1/8/23 Galway

 On Monday at Galway Teed Up won,the 7/2 favourite was in midfield early challenging from 3 out. He moved into the lead 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish keeping on well in the closing stages beating The Very Man by 1/2 a length. The other pick Hypotenus was 6th in a race won by Mystical Power who beat Samui by an easy 7 lengths. 

 Tuesday sees day 2 at Galway with 7 races and 2 features. 

5.10: COLM Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle. 

1: Absurde: A good horse on the flat who made a winning hurdles debut at Kilbeggan in May. He was left with a lot to do when finishing 2nd behind stablemate Vauban in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot last time but with improvement expected now back over hurdles he can go one better and make it 2 from 2 in this sphere. 

6.40: COLM Quinn BMW Mile Handicap. 

2: Blues Emperor: Put in a career best performance when winning at The Curragh 30 days ago. He led from 2 out and despite coming under pressure in the final furlong he stayed on well coming home by a length. He definitely has more to offer and can continue his excellent 2023 by completing a hat-trick here.

31/7/23 Galway

 After having Sunday off Irish racing returns on Monday with day 1 of the Galway Summer festival where on a seven race card two stand out.

5.10: Galwaybayhotel.com & TheGalmont.com Novice Hurdle. 

9: Hypotenus: A useful horse on the flat in France who has shown promise in his three hurdles starts. His latest was a 2nd at Cork 17 days ago where he had a clear lead approaching the straight but was caught being passed close to home. Despite that he has shown enough and he can take this.

6.40: Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap. 

14: Teed Up: A course winner in his career who tasted victory over hurdles at this meeting last year. He was a good second in a handicap at Tramore on reappearance 3 weeks ago despite not getting a clear run. That promising performance makes him one of the major players and he can win here again.

29/7/23 Results

 The best at Gowran Park on Saturday came in the Group 3 where Goldana finished 3rd, she went off the 16/5 shot and was prominent disputing the lead from 2 out. She led soon after but was passed entering the closing stages dropping to 3rd inside the final furlong. She had no extra allowing Jackie Oh to beat Village Voice by 3 lengths. In the earlier race Tartaraghan was 13th while upfront Ulura beat Glamora by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Sunday, there are meetings at Uttoxeter and Pontefract where the listed Pomfret Stakes is the main event. The next Irish card is at Galway on Monday tips for the features will be up on Sunday night. 

29/7/23 Gowran Park

 The best on Friday came at Down Royal where Tommy Thug finished 3rd, the 8/11 favourite tracked the leaders early and was 3rd at halfway. He challenged moving into 2nd inside the final furlong but he had no extra dropping back to 3rd close to home, upfront Golden Spangle beat Nakassama by a short head. Over at Cork Running Cool was 8th in a race won by Gabriella's Spirit who beat Little Queenie by a neck.

 We have 8 races at Gowran Park on Saturday where there are 2 highlights. 

12.55: Irish EBF Auction Series Fillies Maiden. 

16: Tartaraghan: A lightly-raced filly who was a decent 2nd at Bellewstown when last seen 23 days ago. She was 4th at halfway making good progress to challenge from a furlong out. She kept on at the same pace close to home losing by 3/4 of a length. She should continue to improve here and is the pick on form as she attempts to open her account. 

2.30: Darley Rathbride Stakes (Group 3)

1: Goldana: A useful horse who was a good 6th behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh earlier this month. She has less to worry about here in a more open race and with her yard having a good spell she just gets the vote to return to winning ways. 

28/7/23 Cork & Down Royal

 Thursday saw two of my picks win, at Limerick Shajak made all the running going clear after the 2nd. He had a reduced lead approaching the straight but asserted himself from 2 out, he was clear again on the run-in easily beating All Ways And Ever by 6 1/2 lengths. In the big Group 2 at Leopardstown Zarinsk was prominent early leading from 2 out. The 11/5 favourite was strongly pressed soon after but kept on well inside the final furlong beating Honey Girl by 3/4 of a length. The other pick Mountain Bear was a non-runner in a race won by Henry Adams who beat Devious by a neck.

 Two more meetings take place on Friday with 8 races at Cork and 7 at Down Royal with 2 main events. 

Cork 5.57: Doneraile Handicap. 

