1/12/23 Dundalk

 Our one winner at Thurles on Thursday was Fun Fun Fun, the 30/100 favourite made all the running gaining an increased lead after the 4th. She saw her lead reduced but travelled well before the last asserting herself on the run-in to easily beat Sansrisk by 7 1/2 lengths. In the big race of the day French Dynamite was 3rd with the contest going to Classic Getaway who beat Haut En Couleurs by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 December begins on Friday with an 8 race card at Dundalk where there are 2 main events.

5.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

3: Back Down Under: A useful filly who has been second in her last two starts including an excellent run at Naas 48 days ago. She led from 1 1/2 furlongs out and despite keeping on well in the closing stages she was passed close to home going down by 3/4 of a length. She has the edge on form and should get off the mark here. 

7.00: Bar One Racing 'Price Boosts Across All Channels' Handicap. 

2: A Piece Of Heaven: A decent horse who has one win from four runs this year, that came at Gowran Park in September. He was 4th on handicap debut here a month ago so going significantly back up in trip will be in his favour and he can resume winning ways. 

30/11/23 Thurles

 Wednesday's best performance at Dundalk came from Apache Outlaw who was 3rd, the 4/1 shot was 6th at halfway making headway from 2 out. He moved into 3rd soon after keeping on well under pressure inside the final furlong, Upfront Dream Today beat Dandyville by a neck. The other pick Ciao For Now was 8th in a race won by Seti who beat Bruce Lightning by 1/2 a length. 

 On a 7 race card at Thurles on Thursday there are 2 features. 

12.40: Make Your Best Bet At Betvictor Chase.

8: French Dynamite: A high-class chaser who has been a course winner in his career. He was 4th behind Pic D'orhy in the Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree when last seen in April only weakening from 2 out. He goes well fresh and is a big player here on this his return. 

2.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

3: Fun Fun Fun: A good winner of her first two starts including a Grade 2 at Leopardstown in February. She made headway approaching the straight leading from 2 out keeping on well and easily coming home by 9 1/2 lengths. She wasn't seen at her best when 4th at Punchestown in April but she still looks an exciting prospect who can get back to winning ways on hurdles debut. 

29/11/23 Dundalk

 The best on a poor Tuesday at Tramore came from Mitiva who was 3rd, the 11/4 favourite made headway to move into 4th a furlong out keeping on at the same pace in the closing stages while upfront Blossom De Mai beat Magic Conqueror by 2 1/4 lengths. The other pick Noble Blue was 4th in a race won by Leish Oscars Son who beat Wee Charlie by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The midweek meeting takes place at Dundalk where on an 8 race card there are 2 highlights. 

3.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden.

12: Ciao For Now: A lightly-raced filly who showed promise when 2nd on debut at Leopardstown in August. She was 3rd at halfway and despite not getting a clear run she went 2nd in the final 100 yards. She was short of room late on finishing 5th at Navan 88 days ago so stepping back up in trip here will suit and she gets the nod. 

5.00: Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

6: Apache Outlaw: Got back on track with a good second over course and distance 26 days ago. He travelled well to take 2nd a furlong out keeping on in the closing stages. He should build on that here going one better and picking up his 2nd career win. 

28/11/23 Tramore

 Irish racing begins it's week on Tuesday with 7 races at Tramore where two take centre stage. 

1.30: Book A Table For New Year’s Day Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Mitiva: A horse who has shown improvement in her last two runs culminating in a good third at Thurles 26 days ago. She was 9th at halfway running well to go 3rd at the last,despite keeping on at one pace on the run-in she just did enough to hold on. This is only her 8th outing and she just tops the shortlist here.

2.30: Doneraile Walk Beginners Chase. 

6: Noble Blue: A promising horse who was second on fences debut at Gowran Park when last seen 17 days ago. He tracked the leaders going 2nd three out, despite making no impression on the winner he should progress further here and if that happens he is the one to beat. 

