1/6/24 Listowel & Tramore

 On Friday both my picks finished 3rd, at Tramore Mater Matuta took the race beating Itsalonglongroad by a comfortable 4 1/4 lengths while at Down Royal Countess Of Tyrone won His Majesty's Plate beating Esquiline by a neck.

 Seven races take place at both Listowel and Tramore on Saturday with 2 topping the bill. 

Listowel 2.25: Anglo Printers Remembering John H. Kierans Mares Hurdle.

2: Shecouldbeanything: A useful hurdler who definitely wasn’t disgraced when finishing 3rd behind Minx Tiara in a listed race at Killarney 20 days ago. She was 2nd four out soon challenging but making no impression from the last dropping to 3rd on the run-in. That was her return after 3 months off and she can continue to improve here.

Tramore 5.10: Watch Racing With Free Trial Now Mares Beginners Chase. 

2: Implicit: A good winner over hurdles who picked up 2 victory’s from 4 runs last season her latest came at Fairyhouse in April. She unseated her rider at the 1st on her hat-trick bid at the Punchestown festival last month but her record shows she can be a useful chasing prospect and she can make a successful start here.

31/5/24 Tramore & Down Royal

 Our winner on Thursday came at Fairyhouse where National Lady was always prominent travelling strongly to lead from 2 out. The 1/1 favourite went clear a furlong from the finish staying on and beating Emerald Eclipse by 3 lengths. At Limerick Pampar Lady was 7th in a race won by Half A Chance who beat Field A Thistles by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 It's the 4th double header of the week on Friday night with 7 races at both Tramore and Down Royal including 2 main events. 

Tramore 5.50: Tramore Tourism Handicap Chase. 

6: Cheerful Chap: A promising horse who picked up a career best win in a handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe on his last outing 42 days ago. He led for a second time 3 out increasing his advantage a furlong from the finish. Despite being challenged in the closing stages he just held on coming home by a head. He returns to fences here and can complete the hat-trick. 

Down Royal 7.30: His Majesty's Plate. 

6: Party Central: A good horse who has won over hurdles in her career. She was 6th on reappearance at Punchestown 31 days ago and with improvement expected she can remain unbeaten in this sphere just giving her the nod in a good-looking and competitive race. 

30/5/24 Limerick & Fairyhouse

 Wednesday's winner came at Wexford where Feet Of A Dancer was 3rd at halfway making headway to challenge entering the straight. The 11/4 favourite led from 2 out asserting herself soon after keeping on well to beat Dark Note by 3/4 of a length. Over at Tipperary Ephesus was a non-runner. 

 There are 7 races at both Limerick and Fairyhouse on Thursday night with 2 standing out. 

Limerick 5.45: Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. 

11: Pampar Lady: A decent horse who was a good second at Tramore last month only just going down by 1/2 a length. She was challenging again when falling 3 out at Tipperary 2 weeks ago and if fully recovered she can make amends and win here.

Fairyhouse 7.30: End Of School Year Maiden. 

12: National Lady: A good filly who was second at Cork on her last outing 61 days ago. She was fifth at halfway making headway to lead briefly 150 yards out, she was passed close to home keeping on at one pace. That was a promising return and looking at this field a repeat may be enough to take this.

29/5/24 Tipperary & Wexford

 Tuesday's best came at Ballinrobe where Je T'ai Porte was 2nd, the 6/1 shot led until she was challenged before the last. She came under strong pressure entering the straight being passed in the closing stages by She's A Fine Wine who won by 1/2 a length. At Tipperary Rock N Roll Rocket was 5th in a race won by Evening Saigon who beat Kilmood Susan by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 Another double header takes place on Wednesday with 7 races at both Tipperary and Wexford including 2 features. 

Tipperary 4.33: Racing Again On July 2nd At Tipperary Maiden. 

7: Ephesus: A horse with promise who was a good second at Chester when last seen 3 weeks ago. He made good progress to lead 2 out but he was worn down and passed inside the final furlong losing by 1 1/4 lengths. He made his move earlier than he would have wanted that day but with more to come he can go well here for a top yard. 

Wexford 5.30: Wexford Racecourse Rated Hurdle. 

2: Feet Of A Dancer: A useful hurdler who has won on this course in her career. She picked up 2 victory’s from 4 runs last season and was a creditable 3rd at Leopardstown on her final outing back in February. Despite being off 115 days she can continue her improvement here and return to winning ways. 

28/5/24 Tipperary & Ballinrobe

 The best at Ballinrobe on Monday came from Western Walk who was 2nd, the 11/2 shot was 7th two out going 5th at the last. He improved in the final 200 yards keeping on well on the run-in but making no impression on the winner Baltic Bird who came home by 1 3/4 lengths. In the Mayo National Romeo Magico failed to finish being pulled up 3 out, the race went to Duffle Coat who beat Salvador Ziggy by a comfortable 8 lengths. 

 A Tuesday double header sees 7 races at Tipperary and 8 at Ballinrobe with 2 highlights. 

Tipperary 6.15: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race.