4: Running Cool: A good horse who has two wins from four runs this year his last being a career best over course and distance 6 weeks ago. He ran well throughout taking a narrow lead in the final 150 yards beating Mount Ruapehu by 1 3/4 lengths. He should go well again and complete a hat-trick.

Down Royal 6.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

4: Tommy Thug: A horse with promise who was much improved on his debut when 2nd at Leopardstown a week ago. He stayed on inside the final furlong taking 2nd in the closing stages only losing by 3/4 of a length. With more to come he can go one better here. 

27/7/23 Limerick & Leopardstown

 On Wednesday at Naas Storm Miami was 2nd, the 10/3 shot recovered from a poor start to track the leaders early. She challenged from a furlong out keeping on well in the closing stages just failing to reach the winner Tiger Belle who came home by a nose. In the 6.20 Lady Onyx was 7th in a race won by Clounmacon who beat Aussie Girl by 3/4 of a length. 

 A Thursday double header sees 7 races at Limerick and 8 at Leopardstown with 3 features. 

Limerick 5.00: Hurling For Cancer Moves To Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow August 21st Maiden Hurdle. 

11: Shajak: A useful winner on the flat who left his hurdles debut well behind when 2nd at Sligo 18 days ago. He led from 2 out being passed in the final 50 yards only going down by a neck. He is open to further progress and can go one better here. 

Leopardstown 5.47: Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes (Group 3)

5: Mountain Bear: Ran well to win by a length at The Curragh in June and was 7th in the July Stakes at Newmarket when last seen 2 weeks ago. He challenged from 2 out but kept on at the same pace allowing others to pull away. He is well regarded and can bounce back here.

Leopardstown 6.22: Romanised Minstrel Stakes (Group 2)

11: Zarinsk: A useful filly who has been a course and distance winner. She picked up her second victory from three runs this year when taking the Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse 15 days ago beating Cigamia by 2 1/2 lengths. She can continue her excellent recent form by following up here. 

26/7/23 Naas

 At Ballinrobe on Tuesday the best came from Can't Stop Smiling who was 2nd, the 7/4 favourite was at the rear making headway into 4th at halfway. She dropped to 5th at the last but railed into 2nd inside the final furlong. She kept on without reaching the winner Influential Lady who came home by 3 3/4 lengths. The other pick Killeemore Lad was 5th in a race won by Calido who beat Lady of The Vale by an easy 14 lengths. 

 Wednesday's destination is Naas where on a 8 race card 2 stand out.

5.15: Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes. 

6: Storm Miami: Looked a decent prospect when winning over course and distance on debut 18 days ago. She travelled well challenging in the final 100 yards leading close to home winning by a short head. There is definitely plenty more to come with the step up to listed level not being a problem just making her the pick.

6.20: Yeomanstown Stud Irish EBF Stakes.

7: Lady Onyx: A winner on debut at Gowran Park in May and was a good 3rd behind Vetiver in a listed race at Carlisle when last seen 28 days ago. She had every chance a furlong out but stayed on at one pace inside the final furlong. Her yard is having a good spell and with more to offer she can win again on only her 4th start.

25/7/23 Ballinrobe

 The best performance at Ballinrobe on Monday came from Nostringsattached who was 2nd, the 5/2 chance disputed the lead early sitting 2nd at halfway. She made no impression from a furlong out keeping on at the same pace allowing Moonlit Mist to comfortably win by 2 3/4 lengths. In the 7.10 Hell Bent was 5th in a race won by Vischio who beat Last Ammo by 3 lengths. 

 There is a second day of action at Ballinrobe on Tuesday where out of 8 races there are 2 highlights. 

6.08: RBC Brewin Dolphin Rated Novice Hurdle. 

1: Killeemore Lad: A promising horse who didn't need to be at his best when winning at Hexham 38 days ago. He led before the last staying on well and despite being challenged he held on to come home by a neck. There is definitely more to offer and he can continue his fine start over hurdles by completing a hat-trick here. 

6.38: Boylesports Handicap Hurdle. 

5: Can't Stop Smiling: Enjoys running here winning twice already this year including a career best 56 days ago. She led narrowly inside the final furlong just doing enough to win by 1/2 a length. Further improvement is expected and she is the pick to make it 3 in a row on this course. 

