1/4/24 Cork & Fairyhouse

 Sunday's winner came at Fairyhouse where Jade De Grugy tracked the leaders making progress from 2 out. The 7/4 favourite was 2nd at the last moving into the lead on the run-in, she kept on well asserting herself in the closing stages beating Spindleberry by 2 1/4 lengths. In the days other Grade 1 Blood Destiny was 3rd with the race going to Spillane's Tower who beat Tactical Move by 1 3/4 lengths while over at Cork Da Capo Glory finished 7th with Lucky Zebo taking the contest beating Shadow Rider by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 The Easter Festival's at Cork and Fairyhouse reach there conclusions on Monday with 8 races at both and 3 final highlights. 

Cork 2.58: Coolmore N.H. Sires Pyledriver Handicap Chase. 

4: Donacheady Gale: A useful winner over hurdles who was a very good second in a novice chase at Down Royal 2 weeks ago. He was 6th at halfway improving to sit 2nd two out, despite making no impression on the winner he travelled well and wasn't disgraced. He makes his handicap chase debut here and gets the vote. 

Fairyhouse 4.20: McInerney Proporties Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2)

1: Saint Sam: A high-class horse who won the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park when last seen 44 days ago. He led early and despite having a reduced advantage from 3 out he easily came home by 8 1/2 lengths. He is a big player here and can follow up.

Fairyhouse 5.00: Boylesports Irish Grand National Chase (Grade 3)

3: Nick Rockett: A good novice hurdler last season who has run well over fences since his return, winning on this course and finishing 2nd in a Grade 3 at Navan. There is definitely more to come over this longer trip and he can give his trainer another victory in this race. 

31/3/24 Fairyhouse & Cork

 Saturday's best came at Fairyhouse where Olympic Man was 2nd, the 6/4 favourite recovered from a mistake 2 out to lead on the run-in. He kept on well but was passed close to home by Mousey Brown who won by 1/2 a length. In the other races Comfort Zone was 10th with the contest going to Effernock Fizz who beat Conyers Hill by 2 1/2 lengths while at Cork Ocean Quest was a non-runner. 

 The Easter Festival's at Fairyhouse and Cork continue on Sunday with 8 races at both and 3 features. 

Fairyhouse 2.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

7: Jade De Grugy: A promising horse who was 4th behind Golden Ace in the Dawn Run at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen 17 days ago. That was her hat-trick bid after tasting victory at Leopardstown and a Grade 3 on this course and she can return to winning ways here. 

Cork 4.05: Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Da Capo Glory: A course winner in his career who has already finished first twice in six runs this season. He was a good 7th in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham 18 days ago having every chance until 3 out. He can build on that here and win again.

Fairyhouse 4.55: WillowWarm Gold Gup (Grade 1)

1: Blood Destiny: A smart hurdler who carried on his progression over fences when winning the Flyingbolt at Navan 29 days ago beating the reopposing Spillane's Tower by 6 1/2 lengths. With improvement expected and his yard in excellent form he can follow up.

30/3/24 Cork & Fairyhouse

 After 3 days off Irish racing returns on Saturday with 8 contests at Cork and 7 at Fairyhouse with 3 main events. 

 Cork 3.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes.

4: Ocean Quest: A smart filly who picked up two wins from six runs last year her latest was at Naas back in August. She led 1 1/2 furlongs out going clear soon after, she stayed on strongly easily coming home by 3 3/4 lengths. Her two runs after can be overlooked and despite being off 161 days she goes well fresh and can add to her tally here.

Fairyhouse 4.30: I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final.

5: Olympic Man: A promising horse who was last seen winning at Naas 3 weeks ago. He made all the running and despite a couple of mistakes he went clear before the last comfortably coming home by 15 lengths. He makes his handicap hurdle debut here and can follow up. 

Fairyhouse 5.05: RYBO Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Comfort Zone: A horse with a good recent record who was a creditable 2nd at Leopardstown on his last outing in September. His last run in this sphere was a winning one in the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in January 2023 and with more to come he can take this. 

