1/11/23 Dundalk

 The winner on Tuesday at The Curragh was Helvic Dream, the 4/6 favourite tracked the leaders making progress to sit 2nd two out. He challenged soon after leading in the last 150 yards, despite drifting slightly to the right he kept on well to beat Coeur Sublime by 3/4 of a length. In the opener Kortez Bay was 4th in a race won by Samuel Colt who beat Eclipse Emerald by 4 1/2 lengths. 

 November begins on Wednesday with 8 races at Dundalk where there are 2 features. 

3.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden. 

2: Take Me To Church: Showed improvement when second at Naas on his last outing 17 days ago. He was 3rd at halfway keeping on from a furlong out going 2nd inside the last 200 yards. He should build on that here and looks like the one to beat and he can pick up his first career win.

3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

10: Tourist: Arrives here in decent form after finishing 3rd at Navan 62 days ago. He sat 2nd challenging from 2 out but he had no extra in the final 110 yards dropping to 3rd on the line. He goes significantly up in trip here and with his yard in good form he has a decent chance on this his all-weather debut. 

31/10/23 The Curragh

 Monday's winner at Galway was Immutable, the 10/3 chance was 3rd at halfway improving to lead a furlong out. He kept on well in the final 100 yards beating Narlita by a length. In the earlier contest Settlement was 6th in a race won by Everlasting who beat Kisiyra by 1 3/4 lengths. 

The meeting at The Curragh that was called off last Wednesday is due to take place on Tuesday as long as a 7am inspection is passed with 8 races and 2 standing out.

12.20: SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Irish EBF Maiden. 

8: Kortez Bay: A lightly-raced horse who was last seen finishing a creditable 4th on this course 19 days ago. He led at halfway but was passed a furlong out having no extra and dropping to 4th in the last strides. Of the one’s with experience he sets a clear standard and can pick up his 1st career win.

3.07: Tote Never Beaten By SP Amateur Riders Derby.

3: Helvic Dream: Was victorious in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup here in 2021 and despite being winless since he has been placed in the Royal Whip Stakes and a listed race at Ayr on his last 2 starts. Looks tough to beat here and this is a good opportunity for him to return to winning ways. 

30/10/23 Galway

 Sunday's best came at Galway where Emancipator was 5th, the 6/4 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. He was 4th three out but made no impression entering the straight dropping to 5th inside the final furlong, upfront Natural Look beat Old Soul by 3 1/2 lengths. The pick at Wexford didn't run after the course failed a morning inspection and the meeting was abandoned due to the track being waterlogged it has yet to be rearranged. 

 With significant rain on Sunday forcing Wexford to abandon for a second day the Irish racing week begins with just 8 races at Galway on Monday where there are 2 main events. 

 12.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

11: Settlement: After narrowly finishing second at Cork in September she found the step up to group level too much when fifth behind Caught U Looking in the Weld Park Stakes at The Curragh 36 days ago. Despite that performance she has a big chance here back in calmer waters and can pick up her first career win.

3.25: Galway Handicap. 

1: Immutable: A horse with a decent record who picked up his latest win at Naas in April. He returned there to finish a good second when last seen 2 weeks ago leading until 2 out but finding no extra in the final 50 yards. He can definitely give a good account here and return to winning ways. 

29/10/23 Wexford & Galway

 There was one winner on Saturday at Galway, that came in the 4.17 where Buddy One was 7th at halfway making headway from 3 out. The 7/2 favourite led narrowly soon after running on strongly in the closing stages to beat Gabbys Cross by 3 3/4 lengths. The other pick Ollie La Ba Ba failed to finish after unseating his rider at the 1st. The race went to Release The Beast who beat Mac's Xpress by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 There is a Sunday double header with 7 races at Wexford (Inspection at 7.30am) and 8 at Galway with 2 highlights. 

Wexford 1.35: Jim And Kay Whitty Memorial Handicap Chase. 

5: The Short Go: A promising horse who picked up his career best win on fences debut at Clonmel 31 days ago. He challenged before the last leading soon after and keeping on well under pressure to come home by 2 lengths. He should progress further here and make his first handicap chase start a winning one.

Galway 1.51: Marlin Hotel Dublin, Supporting The National Breast Cancer Research Institute Handicap Chase. 

6: Emancipator: Put in a career best performance to win a handicap hurdle at Gowran Park 30 days ago. He led from 2 out going clear after the last and easily winning by 8 lengths. He switches back to chasing here and if in the same form he is the one to beat. 