24/7/23 Ballinrobe

 Neither of Sunday’s tips ran after the meeting at The Curragh was called off due to significant overnight rain which left parts of the track waterlogged and unraceable. The meeting has been rearranged for Sunday August 13th but the Group 2 Romanised Minstrel Stakes now takes place at Leopardstown on Thursday with the Group 3 Fillies Stakes being added to Gowran Park's card on Saturday. 

 After Sunday’s abandonment Irish racing moves on to Ballinrobe on Monday where on a 7 race card there are 2 main events. 

5.40: Tote Always SP Or Better At Ballinrobe Maiden. 

2: Nostringsattached: A lightly-raced filly who was a respectable 2nd at Limerick when last seen back in April. She led early and had a 5 length advantage 1 1/2 furlongs out, she was passed in the final 150 yards going down by 3 1/2 lengths. Despite being off 93 days she has to be taken seriously and can pick up her first win.

7.10: Play The Tote Exacta On Every Race Handicap. 

1: Hell Bent: A decent horse who finished a creditable 2nd at Fairyhouse 12 days ago. She led for most of the way being caught and passed in the last 50 yards so going down in trip here will suit. If the same positive tactics are used then she is the one to beat. 

23/7/23 The Curragh

 An excellent day saw all 3 of my picks win, in the first Group 2 Art Power sat 2nd early improving to lead from 2 out. He moved clear a furlong from the finish comfortably beating Go Athletico by 4 1/4 lengths. The Irish Oaks saw Savethelastdance track the leaders in 3rd, the 10/11 favourite dropped to 4th 2 out but improved entering the final furlong. She kept on strongly moving into the lead in the final 50 yards beating Bluestocking by 1/2 a length. The other pick Emily Dickinson was 5th at halfway making good progress from 2 out. The 6/4 favourite challenged and led soon after keeping on well and easily coming home by 3 lengths. 

 Eight more races take place at The Curragh on Sunday with 2 taking centre stage. 

3.00: Romanised Minstrel Stakes (Group 2)

6: Jumbly: A smart filly who was a respectable 4th behind Rogue Millennium in the Duke Of Cambridge at Royal Ascot when last seen 32 days ago. She weakened close to home so the drop back to 7 furlongs here should definitely suit and she has a decent chance to pick up her fifth career win.

4.00: Michael John Kennedy Memorial Stakes (Group 3)

4: Cadeau Belle: Has impressed on both her starts winning at Gowran Park on debut and following up with a victory in listed company at Navan 32 days ago. The step up to group level here shouldn’t be a problem and with plenty more to come she can complete a hat-trick. 

22/7/23 The Curragh

 The best finisher on Friday was at Killarney where The Dasher Conway came 3rd, the 9/2 shot tracked the leaders disputing the lead at the 6th moving to the front soon after. He made a mistake and was passed 3 out making no impression at the last. He dropped to 3rd keeping on at one pace, upfront Sole Pretender beat The Little Yank by 2 1/2 lengths. In the race at Kilbeggan Changing The Rules was 4th with the contest going to Pakens Rock who beat Junior Rattler by 1/2 a length. 

 A top-class weekend at The Curragh begins with 8 races on Saturday where 3 stand out. 

3.10: Barberstown Castle Sapphire Stakes (Group 2)

1: Art Power: A smart horse who remains unbeaten on this course after taking the Greenlands Stakes in May by 4 3/4 lengths. He disappointed at Royal Ascot but got back on track with a good 4th behind Shaquille in the July Cup at Newmarket last week, he can improve on that and add to his excellent record here.

3.45: Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1)

7: Savethelastdance: An improving horse who definitely caught the eye when taking the Cheshire Oaks by an impressive 22 lengths. Went off as favourite in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom and despite running well she lost to Soul Sister by 1 3/4 lengths. She wasn't disgraced there and can definitely bounce back here and take this.

4.20: Comer Group International Curragh Cup (Group 2)

7: Emily Dickinson: A smart filly who won the Group 3 Loughbrown Stakes here in October. She was a creditable 4th in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot when last seen and going back down in trip here can see her resume winning ways. 

