1/3/24 Dundalk

 Neither of Thursday's tips ran after the meeting at Clonmel was called off because of significant rainfall. There has been 15mm since Tuesday on already heavy ground making the track unfit for racing. The next meeting at Clonmel is due to take place on March 28th.

 A new month begins on Friday with 8 races at Dundalk where 2 stand out. 

6.45: Willie Buckley Memorial Maiden. 

2: Cow Chico: A promising horse who was second over course and distance on debut 30 days ago. He made good progress to sit 4th entering the straight making further headway to lead a furlong out, he was strongly pressed and passed 100 yards from the finish but kept on well and with improvement expected he can open his account here.

7.15: Patton Race.

1: Henry Adams: A useful colt who had 2 wins from 4 runs last year. He was last seen finishing a decent 4th behind star stablemate City Of Troy in the Group 1 Dewhurst at Newmarket in October having every chance until weakening inside the final furlong. He returns here after 139 days off and if back to his best he will be difficult to beat.

29/2/24 Clonmel

If a 7.30am inspection is passed then after 3 day's off Irish racing returns on Thursday with 7 contests at Clonmel and 2 highlights. 

1.47: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

4: Miss Tempo: A useful hurdler who was a good second at Naas when last seen 32 days ago. She led narrowly from 2 out but came under pressure and was passed inside the final furlong. With most of the field arriving having questions to answer she can make her chase debut a winning one.

4.07: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. 

2: Olympic Man: A good horse on the flat in France who has run well since moving to Ireland finishing 2nd in a novice hurdle at Galway on his last outing in October. He stands out here and with his stable in good form he can pick up his 1st win on these shores. 

25/2/24 Results

 Sunday's winner at Naas was Ferny Hollow, the 2/5 favourite was 4th after the 5th improving from 2 out. He led before the last keeping on well inside the final furlong easily beating Rebel Gold by 5 1/2 lengths. The other pick Wodhooh was a non-runner with the race being won by Bottler'secret who beat Pacini by 11 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 3 day break. There are meetings at Ayr,Plumpton and Wolverhampton on Monday, Catterick, Leicester and Southwell on Tuesday with Bangor-On-Dee, Wincanton and Kempton hosting Wednesday's races. The next Irish card is at Clonmel on Thursday tips for the highlights will be up on Wednesday night.

25/2/24 Naas

 The winner at Fairyhouse on Saturday was I Am Maximus, the 1/1 favourite was 3rd at halfway making headway before 2 out. Despite a slight mistake at the last he was 5 lengths clear keeping on well on the run-in to easily beat Vanillier by 14 lengths booking his place in the Grand National at Aintree in April where he is currently a 12/1 chance. In the other race Slanagaibhgoleir was 4th with the contest going to Shadow Rider who beat Kashi by 21 lengths. 

 Seven races take place at Naas on Sunday with two features. 

1.25: Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle ( Grade 3)

5: Wodhooh: Continued her unbeaten record over hurdles when taking a listed race at Doncaster last month. She travelled well leading after 2 out going clear before the last, she stayed on strongly beating Max Of Stars by 6 1/2 lengths. She should take the step up in her stride and complete a 5-timer here.

2.55: Newlands Chase (Grade 3)

5: Ferny Hollow: A high-class chaser who was last seen winning a Grade 1 at Leopardstown back in December 2021. He led from the 1st and despite being strongly pressed after the last he kept on well to come home by 1 1/2 lengths. We haven't seen him since but he will have been well trained so fitness shouldn't be a problem and he can make it 6 in a row here.

24/2/24 Fairyhouse

 Friday's winner at Dundalk was Collective Power, the 9/2 shot was 5th early improving slightly to sit 4th a furlong out. He made good headway leading inside the final furlong staying on well to beat Musical Tribute by a neck. The days other pick Hodd's Girl was 4th in a race won by Final Voyage who beat Hightimeyouwon by 3/4 of a length. 

 The weekend begins with 8 races at Fairyhouse on Saturday where 2 stand out.

2.40: Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle. 

6: Slanagaibhgoleir: A promising horse who achieved his career best win at Punchestown 40 days ago. He recovered from a bad mistake at the last to lead for a second time close to home staying on well just winning by a neck. He makes his handicap hurdle debut here and with more to come he can follow up.