28/10/23 Galway

 Friday's winner came at Sligo where Will Do was 2nd at halfway leading from 3 out. He was 3 lengths clear approaching the straight keeping on well on the run-in beating Insouciant Dallier by 6 1/2 lengths. In the big Group 3 at Dundalk The Highway Rat was 3rd in a contest won by Dun Na Sead who beat Bouttemont by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The weekend begins with 7 races at Galway on Saturday where there are 2 features. 

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

8: Ollie La Ba Ba: Built on his hurdles debut when second at Cork 2 weeks ago. He made progress from 4 out and despite a slight mistake he moved into 2nd two out keeping on at the same pace on the run-in. He sets a clear standard here and this is an excellent opportunity for him to go one better. 

4.17: W.B. Gavin & Co. Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Buddy One: Having run well at the Cheltenham and Grand National festivals earlier this year he was a good 3rd at Listowel when last seen 35 days ago. He led from five out being passed two from the finish dropping to 3rd close to home. He has the same jockey on board here and should put in another decent performance. 

27/10/23 Sligo & Dundalk

 An excellent day at Clonmel saw both my picks win, in the 2.35 Mount Sinai was 2nd at halfway leading from 4 out. The 3/1 shot was two lengths clear before the last keeping on well to easily beat Roccos Inspiration by 4 1/4 lengths. The other race saw Castle Field Boy track the leaders making headway to hit the front approaching the straight. The 5/1 chance led narrowly at the last keeping on to beat Whatsavailable by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 A Friday double header rounds off a short week with 7 races at Sligo and 8 at Dundalk with 2 standing out. 

Sligo 4.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. 

1: Will Do: A promising horse who was last seen winning at Cork back in April. He disputed the lead in the final 150 yards getting to the front close to home and coming home by a head. He switches to hurdles here and despite going significantly up in trip he is a big player on his return. 

Dundalk 7.00: Al Basti Equiworld Dubai, Pat Smullen Mercury Stakes (Group 3)

5: The Highway Rat: A 4-time course and distance winner including this race in 2021. Was slowly away when losing by a neck to the reopposing Harry's Bar here 3 weeks ago but if he can get the start right then he can return to winning ways and take this for the second time in 3 years. 

26/10/23 Clonmel

 If an early morning inspection is passed then Clonmel will stage a 7 race card on Thursday with two main events. 

2.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.

11: Mount Sinai: Has been 3rd on both her starts most recently at Listowel 34 days ago. She went off the 5/2 favourite but kept on at one pace taking 3rd in the final 100 yards. She makes her hurdles debut here and going up in trip she can make it a winning one.

3.10: Graham Norris Memorial Handicap Hurdle. 

5: Castle Field Boy: A promising horse who continued his progression with a career best win at Tipperary when last seen back in April. He led for a second time on the run-in keeping on well under pressure and coming home by 1/2 a length. Despite being off 6 months he is the one to beat here.

24/10/23 Update

 The Irish racing week was due to get underway at The Curragh on Wednesday but due to significant overnight rain the meeting was called off early on Tuesday morning, it has been rescheduled for next Tuesday October 31st. At the moment Clonmel on Thursday goes ahead so the tips for their main events will be up on Wednesday night but there is an inspection at 7.30 on Thursday morning.

22/10/23 Results

 The best on a poor Sunday came at Leopardstown where Cairo was 3rd, the 7/4 favourite was prominent and led after 1 1/2 furlongs. He was two lengths clear a furlong from the finish but was passed in the final 100 yards and had no extra allowing Mutasarref to beat Honey Girl by a neck. In the other two races both Layfayette and A Wave Of The Sea finished 4th, Boogie Woogie took the Trigo Stakes with Gevrey winning the Munster National. 

 After a busy weekend Irish racing takes a two day break, there are meetings at Windsor, Wolverhampton and Plumpton on Monday with Exeter, Yarmouth and Wolverhampton staging Tuesdays cards. The next Irish action is at The Curragh on Wednesday tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night. 

22/10/23 Leopardstown & Limerick

 Both of Saturday's wins came at Leopardstown, in the Killavullan Stakes Atlantic Coast was 5th at halfway making headway from a furlong out. The 2/1 shot challenged in the closing stages leading on the line beating Bright Stripes by a nose. In the other Group 3 Grosvenor Square led early and was 2 lengths clear at halfway. The 10/11 favourite asserted himself approaching the straight running on strongly to easily beat Cambridge by 4 1/4 lengths. Over at Limerick Popova was 3rd in a race won by Space Tourist who beat Riviere D’etel by 4 3/4 lengths. 