26/3/24 Results

 The best at Dundalk on Tuesday came from Charanda who was 2nd, the 13/2 shot tracked the leaders early sitting 3rd a furlong out. She moved into 2nd inside the final furlong making no impression on the winner Morning Vietnam who came home by 3 1/2 lengths. The other pick Agia was 6th in a race won by Gleneagle Bay who beat State Actor by 1/2 a length. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 3 day break with the meetings at Wexford on Wednesday and Clonmel on Thursday both called off on Tuesday due to waterlogged tracks. The card at Clonmel has been rescheduled for next Thursday April 4th with no news yet on Wexford. Looking further ahead the meeting due to take place at Gowran Park next Wednesday April 3rd has already been called off due to rain with more expected in the coming days. With no racing in Ireland on Friday the next action should be at Cork and Fairyhouse on Saturday, if one or both get the go-ahead then tips will be up on Friday night.

In England there are meetings at Wincanton, Hereford and Kempton on Wednesday, Fontwell, Wetherby and Southwell on Thursday with Newcastle, Lingfield and Chelmsford providing the action on Good Friday. 

26/3/24 Dundalk

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

6.00: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

6: Charanda: An interesting newcomer who is a half-sister to both Summer Sands and Elegant Madame who are good winners in their own right. Her yard is in decent form having won the first 2-y-o contest of the Irish flat season at The Curragh last week and they can put another one on the board here.

6.30: Book Online At Dundalkstadium.com Maiden.

8: Agia: A promising horse who was 3rd on this course when last seen back in August. She was 4th at halfway improving to go 2nd a furlong out, she had no extra dropping to 3rd in the closing stages. She definitely has more to come stepping back up to a mile here and can open her account. 

24/3/24 Results

 On Sunday two of my picks won, at Naas Take Me To Church led early travelling well from 2 out. The 4/1 shot asserted himself staying on strongly inside the final furlong beating Bid For Chester by 6 1/2 lengths. Over at Limerick Shuttle Diplomacy led for a second time 3 out and despite being pressed he pulled away in the closing stages. The 13/8 favourite ran on well to impressively beat Putapoundinthejar by 7 1/2 lengths. The other pick Serious Challenge was 4th in a race won by Sunchart who beat Knight To King by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 After a busy weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Huntingdon, Exeter and Newcastle. The next Irish card is at Dundalk on Tuesday tips for the features will be up on Monday night. 

24/3/24 Naas & Limerick

 The best on Saturday at Navan came from Twoohthree who was 2nd. The 10/11 joint favourite tracked the leaders making headway and moving to the front approaching the last. He made a bad mistake soon after and was passed, he rallied to regain 2nd close to home but didn't trouble the winner Chapeau De Soleil who came home by 4 1/4 lengths. The other pick Paul Marvel was 7th in a race won by Bushmans Pass who beat Ask Anything by a neck.

 Another Sunday double header sees 7 races at both Naas and Limerick with 3 highlights. 

Naas 2.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Devoy Stakes.

3: Serious Challenge: A useful horse who was a creditable 7th in the Irish Lincolnshire at The Curragh on reappearance just 6 days ago. He led early but was passed two out having no extra in the final furlong. The longer trip here should suit and with race fitness on his side he can take this.

Naas 3.10: Irish Racing Writers Cliff Noone Memorial Madrid Handicap. 

6: Take Me To Church: Ended 2023 with a win at Dundalk and returned there to taste victory again 44 days ago. He travelled well to lead from a furlong out staying on and coming home by 3/4 of a length. He makes his handicap debut here and can complete a hat-trick. 

Limerick 5.15: Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Flat Race.

1: Shuttle Diplomacy: A decent horse who looked a good prospect when winning on debut at Naas 72 days ago. He was 3rd at halfway leading from 2 out, despite edging left inside the final furlong he stayed on well to win by 1 1/2 lengths. He is a big player and should make it 2 from 2.

23/3/24 Navan

 Friday's winner at Dundalk was Sakti, the 1/4 favourite was 2nd at halfway challenging soon after. She led from a furlong out keeping on well in the closing stages beating Arnaman by 1 1/4 lengths. The other pick Mount Ruapehu was 4th in a race won by Apache Outlaw who beat Inishmot Prince by 1/2 a length. 

 A 7 race card takes place at Navan on Saturday where there are 2 features. 

3.58: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle. 

3: Twoohthree: A promising horse who looked a good prospect when winning on debut at Leopardstown 19 days ago. He was 3rd four out improving to lead early in the straight, he asserted himself before the last easily coming home by 27 lengths. He definitely has more to come and is the one to beat here. 