3.50: Tote.ie Bobbyjo Chase (Grade 3)

1: I Am Maximus: A very smart chaser who has one win from three runs this season, that came in the Grade 1 Drinmore on this course back in December. He led at the last beating Found A Fifty by 2 1/2 lengths. Despite finishing behind Galopin Des Champs in his last 2 starts including the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago he drops back in grade here and has a good chance to return to winning ways. 

23/2/24 Dundalk

 The best at Thurles on Thursday came from Staffordshire Knot who was 2nd, the 8/11 favourite was 2nd at halfway but a mistake 4 out saw him drop to 4th. He improved to retake 2nd approaching the last but he made no impression allowing Largy Hill to win by 4 lengths. In the other race Harmonya Maker was 3rd in a contest won by Marsh Wren who beat Law Ella by 3/4 of a length. 

 Dundalk is Friday's destination where on an 8 race card there are 2 highlights. 

4.05: Put The Fun In Fundraising At Dundalk Handicap. 

2: Hodd's Girl: A decent horse who picked up her career best win on this course 3 weeks ago. She was 4th at halfway making good headway to lead in the final 200 yards, she kept on well easily beating the reopposing Brains by 2 lengths. Despite a 5lb rise she can give another good account here and follow up.

5.45: Racing TV Club Day Handicap. 

7: Collective Power: A course and distance winner in his career who picked up his latest victory at Cork in September. He led from a furlong out asserting himself in the final 100 yards coming home by 2 1/4 lengths. He was a creditable 4th here 2 weeks ago and can improve on that continuing his excellent Dundalk record. 

22/2/24 Thurles

 The best performance at Punchestown on Wednesday came from Faulty who was 2nd, the 10/3 shot was 5th at halfway making headway to lead from 2 out. He made a mistake at the last but kept on well on the run-in only being passed close to home by Milo Lises who won by a neck. In the Grade 3 Gala Marceau was 3rd in a race won by Hispanic Moon who beat Saylavee by an easy 8 lengths. 

 Thurles stages Thursday's action where on a 7 race card 2 take centre stage. 

2.23: Carey Glass Irish EBF Colreevy Mares Novice Chase. 

1: Harmonya Maker: Picked up her career best win in a Grade 2 on this course when last seen 32 days ago. She was 2nd at halfway travelling well to lead approaching the last, she kept on to beat Hauturiere by 1 1/2 lengths. Her jumping was impressive that day and with another bold show likely here she can win again. 

3.23: Boylesports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

5: Staffordshire Knot: A decent horse who after winning on the flat at Fairyhouse looked a useful prospect back over hurdles when following up at Down Royal 30 days ago. He led before 3 out asserting himself soon after and comfortably coming home by 21 lengths. It may have been a poor field but he still won in emphatic fashion and despite going up in trip further improvement is on the cards and he can complete a hat-trick here. 

21/2/24 Punchestown

 After 2 days off Irish racing returns with 8 contests at Punchestown on Wednesday where there are 2 features. 

 1.45: Best Odds Guaranteed At Betvictor Maiden Hurdle.

7: Faulty: A lightly-raced horse who was running well in 2nd when he stumbled and slipped up entering the straight on this course when last seen a year ago. Despite being off since he is the pick on form and if back to his best he can return to winning ways. 

2.45: Betvictor Quevega Mares Hurdle (Grade 3)

1: Gala Marceau: A smart hurdler who was a respectable 3rd behind Ashroe Diamond in the Grade 2 Yorkshire Rose at Doncaster 25 days ago. She was 2nd two out weakening on the run-in dropping to 3rd close to home. She goes up in trip here and this is an excellent opportunity for her to keep up her good recent form and pick up a 6th career win. 

18/2/24 Results

 Sunday's winner at Punchestown was Tullyhill, the 6/5 favourite led early and despite not being fluent over the 5th he went clear entering the straight. He stayed on strongly on the run-in easily beating No Flies On Him by 9 lengths. In the other race We'llhavewan was 2nd, the 5/4 favourite led from 2 out and was briefly clear approaching the closing stages. He was passed at the last making no impression allowing Where It All Began to pull away and win by a comfortable 16 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 2 day break, there are meetings at Lingfield, Carlisle and Wolverhampton on Monday with Taunton, Market Rasen and Newcastle on Tuesday. The next Irish card is back at Punchestown on Wednesday tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night. 

