare who won this race last year and was a creditable fifth behind Emily Upjohn in the Group 1 Fillies and Mares Stakes at Ascot when last seen in October. Despite being off 8 months she is in excellent hands here and will have been well prepared for her return and she can take this again.

Fairyhouse 6.50: Aiden Burns Memorial Race.

2: Pretreville: A useful horse who won twice last year including the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown where he beat Ivy League by 1 3/4 lengths. He has a good record fresh and this looks like a decent opportunity for him to pick up his 9th career victory. 

Cork 7.10: Cork Derby. 

9: Star Kissed: A promising horse who has two wins from three runs this year her last was a career best at Roscommon 15 days ago. She led a furlong out staying on well to come home by 2 lengths. With improvement expected here she can follow up. 

15/6/23 Leopardstown

 Wednesday's winner at Limerick was Lan Cinnte, the 4/5 favourite was always prominent sitting second 2 out. She led inside the final furlong keeping on well to beat Livio Milo by 1 3/4 lengths. In the other race Sun Never Sets was 7th, the 4/1 shot was always towards the rear sitting 13th at halfway. Despite keeping on from 2 out she didn't trouble the winner Snellen who beat Ennereilly by 3/4 of a length. 

 There are eight races at Leopardstown on Thursday with two features. 

5.55: TRI Equestrian Ballycorus Stakes (Group 3)

8: Ocean Jewel: A lightly-raced horse who was an excellent 3rd behind The Antarctic in the Lacken Stakes at Naas on her return 25 days ago. That was only the 4th start of her career and she should build on that here despite going up in trip and get back to winning ways. 

7.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

8: Yokkell: Returned after 7 months off to finish a very good 3rd on this course 27 days ago. She made headway from a furlong out taking 3rd in the final 150 yards. With that promising run under her belt she is the pick to take this and achieve her second career win.

14/6/23 Limerick

 At Sligo on Tuesday the best came from Artemis Angel who was 5th, the 6/4 favourite led early and despite a slight mistake at the 3rd she had a 2 length advantage at halfway. She was passed 2 out and soon had no extra keeping on at one pace, upfront Pearlofflorida beat Another Bonnie by 3 lengths. In the 7.43 Whatsyourstatus was a non-runner in a race won by Ballygrass Beauty who beat Champagne Auction by 2 lengths.

 Another evening meeting takes place on Wednesday with seven races at Limerick where there are two main events. 

6.30: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. 

13: Sun Never Sets: A horse on debut who is related to Richmond Stakes winner Carrizo Creek. She is trained by Joseph O’Brien who is having a good spell and is the pick of his two here. In a race full of newcomers she has to be taken seriously. 

7.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

15: Lan Cinnte: A lightly-raced filly who returned from 8 months off to finish a creditable 2nd at Naas 24 days ago. She kept on well inside the final furlong grabbing 2nd in the closing stages. She should build on that performance here and definitely has the ability to go one better. 

13/6/23 Sligo

 On Monday at Roscommon The Abbey finished 3rd, the 16/5 favourite made progress from 6 out sitting 5th 4 out. He was 3rd before the last but made no impression allowing Stealthy Tom to win beating Foxy Jacks by 1 1/4 lengths. In the 7.18 Jay Jay Zee was also 3rd, the 100/30 shot was in touch early going 2nd five out. He challenged but lost a place 3 out weakening soon after. Upfront Lucid Dreams beat Lady Of The Vale by 4 lengths. 

 We go to Sligo on Tuesday night where on a seven race card two stand out.

5.28: Hazelwood Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

3: Artemis Angel: Took a big step forward when a very good 4th at Wexford on her return 24 days ago. That performance sets the standard in this field and a repeat should be enough here to take this.

7.43: RSS Record Storage Service (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Whatsyourstatus: Arrives here after picking up a career best win in a handicap chase at Clonmel just 4 days ago. He was prominent all the way moving into the lead at the 8th. He had a 3 length advantage from 2 out staying on well and coming home by a comfortable 6 lengths. He switches to hurdles here and despite going back up in trip he is the pick and can follow up. 