21/7/23 Killarney & Kilbeggan

 The best performance on Thursday came at Killarney where Effernock Fizz was 2nd, the 9/4 shot led early and had a 6 length advantage 4 out. Her lead was soon reduced and she was passed at the last making no impression and keeping on at one pace allowing Presenting Doyen to pull away and win by 3 1/4 lengths. In the Group 3 at Leopardstown Trustyourinstinct was 4th, the 10/11 favourite made no impression from 1 1/2 furlongs out having no extra in the closing stages while upfront Self Belief beat Alfred Munnings by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 It's another busy day on Friday with 7 races at Killarney and 8 at Kilbeggan with 2 features. 

Killarney 3.40: Boylesports Handicap Chase. 

6: The Dasher Conway: Showed clear improvement when picking up a career best win and opening his fences account at Tramore 49 days ago. He asserted himself from 2 out comfortably coming home by 9 lengths. Returning to front-running tactics clearly worked and another bold bid is likely here as he attempts to follow up. 

Kilbeggan 7.55: Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Handicap Chase. 

1: Changing The Rules: Put in his best performance when opening his account at Wexford 31 days ago. He was on top at the finish easily winning by 5 1/2 lengths. There is definitely more to come and he is the one to beat here on handicap chase debut. 

20/7/23 Killarney & Leopardstown

 The one winner on Wednesday at Killarney was Deepone, the 1/6 favourite led early and was 2 lengths clear at halfway. He kept on well inside the final furlong comfortably beating Nor Time Nor Tide by 3 1/2 lengths. The other pick Mea Domina was 9th in a race won by Indian Wish who beat Unless by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 A busy Thursday sees seven races at Killarney and eight at Leopardstown with two main events. 

Killarney 5.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle. 

5: Effernock Fizz: A course winner in her career who’s best performance last season was when taking the Welsh Champion Hurdle. She arrives here after finishing a disappointing 11th in the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary 2 weeks ago but in an easier looking race  she gets the vote to bounce back.

Leopardstown 7.25: Aer Lingus College Football Classic Meld Stakes (Group 3)

5: Trustyourinstinct: A promising horse who impressed when making it 2 from 2 at Gowran Park 32 days ago. He led from 1 1/2 furlongs out keeping on well and comfortably coming home by 2 3/4 lengths. He should take the step up in class here in his stride and complete the hat-trick.

19/7/23 Killarney

 Our winner at Killarney on Tuesday was Satin, the 9/2 shot led early but faced a challenge from 2 out. Despite edging to the left inside the final furlong she ran on well in the last 110 yards comfortably beating Marvelosa by 2 1/2 lengths. In the other race Water Nymph was a non-runner, Vain Gloria took the contest beating Golden Spangle by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 A 3rd day at Killarney on Wednesday sees another 8 races with 2 highlights. 

5.20: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race.

1: Deepone: Looked a useful prospect when winning at Leopardstown on debut 61 days ago. He challenged from a furlong out leading in the final 150 yards keeping on well and coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. Despite a penalty he definitely has more to offer and can follow up here. 

6.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes.

2: Mea Domina: A decent filly who was 2nd behind Goldana in the Group 3 Gladness Stakes at The Curragh when last seen in April. She led until the final furlong keeping on at the same pace going down by 1 3/4 lengths. She wears a tongue strap for the first time here and on form she has an excellent chance to take this.

18/7/23 Killarney

 An excellent start to the week saw both my picks win at Killarney, in the 5.50 Bella Blue Eyes ran well early leading narrowly from 2 out. The 13/8 shot was challenged soon after being passed inside the final furlong however she rallied leading again on the line beating Nation's Call by a nose. The later race saw Voice Of Reason recover from a poor start to challenge 3 out. The 11/8 favourite led for a second time towards the finish holding on to beat Ultra Fine by a head.

 It's day 2 of the July festival at Killarney on Tuesday where on a 7 race card 2 stand out. 

5.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

14: Water Nymph: A useful filly who is still winless after 8 runs. She was a below form 3rd when last seen at Naas 20 days ago although she did finish in front of another in this field Lady Meis. Looking at the others here she sets a clear standard on her best form and is worth another chance to get off the mark.

7.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

5: Satin: Picked up her first career win at Listowel in June and ran well to finish 4th in the Ulster Oaks 24 days ago. Her performance in that race impressed and with her yard in good form and improvement expected she has the potential to take this.