18/2/24 Punchestown

 A good Saturday at Gowran Park saw both my picks win, in the 2.17 Lantry Lady travelled well sitting 2nd approaching the straight. The 13/8 shot led before the last pulling away to beat What's Up Darling by 9 1/2 lengths. In the days Grade 2 Saint Sam made all the running and was clear at the 10th. Despite having a reduced lead from 3 out the 10/11 favourite kept on well on the run-in easily beating Riviere D’etel by 8 1/2 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Punchestown on Sunday with 2 standing out. 

2.35: Quinnbet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase. 

15: We'llhavewan: Has 3 wins from 6 runs this season his last was a career best at Navan 71 days ago. He led from 2 out soon going clear, he stayed on strongly and easily came home by 7 lengths. He switches from hurdles back to chasing here and despite going up in trip he is the pick in a big-field and can follow up. 

3.05: Madigan Group Irish EBF Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle. 

5: Tullyhill: A smart horse who after being beaten when a short odds favourite here on hurdles debut got back to winning ways at Naas last month. He made all the running asserting himself from 2 out and comfortably winning by 7 lengths. This exciting prospect can add to his record here and pick up his 3rd career success. 

17/2/24 Gowran Park

 Friday's best performance at Dundalk came from Staysound Susie who was 3rd, the 4/1 shot was in midfield sitting 6th at halfway. She moved into 4th a furlong out taking 3rd in the final 150 yards, upfront Ohailbhic beat Miss Black Jack by 1/2 a length. In the other contest Hoover Dam was 4th in a race won by Badda Bing who beat Al Mudhaffar by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 A top-class 7 race card takes place at Gowran Park on Saturday with 2 topping the bill. 

2.17: Red Mills Trial Hurdle (Grade 3)

5: Lantry Lady: Looked a good prospect when winning over course and distance on debut at this meeting 12 months ago. She led from 2 out asserting herself before the last drawing clear and coming home by a very easy 14 lengths. Despite not being seen since which is a slight concern she can overcome that and follow up here.

3.27: Red Mills Chase (Grade 2)

1: Saint Sam: A very smart chaser who after winning a Grade 3 at Killarney and a race at Galway was well on his way to completing a hat-trick when he fell at the last at Listowel back in September. He has been given a decent amount of time to recover and if close to his best he is hard to look past here. 

16/2/24 Dundalk

 The best on a poor day at Clonmel came from Mount Frisco who was 4th, the 11/4 favourite improved after a bad mistake 2 out to lead for a second time at the last. He came under pressure and was passed on the run-in having no extra, Mick Charlie won beating Dutch Schultz by 2 1/4 lengths. In the days Grade 3 Largy Hill was a non-runner with the race going to Search For Glory who beat Harvard Guy by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 Dundalk stages 8 races on Friday with 2 highlights. 

4.57: Put The Fun In Fundraising At Dundalk Maiden. 

7: Hoover Dam: A lightly-raced horse who was 2nd over course and distance when last seen 35 days ago. He led from a furlong out but was strongly pressed and passed close to home going down by a neck. He has progressed with each run and should continue that here opening his account. 

6.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

8: Staysound Susie: Showed improvement when a good 3rd at Naas on her last outing back in October. She sat 6th a furlong out but kept on well in the closing stages taking 3rd near the line. She makes her polytrack debut here and should get off the mark at the 7th attempt. 

15/2/24 Clonmel

 An excellent Wednesday at Dundalk saw both my picks win, in the 3.10 Andalusian Star made all the running travelling well. Despite edging to the right and briefly colliding with the rail 150 yards from the finish she recovered keeping on well in the closing stages beating Pepper Noir by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other race Beautiful Dawn was 2nd at halfway disputing the lead from 2 out. The 1/3 favourite led narrowly soon after but was joined close to home by Rebelsontherun and the pair dead heated.

 The week continues with 7 races at Clonmel on Thursday where there are 2 main events. 

2.20: Surehaul Mercedes- Benz Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

3: Largy Hill: Confirmed the promise shown on his hurdles debut when winning at Cork 40 days ago. He challenged from 3 out moving to the front at the next, he asserted himself approaching the last keeping on well and coming home by 2 3/4 lengths. There is still more to come with the step up in class not being a problem and he can follow up here. 

4.05: Grange Novice Handicap Chase. 

6: Mount Frisco: A decent horse who put in his career best performance to win at Limerick 16 days ago. He made all the running and despite being pressed 2 out he pulled away before the last keeping on to win by 3 lengths. He makes his fences return here and can add a 3rd win to his record. 