12/6/23 Roscommon

 Sunday's winner came at Navan where Canute recovered from a poor start to sit 3rd at halfway. The 10/11 favourite travelled well from 2 out challenging soon after. He led in the final 100 yards keeping on well to beat Malbay Madness by 1 1/2 lengths. In the days other listed race Didn'thavemuchtodo was 3rd, the 9/2 shot was 4th at halfway but didn't get a clear run from a furlong out. She grabbed 3rd in the closing stages but made no impression while Cadeau Belle won beating Cigmia by 1 1/4 lengths. Over at Punchestown Clounts Pride was 4th in a race that went to Arrycan who beat Birchdale by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Roscommon on Monday evening with two highlights. 

5.13: Tote Connacht National Handicap Chase. 

9: The Abbey: A horse who arrives in excellent form having won his last two starts including a career best at Limerick 18 days ago. He led entering the straight there drawing clear from 2 out easily coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. Despite a hefty weight rise he is a big player who can complete the hat-trick here.

7.18:Midsummer's Weekend With The Stars On June 17th & 18th Rated Novice Hurdle. 

5: Jay Jay Zee: Impressed when winning on debut at Ballinrobe 59 days ago leading in the closing stages keeping on well to beat Ossifer Hops by 3/4 of a length. The step up in trip here should suit and with improvement likely he can follow up for a stable and trainer having a good spell. 

11/6/23 Punchestown & Navan

 The only pick that ran on Saturday at Punchestown was Get My Drift who finished 4th, the 15/8 favourite was up with the leaders early but soon dropped to midfield. He moved in to challenge from 3 out but had no extra from the last, The Greek won beating The Dara Man by 3/4 of a length. In the 4.15 The Short Go was a non-runner in a race won by Da Capo Glory who beat Ash Tree Meadow by a neck.

 A busy Sunday sees 8 races at Punchestown and 7 at Navan with 3 topping the bill. 

Punchestown 2.50: Ladbrokes Handicap Chase. 

8: Clounts Pride: A horse with a decent record who picked up his career best win at Limerick 17 days ago. He led entering the straight keeping on well to come home by 1 1/2 lengths. That performance makes him the one to beat and he can follow up here. 

Navan 3.40: Darley Irish EBF Kooyonga Stakes.

3: Didn'thavemuchtodo: A useful filly who progressed well last season winning at Naas and Killarney before finishing 2nd in a listed race at Gowran Park. She was a good 6th behind Above The Curve in the Blandford Stakes at The Curragh when last seen in September and despite being off 9 months and going back down in trip she should have enough here to make a winning return. 

Navan 4.40: Royal County Handicap. 

6: Canute: A lightly-raced horse who was a good 4th at The Curragh 2 weeks ago. He ran on well in the closing stages which caught the eye and he can build on that here continuing his decent form. 

10/6/23 Punchestown

 On Friday at Fairyhouse Queen Maedbh was 2nd, the 13/8 favourite led early but was strongly pressed from 2 out. She was passed inside the final furlong and despite keeping on she was no match for the winner Tango Flare who came home by 1/2 a length. Over at Clonmel Top Line Tommy was also 2nd, the 3/1 shot led early but was passed at the 4th. Despite a slight mistake at the next he disputed the lead from 3 out but dropped down to 4th soon after. He rallied before the last grabbing 2nd close to home, Name Me Famous won by 3 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Punchestown on Saturday with 2 main events. 

2.30: Hurling Finals Live Coverage Tomorrow Handicap Chase. 

2: Get My Drift: Put in a career best performance when winning at Kilbeggan on his last outing 29 days ago. He challenged in the closing stages leading in the final strides coming home by 1/2 a length. He showed good stamina there and should follow up here. 

4.15: Oak Lodge Landscapes At Punchestown Hurdle. 

4: The Short Go: A decent horse who returned after 6 months off with a comfortable win at Killarney 26 days ago. He made all the running and was clear at the last pulling away to seal victory by 11 lengths. He definitely has more to offer and should add to his excellent record by taking this.

