1/5/24 Punchestown

 The best on Tuesday at Punchestown came from Monty's Star who was 2nd, the 5/2 joint favourite was always prominent and despite being hampered he led from 2 out. He was passed approaching the last by Spillane's Tower who won by 3/4 of a length. In the other races both Slade Steel and Dinoblue were 3rd, Mystical Power took the Champion Novice Hurdle beating Firefox by 1 3/4 lengths while Bainbridge won the Champion Chase beating Captain Guinness by a neck.

 Wednesday sees day 2 of the Punchestown Festival where on an 8 race card 2 Grade one’s take centre stage. 

4.15: Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: Dancing City: A smart hurdler who picked up his career best win in the Sefton at Aintree 19 days ago, he travelled well to lead before the last going clear and beating The Jukebox Man by 5 1/2 lengths. He faces Stellar Story again here who beat him at the Cheltenham Festival but he can reverse the placings and follow up.

5.25: Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1)

6: Galopin Des Champs: A brilliant chaser who won his 9th grade one and second Cheltenham Gold Cup 7 weeks ago. Despite being hampered by a loose horse on the final bend he led from 2 out staying on to easily beat Gerri Colombe by 3 1/2 lengths. He was second behind the reopposing Fastorslow in this race 12 months ago but having had an extra week to recover this time he is hard to look past here. 

30/4/24 Punchestown

 A poor Monday at Naas saw Air Commander finish 6th in a race won by Marty The Party who beat Spanish Flame by 1 1/4 lengths while the other pick Aesop's Fables was 7th with the contest going to Moss Tucker who beat Ocean Quest by 2 lengths. 

 The Punchestown festival begins on Tuesday with an 8 race card and 3 Grade one’s standing out. 

3.40: KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

7: Slade Steel: A good bumper winner who has made excellent progress over hurdles culminating with victory in the Supreme at Cheltenham 7 weeks ago. He led for a second time close to home staying on well to beat the reopposing Mystical Power by 1 1/2 lengths. Several others in this field were also behind him that day and he should follow up here.

5.25: William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)

8: Dinoblue: A decent horse who has enhanced her reputation in the last 12 months, beating 3 of this field at Leopardstown over Christmas and running well to finish 2nd in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham when last seen. She was a course and distance winner at this meeting last year and can be again. 

6.00: Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

3: Monty's Star: A horse on the up who after winning here in December found only Fact To File too good when second in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. He has a good chance on form and can return to winning ways here.

29/4/24 Naas

 After a day off another busy week begins with 8 races at Naas on Monday where there are 2 main events. 

6.20: Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes.

3: Aesop's Fables: A decent horse who was a good third in the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes at The Curragh when last seen on Irish soil back in September. He has run well in a Group 1 in France and in the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint since and has to be taken seriously here for a stable having a good spell. 

7.20: Naas Racecourse Business Club Blackwater Handicap. 

1: Air Commander: A useful prospect who picked up his first career win at Dundalk 24 days ago, he led early and despite being passed a furlong out he rallied and hit the front again close to home beating Apricot Ice by 1/2 a length. Improvement is expected here on handicap debut and he can follow up. 

27/4/24 Results

 Saturday's winner at Navan was Kyprios, the 2/13 favourite was 2nd early disputing the lead from 2 1/2 furlongs out. He led soon after staying on strongly in the closing stages easily beating Queenstown by 3 1/4 lengths. In the days Group 3 Purple Lily finished 2nd, the 1/1 favourite travelled well to lead from a furlong out. She was passed inside the final furlong by Ezeliya who won by 1/2 a length.

 After a busy day Irish racing takes a break on Sunday. There are meetings at Bath, Wetherby and Southwell. The next Irish card is at Naas on Monday tips for the features will be up on Sunday night. 