 Another double header on Sunday sees 7 races on day 2 at both Leopardstown and Limerick with 3 taking centre stage. 

Leopardstown 2.10: Bahrain Turf Club Knockaire Stakes. 

3: Cairo: A smart horse who has been a course winner in his career. He was a very good second behind star stablemate Paddington in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at The Curragh when last seen in May keeping on to grab 2nd close to home. Despite being off 148 days his stable is in good form and this is an excellent opportunity for him to resume winning ways. 

Leopardstown 3.20: Thomas's Of Foxrock 'Jim And Kathleen Murphy 'Memorial Trigo Stakes.

1: Layfayette: A horse with a decent record who was a good 3rd behind Adelaide River in the Group 3 Paddy Power Stakes on this course 43 days ago. The drop in trip shouldn't be a problem and he can win again here.

Limerick 4.15: JT Mcnamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

4: A Wave Of The Sea: He didn't jump well when 15th in the Kerry National at Listowel last time but that can be overlooked and he should be judged on good efforts in a Tipperary Grade 3 and the Galway Plate. He is 6lb lower then when he was 4th in this race 12 months ago and he is just the pick here. 

21/10/23 Leopardstown & Limerick

 On Friday at Dundalk both my picks finished 3rd, in the 5.45 Martinstown was slowly away improving to go 4th a furlong out. The 11/8 favourite moved into 3rd inside the final furlong without threatening Slieve Binnian who beat Londoner by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other race Many Tears tracked the leaders sitting 5th two out. The 3/1 joint favourite kept on in 3rd close to home while upfront Vadiana beat Pink Sorrel by 1/2 a length. 

All eyes will be on British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday but there is a Irish double header with 8 races at Leopardstown and 7 at Limerick with 3 features. 

Leopardstown 3.01: Killavullan Stakes (Group 3)

1: Atlantic Coast: A promising horse who after winning on debut at The Curragh in August ran well when 3rd behind Diego Velazquez in the Group 2 Juvenile Stakes here 6 weeks ago. That performance should stand him in good sted and with more to come he can resume winning ways. 

Limerick 3.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cailin Alainn Mares Hurdle. 

1: Popova: A useful hurdler who picked up her career best win at Listowel when last seen 34 days ago beating the reopposing Space Tourist by a short head. She enjoyed going up in trip there so going further here will suit and she can follow up. 

Leopardstown 3.36: Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3)

3: Grosvenor Square: Made a winning debut at Galway and built on that when an encouraging 3rd in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at The Curragh a month ago. The step up in trip here is a plus and with more improvement expected he can win again.

20/10/23 Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Thurles was Beacon Edge, the 11/4 shot tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway. He moved into 2nd two out leading on the run-in, he kept on well in the closing stages beating Cash Back by 1 1/4 lengths. The other contest saw Presenting Doyen finish 5th in a race won by Law Ella who beat Natural Look by an easy 6 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Dundalk on Friday night with two standing out. 

5.45: Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Handicap. 

3: Martinstown: A lightly-raced winner who showed improvement when 3rd on this course a week ago. He was 5th a furlong out keeping on well in the closing stages taking 3rd close to home. Despite not being seen at his best in that race his trainer is going well and he has an excellent chance here.

7.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

9: Many Tears: Has two wins from six runs this year her last was a career best over course and distance 7 days ago. She challenged a furlong out disputing the lead soon after, she asserted herself close to home winning by a length. She should go well again and can follow up. 

19/10/23 Thurles

 After my Covid layoff I return to look at the 7 race card at Thurles on Thursday where there are 2 main events. 

1.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

9: Presenting Doyen: A useful hurdler who was an encouraging second on fences debut at Ballinrobe 34 days ago. She made progress from 3 out going 2nd at the last keeping on at the same pace on the run-in. With more improvement expected she can definitely go one better here. 

4.00: He'llberemembered Hurdle. 

2: Beacon Edge: A smart chaser who finished a creditable 6th in a Grade B at Punchestown when last seen back in April. Despite being off 175 days he has the edge on form and this Grade 1 winner can make a successful start for Gordon Elliott before challenging at a higher level again.

11/10/23 Update

 Apologies for not putting any tips up over the last couple of days but sadly I have Covid. I hope to be back at the weekend if not then early next week. Sorry again.

10/10/23 Punchestown

 After two days off Irish racing returns with seven races at Punchestown on Tuesday where a couple stand out. 