9/6/23 Fairyhouse & Clonmel

 The best at Leopardstown on another poor day came from Kerkiyra who was 4th, the 5/2 shot tracked the leaders early sitting 4th throughout. She made no impression in the final furlong while upfront Moon De Vega beat Salt Lake City by a neck. In the 7.30 New Variant was 5th in a race won by Tower Of London who beat Shamwari by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 A Friday double header sees 7 races at Fairyhouse and 6 at Clonmel with 2 features. 

Fairyhouse 5.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race.

5: Queen Maedbh: A lightly-raced horse who was a very good 3rd in a competitive handicap at The Curragh when last seen 12 days ago. She ran well to challenge from a furlong out only being passed in the final 150 yards. She is definitely worth another chance and tops the shortlist here. 

Clonmel 6.15: Bulmers Summer BBQ Race Evening Opportunity Handicap Chase. 

1: Top Line Tommy: Showed improvement when picking up his career best win at Tramore a week ago. He asserted himself before the last keeping on well to easily come home by 16 lengths. He goes back down in trip and as long as this race hasn't come too soon he is more than capable of following up. 

8/6/23 Leopardstown

 The best on a very poor Wednesday at The Curragh came from Silmaniya who was 7th, the 9/2 joint favourite was always at the rear never threatening, upfront Run Ran Run beat Maria Branwell by a head. The 7.00 went worse with White Caviar finishing 10th in a race won by Nusret who beat Almuhit by 1/2 a length. 

 Thursday sees seven races at Leopardstown with two highlights. 

6.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Glencairn Stakes.

5: Kerkiyra: A useful filly who ended 2022 on a high winning at The Curragh and finishing 2nd in the Trigo Stakes on this course in October. She was a respectable 3rd behind Insinuendo in the Park Express Stakes on her return 75 days ago and with her stable in good form and going back up in trip she is the pick here. 

7.30: King George V Cup.

1: New Variant: A good horse who has 2 wins from 3 runs this year his latest being a career best at Naas 33 days ago. He was clear from a furlong out staying on well to come home by a very easy 10 lengths. That performance shows he is definitely ready for this step up in class and he can complete a hat-trick.

7/6/23 The Curragh

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 8 races at The Curragh on Wednesday evening where 2 take centre stage. 

6.30: Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Premier Handicap. 

5: Silmaniya: A horse with a good record who was a bit below form when fifth in a listed race at Dundalk on her last outing in September. She wasn't ideally placed to challenge there and despite being off 8 months she should make a better 3-y-o and return to winning ways here. 

7.00: Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Handicap. 

3: White Caviar: A promising horse who was a creditable 3rd behind Final Gesture on her hat-trick bid at Gowran Park 35 days ago. She stayed on well under pressure grabbing 3rd on the line and with further improvement expected now back in handicap company she can pick up her third career win.

5/6/23 Results

 Monday's winner came at Gowran Park where Hotrocket recovered from a poor start to sit 5th entering the straight. The 9/4 favourite challenged leading from a furlong out he kept on well beating Spanish Tenor by 2 1/2 lengths. Over at Listowel Grange Walk finished 2nd,the 3/1 favourite was at the rear early making headway to sit 3rd at halfway. He led from 4 out but was passed before 2 out, he made no impression on the run-in allowing Glan to win by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 After a busy Monday Irish racing takes a break on Tuesday there are meetings at Leicester, Southwell,Wetherby and Lingfield. The next Irish card is at The Curragh on Wednesday evening tips for the two Premier Handicap highlights will be up on Tuesday night.

5/6/23 Gowran Park & Listowel

 On Sunday at Listowel Ashwiyaa was 2nd, the 13/8 favourite broke well and led early. She tried to assert herself 1 1/2 furlongs out but began to veer to the right. She was passed inside the final 100 yards and despite keeping on well She couldn't reach Rush Queen who won by a neck. Over at Kilbeggan Innovated was 7th in a race won by A Mere Bagatelle who beat Broken Ice by a comfortable 7 lengths. 