4.33: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final.

3: Paul Marvel: A decent looking horse who was a very good second at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago. He was travelling well until being hampered at the last by two fallers, he recovered slightly keeping on well on the run-in closing on the winner going down by 1 1/4 lengths. He has progressed with each run and can go one better here on handicap chase debut. 

22/3/24 Dundalk

 The best on Thursday at Cork came from Aodhan May who was 2nd, the 9/2 shot made headway entering the straight sitting 3rd two out. She moved into 2nd but made no impression on the winner Sir Bob who came home by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other race Battle Of Ridgeway was 7th with the contest going to Clonbury Bridge who beat Cheerful Chap by 2 1/2 lengths.

 There are 8 races at Dundalk on Friday night where 2 stand out. 

5.30: Skybet Match5 Handicap. 

7: Mount Ruapehu: Looked good when winning on his first run for a new yard over course and distance 7 weeks ago. He travelled well in 2nd early in the straight leading from a furlong out, he kept on well to come home by 1 1/2 lengths. That was also his all-weather debut and despite a 6lb rise he can follow up. 

6.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

11: Sakti: Showed decent form when 2nd on all three starts last season including behind the exciting Vespertilio in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes at The Curragh and only 1/2 a length down in the Group 3 Weld Park Stakes on the same course on her last outing back in September. She sets a high standard here and looks very hard to beat back in maiden company. 

21/3/24 Cork

 After two days off Irish racing returns with 7 contests at Cork on Thursday with 2 main events. 

3.58: Full Circle Series At Punchestown Festival 2024 Qualifier Handicap Hurdle. 

15: Battle Of Ridgeway: A useful course winner who wasn't seen at his best when fifth at Thurles a month ago. He was 4th approaching the last but made a slight mistake meaning he wasn’t ideally placed to make a challenge. He returns to hurdles here and just gets the nod in a competitive race.

4.33: Social Packs For The Easter Festival Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Aodhan May: Has 3 wins from 6 runs this season her career best came at Navan 19 days ago. She travelled well to challenge at the last leading inside the final furlong and coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. She goes back up in trip here and should continue her excellent record achieving a 4-timer. 

18/3/24 Results

 Monday's best at The Curragh came from Goldana who was 3rd, the 6/4 favourite tracked the leaders improving to move to the front 2 1/2 furlongs out. She was passed soon after dropping to 3rd a furlong from the finish, she kept on at the same pace in the closing stages while upfront Brilliant beat Alpheratz by 1/2 a length. In the Irish Lincolnshire Tosen Wish was 16th with the race going to Chazzesmee who beat Smooth Tom by a length. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Exeter, Wetherby and Wolverhampton on Tuesday and Market Rasen, Haydock and Southwell on Wednesday. The next Irish card is at Cork on Thursday tips for the highlights will be up on Wednesday night.

18/3/24 The Curragh

 A poor Sunday saw Redstone fail to finish at Down Royal falling 3 out with the race going to Mousey Brown who beat Billy Lee Swagger by 3/4 of a length while over at Wexford Bythesametoken didn't run because the meeting was abandoned. There was significant heavy rain on Saturday which left the track unfit for racing, the card has yet to be rearranged. 

 Another week begins with 8 races at The Curragh on Monday where there are 2 highlights. 

3.40: Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (Group 3)

1: Goldana: A useful mare who was unsuited by the way the race was run when last in the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on her last outing back in October. That can be overlooked and despite being off 163 days the winner of the Gladness Stakes on reappearance last season will be a big player. 

4.10: NUA Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire. 

15: Tosen Wish: Picked up his latest win at Southwell in September and was a good second at Dundalk when last seen a month later. He was well clear of the rest that day and with more to come he can take this off an unchanged mark.

17/3/24 Down Royal & Wexford

 The one winner at Thurles on Saturday was Mister Policeman, the 30/100 favourite led for a second time 3 out travelling well until the last where he wasn't fluent. He recovered and kept on well on the run-in comfortably beating Theconpanysergeant by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other race Je T'ai Porte was 4th with the contest going to Something Abouther who beat Pebble Bleu by 7 1/2 lengths. 