26/11/23 Results

 The only winner on Sunday came in the Grade 2 at Punchestown where Imagine was 2nd early challenging from 2 out. The 30/100 favourite disputed the lead before the last moving to the front in the final 150 yards, despite being pressed he held on to beat Lucid Dreams by 1/2 a length. The Grade 1 saw Galopin Des Champs finish 3rd, the 1/2 favourite was in midfield improving to sit 4th at halfway. He was 3rd five out and despite keeping on well in the closing stages he didn't threaten the leaders with the contest going to Fastorslow who beat Appreciate It by 1/2 a length. Over at Cork En Beton was 8th in a race won by Percy Warner who beat Battle Of Mirbat by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 After another exciting weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Kempton and Ludlow. The next Irish card comes on Tuesday at Tramore tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night, 

26/11/23 Punchestown & Cork

 Saturday's winner at Punchestown came in the Grade 1 where State Man was 2nd early improving to lead entering the straight. The 1/6 favourite travelled well going clear before the last staying on strongly on the run-in easily beating Echoes In Rain by 5 lengths. In the days Grade 2 Flooring Porter was 3rd in a race won by Favori De Champdou who beat Sandor Clegane by 14 lengths. 

 A busy Sunday sees 8 races at Punchestown and 7 at Cork with 3 standing out. 

Punchestown 1.55: Betvictor Craddockstown Novice Chase (Grade 2)

2: Imagine: A useful hurdler who made a successful debut over fences at Fairyhouse 19 days ago. He made all the running asserting himself after the last eventually coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. He should improve further and is a big player who can give his trainer another win in this race.

Punchestown 2.30: John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1)

5: Galopin Des Champs: Showed he is a star chaser when winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March beating Bravemansgame by 7 lengths. He wasn't seen at his best when second behind the reopposing Fastorslow on his last outing here in April but he should bounce back and take this on his return en route to defending his Cheltenham crown.

Cork 2.50: Kevin McManus Bookmaker Handicap Chase. 

1: En Beton: Impressed when winning on chase debut at Punchestown but couldn't follow up finishing fifth behind Stattler in a Grade 3 at Naas when last seen in January 2022. Despite being off 22 months he is worth another chance on this his first handicap chase start.

25/11/23 Punchestown

 The best on Friday came at Fairyhouse where Broken Ice was 2nd, the 9/2 joint favourite was at the rear early sitting fifth two out. He improved to go into 2nd inside the final furlong without threatening the winner Dragon Rock who came home by an easy 9 lengths. Over at Dundalk Sea Chariot was 4th in a race won by Pier Pressure who beat Hightimeyouwon by 1/2 a length. 

 An exciting weekend begins on Saturday with 8 races at Punchestown where there are 2 main events. 

1.23: Liam & Valerie Brennan Florida Pearl Novice Chase (Grade 2)

4: Flooring Porter: A two-time Stayers Hurdle winner at the Cheltenham Festival who impressed on chase debut on the same course a month ago. He led from the fifth and despite being challenged 2 out he asserted himself going clear at the last beating Broadway Boy by 2 1/2 lengths. With further improvement likely he can follow up before going on to better things in this sphere. 

2.35: Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1)

3: State Man: Was definitely the best 2m hurdler in Ireland last season who's only defeat came in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham where he came up against the mighty Constitution Hill having to settle for 2nd. He won this race last year and should do again on his return. 

24/11/23 Fairyhouse & Dundalk

 An excellent Thursday at Thurles saw both my picks win, in the opener Klassical Dream made all the running jumping well. The 1/4 favourite asserted himself before the last easily beating Digby by 9 1/2 lengths. In the other race Will Do was prominent early sitting 3rd at halfway. The 4/11 favourite improved to dispute the lead 2 out gaining a narrow lead after the last. He kept on well in the closing stages beating Getaway Charlie by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 A Friday double header sees 7 races at Fairyhouse and 8 at Dundalk with 2 highlights. 

Fairyhouse 1.30: Lorna Brooke Ireland v Britain Challenge Handicap Chase. 

3: Broken Ice: Despite it being 13 runs since his last win he showed promise when 4th at Chepstow 42 days ago. He made headway to challenge 4 out but a mistake soon after meant he had no extra in the closing stages. He comes from a yard in excellent form and is a big player here. 

Dundalk 6.30: Christmas Party At Dundalk Stadium Rated Race.

3: Sea Chariot: A useful horse who has two wins from six runs this year his last was a career best on this course 16 days ago. He stayed on well challenging inside the final furlong leading in the last 50 yards. He enjoys running here and should follow up.

23/11/23 Thurles

 The best on Wednesday at Dundalk came from Cross Border who was 2nd, the 4/5 favourite was up with the leaders early sitting 3rd at halfway. He had moved into 2nd when slightly hampered a furlong out and he made no impression in the closing stages, Never Cry Never won by 2 3/4 lengths. The opener saw Go Go Gonzo finish 8th in a race won by Blackpink who beat Centuria by 3 3/4 lengths. 