17/7/23 Killarney

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Monday with seven races at Killarney where there are two features. 

5.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

4: Bella Blue Eyes: A lightly-raced horse who ran well to open her account at Leopardstown 32 days ago. She led from 2 out soon going clear, despite a reduced advantage towards the finish she came home by 1/2 a length. She beat a couple of good horses Eternal Silence and Gypsy Woman that day and can follow up here. 

7.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

7: Voice Of Reason: A promising horse who returned after 9 months off to finish 3rd at Roscommon 46 days ago. He went off as favourite there and with his yard having a good spell and boasting the best form on show he can build on that performance here and pick up his first career win. 

15/7/23 Results

 Saturday's only finisher at Navan was Bright Legend who was 4th, the 5/1 shot recovered to track the leaders approaching halfway. He challenged from 2 out but soon dropped to 4th. He was impeded from a furlong out and had no extra inside the closing stages, upfront Harbour Wind beat Immutable by an easy 7 lengths. In the earlier race Chandigah was a non-runner in a contest won by Ocean Baroque who best West Of Wichita by 1/2 a length. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Sunday, meetings do take place at Stratford and Perth. The next Irish card is the 1st day of the July festival at Killarney on Monday tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night. 

15/7/23 Navan

 Our winner on Friday came at Cork where Winter Fog was in touch with the leaders making headway from 4 out. He led soon after despite jumping to the right keeping on well towards the finish and comfortably beating Gallant John Joe by 2 3/4 lengths. At Kilbeggan Stealthy Tom was 2nd, the 5/1 shot was in midfield making headway on the final circuit. He moved into 2nd two out but had no extra in the closing stages allowing Foxy Jacks to win by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 A quiet Irish weekend sees 8 races at Navan on Saturday with two main events. 

1.20: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden.

1: Chandigah: A lightly-raced horse who improved on his debut when an excellent 2nd at The Curragh 15 days ago. He recovered from a poor start to lead at halfway but he was passed a furlong out making no impression in the final 100 yards going down by a length. He went off at 66/1 that day and sets a good standard here as he attempts to open his account.

3.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

1: Bright Legend: Impressed when winning at The Curragh when last seen back in April. He travelled well from 2 out and despite drifting to the left inside the final furlong he stayed on to lead close to home beating the useful Young Ireland by 3/4 of a length. He has been off since but he should continue to improve and follow up here. 

14/7/23 Cork & Kilbeggan

 Thursday's winner came at Downpatrick where Gortmillish tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. He made headway to challenge approaching the last leading soon after, the 9/4 shot kept on well on the run-in beating Charlie Luciano by 1 3/4 lengths. In the big Group 3 at Leopardstown Divine Jewel was 2nd,the 11/2 chance was in midfield making headway from 2 out. She led narrowly but was strongly pressed inside the final furlong being passed near the line by Shamida who won by a head. The other race saw Lan Cinnte come 5th in a contest won by Redstone Well who beat Carracci by a length. 

 A 3rd double header takes place on Friday with 7 races at both Cork and Kilbeggan and 2 standing out. 

Cork 7.35: RBC Brewin Dolphin Hurdle. 

9: Winter Fog: A smart hurdler who was 2nd in a novice chase at Kilbeggan 25 days ago. He switches back to hurdles here and this looks like a good opportunity for him to get back on track and prove he is the best hurdler in this field.

Kilbeggan 7.55: AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National Handicap Chase. 

14: Stealthy Tom: A horse in excellent recent form who defied a 10lb rise to win the Connacht National at Roscommon when last seen 32 days ago. He challenged from 3 out leading before the last going clear on the run-in beating another in this field Foxy Jacks by 1 1/4 lengths. Despite going up another 10lb he can complete a hat-trick here. 

13/7/23 Downpatrick & Leopardstown

 The best performance on Wednesday came at Fairyhouse where American Sonja was 3rd, the 6/5 favourite was 4th entering the straight but made no impression from a furlong out. She kept on at one pace while upfront Zarinsk beat Cigamia by 2 1/2 lengths. At Dundalk Primo Uomo was 6th in a race won by Dun Na Sead who beat Dontspoilasale by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 A busy Thursday sees 7 races at both Downpatrick and Leopardstown with 3 taking centre stage. 

Downpatrick 5.00: Cosy Roof Rated Novice Hurdle. 