 We move into another week on Monday with seven races at both Gowran Park and Listowel with two standing out. 

Gowran Park 2.37: Sonix Entertainment Handicap. 

5: Hotrocket: A promising horse who picked up his first career win at Fairyhouse in July last year going clear in the final 100 yards and coming home by 5 1/2 lengths. He was 4th at Cork on his return 58 days ago but is capable of better and with improvement expected he can show that here. 

Listowel 3.50: Join Racing TV Now Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Grange Walk: Arrives here in good form achieving his latest win in a chase at Gowran Park in March. Put in his best performance in this sphere when second at Clonmel 25 days ago and despite going up 3lb he should run well again and go one better.

4/6/23 Listowel & Kilbeggan

 Saturday's winner came at Tramore where Heia made all the running but had a reduced lead before the 6th. The 2/7 favourite wasn't fluent from 3 out but recovered to assert himself going clear again before 2 out. She kept on well easily beating Butterflyvespiere by 6 lengths. At Listowel Blame TheChampagne was 6th in a race won by Mary The Priest who beat Scorchio by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 The weekend concludes on Sunday with yet another double header that sees 8 races at both Listowel and Kilbeggan with two main events. 

Listowel 1.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

1: Ashwiyaa: A promising horse who ran well to finish 3rd on debut at Cork 18 days ago. There was much to like about that performance so despite going up in trip here improvement is on the cards and she is the one to beat.

Kilbeggan 4.50: Entegro Handicap Chase. 

1: Innovated: A decent individual who last won at Down Royal in December. He failed the stamina test when a below form 5th at Fairyhouse in January so going down in trip here is a plus. Despite being off 141 days his yard is in good form and he can bounce back on this his handicap chase debut. 

3/6/23 Listowel & Tramore

 The best on Friday came at Down Royal where Walking The Walk finished 2nd, the 1/1 favourite was in midfield early making headway to sit 2nd 4 out. He briefly challenged after the last keeping on at the same pace close to home allowing Reserve Judgement to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Over at Tramore Pats Choice was 5th in a race won by The Dasher Conway who comfortably beat Mater Matuta by 9 lengths. 

 A busy weekend begins on Saturday with seven races at both Listowel and Tramore with two highlights. 

Listowel 2.25: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

9: Blame TheChampagne: A lightly-raced horse who was fifth behind Porta Fortuna in a Group 3 at Naas when last seen 2 weeks ago. She ran well in the closing stages grabbing 5th close to home and with her stable in good form a bold bid is expected as she looks to pick up her 1st career win.

Tramore 5.30: Dunhill Mares Beginners Chase.

3: Heia: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 7th at Punchestown on her last start 35 days ago. She makes her chase debut here for a yard having a good spell and this is a decent opportunity for her to make it a winning one. 

2/6/23 Tramore & Down Royal

 Thursday's winner came at Roscommon where Spanish Flame was in midfield making progress into 5th at halfway. The 8/13 favourite improved going 3rd 2 out, he challenged moving into the lead a furlong from the finish keeping on well and comfortably beating Oligopoly by 6 lengths. In the race at Fairyhouse Eclat De Lumiere was 3rd, the 13/2 shot made good progress to track the leaders at halfway. She was 4th entering the straight going 2nd two out, she had no extra dropping to 3rd inside the final furlong while upfront Dancing Tango beat Gradulations by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 We round off the week with a 3rd double header that sees seven races at both Tramore and Down Royal with two features. 

Tramore 5.50: Tramore Tourism Handicap Chase. 

2: Pats Choice: A good hurdles winner who has been second on his last three starts including behind Say It Ain't So at Ballinrobe 31 days ago. He had every chance on the run-in just losing out by a neck. With another bold show likely he can give a good account and go one better here. 

Down Royal 8.00: Boylesports Time To Switch Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Walking The Walk: Has a good recent record over fences culminating with a second at Wexford 2 weeks ago. He returns to hurdling here off a 17lb lower mark and should be able to take advantage achieving his 2nd career win.