 Thursday sees 7 races at Thurles where there are 2 features. 

12.10: Download The Betvictor App Irish EBF Beginners Chase. 

6: Klassical Dream: A high-class horse who won the Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown for a third time back in April. He led on the run-in keeping on well under pressure beating Asterion Forlonge by 1/2 a length. His last run was an excellent 3rd in a French group 1 in May, he is the one to beat here on his return and chase debut. 

1.20: Betvictor Proud To Support Irish Racing EBF Novice Hurdle. 

4: Will Do: Ended last season with victory at Cork and improved on his hurdles debut when winning on his return at Sligo 27 days ago. He led for a second time 3 out and was clear approaching the straight eventually coming home by an easy 6 1/2 lengths. There is still more to come and with his yard in excellent form he can complete a hat-trick here. 

22/11/23 Dundalk

 On Tuesday at Limerick Champagne Admiral won, the 6/5 favourite was 2nd early improving to lead at the 4th. Despite not being fluent and being strongly pressed he kept on well on the run-in to beat Ballycallan King by 2 lengths. In the closing race Workinonadream was 2nd. The 4/1 shot was 3rd at halfway improving to move into 2nd inside the final furlong however she didn't threaten the winner Ma Belle Etoile who easily came home by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 The week continues with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where 2 stand out. 

1.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

2: Go Go Gonzo: Made an encouraging debut when 6th on this course 3 weeks ago. He recovered from a poor start staying on well from a furlong out and despite being one paced in the closing stages he showed there was something to work on and with improvement definitely expected he can find enough to win this.

4.05: DKITSU Race Day Maiden. 

1: Cross Border: A lightly-raced horse who was a very good second over course and distance when last seen 33 days ago. He travelled well sitting in 2nd a furlong from the finish, he strongly pressed the eventual winner close to home keeping on well under pressure and only going down by a neck. He should be challenging again here going one better and gaining his first career win. 

21/11/23 Limerick

 After a day off the Irish racing week begins on Tuesday with 7 races at Limerick where there are 2 main events. 

1.00: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. 

4: Champagne Admiral: A lightly-raced horse who was an excellent second at Fairyhouse on his last outing 2 weeks ago. He travelled well from 2 out going 2nd before the last and keeping on well on the run-in. A repeat of that performance should be good enough for him to open his account here. 

3.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race.

9: Workinonadream: Has two runner-up finishes to start her career the last was in a bumper at Clonmel 12 days ago. She was 3rd approaching halfway moving into 2nd early in the straight. She has the best form on show and should be hard to beat here.

19/11/23 Results

 Our winner on Sunday at Navan was Croke Park, the 4/6 favourite was in touch early improving to sit 3rd two out. He led narrowly before the last staying on well on the run-in beating Mel Monroe by 3 1/4 lengths. In the other Grade 3 Hollow Games failed to finish, the 7/1 chance was pulled up 2 out. The race went to Coko Beach who beat Limerick Lace by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 After a busy weekend at Navan Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Exeter, Leicester, Plumpton and Kempton. The next Irish card is at Limerick on Tuesday tips for the main events will be up on Monday night. 

19/11/23 Navan

 Saturday's winner at Navan was Captain Guinness, the 3/1 shot sat 2nd at halfway making headway to lead from 2 out. He asserted himself approaching the last keeping on well to beat Riviere D’etel by 7 lengths. In the other Grade 2 Zanahiyr was 2nd, the 5/4 favourite travelled well to lead from 2 out. He was strongly pressed at the last being passed in the final 100 yards by Bob Olinger who won by a length. The other pick She's A Fine Wine was 3rd in a race won by What's Up Darling who beat Dee Capo by a neck.

 An excellent couple of days at Navan concludes on Sunday with 8 races and 2 highlights. 

1.20: John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

3: Croke Park: An exciting prospect who impressed when making a winning start over hurdles at Clonmel 24 days ago. He led early and despite being challenged 3 out he asserted himself and was clear approaching the last easily coming home by 11 lengths. Going up in trip here isn't a worry and with plenty more to come he can follow up. 