 A Sunday double header sees 8 races at Down Royal and 7 at Wexford with 2 topping the bill. 

Down Royal 1.42: Full Circle Series At Punchestown Festival 2024 Qualifier Novice Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Redstone: A promising horse who after winning on debut at Fairyhouse returned there to finish 6th on his last outing in December. He ran well sitting 3rd entering the straight, he dropped to 4th two out making no impression on the leaders. Despite being off 106 days he has more to offer on his handicap hurdle debut and can open his account. 

Wexford 3.42: Michael O'Murchadha Memorial Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Bythesametoken: A course and distance winner in his career who was a creditable 6th at Naas when last seen 65 days ago. He switches from chasing to hurdles here and has to be taken seriously as he attempts to pick up his 6th win.

16/3/24 Thurles

 On Friday another two of my picks won, in the Triumph Majborough travelled well challenging approaching the last. The 6/1 shot led inside the final furlong staying on to beat Kargese by 1 1/2 lengths. In the festival highlight the Gold Cup Galopin Des Champs tracked the leaders sitting 2nd three out. Despite being hampered by a loose horse the 10/11 favourite led from 2 out pulling away to beat Gerri Colombe by 3 1/2 lengths. The other pick Readin Tommy Wrong failed to finish. The 2/1 favourite was pulled up before the last, the race went to Stellar Story who beat The Jukebox Man by a head. Over at Dundalk Inishmot Prince was 2nd, the 9/2 shot lost to Billboa in a close finish by a head.

 After a busy week at Cheltenham we move on to Thurles on Saturday where on a 7 race card 2 stand out.

1.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

2: Je T'ai Porte: A useful chaser who caught the eye when 3rd at Leopardstown on her last outing 12 days ago. She made headway after the fifth and was 3rd when hampered at the last, she recovered but kept on at one pace. Overall she ran better then the result suggests and should get back on track here.

2.30: Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

2: Mister Policeman: A good hurdler who has begun his chase career well. An off key performance at Naas was quickly forgotten when he won at Punchestown 27 days ago. He led entering the straight staying on strongly to easily come home by 6 lengths. Further chase improvement is expected and he can follow up here. 

15/3/24 Cheltenham

 On Thursday at Cheltenham 2 more of my picks won, in the Turners Grey Dawning challenged from 3 out leading approaching the last. The 5/2 joint favourite slowed towards the finish but held on to beat Ginny's Destiny by 2 lengths. The Stayers Hurdle saw Teahupoo make headway from 2 out leading soon after. The 5/4 favourite stayed on well comfortably beating Flooring Porter by 3 3/4 lengths. The other pick Stage Star was 5th in a race won by Protektorat who beat Envoi Allen by 4 lengths. 

 Cheltenham reaches it’s conclusion on Friday with 3 final Grade one’s taking centre stage. 

1.30: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

5: Majborough: A winner on debut in France who after 10 months off took a big step forward when 3rd behind stablemate Kargese in the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown 41 days ago. He led until the last keeping on at one pace but with plenty more to offer for a top yard he can take this.

2.50: Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (Grade 1)

10: Readin Tommy Wrong: Looked a good prospect when making it 4 from 4 in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle 63 days ago. He challenged at the last moving to the front in the final 50 yards just beating Ile Atlantique by a neck. Improvement is likely over this longer trip and he can make it 5 wins here.

3.30: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

4: Galopin Des Champs: Won this race by 7 lengths 12 months ago and after a couple of below par runs he looked back to his best with impressive victory’s in the Savills and the Irish Gold Cup on his last two starts. Looks the best in this division and will be hard to beat here.

There are also 8 races at Dundalk where my pick goes in the 4.40: 2: Inishmot Prince.

14/3/24 Cheltenham

 On Wednesday at Cheltenham two of my picks won, in the 1.30 Ballyburn led from 2 out quickening before the last. The 1/2 favourite was soon clear impressively beating Jimmy Du Seuil by 13 lengths. The Brown Advisory saw Fact To File stay in touch and challenge approaching the final bend. The 8/13 favourite soon led easily coming home by 3 3/4 lengths. The only tip who didn't win was El Fabiolo, the 2/9 favourite made a mistake at the fifth and was pulled up. The race went to Captain Guinness who beat Gentleman De Mee by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 It's day 3 at Cheltenham on Thursday where there are 3 more features. 