4: Rock N Roll Rocket: A good-looking horse who won on debut at Cork 18 days ago. He was in midfield early improving to challenge inside the final furlong, he led narrowly entering the closing stages just holding on to win by a short head. He should build on that here and with more to come he can follow up. 

Ballinrobe 6.30: Monroe's Live John Monroe Memorial Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

4: Je T'ai Porte: A useful horse who picked up a career best win in a handicap chase on this course 3 weeks ago. She made all the running asserting herself from 2 out, she kept on well on the run-in comfortably coming home by 10 lengths. She switches to hurdles here and can win again.

27/5/24 Ballinrobe

 Sunday's best at The Curragh came from Auguste Rodin who was 2nd, the 11/10 favourite was in midfield early improving to go 2nd two out. He led narrowly soon after but was passed a furlong from the finish by White Birch who won by 3 lengths. In the other two races both Rogue Millennium and Opera Singer were 3rd, Ocean Jewel took the Lanwades Stud Stakes beating Goldana by 1 1/4 lengths with Fallen Angel winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas beating A Lilac Rolla by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 There are 7 races at Ballinrobe on Monday night with 2 main events. 

5.30: McHale Mayo Handicap Hurdle.

2: Western Walk: A promising horse who was a good 4th in a listed race at Punchestown when last seen 23 days ago. He was 9th at halfway improving to dispute the lead entering the straight, he moved to the front soon after being passed in the last 50 yards. That was a more competitive contest and on form he can return to winning ways here. 

6.30: McHale Mayo National Handicap Chase. 

13: Romeo Magico: A lightly-raced horse who was a creditable 2nd in a hunters chase at Killarney 2 weeks ago. He led for a second time at the 7th but after not being fluent in the closing stages he was passed going down by 2 1/2 lengths. He makes his handicap chase debut here and with more to come he can go one better. 

26/5/24 The Curragh

 Saturday's winner came in the Irish 2,000 Guineas where Rosallion was 5th two out making headway into 2nd a furlong from the finish. The 10/11 favourite stayed on well leading in the final strides beating Haatem by a head. In the other contest Art Power was 4th in a race won by Mitbaahy who beat Regional by 3/4 of a length. 

 The Curragh stages 8 races on Sunday with 3 standing out. 

2.35: Lanwades Stud Stakes (Group 2)

7: Rogue Millennium: A smart mare who won the Duke Of Cambridge at Royal Ascot last summer and then ran in 4 Group one’s her best finish being a second in the Justify Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September. She makes her return here for a new yard and if fully ready she will be hard to beat. 

3.10: Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1)

1: Auguste Rodin: An excellent horse who despite not running well in the 2,000 Guineas and the King George last season did win every other race as a 3-y-o including the English and Irish Derby's the Irish Champion Stakes and the Breeders Cup Turf. His comeback run over at Meydan can be discounted and he can bounce back here. 

3.45: Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas (Group 1)

9: Opera Singer: Finished her 2-y-o campaign with an impressive victory in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp in October beating Rose Bloom by 5 lengths. The way she won that confirmed what a good horse she is and with more to come she can give her trainer an 11th win in this race. 

25/5/24 The Curragh

 The best on a very poor Friday came at The Curragh where Chazzesmee was 10th in a race won by State Actor who beat Kayhana by 3/4 of a length while over at Downpatrick Billaway failed to finish being pulled up on the run-in. 

 Eight races take place at The Curragh on Saturday where there are 2 features. 

2.30: Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (Group 2)

1: Art Power: A good horse who won twice over course and distance last season including this race by 4 3/4 lengths, He ended his campaign with victory in the Group 1 Champion Sprint at Ascot in October just beating Kinross by a neck. His return was an encouraging fifth in the Duke Of York 10 days ago and with that under his belt he can take this again.

3.40: Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (Group 1)

6: Rosallion: A horse with an excellent record who has already been a Group 1 winner. He took the step up to a mile in his stride when finishing 2nd behind Notable Speech in the English 2,000 at Newmarket on reappearance 3 weeks ago and he looks hard to beat here.

24/5/24 The Curragh & Downpatrick

 Thursday's winner at Limerick was Hurricane Georgie, the 10/11 favourite was always prominent taking 2nd at the last. She kept on well despite coming under pressure to lead in the closing stages beating Bella Bliss by 3/4 of a length. In the other contest Maidenstreetprince was 7th in a race won by Mayor's Walk who beat Moonovercloon by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at The Curragh and 7 at Downpatrick on a busy Friday night with 2 highlights. 

The Curragh 7.20: Quinnbet Emerald Mile Handicap. 

2: Chazzesmee: A horse with a decent record who showed improvement to win the Irish Lincolnshire over course and distance in March, he travelled well making good headway to lead inside the final furlong beating Smooth Tom by a length. His run in the Lincoln at Doncaster came too soon after and he can return to winning ways here on reappearance. 

Downpatrick 7.35: Dennison Commercials Hunters Chase. 