27/4/24 Navan

 On Friday both my picks finished 2nd, at Cork Sumiha was 7th at halfway making progress from 1 1/2 furlongs out. The 9/2 shot kept on well in the closing stages without threatening the winner Thunder Roll who came home by 1/2 a length. In the Ulster National Ask Anything was in midfield early making headway from the 9th. Despite a slight mistake the 11/4 favourite led from 2 out and was left 6 lengths clear at the last, he was passed in the final 100 yards by Jumping Jet who won by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Navan on Saturday with 2 highlights. 

2.52: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil Stakes (Group 3)

5: Purple Lily: A promising filly who made it 2 from 2 in impressive fashion at Naas 34 days ago. She was 3rd at halfway leading from a furlong out, she kept on well in the final 150 yards coming home by 3 lengths. Despite going up in trip here she looks like the one to beat and can complete the hat-trick. 

4.00: SBK Vintage Crop Stakes. 

3: Kyprios: A high-class horse who has been a course and distance winner in his career. He was a bit below form when second behind Trawlerman in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup at Ascot on his last outing in October but he stands out here and despite being off 6 months he can make a winning return. 

26/4/24 Cork & Downpatrick

 Thursday's winner at Wexford was Shadow Rider, the 11/10 favourite didn't travel well in the early stages but made headway to challenge before the last. He led towards the finish keeping on well to beat Cavalry Master by a neck. The other pick Brandy Love failed to finish falling at the last, the race went to Doyen Ta Win who beat Soldaro by a very easy 32 lengths. 

 It's the weeks 3rd double header on Friday which sees 8 races at Cork and 7 at Downpatrick with 2 topping the bill. 

Cork 2.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes.

13: Sumiha: A promising horse who won on debut at The Curragh in August, she made headway from 2 out moving into a narrow lead in the final 150 yards. She kept on well beating the reopposing Thunder Roll by 1/2 a length. Despite being off 8 months and going up in trip improvement is expected meaning she can follow up. 

Downpatrick 6.20: Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase. 

5: Ask Anything: Has an excellent recent record including a very good second at Navan when last seen 34 days ago, he led from the fifth but was strongly pressed at the last being passed inside the final furlong. He kept on close to home only going down by a neck. He should continue his good form here and can give his yard a hat-trick of wins in this race. 

25/4/24 Wexford

 The best on Wednesday came at Gowran Park where Gypsy Woman was 2nd, the 7/2 shot tracked the leaders early disputing the lead from 2 out. She led soon after but was strongly pressed being passed inside the final furlong by Expressova who won by 3/4 of a length. At Bellewstown Jolie Coeur Allen was 3rd in a race won by Me Wee Bonnie Lass who beat First Dare by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 After Tipperary was abandoned due to a waterlogged track we have just 7 races at Wexford on Thursday where 2 stand out. 

6.22: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

2: Brandy Love: A useful hurdler who has finished 2nd on both her fences starts her latest was at Naas in January, she led until 2 out having no extra on the run-in. Despite being off since this looks like a good opportunity for her to go one better. 

6.52: Wexford Veterans Handicap Chase. 

1: Shadow Rider: A decent horse who arrives here in good form. He was a creditable 2nd at Cork 25 days ago recovering from a mistake at the last and travelling well to move into 2nd in the closing stages. He is a big player here as long as his jumping improves and he can return to winning ways. 

24/4/24 Gowran Park + Bellewstown

 Tuesday's best came at Gowran Park where Soul Of Spain was 3rd, the 1/4 favourite tracked the leaders sitting 4th at halfway. Despite being slightly hampered 2 out he kept on well to go 3rd inside the final furlong, upfront Cheeky Wink beat Total Look by 1/2 a length. Over at Tipperary Summer Tide was 4th in a race won by Music Of Tara who beat So Des Flos by 4 lengths. 

 There is another double header on Wednesday with 7 races at both Gowran Park and Bellewstown with 2 main events. 

Gowran Park 5.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

2: Gypsy Woman: Picked up 2 wins from 5 runs last year her career best coming at Cork on her final outing in August. She led after 2 furlongs keeping on well in the closing stages to comfortably come home by 1 1/2 lengths. Despite being off 7 months she can make a winning return here.