3.00: Paddy Power Hurdle.

3: Zanahiyr: A very smart hurdler who hasn't tasted victory in his last 11 runs but finished a good fifth behind State Man in the Champion Hurdle on this course when last seen back in April. Despite being off 165 days this looks like a decent opportunity for him to make a winning return before moving on to bigger things this season.

4.45: Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle. 

13: Hand Over Fist: A promising horse who put in a career best performance when winning at Roscommon 63 days ago. He made headway to lead entering the straight keeping on well from the last to come home by 1 1/2 lengths. He should improve further and complete a hat-trick here.

7/10/23 Results

 The best finishers on Saturday both came at The Curragh. In the Group 3 Kitty Rose was 2nd, the 11/10 favourite led early travelling well from 2 out. She was passed inside the final furlong keeping on at the same pace, Content won by 2 1/2 lengths. The other big race saw Pinafore also finish 2nd, the 5/2 shot made headway sitting 4th two out. She moved into 2nd a furlong from home keeping on in the closing stages without troubling Aussie Girl who won by 1 3/4 lengths. Over at Fairyhouse C'est Quelq'un failed to finish, the 5/2 favourite was pulled up before 3 out, Nobody Home won beating Clonmeen by a length. 

After an action packed Saturday Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Uttoxeter and Kelso on Sunday with Windsor, Stratford, Pontefract and Wolverhampton keeping you entertained on Monday. The next Irish card is at Punchestown on Tuesday tips for the highlights will be up here on Monday night.

7/10/23 The Curragh & Fairyhouse

 There was one winner at Dundalk on Friday where Pipsy led early but was 2nd at halfway. The 3/1 shot led for a second time 2 out keeping on well inside the final furlong beating Alabama by 1 1/2 lengths. Over at Downpatrick Kansas City Star was 2nd, the 15/8 favourite led early and despite not being fluent from the 4th he was still in front when impeded by a loose horse before the last. He was challenged and passed on the run-in having no extra allowing NT Field Minnesota to win by 6 1/2 lengths. In the other contest at Dundalk Rising Sign was 10th in a race won by Mountain Bear who beat Battle Cry by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 A busy Saturday sees 8 races at The Curragh and 7 at Fairyhouse with 3 taking centre stage. 

The Curragh 1.45: Staffordstown Stud Stakes (Group 3)

6: Kitty Rose: A promising horse who made it 2 from 2 when stepping up to listed level at Leopardstown a month ago. She made headway to lead 1 1/2 furlongs out keeping on well to come home by 2 1/2 lengths. There is definitely more improvement on the cards and she can complete the hat-trick here on her group debut. 

Fairyhouse 3.05: ONEILLS.com Handicap Chase. 

5: C'est Quelqu'un: A horse having a good season picking up 2 wins from 4 runs. He didn't need to improve to achieve his latest victory at Downpatrick 22 days ago staying on well to dead heat with Some Dove. He is on the up and can get the hat-trick done here.

The Curragh 3.30: Darley Irish EBF Brigid's Pastures Stakes.

12: Pinafore: A useful filly who got her career best victory at Nottingham 11 days ago. She ran well staying on leading towards the finish eventually winning by 1/2 a length. She is definitely well worth a shot here and can follow up. 

6/10/23 Downpatrick & Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Thurles was Deakin, the 1/1 favourite was 3rd at halfway travelling well to lead from 2 out. He asserted himself soon after running on strongly to easily beat Immutable by 6 1/2 lengths. The other pick Cornahilt Soldier was 5th in a race won by both Ritournelle and Messerschmitt who dead heated. 

 The weeks first double header takes place on Friday with seven races at Downpatrick and eight at Dundalk with three features. 

Downpatrick 3.35: I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. 

3: Kansas City Star: A useful hurdler who was a bit below form when second at Perth on his last outing back in May. Despite being off 142 days he sets a good standard here and goes well fresh so is worth another chance for a yard who have a decent record in this race.

Dundalk 6.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Legacy Stakes.

12: Pipsy: A promising filly who improved on her debut when winning a Maiden at The Curragh 2 weeks ago. She led from 1 1/2 out keeping on well to come home by 3 1/2 lengths. This useful prospect can take the step up in class here in her stride and win again.

Dundalk 7.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Appeal Stakes.

14: Rising Sign: Impressed on debut winning at Punchestown 23 days ago leading from a furlong out and quickening away to pass the post an easy 4 1/2 lengths in front. The step up to listed level here isn't a worry and with her yard in good form she can follow up. 