14/2/24 Dundalk

 Tuesday's winner at Thurles was Zanahiyr, the 7/4 favourite was 2nd at halfway making headway to lead 2 out. He was passed approaching the last but kept on well on the run-in to lead again in the closing stages beating Aspire Tower by 1/2 a length. The other tip Thedancingfarrier was 5th in a race won by Added Bonus who beat Mcgrath From Clune by 6 lengths. 

 Dundalk stages Wednesday's action where on an 8 race card there are 2 features. 

3.10: Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Fillies Maiden. 

1: Andalusian Star: An interesting horse who showed there was something to work with when 7th on debut at Leopardstown back in July. She will improve on that here with cheekpieces on for the 1st time, and in good hands she can take a big step forward on her return. 

3.40: irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap. 

1: Beautiful Dawn: Progressed from her debut when winning here on her last outing 33 days ago. She travelled well in 2nd leading from 1 1/2 furlongs out, she was clear in the closing stages staying on well to comfortably come home by 1 1/4 lengths. She should continue her improvement here and follow up on her 1st handicap start. 

13/2/24 Thurles

 After a day off the Irish racing week begins on Tuesday with the rearranged 7 race card at Thurles where 2 stand out. 

 1.33: Horse & Jockey Beginners Chase.

9: Zanahiyr: A smart hurdler who was second on fences debut at Leopardstown 47 days ago. He was 4th early improving to go 2nd approaching the straight, he wasn’t able to reach the winner Fact To File who followed up in Grade 1 company at the Dublin Racing Festival but he definitely wasn't disgraced. With that promising run under his belt and going back down in trip he gets the vote here.

2.03: Racing Again February 22nd Handicap Chase. 

4: Thedancingfarrier: Despite not winning in his last 11 starts he was a good second in a novice chase at Cork 38 days ago. He led at halfway but was passed 2 out, he kept on well on the run-in only going down by 1/2 a length. He has the best form on show making him the one to beat here.

11/2/24 Results

 The best performance at Navan on Sunday came from Minella Cocooner who finished 3rd, the 11/8 favourite travelled well leading for a second time 4 out. He was passed soon after dropping to 3rd 2 out, he made no impression in the closing stages with American Mike beating Nick Rockett by 1 1/4 lengths. The days other pick Blazing Khal failed to finish being pulled up before the last, Hiddenvalley Lake took the race beating Beacon Edge by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 After a busy weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Catterick, Plumpton and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is the rearranged action at Thurles which after being called off on Thursday now takes place on Tuesday, tips for the features will be up on Monday night. 

11/2/24 Navan

 Saturday's best at Naas came from Captain Cody who was 2nd, the 1/1 favourite was 4th at halfway making progress approaching 2 out. He improved to go 2nd inside the final furlong but he made no impression in the closing stages allowing Answer To Kayf to win by 1 1/2 lengths. The days other pick Maskada was 3rd in a race won by Allegorie De Vassy who beat Riviere D’etel by 4 lengths. 

 Sunday sees 7 races at Navan with 2 topping the bill.

2.45: William Hill Boyne Hurdle (Grade 2)

2: Blazing Khal: A smart hurdler who has been a course and distance winner. He was a bit below form although not disgraced when 6th behind the reopposing Sire Du Berlais in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham on his last outing. He can make a successful return and take this race for the second year running. 

3.45: William Hill Ten Up Novice Chase (Grade 2)

3: Minella Cocooner: A good-looking horse who didn't need to be at his best when winning over course and distance 22 days ago. He led from the 4th travelling well from 2 out, he was clear at the last staying on well and comfortably coming home by 2 3/4 lengths. He should go well again and pick up his 5th career win.

10/2/24 Naas

 Friday's winner at Dundalk was Take Me To Church, the 10/3 shot tracked the leaders sitting 3rd two out. He led soon after staying on well in the final furlong beating Sir Sagacious by 3/4 of a length. In the other race Harry's Bar was 2nd, the 10/11 favourite was 3rd early moving into 2nd two out. He made no impression in the final furlong keeping on at one pace, Tarsus won the contest by 2 lengths. 

 The weekend begins with 7 races at Naas on Saturday where there are 2 highlights. 

1.55: Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle. 

5: Captain Cody: A promising horse who picked up his career best win on hurdles debut at Gowran Park 16 days ago. He led from 3 out travelling well to be 4 lengths clear after the next, he kept on well on the run-in to easily come home by 10 lengths. This exciting prospect definitely has more to come and is hard to look past here. 