Bellewstown 5.55: Good Enuf To Eat Catering Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Jolie Coeur Allen: Showed promise over hurdles during the winter finishing 2nd at Tramore and following up with two 3rd place finishes her last being at Fairyhouse in January, she was 4th at halfway improving into 3rd two out. A mistake at the last ended any challenge but she goes for a yard in excellent form and she can get back to winning ways here on handicap debut. 

23/4/24 Tipperary + Gowran Park

 Monday's best at Tramore came from Whateys Quest who was 4th, the 9/4 favourite was in midfield early but made headway from 6 out. He made no impression from 2 out having no extra, upfront Surf Club beat General Clermont by 2 1/4 lengths. The other pick Pidoyne was 11th in a race won by Miss Gherkin who beat Forever Frankie by an easy 6 lengths. 

 The weeks first double header takes place on Tuesday with 7 races at both Tipperary and Gowran Park which includes 2 highlights. 

Tipperary 4.10: TipperaryRaces.ie Rated Novice Chase. 

2: Summer Tide: Returned after 8 months off at Cork 23 days ago picking up a career best win. He was 4th at halfway travelling well to lead from 2 out, he asserted himself on the run-in comfortably coming home by 1 3/4 lengths. He goes back up in trip here and can win again.

Gowran Park 6.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF 3yo Spring Series Median Auction Maiden. 

3: Soul Of Spain: A promising looking horse who was second on debut at The Curragh back in October. He recovered from a poor start to sit 3rd 1 1/2 furlongs out, he kept on in the final furlong taking 2nd near the line. Despite being off 6 months he looks like the one to beat here. 

22/4/24 Tramore

 On Sunday both of my picks finished 2nd, at The Curragh Jumbly sat 4th improving to go 2nd a furlong out. The 7/4 favourite made no impression in the closing stages allowing Yosemite Valley to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Over at Tramore Dutch Schultz tracked the leaders challenging and moving to the lead 2 out. The 2/1 favourite was passed at the last by Gua Du Large who won by 3/4 of a length. 

 A busy week begins with 6 races at Tramore on Monday night where there are 2 features. 

5.10: Copper Coast Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Pidoyne: Won this race by 4 1/4 lengths 12 months ago and carried on his good form afterwards, finishing 2nd at Roscommon was a highlight. He wasn't seen at his best when 13th at Limerick on his last outing over the Christmas period but that can be discounted and despite being off 117 days he can defend his crown here.

6.10: Tramore Promenade Beginners Chase. 

10: Whateys Quest: A fair hurdler who put in a career best performance to open his account at Clonmel just 4 days ago. He made progress from 3 out leading and asserting himself before the last, he kept on strongly on the run-in to easily come home by 3 3/4 lengths. He makes his chase debut here and can follow up. 

21/4/24 The Curragh + Tramore

 Saturday's best at The Curragh came from Maxux who was 2nd, the 9/2 shot was 3rd a furlong out making headway into 2nd inside the final furlong. She stayed on well close to home just failing to reach the winner White Birch who came home by a neck. In the days other contest Sweetest was 5th with the race going to Bid For Chester who beat Pansy Poe by 3/4 of a length. 

 There are 7 races at both The Curragh and Tramore on Sunday with 2 standing out. 

 The Curragh 4.00: Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes.

5: Jumbly: A useful mare who was last seen finishing 6th behind Gina Romantica in the First Lady Stakes over at Keenland back in October. Despite running most of her races on fast ground she has won on heavy in her career and she tops the shortlist here on reappearance. 

Tramore 5.20: Kent Homes Supporting Tramore Rugby Club Rated Novice Chase. 

3: Dutch Schultz: A useful chaser who was a creditable 2nd on his last outing at Navan 29 days ago. He travelled well to lead at the last, he had no extra when passed close to home going down by 3/4 of a length. That was a solid effort and another performance like that may be enough here.