4: Gortmillish: A lightly-raced horse who returned after 20 months off to win at Perth 19 days ago. He led before 2 out going clear after the last and comfortably coming home by 12 lengths. Despite going significantly up in trip here he should have more to offer and follow up. 

Leopardstown 7.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Nasrullah' Handicap. 

16: Lan Cinnte: Has one win from three runs this year and was a very good second at The Curragh when last seen 11 days ago. She ran well to take 2nd inside the final furlong only losing by 3/4 of a length. She has shown good progression and despite going up in trip she can continue that here.

Leopardstown 8.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Stanerra Stakes (Group 3)

1: Divine Jewel: A useful filly who was an excellent 3rd behind Quickthorn in a listed race at York on her return 26 days ago. She put in a good performance there and on form is the pick here.

12/7/23 Dundalk & Fairyhouse

 The winner at Tramore on Tuesday was Zoffany Bay, the 11/8 favourite made all the running and was 3 lengths clear a furlong out. He kept on well inside the final furlong beating While You're Up by 1 3/4 lengths. The other pick Expound finished 2nd, the 3/1 shot was 5th at halfway making progress from 3 out. He challenged a furlong from the finish but had no extra close to home allowing Dark Note to win by 1/2 a length. 

 The first double header of the week takes place on Wednesday with 8 races at both Dundalk and Fairyhouse where there are 2 features. 

Dundalk 1.55: Ladies Day At Dundalk Handicap. 

4: Primo Uomo: A four time course and distance winner his last being back in December. Hasn’t shown his best form on turf on his last two starts but those can be overlooked and he is a big player returning to his favourite surface and track. He goes off a decent mark here with his form making him the pick. 

Fairyhouse 6.50: Darley Irish EBF Brownstown Stakes (Group 3)

4: American Sonja: A useful filly who picked up her career best win in a listed race at Longchamp 31 days ago. She made all the running impressively coming home by 1 1/4 lengths. She definitely has more to come and stands out here on her follow up bid.

11/7/23 Tramore

 Monday's winner at Roscommon was Williamstowndancer, the 1/1 favourite made headway from 4 out travelling well to lead narrowly soon after. Despite a mistake 2 out she kept on well under pressure in the closing stages beating Lucid Dreams by 1/2 a length. In the 5.35 Onlyamatteroftime finished 3rd, the 2/1 shot recovered from a poor start to make headway from 4 out. He wasn’t fluent after 2 out making no impression before the last. Hazelhatch Lady won beating Skradin by 1/2 a length. 

 There are 7 races at Tramore on Tuesday night with 2 highlights. 

6.50: GAIN The Advantage Series Handicap. 

1: Expound: Continued his good recent form when producing a career best effort to finish 2nd in a maiden at Ballinrobe 15 days ago. He ran well to dispute the lead from a furlong out but had no extra close to home going down by 1/2 a length. He goes up in trip here which should suit and a bold bid is likely as he attempts to go one better. 

7.20: Tote Tramore Derby Handicap. 

5: Zoffany Bay: Ran well after two poor starts on his belated return to this sphere when 4th at Tipperary a week ago. He kept on inside the final furlong taking 4th in the closing stages. In a race where a number have something to prove that performance just gives him the vote.

10/7/23 Roscommon

 The best at Sligo on Sunday came from Warm In Gorey who was 2nd, the 5/1 shot was at the rear sitting 6th at halfway. He made progress into 4th two out keeping on well to take 2nd in the final 150 yards, The Big Chap won by 3 1/4 lengths. The other pick Nodoubtaboutthat finished 4th in a race that was taken by Red Ball Of Fire who beat Delante by 3/4 of a length. 

 The week begins with 7 races at Roscommon on Monday where there are 2 main events. 

5.35: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. 

3: Onlyamatteroftime: A decent horse who improved on both his hurdles starts when winning on bumper debut at Punchestown 30 days ago. He crossed the line second but was rightly promoted by the stewards after suffering serious interference. His 3 performances so far make him a major player here and he can follow up. 

6.38: Supervalu Co. Roscommon Ladies Day Novice Hurdle. 