5/10/23 Thurles

 An excellent Wednesday at Navan saw both my picks win, in the 3.25 Heavenly Power sat 6th two out travelling well to dispute the lead soon after. The 9/2 shot hit the front inside the final furlong staying on well to beat Verhoyen by 1 3/4 lengths. The later race saw Fratas sit 2nd at halfway leading from 2 1/2 furlongs out. The 13/2 chance was challenged but regained a narrow lead in the closing stages holding on to beat Perfect Poise by a neck.

 There are seven races at Thurles on Thursday with two main events. 

2.50: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. 

13: Cornahilt Soldier: A lightly-raced filly who showed improvement when putting in a career best performance to finish 2nd at Down Royal 10 days ago. She moved into 2nd a furlong out keeping on well without making an impression on the winner. She should enjoy this stiffer test of stamina and can go one better. 

4.20: Killinan Handicap. 

2: Deakin: A promising horse who has improved with each run this year culminating with a win at Roscommon 31 days ago. He led from 2 out staying on strongly in the final furlong to easily come home by 6 lengths. There is definitely more to come on his handicap return and he can follow up.

4/10/23 Navan

 Tuesday's winner at Galway was Pats Choice, the 5/2 joint favourite tracked the leaders moving to the front after the 3rd. He was challenged at the 6th leading again at the last and despite being strongly pressed inside the final furlong he held on to beat The Little Yank by 3/4 of a length. The other pick Feronily was 2nd, the 1/2 favourite was running well until a mistake 2 out. He made no impression entering the straight moving into 2nd in the closing stages, My Design won by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 Navan is the midweek destination where on an 8 race card 2 stand out. 

3.25: Navan Racing Festival Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now Handicap.

9: Heavenly Power: A horse who has had an up and down year his best being a second at The Curragh in August. The step up to 7f on the same course when last seen 11 days ago didn't suit so going back down to 6f here is a plus and he tops the shortlist on his return to sprinting.

4.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

5: Fratas: A progressive horse who completed a hat-trick with a career best win at Tramore 3 weeks ago. She made all the running and despite being pressed in the final furlong she stayed on well to beat Royal Eagle by 1/2 a length. She goes down in trip here but cannot be ruled out as she attempts the 4-timer. 

3/10/23 Galway

 The best at Fairyhouse on Monday which was another poor day came from Zefiro Dodville who was 5th, the 5/6 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 4th three out. He soon had no extra keeping on at one pace, upfront Midleton Rare beat Insouciant Dallier by an easy 10 lengths. The other pick Hand Over Fist was a non-runner in a race won by West Is Awake who beat Good World by 7 1/2 lengths. 

 Seven races take place at Galway on Tuesday with two highlights. 

3.35: Mongey Communications Chase.

2: Feronily: A promising horse who's last victory came in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown festival in April. He led for a second time at the 6th staying on well under pressure on the run-in beating Appreciate It by 1 3/4 lengths. He was last seen finishing fifth in the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil back in May and is the one to beat on his return to this sphere. 

4.45: Guinness Handicap Chase. 

4: Pats Choice: Was fortunate to pick up his latest win at Wexford in June being left clear when the leader unseated at the last coming home by 17 lengths. He was a creditable 3rd on this course on his last outing 58 days ago and can build on that here returning to winning ways. 

2/10/23 Fairyhouse

 The best on a poor Sunday came at Killarney where Gortmillish finished 4th, the 7/2 shot disputed the lead early moving to the front after the 3rd. He was pressed entering the straight being passed 2 out. He had no extra before the last while upfront Solitary Man beat Winning Smut by 5 lengths. In the races at Tipperary Dunum was 10th while in the Grade 3 Zarak The Brave failed to finish. The 1/8 favourite wasn't fluent being pulled up after the 6th with Fils D’Oudairies winning by an unchallenged 99 lengths. 

 The week begins with seven races at Fairyhouse on Monday where there are two features. 

4.20: Novibet Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Hand Over Fist: A useful horse who has two wins from three runs this season his latest being a career best at Roscommon 55 days ago. He led entering the straight keeping on well from the last and coming home by 1 1/2 lengths. He should continue his good form here and complete the hat-trick. 

5.20: Bet Builder At Novibet Flat Race. 

7: Zefiro Dodville: Won his only point-to-point start last year and off the back of that joined the yard of Gordon Elliott. A couple behind him that day have gone onto win on rules debut and this looks like a good opportunity for this son of Saint Des Saints to do the same.