2.30: Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

8: Hollow Games: A decent horse who finished a promising 3rd behind Ash Tree Meadow in the Galway Plate when last seen 109 days ago. He steps up to 3 miles here and with cheekpieces on for the 1st time he has to be taken seriously as he looks for a 6th career win.

18/11/23 Navan

 The best on a poor Friday came at Wexford where Bronn was 4th, the 8/15 favourite led early extending his advantage from the 6th. He was passed entering the straight and a mistake 2 out saw him make no impression and he was eased down, Minella Crooner won beating Joyeux Machin by 1/2 a length. It was worse at Dundalk where Emerald Banner was 5th in a race won by Port Augusta who beat Mint Man by a neck.

 A top-class weekend at Navan begins on Saturday with 8 races and 3 taking centre stage. 

1.30: Bar One Racing For Auction Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

6: She's A Fine Wine: A useful horse who didn't need to be at her best to win on hurdles debut at Limerick 27 days ago. She led from the fifth moving clear before the last easily coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. That was also her first start for Henry De Bromhead and she can follow up before moving onto better things.

2.05: Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2)

6: Zanahiyr: A smart hurdler who was 3rd behind Constitution Hill in grade one’s at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals last season. He made his return at Punchestown 39 days ago winning by 2 1/2 lengths and with his trainer going well and race fitness on his side he can take this.

2.40: Bar One Racing Fortria Chase (Grade 2)

2: Captain Guinness: A high-class chaser who took this race 12 months ago. He ended last season with a good second behind Jonbon in the Celebration Chase at Sandown in April and despite being off 6 months he can win this race again.

17/11/23 Wexford & Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Punchestown came in the 12.55 where Aslukwoodhavit was 2nd at halfway strongly pressing the leader entering the straight. The 7/4 favourite led from 2 out asserting himself before the last. He kept on well beating Bleu D'enfer by 4 lengths. The later contest saw Charity Barnum finish 7th in a race won by Loughglynn who beat Native Speaker by a comfortable 10 lengths. 

 There is a double header on Friday with 7 races at Wexford and 8 at Dundalk with 2 features. 

Wexford 2.00: M.W. Hickey Memorial Chase.

2: Bronn: A very smart chaser who ran well in two Grade one’s last season. He was 3rd behind The Real Whacker in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham and another 3rd to Cerri Colombe in the Mildmay at Aintree when last seen back in April. Despite being off 7 months if he returns in the same form then he will be hard to beat. 

Dundalk 4.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

7: Emerald Banner: A lightly-raced horse who was a good second on this course on her last outing 56 days ago. She ran well strongly pressing the eventual winner a furlong out keeping on in the closing stages. She finished clear of the rest that day and sets a good standard here and this looks like a decent opportunity for her to open her account. 

16/11/23 Punchestown

 We had one winner at Dundalk on Wednesday that came in the 3.30 where Not Forgotten was 6th at halfway improving into 5th entering the straight. The 8/11 favourite made headway to lead 1 1/2 furlongs out, he kept on well inside the final furlong to beat Nakassama by 3 lengths. The earlier race saw Clever Impulse finish 3rd. The 7/2 shot improved and was beginning to make headway when hampered in the final 100 yards. She kept on well to take 3rd close to home while upfront Cash Collector beat Step It Out by a length. 

 Punchestown stages 7 races on Thursday where there are 2 main events. 

12.55: Ladbrokes Fanzone 'Your Team Your Game' Rated Novice Chase. 

2: Aslukwoodhavit: Got off the mark over hurdles at Tramore in mid April leading from 2 out and going clear before the last easily coming home by 16 lengths. He was a respectable 8th on handicap debut on this course 10 days after his win and with Rachael Blackmore on board he is a big player on his first chase start.

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

7: Charity Barnum: A promising horse who was running well sitting 2nd when falling 3 out in a novice hurdle at Navan when last seen back in March. She showed plenty of ability with two fifth placed finishes before that and despite being off 8 months and going up in trip she sets a high standard here and can pick up her first career win. 

15/11/23 Dundalk

 After Tuesday's postponement the Irish racing week begins with 8 races at Dundalk on Wednesday where there are 2 highlights. 

1.50: View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Median Auction Maiden. 

9: Clever Impulse: A promising horse who put in an encouraging performance when 4th over course and distance on debut 33 days ago. She was 6th a furlong out keeping on well in the closing stages taking 4th close to home. With further improvement expected she can take this. 