20/4/24 The Curragh

 Friday's winner came at Limerick where Favori De Chanpdou led for a second time after the 7th but was narrowly passed 2 out. The 8/13 favourite led again on the run-in keeping on well under pressure to beat Donacheady Gale by a neck. Over at Ballinrobe Zoffanien was 3rd with Cheerful Chap beating Kings Hill by a head.

 After a second day at Limerick was abandoned we are left with 7 races at The Curragh on Saturday where there are 2 main events. 

2.10: Download The New Tote App Rated Race.

5: Sweetest: A useful filly who's first career win came at Dundalk in November, she was always prominent moving into the lead from a furlong out. She kept on well coming home by 3/4 of a length. She found the step up to a Group 3 too much at Leopardstown 2 weeks ago but she goes back down in trip here and with her trainer going well she can win again. 

3.55: Tote.ie Alleged Stakes (Group 3)

5: Maxux: A lightly-raced filly who was last seen winning a Group 3 at Fairyhouse back in September. She made good headway from 2 out leading soon after. She asserted herself in the final 150 yards beating American Sonja by 4 1/4 lengths. She impressed there and can follow up here on her return. 

19/4/24 Ballinrobe + Limerick

 The best on Thursday at Clonmel came from Hollow Games who was 3rd, the 13/8 shot led from the 4th but was soon passed. He disputed the lead again before the straight but came under pressure dropping to 3rd two out, he kept on at the same pace from the last while upfront Horantzau D'Airy beat Gaelic Arc by 6 1/2 lengths. The other pick Lilian Bland was 4th in a race won by Eddie's Pride who beat Seangoell by 4 lengths. 

 A busy Friday night sees 7 races at both Ballinrobe and Limerick with 2 highlights. 

Ballinrobe 6.07: McGrath Limestone Works Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Zoffanien: A course and distance winner in his career who was last seen finishing a respectable fifth at Naas 54 days ago. He was 9th after the 4th improving from 2 out, he kept on well without threatening on the run-in. He should build on that here off a handy mark and return to winning ways. 

Limerick 6.50: Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

1: Favori De Champdou: A useful chaser who picked up his latest win in a Grade 2 at Punchestown in November beating Sandor Clegane by 14 lengths. He fell 2 out in the Irish Grand National 18 days ago but if recovered well he should take all the beating here in an easier looking race.

18/4/24 Clonmel

 After Wednesday's abandonment Irish racing returns with 7 contests at Clonmel on Thursday night where there are 2 features. 

 6.15: Suir Blueway Chase.

1: Hollow Games: An interesting horse who after finishing a good third in the Galway Plate back in August wasn’t seen at his best in his next 3 fences starts including unseating in a Grade 3 at Leopardstown. He returned to hurdles in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival last month finishing 10th but this is definitely his easiest race since Galway and he can bounce back. 

6.45: Glenary Mares Handicap Chase. 

2: Lilian Bland: Picked up her career best win at Thurles 33 days ago leading from the 4th and despite having a reduced advantage at the 8th she kept on strongly asserting herself on the run-in and easily coming home by 7 lengths. A 9lb rise shouldn’t be a problem and she can follow up here.

16/4/24 Results

 The best at Naas on Tuesday came from Omniscient who was 3rd. The 9/4 shot led early but after a mistake at the last he was passed dropping to 3rd inside the final furlong, upfront Icare Desbois beat Union Station by 1 1/4 lengths. The other pick Dr Eggman was 4th in a race won by Born Braver who beat Big Stage by 1 1/4 lengths. 

After today's action the next card should have been at Gowran Park on Wednesday but due to the track being waterlogged and unfit for racing the meeting was abandoned, it has been rearranged for May 9th. Irish racing resumes at Clonmel on Thursday tips will be up on Wednesday night.

16/4/24 Naas

 After a day off Irish racing returns with 7 races at Naas on Tuesday where 2 stand out.

 1.30: Mulvaney Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle. 