3.40: BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase.

5: Maskada: A smart chaser who was a creditable 3rd behind El Fabiolo in the Hilly Way at Cork when last seen 62 days ago. She led early but was passed 4 out keeping on at one pace. This looks like a good opportunity for her to return to winning ways before moving on to the Cheltenham Festival. 

9/2/24 Dundalk

 Neither of today's tips ran after the meeting at Thurles was called off, there was 10mm of rain overnight with a further 7mm on Thursday morning leaving the track waterlogged and unfit for racing. The card has been rescheduled for Tuesday. 

 After Thursday's abandonment we shouldn’t have any problems on the All-weather at Dundalk on Friday where on an 8 race card there are 2 features. 

4.30: Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Race.

2: Harry's Bar: A smart horse who is a 4-time course and distance winner including this race 12 months ago. He was 8th behind Dun Na Sead in the Group 3 Mercury Stakes here when last seen in October but this is a less demanding contest and he should be tough to beat. 

5.30: Floodlit Fridays At Dundalk Race.

1: Take Me To Church: A lightly-raced horse who didn't need to be at his best to win on this course on his last outing in November, he led early and despite being strongly pressed he kept on well in the closing stages coming home by 3/4 of a length. Despite being off 100 days he is the pick on form and he can follow up. 

8/2/24 Thurles

 On a poor Wednesday at Fairyhouse Corbetts Cross failed to finish being brought down 3 out with the contest going to Velvet Elvis who beat Eklat De Rire by 3 1/4 lengths. The other pick Lark In The Mornin was a non-runner in a race won by Miss Pronunciation who beat Lazer Wolf by 6 lengths. 

 There are 7 races at Thurles on Thursday with 2 main events. 

1.20: Horse & Jockey Beginners Chase. 

11: Zanahiyr: A smart hurdler who was second on fences debut at Leopardstown 42 days ago. He was 4th early improving to go 2nd approaching the straight, he wasn’t able to reach the winner Fact To File who has won a Grade 1 since but he definitely wasn't disgraced. With that run under his belt and going back down in trip he looks hard to beat here. 

1.55: Racing Again February 22nd Handicap Chase. 

3: McGrath From Clune: A decent horse who has been a course winner in his career. That was back in November where he sat 3rd entering the straight moving into the lead at the last, he kept on strongly comfortably coming home by 5 lengths. He has been a bit below form in two hurdle races since but there is more to come now back chasing and he can pick up his 2nd win here.

7/2/24 Fairyhouse

 It a 7.30am inspection is passed then there will be 7 races at Fairyhouse on Wednesday where 2 stand out. 

 2.30: Fairyhouse Easter Festival 30th March To 1st April Rated Chase. 

1: Corbetts Cross: A promising horse who was a good second behind Grangeclare West in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown 40 days ago. He improved after a slight mistake at the 5th taking 2nd two out. There is definitely more to come and he should get back to winning ways here continuing his positive chasing start.

3.00: Book Your Advanced Tickets Now Rated Novice Hurdle. 

9: Lark In The Mornin: A useful winner on the flat who has made a decent start over hurdles. He was 3rd at Punchestown when last seen 23 days ago making headway from 2 out sitting 3rd at the last, despite not being fluent he kept on well on the run-in finishing with running left. He should improve on that here and pick up his 2nd career win.

5/2/24 Results

 The best on Monday at Punchestown came from Shannon Royale who finished 2nd, the 9/2 shot led until he was challenged before the last. Despite keeping on well on the run-in he was passed close to home by Morricone who won by 1/2 a length. The other pick La Malmason was 4th in a race won by Lar's Lass who beat Kates Hill by a neck.

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Tuesday, there are meetings at Market Rasen, Taunton and Wolverhampton. The next Irish card is due to be at Fairyhouse on Wednesday as long as it passes a 4pm inspection on Tuesday. If it does then tips for the features will be up on Tuesday night.

5/2/24 Punchestown

 On Sunday at Leopardstown two of my picks won, in the Dublin Chase El Fabiolo was 2nd early and despite not being fluent from the 4th he recovered to dispute the lead at the last. The 4/11 favourite led soon after travelling well and easily coming home by 8 1/2 lengths, after his victory he was made the 4/9 market leader for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. The Irish Champion Hurdle saw State Man track the leaders moving to the front entering the straight. The 2/5 favourite kept on well easily beating Bob Olinger by 5 1/2 lengths, he is still 3/1 for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham with Constitution Hill the 1/5 favourite. The only tip who didn't win was Gaelic Warrior, the 4/7 favourite unseated his rider at the last leaving the only other horse Fact To File alone to win.