3.30: Floodlit Fridays At Dundalk Stadium Maiden. 

8: Not Forgotten: Ran well with a tongue strap on for the 1st time when 2nd over course and distance 12 days ago. That was his second runner-up finish this year and he sets a good standard here. With his yard having a decent spell he should finally pick up his 1st career win. 

13/11/23 Update

 The Irish Irish racing week was due to get underway at Fairyhouse on Tuesday but after significant overnight rain Sunday into Monday the track is unfit for racing and the meeting has been abandoned, it has been rearranged for Friday November 24th. The week should now begin at Dundalk on Wednesday tips will be up on Tuesday night.

12/11/23 Results

 Sunday's winner at Naas came in the Grade 3 where Dinoblue travelled well to sit 2nd at the fifth. She improved to lead 4 out keeping on best under pressure on the run-in beating Fil Dor by 1 3/4 lengths. The other pick Thecompanysergeant was 12th in a race won by Espanito Bello who beat Gaoth Chuil by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 After a top-class weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Carlisle, Fakenham, Kempton and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Fairyhouse on Tuesday tips for the main events will be up on Monday night. 

12/11/23 Naas

 An excellent Saturday saw all 3 of my picks win, at Gowran Park Lucid Dreams led from the 2nd being passed 2 out. The 13/8 favourite rallied to lead again inside the final furlong staying on well to beat Krabat by 1 1/4 lengths. In the days big Grade 1 at Down Royal Gerri Colombe tracked the leaders but a mistake at the 3rd saw him sit 2nd 3 out. The 4/7 favourite made no impression early on the run-in but he kept on well in the final 50 yards to lead close to home and beat Envoi Allen by a neck. In the Grade 2 Ash Tree Meadow made all the running travelling well to go clear from 3 out. He was 6 lengths in front before the last keeping on well to beat the only other horse in the field Visionarian by a very easy 25 lengths. 

 The weekend reaches it’s conclusion with 8 races at Naas on Sunday where 2 stand out. 

2.00: Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Thecompanysergeant: Has a decent record this year and was a very good 4th in a listed race at Listowel when last seen 51 days ago. He travelled well moving  up into 4th 3 out challenging before the last but keeping on at one pace. He can build on that here going back up in trip and he can quickly resume winning ways. 

2.35: Barberstown Castle Chase (Grade 3)

4: Dinoblue: Produced an excellent performance when winning at the Punchestown festival on her last outing in April rounding off an impressive first season over fences. That run shows she is more than capable of winning in graded company this campaign and she can do that here on her return completing a hat-trick. 

11/11/23 Gowran Park & Down Royal

 The winner on Friday came at Down Royal where Brighterdaysahead was 4th at halfway making progress into 2nd two out. The 2/1 favourite led soon after and she was 2 lengths clear at the last. She kept on well to beat Banntown Girl by 4 3/4 lengths. In the days other Grade 3 Magical Zoe was 2nd, the 11/10 shot was 3rd at halfway improving to dispute the lead at the last. She had no extra close to home allowing Irish Point to win by 1 3/4 lengths. Over at Dundalk Hodd's Girl was 3rd in a race won by Many Tears who beat Didn'thavemuchtodo by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 A busy Saturday sees 8 races at Gowran Park and 7 at Down Royal on day 2 of the Ladbrokes Festival Of Racing with 3 features. 

Gowran Park 12.53: Golf At Gowran Park Handicap Chase. 

3: Lucid Dreams: A good horse who has 4 wins from 8 runs this season. He was a creditable 4th behind Letsbeclearaboutit in a Grade 3 at Cork a week ago and on this his handicap chase debut he can return to winning ways and make it 5 for the campaign. 

Down Royal 2.20: Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1)

3: Gerri Colombe: A horse with a standout record who took the step up to chasing last season in his stride. He won 4 out of 5 starts including Grade one’s at Limerick, Sandown and Aintree. There is definitely more to come this time around and he can make a winning return. 

Down Royal 2.55: racingtv.com/freetrial Chase (Grade 2)

3: Ash Tree Meadow: A smart chaser who picked up his career best win in the Galway Plate when last seen in August. He travelled well eventually coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. He sets the standard here and can follow up. 

10/11/23 Down Royal & Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Clonmel came in the Grade 2 Oil Chase where Allaho made all the running going 6 lengths clear at halfway. The 1/4 favourite kept on well on the run-in easily beating Janidil by 9 lengths. In the days listed race Maskada was 4th with Allegorie De Vassy beating Instit by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 A busy Friday sees 7 races at Down Royal and 8 at Dundalk with 3 main events. 