1.30: Turners Novices Chase (Grade 1)

5: Grey Dawning: A Grade 2 hurdles winner last season who has begun his fences career well. He won a graduation Chase at Haydock in November by an easy 9 1/2 lengths and a Grade 2 at Warwick last time. In-between he was beaten on this course by the reopposing Ginny's Destiny after a mistake 2 out but he can reverse the placings this time. 

2.50: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)

11: Stage Star: Won the Turners by 3 1/4 lengths at this meeting last year and impressed when taking the Paddy Power Gold Cup here on reappearance in November. He led from 5 out and despite a mistake at the last he recovered to come home by 4 lengths. His run here on New Year’s Day can be overlooked and he should bounce back. 

3.30: Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

13: Teahupoo: A high-class hurdler who was 3rd in this race last year. He won the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse for a second season on return in December leading after the last and staying on well under pressure to come home by a length. He has been saved for this and looks like the one to beat. 

13/3/24 Cheltenham

 An excellent Tuesday saw all 3 of my picks win. In the opener Slade Steel led for a second time after the last, the 7/2 shot stayed on well beating Mystical Power by 1 1/2 lengths. The Arkle saw Gaelic Warrior lead before the last soon going clear easily beating Found A Fifty by 8 1/2 lengths. In the days highlight the Champion Hurdle State Man was always in touch moving to the front in the closing stages beating Irish Point by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Wednesday sees another 3 main events on day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival. 

1.30: Gallagher Novices Hurdle (Grade 1)

1: Ballyburn: An exciting hurdler who arrives here after two stunning wins at Leopardstown. He won a maiden hurdle by 25 lengths at the Christmas festival before beating Slade Steel by 7 lengths in a Grade 1 last month. He is the highest rated of Willie Mullins novice hurdlers and with this trip sure to suit he should complete the hat-trick here.

2.10: Brown Advisory Novices Chase (Grade 1)

2: Fact To File: An excellent horse who has impressed since switching to fences. He won by an easy 17 lengths at Leopardstown in December before returning there to take a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival. His jumping has stood out in both performances and with the longer trip to his advantage he can make it 3 in a row here.

3.30: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

4: El Fabiolo: Took his chase record to 6 from 6 with an easy 8 1/2 length win in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown in December, he disputed the lead at the last leading soon after and keeping on well. He looks very hard to beat here and should make it 7 wins.

12/3/24 Cheltenham

 The racing world descends on Cheltenham from Tuesday where on day 1 of the festival there are 3 highlights. 

1.30: Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade 1)

9: Slade Steel: A good horse who has made a positive start over hurdles. He won a Grade 2 at Navan in December leading for a second time inside the final furlong coming home by 1/2 a length. Despite losing his unbeaten hurdles record to the excellent Ballyburn last time there is more to come and he can bounce back here.

2.10: My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase (Grade 1)

3: Gaelic Warrior: Made it 2 from 2 over fences at Limerick over Christmas comfortably beating the reopposing Il Etait Temps by 5 1/2 lengths. His last run at the Dublin Racing Festival can be overlooked and he should return to winning ways here. 

3.30: Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

6: State Man: His only defeat in his last 11 starts came at the hands of Constitution Hill in this race last year, but with that superstar absent he should take full advantage. He arrives here after winning the Morgiana, the Matheson and the Irish Champion Hurdle all for a second successive season and is hard to look past. 

10/3/24 Results

 On Sunday two of my picks won, at Limerick Bioluminscence was in midfield early making progress and strongly challenging from 2 out. She led soon after staying on well and comfortably beating Millstream Lady by 3 1/4 lengths. In the Leinster National Hartur D'Arc was 7th at halfway and despite a slight mistake 2 out he recovered to challenge at the last. The 4/1 shot led on the run-in beating Positive Thinker by 1 1/2 lengths. The only pick who didn't win was Mirazur West who was 3rd in a race won by Fun Fun Fun who beat Mahon's Way by 6 1/2 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break until a card at Dundalk on Friday. There are meetings at Stratford, Plumpton, Taunton and Wolverhampton on Monday with this blog and the racing world concentrating on the Cheltenham Festival from Tuesday, tips for day one's highlights will be up on Monday night.