8: Omniscient: A good horse who has run well on the flat in his career. He was 4th on hurdles debut at Fairyhouse 16 days ago leading early but being passed 2 out, he made a mistake at the last and had no extra on the run-in. His jumping let him down that day but with improvement expected he can open his hurdles account here.

2.40: Colm White Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle. 

8: Dr Eggman: A useful bumper winner who has taken to hurdles, he has been second in his last 2 starts including on his final outing at Punchestown 55 days ago. He was clear of the rest there and on form he sets the standard here and looks difficult to beat as he aims for a second career win.

14/4/24 Results

 A poor Sunday at Down Royal saw Pipers Boreen finish 4th in a race won by Intent Approach who beat Annaghbeg by 1 3/4 lengths with the days other pick Now Is The Hour being a non-runner, the race went to Dreal Deal who easily beat Duffle Coat by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Monday, there are meetings at Kelso, Redcar, Windsor and Kempton. The next Irish card is at Naas on Tuesday the tips will be up on Monday night. 

14/4/24 Down Royal

 Saturday's best at Dundalk came from California Dreamer who was 2nd, the 4/7 favourite recovered from a poor start to sit 2nd after two furlongs. She strongly challenged from 2 out keeping on in the final furlong but just failing to reach Usdi Atoni who won by a head. The days other pick Evening Blossom was 3rd in a race won by Port Fairy who beat Lady Doris by a neck.

 With a second day at Bellewstown abandoned there are just 7 races at Down Royal on Sunday with 2 main events. 

3.05: Fibrus Say 'No' To Price Hikes Novice Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Pipers Boreen: Has taken to hurdles well winning by a short head at Punchestown in February and following up with a creditable 2nd at Leopardstown 41 days ago. She was 5th approaching the last improving on the run-in to take 2nd close to home. There is still more to come and she can win again here.

4.15: Fibrus Say Bye Bye To Buffering Beginners Chase. 

10: Now Is The Hour: A promising horse who has been a good winner over hurdles. He was 2nd on fences debut at Cork 2 weeks ago leading until 2 out dropping to 2nd before the last. He will be suited by the return to 2m 4f and should take all the beating here.

13/4/24 Dundalk

 Friday's best at Dundalk came from Gaenari who was 3rd, the 4/1 shot tracked the leaders early challenging from a furlong out. She had no extra in 3rd moving into the closing stages allowing Transcending Glory to beat Spanish Cara by a length. The days other tip Dollerina was 4th in a race won by Mundi who beat Dairago by 1/2 a length. 

 After Bellewstown was abandoned earlier in the week we are left with 8 races at Dundalk on Saturday night where there are 2 highlights. 

4.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

1: California Dreamer: An interesting newcomer who is a half-sister to several useful winners including Pennymoor and Ceanna. Her stable is in excellent recent form and took the opening Juvenile Maiden of the season at The Curragh last month and this horse can continue that record here.

7.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF 3yo Spring Series Median Auction Fillies Maiden. 

4: Evening Blossom: A promising horse who was 3rd on debut at The Curragh back in October. She recovered after being bumped at halfway to dispute the lead from a furlong out, she was passed in the closing stages dropping to 3rd close to home. Improvement is expected and with the longer trip here likely to suit she can open her account. 

12/4/24 Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Limerick was Coming Up Easy, the 8/11 favourite led for a second time approaching the straight going 4 lengths clear 2 out. He was further clear at the last keeping on well on the run-in easily beating On Lovers Walk by 20 lengths. The other pick Linden Arden was 8th in a race won by Aodhan May who beat Cosmo Renfro by 1/2 a length. 

 It's the first of two days of action on the All-weather at Dundalk on Friday where on an 8 race card there are 2 features. 

5.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

8: Gaenari: A useful filly who was a bit below form when 8th on her return at The Curragh 25 days ago. That run was needed but she definitely wasn't disgraced and this is a good opportunity for her to open her account on polytrack debut. 

6.45: Get Best Odds Guaranteed At Betvictor Maiden. 