Down Royal 1.27: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

8: Brighterdaysahead: A highly promising horse who completed a hat-trick on hurdles debut at Thurles 22 days ago. She made all the running travelling well and asserting herself approaching the last easily coming home by 10 lengths. With plenty more to come this fine prospect can get her 4-timer here.

Down Royal 2.02: Bottlegreen Hurdle (Grade 3)

4: Magical Zoe: A horse with a decent record who has won over course and distance in her career. She put in her best performance when winning a listed race at Gowran Park 42 days ago. She led from 2 out and despite a mistake at the last she won by 4 1/4 lengths. She has race fitness on her side and with more improvement expected she can take this.

Dundalk 6.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cooley Fillies Stakes. 

4: Hodd's Girl: A useful mare who has been a 6-time course winner. She was a creditable fifth here a week ago and despite going significantly up in trip she is a big player in this competitive listed contest. 

9/11/23 Clonmel

 The best at Dundalk on Wednesday came from Scorchio who was 3rd, the 9/2 shot was in midfield early disputing the lead from a furlong out. She had no extra in 3rd close to home while upfront Clonmacash beat Transending Glory by a head. The days other pick Dromantine was 5th in a race won by Sea Chariot who beat Not Just Yet by 3/4 of a length. 

 Clonmel is the destination on Thursday for 7 races with 2 highlights. 

2.15: T.A. Morris Memorial Irish EBF Mares Chase.

2: Maskada: A smart chaser who put in a career best performance to win the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival on her final outing of last season. She led at the last staying on strongly to draw clear in the closing stages coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. If fully ready to go on this her return then she is the one to beat. 

2.50: Clonmel Oil Chase (Grade 2)

2: Allaho: A horse with an excellent record who delivered some outstanding performances when last seen in early 2022. He won a Grade 2 at Thurles beating Fakir D’Oudairies by 12 lengths before moving to Cheltenham and taking the Ryanair Chase by 14 lengths. His last run was just as impressive demolishing a strong field in the Punchestown Gold Cup again winning by 14 lengths. Injury saw him miss last season but if anywhere near his best he will take this on his return after 18 months off.

8/11/23 Dundalk

 Tuesday's winner at Fairyhouse was Absolute Notions, the 1/12 favourite made all the running having an extended advantage from 2 out. He was clear at the last very easily beating Starman by 12 lengths. In the other race Sainte Dona was 2nd, the 6/4 favourite led early and was 10 lengths clear at halfway. A mistake 4 out saw her advantage reduced and she was passed 2 out. She had no extra from the last allowing Potters Party to win by 7 1/2 lengths. 

 We move onto Dundalk on Wednesday where on an 8 race card 2 stand out, 

2.00: Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Nursery Handicap. 

3: Scorchio: Put in a career best performance to win on this course when last seen 12 days ago. She travelled well to lead inside the final furlong and despite being strongly pressed close to home she stayed on well to win by 1/2 a length. The horse she beat that day Moral Turpitude has won here since making that run look even better and a 7lb rise shouldn’t stop her following up.

4.20: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap. 

12: Dromantine: Has been a course winner in her career who didn't build on early promise shown when 8th over course and distance a week ago. That can be overlooked and with a hood on for the 1st time and cheekpieces reapplied she is the pick to take this wide-open race off a career-low mark.

7/11/23 Fairyhouse

 After a day off Irish racing begins it's week on Tuesday with 8 races at Fairyhouse where 2 take centre stage. 

12.28: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. 

10: Sainte Dona: A promising horse who won over hurdles at Thurles this month a year ago. She returned there to finish 4th on fences debut 19 days ago putting in a positive performance. That was her return after 6 months off so she should be fitter for the run and she has a good chance here to pick up her 2nd career win. 

2.48: Fairyhouse Membership 2024 Hurdle. 

3: Absolute Notions: Won two of his starts last season and ran well in two graded races finishing 3rd behind Three Card Brag and Inthepocket at Naas and 2nd in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in February. He disappointed over the Grand National fences in the Sefton Novices Hurdle at Aintree when last seen but he sets a high standard here and should get back on track on this his return. 