10/3/24 Naas & Limerick

 The best on a poor Saturday at Gowran Park came from Figaroc who was 3rd, the 8/1 shot travelled well and was disputing the lead until a bad mistake 2 out. He dropped to 3rd before the last having no extra on the run-in, Whiskywealth took the contest beating Mount Frisco by 1 3/4 lengths. The days other pick Ramillies was 4th in a race won by Annamix who beat Early Doors by a comfortable 10 lengths. 

 A Sunday double header sees 8 races at Naas and 7 at Limerick with 3 taking centre stage. 

Naas 1.42: Bar One Racing 'Guaranteed Overnight Prices' Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

5: Mirazur West: An exciting horse who built on his win here when 2nd on hurdles debut at Leopardstown in December. He moved on further taking a Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse when last seen in January leading all the way and comfortably coming home by 11 lengths. He should take the step up in his stride and follow up.

Limerick 2.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

3: Bioluminscence: Has one win from two runs this season that came at Punchestown 41 days ago. She led approaching the straight keeping on well to win by 3 1/4 lengths. Her yard is in good form and with plenty more to come she can make it 2 in a row here.

Naas 4.37: Bar One Racing Leinster National Handicap Chase. 

10: Hartur D'arc: Picked up a career best win on his first start for a new yard at Clonmel 24 days ago, he led early in the straight easily winning by 7 1/2 lengths. He makes his handicap chase debut here and can win again. 

9/3/24 Gowran Park

 On Friday at Dundalk Al Mudhaffar won, the 1/3 favourite tracked the leaders early moving to the front 2 out. He kept on well in the final furlong beating Natural Ruler by 2 lengths. In the other race Freescape was 2nd, the 9/2 shot led but was pressed a furlong out being passed 150 yards from the finish. He had no extra close to home allowing Real Appeal to win by 3/4 of a length. 

 A busy weekend begins on Saturday with 7 races at Gowran Park where there are 2 features. 

3.55: Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase. 

1: Figaroc: A decent horse who was a good third at Thurles when last seen 25 days ago. He was fifth at halfway improving to take 3rd 4 out. Despite making no impression in the straight and keeping on at one pace he wasn’t disgraced and with progress expected on this his handicap chase debut he can return to winning ways. 

5.05: INHSC Supporting Point-To-Points Tetratma Cup Hunters Chase.

4: Ramillies: A useful hurdler and chaser who ran better than the result suggests when 3rd at Naas a month ago. He led 3 times being passed decisively before the last dropping to 3rd in the closing stages. If recovered well then he should pick up his 4th career win here.

8/3/24 Dundalk

 After two days off Irish racing returns on Friday night with 8 contests at Dundalk where 2 stand out. 

 6.15: Ross Clair Maiden.

2: Al Mudhaffar: A decent horse who was second over course and distance on debut 3 weeks ago. He tracked the leaders sitting 3rd at halfway, he moved into 2nd a furlong out making no impression on the winner in the final 100 yards. He went off as the odds on favourite that day for a powerful stable and with improvement expected he should go one better here. 

6.45: KE Builders Race.

2: Freescape: A smart horse who is a 7-time course winner his last was in December. He led from 2 out asserting himself in the closing stages to come home by 4 lengths. He was a good third over course and distance 2 weeks ago and should continue his excellent Dundalk record here with another win.

5/3/24 Results

 Tuesday's winner at Thurles was Folly Master, the 11/10 favourite tracked the leaders moving to the front 2 out being passed soon after. He travelled well to lead again before the last keeping on well to comfortably beat Brucejack by 3 1/4 lengths. The days other pick Native Speaker finished 2nd, the 3/1 shot led narrowly approaching the last but was passed by Rowdy Romeo who won by 2 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 2 day break, there are meetings at Catterick and Kempton on Wednesday and Lingfield, Wincanton, Carlisle and Newcastle on Thursday. Clonmel was due to be a part of Thursday's cards but because of significant rainfall the track is unfit for racing and the meeting was called off on Tuesday morning. Dundalk is scheduled to host Friday night's card tips for the highlights will be up on Thursday night. 