13: Dollerina: A decent horse who was a good 3rd behind Tulipa Chope in a Group 3 at Deauville when last seen in October. The step up in trip suited and despite being off 177 days she sets a good standard here and should take this.

11/4/24 Limerick

 Wednesday's winner at Leopardstown was Goldana, the 4/9 favourite was 4th at halfway making headway into 2nd two out. She moved into a narrow lead soon after keeping on well inside the final furlong asserting herself close to home beating Power Under Me by 1/2 a length. The other pick Naturally Nimble was 3rd in a race won by Norwalk Havoc who beat Gallantly by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 With no inspection planned there should be 7 races at Limerick on Thursday with 2 standing out. 

3.45: Supermac's (C&G) Maiden Hurdle. 

3: Coming Up Easy: A promising horse who has been given time to recover after falling at the 7th when last seen at Leopardstown over Christmas. He has a tongue strap on for the 1st time here and despite being off 104 days this is a good opportunity for him to open his account. 

4.20: Ishka Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Linden Arden: Got off the mark on his 8th career start at Punchestown in February making all the running and asserting himself before the last, he kept on well easily coming home by 4 3/4 lengths. He built on that when a creditable 3rd at Thurles 37 days ago and with the drop in trip here expected to suit he can return to winning ways. 

10/4/24 Leopardstown

 With the rain still causing problems in Ireland there will be a 7.30am inspection at Leopardstown on Wednesday. If the course passes then 8 races will take place with 2 main events. 

2.45: 1888 Restaurant Maiden.

5: Naturally Nimble: A decent-looking horse who made a promising start when second on debut at Galway back in September. He sat 3rd early and after being switched to the outer inside the final furlong he moved into 2nd without threatening the winner. Despite being off 7 months he can build on that performance here and open his account. 

3.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Heritage Stakes.

6: Goldana: A useful mare who was a respectable 3rd behind Brilliant in the Park Express Stakes at The Curragh 23 days ago. She definitely wasn't disgraced there and she tops the shortlist here for a yard who won this race 12 months ago. 

7/4/24 Results

 Sunday's winner at Leopardstown was A Lilac Rolla, the 9/2 shot was 5th at halfway improving into 2nd 1 1/2 furlongs out. She took a narrow lead in the final 150 yards keeping on well under pressure to beat Kitty Rose by a head. The other pick Take Me To Church was 4th in a race won by Battle Cry who beat Samuel Colt by 1/2 a length. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 2 day break. There are meetings at Newcastle, Lingfield, Wincanton and Wolverhampton on Monday with Thirsk, Hexham, Hereford and Southwell on Tuesday. The next Irish card is due to be back at Leopardstown on Wednesday if it gets the go-ahead then the tips will be up on Tuesday night.

7/4/24 Leopardstown

 Neither of Saturday's tips ran after the meeting at The Curragh was called off. There was a further 4mm of rain overnight which left parts of the track waterlogged and unfit for racing, there is no news yet on when the meeting will be rearranged. 

 With Downpatrick already abandoned due to rain we are left with 8 races at Leopardstown on Sunday and if a 7.30am inspection is passed then there will be 2 highlights. 

 2.20: Ballylinch Stud 'Red Rocks' Stakes (Group 3)

7: Take Me To Church: A useful colt who picked up his career best win at Naas 2 weeks ago completing a hat-trick in the process. He led early asserting himself from a furlong out, he kept on strongly comfortably coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. He should take the step up in class here in his stride and achieve the 4-timer. 

2.55: Ballylinch Stud 'Priory Belle' Stakes (Group 3)

1: A Lilac Rolla: A promising horse who had 2 wins from 2 runs last year including her last at The Curragh in August. She challenged from a furlong out keeping on well to beat subsequent Group 1 winner Opera Singer by a head. Despite being off since she can take this before a possible tilt at the Irish 1,000 Guineas. 