 Monday sees 7 races at Punchestown with 2 highlights. 

1.50: SBK Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase. 

1: La Malmason: A decent horse who picked up her career best win at Cheltenham when last seen 52 days ago. She travelled well making headway from 3 out, she led at the last eventually coming home by 3/4 of a length. There is better to come and she is the one to beat here. 

3.20: SBK Novice Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Shannon Royale: An easy 24 length course winner in November who disappointed when attempting to follow up in a listed race at Navan a month later finishing 8th. That performance can be overlooked and he is worth another chance here to continue his progression and return to winning ways. 

4/2/24 Leopardstown

 The only winner at Leopardstown on Saturday was Galopin Des Champs, the 1/3 favourite made all the running and was 3 lengths clear at halfway. He had a reduced advantage entering the straight but asserted himself on the run-in beating Fastorslow by 4 1/2 lengths. After his victory he was cut from evens to 4/6 to retain the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. In the other Grade One's Predators Gold was 2nd, the 1/1 favourite travelled well but made no impression in the closing stages allowing Dancing City to win by 1 1/4 lengths while Marine Nationale finished a disappointing 5th in a race won by il Etait Temps who beat Found A Fifty by a neck.

 Leopardstown stages the final day of The Dublin Racing Festival on Sunday with 8 races and 3 taking centre stage. 

1.10: Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1)

4: Gaelic Warrior: A promising horse who picked up his career best win in the Grade 1 Faugheen at Limerick when last seen 38 days ago. He led early and despite having a reduced advantage at the 6th he travelled well asserting himself from 2 out coming home by an impressive 5 1/2 lengths. He should confirm his status as Willie Mullins leading novice chaser and can complete a 4-timer here.

2.10: Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1)

2: El Fabiolo: Won three grade one novice chases last year including the Irish Arkle over course and distance. He continued his excellent form with a convincing 4 3/4 length win in the Hilly Way at Cork on reappearance and the one to beat in the 2m chase division this season should take this before heading to Cheltenham. 

2.45: Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: State Man: An excellent horse who's only defeat in his last 10 starts came at the hands of Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Won the Matheson over course and distance in December and this race 12 months ago so is hard to look past here.

3/2/24 Leopardstown

 The best performance on Friday at Dundalk came from Gioiella who was 2nd, the 9/2 shot was 7th at halfway and despite coming under pressure she sat 5th a furlong out. She stayed on moving into second in the closing stages but she made no impression on the winner Beauty Bella who came home by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other contest Satono Chevalier was 4th in a race won by War Correspondent who beat Yokkell by 5 lengths.

 The Dublin Racing Festival begins with 7 races at Leopardstown on Saturday where there are 3 features. 

1.20: Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: Predators Gold: A decent horse who impressed on his return and hurdles debut at Punchestown in November. He travelled well leading before the last staying on strongly to comfortably come home by 6 lengths. He found only Caldwell Potter too strong in a Grade 1 on this course over Christmas and he can win again here.

2.25: Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

4: Marine Nationale: A lightly-raced horse who won all 3 starts over hurdles last season culminating with a good 3 1/4 length success in the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival. He opened his chase account in impressive fashion over course and distance in December and should maintain his unbeaten record here.

3.35: Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)

3: Galopin Des Champs: Won this race by 8 lengths last year before going on to take the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Was a bit below form in the two starts after but was back to his best when demolishing Gerri Colombe by 23 lengths in the Savills here during the Christmas Festival, looks very hard to beat and he should defend his crown.

2/2/24 Dundalk

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 8 races at Dundalk on Friday night where 2 stand out.

5.30: View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Fillies Maiden. 

5: Gioiella: A good filly who made a positive start when second on Irish debut on this course 42 days ago. She was 3rd at halfway improving to take 2nd in the closing stages. She should build on that here going up in trip and she can go one better. 

6.30: Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

4: Satono Chevalier: A course and distance winner in his career who was a respectable 3rd here when last seen just over a month ago. He tracked the leaders early challenging entering the straight, however he made no impression from a furlong out keeping on at one pace. The step back up to 1m 4f will definitely suit and he can return to winning ways.