5/3/24 Thurles

 Monday was another poor day at Leopardstown which saw Malina Girl finish 5th in a race won by Lovely Reaction who beat Pipers Boreen by an easy 9 lengths while in the other contest Aspire Tower failed to finish falling at the last with Horantzau D'airy taking the race beating Paul Marvel by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 A 7 race card takes place at Thurles on Tuesday with 2 main events. 

2.40: Leugh Beginners Chase. 

6: Folly Master: A fair hurdler who picked up his first career win at Punchestown five weeks ago. He challenged from 2 out leading approaching the last, he kept on well easily coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. He can build on that performance here and make his chase debut a winning one. 

5.10: Thurles Handicap Hurdle. 

6: Native Speaker: A promising horse who was a creditable 2nd at Limerick when last seen 68 days ago. He was always in touch sitting 3rd two out, he made no impression in 2nd after a mistake at the last keeping on at one pace. Despite not being a match for the winner that day this stiffer test should suit and he can go one better on handicap debut. 

4/3/24 Leopardstown

 The best on a poor Sunday came from Captain Cody who was 4th, the 4/5 favourite disputed the lead early but dropped to 4th two out. He made no impression before the last keeping on at one pace, upfront Blizzard Of Oz beat Purse Price by 2 1/4 lengths. The days other pick Now Where Or When was 7th in a race won by Brideswell Lad who beat Battle Of Mirbat by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 A second day at Leopardstown on Monday sees 7 races with 2 highlights. 

3.30: Quinnbet Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Malina Girl: A smart chaser who was a respectable 2nd in a listed race at Exeter when last seen 22 days ago. She challenged from the 11th but couldn't reach the winner who came home by 7 1/2 lengths. She switches back to hurdles here and gets the vote off what is a lenient mark.

4.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

2: Aspire Tower: A double Grade 2 hurdles winner who has taken very well to chasing. He was an excellent 2nd at Thurles 20 days ago leading narrowly approaching the last keeping on well on the run-in being passed in the closing stages going down by 1/2 a length. He was well clear of the rest that day and can go one better here.

3/3/24 Leopardstown

 An excellent day at Navan on Saturday saw both my picks win, in the Grade 3 Blood Destiny was 2nd early taking the lead after 3 out. He went clear approaching the last staying on strongly on the run-in easily beating Spillane's Tower by 6 1/2 lengths. The days Grade 2 saw Ash Tree Meadow make all the running and despite not being fluent at the 8th he recovered to go clear from 2 out. The 7/2 shot travelled well on the run-in beating Lucid Dreams by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 Leopardstown stages 7 races on Sunday where there are 2 features. 

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

4: Captain Cody: A useful horse who was an easy 10 length winner on hurdles debut at Gowran Park in January building on that with an excellent second at Naas 22 days ago. He was 4th at halfway taking 2nd inside the final furlong keeping on well. He is a decent prospect who can resume winning ways here. 

4.00: Quinnbet Handicap Chase. 

3: Now Where Or When: A decent hurdles and chase winner who impressed when 3rd behind Kemboy in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse a year ago. He didn't push on as expected when pulled up in the Irish National on his final start of last season and needed the run on his return at Navan when fifth in November. He will be fitter after that and should go well back in handicap company just making him the pick.

2/3/24 Navan

 Friday's winner at Dundalk was Cow Chico, the 1/3 favourite sat 2nd at halfway moving into the lead early in the straight. He kept on well inside the final furlong comfortably beating Street Mentor by 3 1/4 lengths. The other tip Henry Adams was a non-runner with the race going to Bergamasco who beat Nerano by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 If a 7.30am inspection is passed then there will be 7 races at Navan on Saturday with 2 taking centre stage. 

3.48: Flyingbolt Novice Chase (Grade 3)

2: Blood Destiny: A good horse who was a respectable second behind the reopposing Spillane's Tower at Punchestown on his last outing 7 weeks ago. He led early but had a reduced advantage from the 11th, he was passed in the closing stages losing by 2 lengths. He goes back down in trip here and can reverse the placings achieving his 4th career win. 

4.23: Boylesports Webster Cup Chase (Grade 2)

1: Ash Tree Meadow: A smart chaser who has 2 wins already this season his last was at Down Royal in November. He was 4th behind Ferny Hollow in the Grade 3 Newlands at Naas just 6 days ago but with the best form on show and going back up in trip he can return to winning ways here in a competitive race.