6/4/24 The Curragh

 On Friday at Dundalk Apricot Ice was 2nd, the 4/1 shot travelled well to lead narrowly from a furlong out. She was challenged and passed close to home having no extra, Air Commander won by 1/2 a length. The other pick Shadow Rider didn't run after the meeting at Wexford was abandoned due to heavy rain leaving the track waterlogged and unfit for racing, the card has yet to be rearranged. 

 With the weather still not playing ball there is a 7.30am inspection at The Curragh on Saturday morning to determine if an 8 race card can go-ahead. If it does then there will be 2 features. 

2.55: Tote.ie Alleged Stakes (Group 3)

9: White Birch: A smart colt who's 2023 highlight was a 3rd in the Derby at Epsom in June. He bounced back from a poor run in the Irish Derby when 4th in the Group 3 Paddy Power Stakes at Leopardstown on his final 3-y-o start. The heavy conditions here shouldn’t be a problem and he can take this on reappearance. 

3.25: Hytech EQ Ultra Handicap. 

2: Grey Leader: Picked up 3 wins from 5 runs last year culminating in a career best at Gowran Park back in October. He led from a furlong out keeping on strongly and comfortably coming home by 3 3/4 lengths. Despite being off 173 days he can follow up here on handicap debut.

5/4/24 Dundalk & Wexford

 Thursday's best came at Naas where Undeniable Alibi was 3rd, the 15/2 shot travelled well sitting 2nd three out. He led briefly soon after being passed at the last, he kept on at one pace dropping to 3rd close to home. Toto Too won the race beating Dark Note by 2 lengths. The other pick Mick Charlie didn't run because the meeting at Clonmel was abandoned due to overnight rain making the track unfit for racing, the card has yet to be rearranged. 

 Friday sees 8 races at Dundalk and if an early morning inspection is passed then there will also be 6 at Wexford with 2 standing out. 

Dundalk 6.00: Dundalk Stadium Open All Summer Maiden.

11: Apricot Ice: A promising horse who was a good second on debut at Leopardstown back in August. She was 3rd at halfway moving into 2nd a furlong out only finding the promising Content too good. Her run in listed company on the same course next time can be overlooked with the quick 2 week turnaround not in her favour and she can open her account here.

Wexford 6.50: Wexford Racecourse Veterans Handicap Chase. 

2: Shadow Rider: Has looked good over hurdles on his last two starts winning at Fairyhouse and then finishing a creditable 2nd at Cork just five days ago. He recovered from a mistake at the last to go 2nd in the closing stages going down by 2 1/2 lengths. He switches back to fences here and tops the shortlist. 

4/4/24 Naas & Clonmel

 Irish racing returns on Thursday with 7 contests at Naas and if a 7.30am inspection is passed then there will also be 7 at Clonmel with 2 main events. 

Naas 3.10: Treo Eile Rated Novice Hurdle. 

6: Undeniable Alibi: Improved on his hurdles debut when winning at Clonmel on his last outing 49 days ago. He was 3rd entering the straight leading before the last, he kept on well on the run-in coming home by a length. There is more to come and he can follow up here.

Clonmel 5.13: Botanica International Opportunity Handicap Chase. 

4: Mick Charlie: A decent horse who has 3 wins from 8 runs this season his last was on this course in February. He made good headway to lead on the run-in beating Dutch Schultz by 2 1/4 lengths. He was a bit below form at Thurles 19 days ago but he can make his presence felt here and return to winning ways. 

1/4/24 Results

 It was a poor Monday with the only finisher being Nick Rockett in the Irish Grand National who came 7th,the race went to Intense Raffles who beat Any Second Now by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other races Saint Sam failed to finish being pulled up before the last, Journey With Me took the contest beating Appreciate It by 9 lengths while at Cork Donacheady Gale was a non-runner. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a 2 day break, there are meetings at Pontefract, Ludlow and Wolverhampton on Tuesday with Catterick and Kempton on Wednesday. The next Irish cards should be at Naas and Clonmel on Thursday but with the weather forecast remaining unsettled that isn't definite. If either or both get the go-ahead then the tips will be up on Wednesday night.