7: Williamstowndancer: Picked up her career best win on hurdles debut at Downpatrick 52 days ago. She moved into the lead before the last asserting herself inside the final furlong coming home by 4 lengths. With further improvement on the cards she can make it 2 from 2 in this sphere here.

9/7/23 Sligo

 Our winner on Saturday came at Naas where Buyin Buyin was always prominent challenging and moving into the lead 1 1/2 furlongs out. The 8/11 favourite soon asserted himself going 2 lengths clear a furlong from the finish. He kept on well beating Nadowessi by 2 1/2 lengths. At Bellewstown Magnor Glory was 7th in a race won by Wouldn’t You Agree who beat Set Point by 3/4 of a length. 

 Seven races take place at Sligo on Sunday where 2 top the bill.

3.10: Killawley Construction Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

5: Nodoubtaboutthat: A decent horse who confirmed the promise shown in her reappearance when 3rd at Downpatrick 3 weeks ago. Despite being slightly hampered after the 5th she made headway from 2 out taking 3rd at the last. She goes off a fair mark here and just gets the nod to pick up her 3rd career win.

3.45: Friends Of Brian Mulligan Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Warm In Gorey: Put in his career best performance when winning at Punchestown a month ago. He made progress approaching the last leading inside the final furlong and coming home by 1/2 a length. He impressed there and should go well again here and he is worth a chance to follow up. 

8/7/23 Naas & Bellewstown

 Friday's winner came at Bellewstown where Warnie tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. The 10/11 favourite made headway to lead from a furlong out keeping on well inside the final 150 yards to beat Captain Maverick by 3 3/4 lengths. Over at Wexford Birchdale was 6th in a race won by Take All who beat Snugsborough Hall by 1/2 a length. 

 A 4th double header on Saturday kicks off the weekend with 7 races at Naas and 8 at Bellewstown with 2 standing out. 

Naas 2.45: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race.

1: Buyin Buyin: A horse with promise who won on debut at Dundalk in March and built on that with a good 4th behind Givemethebeatboys in the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes at The Curragh 42 days ago. He was clear of the rest there and with progress expected he can win again here.

Bellewstown 6.00: Bar One Racing 'Bellewstown' Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Magner Glory: Picked up two wins from five runs last season and was a good second at Killarney when last seen 55 days ago. Despite going up 2lb he shouldn’t be overlooked and he can definitely make his presence felt as he looks to achieve a fifth career win.

7/7/23 Bellewstown + Wexford

 Thursday's best came at Tipperary where Sharjah finished 2nd, the 4/6 favourite was 7th early improving to sit 4th approaching the straight. He moved into 2nd before the last keeping on at the same pace on the run-in allowing Fils D’Oudairies to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Over at Bellewstown Sun Never Sets was 5th in a race won by Lady Craftsman who beat Tartaraghan by 3/4 of a length. 

 It's another double header day on Friday with 8 races at Bellewstown and 7 at Wexford with 2 highlights. 

Bellewstown 4.45: Irish EBF Median Sires Series (C&G) Maiden. 

9: Warnie: Made an encouraging debut when 9th in the Chesham at Royal Ascot 2 weeks ago. He wasn’t beaten by much there in a close race and with improvement expected he can get off the mark here in these calmer waters. 

Wexford 7.23: Molloy Metals Wexford GAA Raceday Handicap Chase. 

3: Birchdale: Despite it being 11 runs since his last win he arrives here back in decent form after finishing a very good 2nd at Punchestown 26 days ago. He was joint favourite there and stuck to his task well on the run-in. He can build on that here and go one better getting back to winning ways. 

6/7/23 Bellewstown & Tipperary

 My short winning streak came to an end at Tipperary on Wednesday where the best was Alabama who was 2nd, the 11/10 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 4th at halfway. He kept on moving into 2nd in the final 100 yards being joined and dead heating with Gaenari on the line, Son Of Corballis won by a neck. In the opener Catherine Of Siena finished 3rd, the 6/1 shot led early but was passed a furlong out. She made no impression in the final 150 yards keeping on at one pace allowing Lady Tilbury to beat Harmony Rose by 1/2 a length. 

 The weeks second double header takes place on Thursday with 8 races at Bellewstown and 7 at Tipperary with 2 features. 

Bellewstown 4.25: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. 