5/11/23 Results

 Sunday's winner came in the big Group 3 at The Curragh where Falcon Eight sat 4th at halfway. The 11/4 shot was 2nd three out challenging and moving into the lead 1 1/2 from the finish. He kept on strongly going clear inside the final furlong beating Echoes In Rain by 6 1/2 lengths. In the Cork Grand National Call The Tune was 2nd, the 5/2 favourite led narrowly from 2 out and despite a slight mistake at the last he kept on well under pressure being passed on the line by Sir Bob who won by a short head. The other pick Hans Andersen was 11th in a race won by Vischio who beat Helvic Dream by 3/4 of a length. 

 After a busy Sunday Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Hereford, Plumpton, Kempton and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is at Fairyhouse on Tuesday tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night. 

5/11/23 The Curragh & Cork

 After a day off we have a busy Sunday which sees 8 races at both The Curragh and Cork with 3 main events.

The Curragh 3.00: Comer Group International Loughbrown Stakes (Group 3)

1: Falcon Eight: A decent horse who has been a course winner in his career. He was a very good second behind Magellan Strait in the Irish Cesarewitch here when last seen 42 days ago. A repeat of that performance should see him take this picking up his 7th win.

Cork 3.15: Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase. 

14: Call The Tune: Improved on his 6th placed return with two recent runner-up finishes including on his last outing at Listowel 46 days ago. He was well clear of the rest there and the switch to chasing here is a plus. He should continue his good form and go one better.

The Curragh 3.35: Start Your Racing TV Free Trial Now Finale Stakes.

2: Hans Andersen: A useful colt who impressed when winning the Group 3 2,000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown in April. His last run in the French 2,000 in May can be overlooked and despite going up in trip he can take this on his return. 

3/11/23 Results

 The best on Friday at Dundalk came from Sweetest who was 2nd, the 11/10 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 3rd two out. She made no impression on the winner from a furlong out keeping on at one pace in the closing stages, Moral Turpitude won by 6 lengths. In the other race Dream Today was 7th in a race won by Little Queenie who beat Apache Outlaw by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 With the Ladbrokes Festival Of Racing at Down Royal now taking place next weekend due to heavy rain leaving the track waterlogged there is no Irish racing on Saturday. Meetings do take place at Newmarket, Ayr, Wetherby which needs to pass an early morning inspection, Ascot and Chelmsford. The next Irish cards are a double header at Cork and The Curragh on Sunday tips for the highlights will be up on Saturday night. 

3/11/23 Dundalk

 A very poor Thursday at Thurles saw Atimetodream finish 11th in a race won by Dragon's Pass who beat Costanuci by 1 3/4 lengths while in the 4.25 Charlie Buckett failed to finish, the 8/11 favourite was pulled up 2 out. Upfront Cola Blaze beat Slieve Carran by an easy 6 lengths. 

 With Down Royal abandoning due to a waterlogged track the Irish racing week reaches it’s conclusion on Friday night with 8 contests at Dundalk where 2 stand out. 

5.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

13: Sweetest: Found the step up to a Group 3 beyond her when 13th in the Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket 3 weeks ago. That can be overlooked and her record shows she goes well in maiden company having been placed in her first 4 starts and she can make her all-weather debut a winning one.

6.00: Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Handicap. 

7: Dream Today: A course and distance winner who picked up his latest victory on the beach at Laytown in September. He unseated his rider at the start on his last outing at The Curragh 27 days ago but he goes best on this surface and can return to winning ways here. 

2/11/23 Thurles

 The one winner at Dundalk on Wednesday was Take Me To Church, the 11/10 favourite recovered from a poor start to lead after a furlong. He was strongly pressed but kept on well under pressure in the final furlong beating Anvika by 3/4 of a length. The other pick Tourist was 5th in a race won by Greenfinch who beat Cameo Performance by a neck.

 Thurles stages 7 races on Thursday with two highlights. 

3.15: Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Atimetodream: A promising horse who has one win from two runs this season, that was a career best at Listowel when last seen 40 days ago. She made headway to dispute the lead entering the straight moving to the front at the last, she kept on well easily coming home by 8 1/2 lengths. She is a big player here and can follow up.

4.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Flat Race.

2: Charlie Buckett: An interesting newcomer who comes from a decent family, his half-sisters are Riviera Sun and This Is It both useful hurdlers. He is bred to go further but his yard have an excellent record in this sphere so he can win on debut.