6: Sun Never Sets: A promising individual who was 7th on debut at Limerick 3 weeks ago. She wasn't disgraced with the winner going on to score again at Royal Ascot and she will have learnt a lot. She is in excellent hands and with improvement definitely on the cards she can take a big step forward here.

Tipperary 6.15: Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle (Grade 3)

9: Sharjah: A very smart hurdler who was a below form 4th behind State Man in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle when last seen 69 days ago. That was a rare poor effort and with his stable in good form he is hard to oppose here making him the one to beat. 

5/7/23 Tipperary

 The good results continued on Tuesday with another two wins, at Tipperary Good As Hell tracked the leaders early sitting 3rd. The 3/1 shot recovered from a slight mistake to challenge 2 out. She led soon after asserting herself before the last staying on to comfortably beat Jack Holiday by 8 lengths. Over at Roscommon Espionage was always prominent moving into the lead inside the final furlong. The 11/10 favourite pulled away to beat Young Ireland by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 A second day takes place at Tipperary on Wednesday where on an 8 race card 2 stand out. 

4.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

1: Catherine Of Siena: A useful filly who carried on her excellent record when a very close second in a listed race at Chelmsford when last seen 69 days ago. She can go one better if able to transfer that form to the turf here.

5.05: Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Tipperary Stakes.

1: Alabama: A promising horse who was a good 5th behind Big Evs in the listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot 2 weeks ago. That performance looks even better when you consider that he was the best of the low drawn numbers to finish and only had horses out of stalls 19,15,16 and 18 in front. Further progress is expected and he is a big player here.

4/7/23 Tipperary & Roscommon

 After a day off the Irish racing week begins with a double header on Tuesday which sees 8 races at both Tipperary and Roscommon where there are 2 main events. 

Tipperary 2.35: Tipperary Town Plate Handicap Chase. 

4: Good As Hell: Has been a course winner in her career picking up her latest victory here in May. She was on track for another one when she unseated her rider while clear at Wexford 2 weeks ago, that can be overlooked and she can bounce back to claim her 4th win.

Roscommon 7.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Lenebane Stakes.

6: Espionage: A promising horse who continued to show improvement when a very close second behind Proud And Regal in the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud in October. Despite being off 8 months he definitely has more to come and looks like the one to beat on his return. 

2/7/23 Results

 It was another brilliant day on Sunday which again saw both my picks win, in the GAIN Railway Stakes Bucanero Fuerte travelled well to lead from 2 out. The 10/3 shot was passed but stayed on well inside the final furlong going to the front again near the line beating Unquestionable by a short head. In the highlight of the meeting the Irish Derby Auguste Rodin tracked the leaders in 3rd challenging and moving into the lead 2 1/2 furlongs out. The 4/11 favourite was strongly pressed soon after but kept on well under pressure to beat Adelaide River by 1 1/2 lengths completing the Derby double and giving trainer Aiden O’Brien a 100th European Classic. 

 After a busy 3 days at The Curragh Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Pontefract, Southwell, Windsor and Musselburgh. The next Irish cards are on Tuesday at Tipperary and Roscommon tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night. 

2/7/23 The Curragh

 An excellent Saturday saw both my picks win, in the Arlie Stud Stakes Matrika challenged from 2 out leading soon after. The 2/5 favourite kept on well inside the final furlong beating Gunzburg by 1 3/4 lengths. In the days big Group 1 Via Sistina was towards the rear early making headway from a furlong out. She led entering the final furlong keeping on in the last 100 yards to beat Stay Alert by 2 lengths. 

 A 3rd top-class card takes place at The Curragh on Sunday where out of 8 races 2 take centre stage. 

1.50: GAIN Railway Stakes (Group 2)

1: Bucanero Fuerte: A promising horse who won on this course on debut in March and then finished a good 3rd behind River Tiber in the Coventry at Royal Ascot when last seen 12 days ago. He ran well there and looks a good prospect who should be able to resume winning ways here.

3.40: Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1)

2: Auguste Rodin: An excellent horse who ended 2022 with a comfortable 3 1/2 length win in the Vertem Futurity at Doncaster completing a hat-trick. His return in the 2,000 Guineas can be overlooked and he got back on track when winning the English Derby at Epsom staying on to beat King Of Steel by 1/2 a length. He is hard to look past here and he can be the 1st horse to complete the Derby double since 2016.