3: Billaway: A useful chaser who won this race last year beating the reopposing Vaucelet by 3 lengths. His best finish since was a close 2nd at Naas in February, his runs at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals can be overlooked and he can take this for a second year.

23/5/24 Limerick

 Neither of Wednesday's tips ran because the card at Gowran Park was called off. There was 15mm of overnight rain making the track unfit for racing, the meeting has yet to be rearranged. 

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

5.55: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Chase.

4: Hurricane Georgie: A useful chaser who needs to bounce back after not finishing in her last two starts including being pulled up 4 out on her final outing at Fairyhouse back in December. Despite being off 172 days she is the clear pick on form and returning to calmer waters she can get back to winning ways here. 

6.25: PAQIT Beginners Chase. 

7: Maidenstreetprince: A promising horse who has been a good hurdles winner in his career. He was 2nd on fences debut at Ballinrobe 16 days ago sitting 4th at halfway improving to take the runners up spot close to home. He should build on that here and open his account in this sphere. 

22/5/24 Gowran Park

 An excellent Tuesday saw both my picks win, at Punchestown Fenway Park was always prominent leading before 4 out. The 4/7 favourite kept on well on the run-in beating Syracus Du Houx by 1 1/4 lengths. Over at Cork Powerful Nation was 3rd at halfway improving to lead in the final 200 yards. The 5/2 favourite stayed on strongly beating Fiery Lucy by a head.

 Wednesday's meeting takes place at Gowran Park where on a 7 race card 2 stand out. 

5.50: Gowranpark1 On Twitter Fillies Race.

5: Mataariki: A good-looking horse who impressed when winning on debut on this course 29 days ago. She was 4th at halfway making headway to lead a furlong out, she kept on well beating Quatrain by 3 3/4 lengths. Further progress is expected and she looks like the one to beat here. 

6.20: Gowran Park Median Auction Fillies Maiden. 

2: Clever And Cute: A promising horse who was second over course and distance on debut 2 weeks ago. She tracked the leaders early and despite making no impression from a furlong out she challenged for 2nd in the closing stages taking it on the line. With her trainer going well she has a good chance to open her account here. 

21/5/24 Punchestown & Cork

 Monday's best at Roscommon came from Green Triangle who was 2nd. The 9/2 shot was 3rd at halfway making headway to challenge 2 out, he led soon after but was passed in the final 100 yards by Deo Vero who won by 1/2 a length. In the other race Kisiyra was 11th with the contest going to Total Look who beat It'sonlyjustbegun by 1 1/2 lengths.

 A Tuesday double header sees 8 races at both Punchestown and Cork with 2 features. 

Punchestown 2.58: Punchestown Home Of Irish Jumps Maiden Hurdle. 

2: Fenway Park: A decent horse who returned after 3 months off to finish a creditable 4th on this course 18 days ago. He was at the rear early improving to sit 6th before the last, he kept on well on the run-in taking 4th in the closing stages. The step back up in trip here should suit and he can open his account. 

Cork 4.50: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

3: Powerful Nation: A horse with promise who was an excellent 2nd over course and distance on debut 11 days ago. He was in touch disputing the lead at halfway, he was narrowly passed in the closing stages staying on and only going down by a short head. He sets a good standard and with plenty more to come he can use his experience here to pick up his 1st win. 

20/5/24 Roscommon

 Sunday's winner at Naas was Bucanero Fuerte, the 2/1 shot made all the running and despite being put under pressure in the final furlong he stayed on well to beat Givemethebeatboys by a head. In the other race Sparkling Sea was 2nd, the 5/2 chance was 3rd early moving into 2nd 1 1/2 furlongs out. She challenged in the closing stages but couldn't reach the winner Fairy Godmother who came home by a neck. 

 Another week begins with 7 races at Roscommon on Monday night where there are 2 highlights. 

5.50: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. 

1: Green Triangle: A decent-looking newcomer who is related to a useful 2-y-o winner Whim. He wears a tongue strap here and with the experienced runners in this field not having achieved much he is definitely one to take seriously and can open his account on debut. 

6.50: JTW Distribution Roscommon Maiden.

11: Kisiyra: A lightly-raced filly who was a creditable 4th at Gowran Park when last seen 27 days ago, she led after two furlongs staying at the front until she was challenged a furlong from the finish. She was soon passed having no extra dropping to 4th in the final 100 yards. She has the best form on show here and can pick up her 1st career win.

19/5/24 Naas

 Saturday's best came at Wexford where Magic Tricks was 2nd, the 10/11 favourite was 6th early improving slightly from 2 out. He kept on at one pace from the last making no impression on the winner Dreal Deal who easily came home by 8 lengths. At Navan Gasper De Lemos was 3rd in a race won by Birdman who beat Bellezza by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Eight races take place at Naas on Sunday with 2 topping the bill. 

2.50: Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes (Group 3)

5: Sparkling Sea: Put in an impressive performance when winning a maiden over course and distance on debut 3 weeks ago. She was 4th at halfway making progress to lead a furlong out, she kept on strongly in the closing stages beating the reopposing Fairy Godmother by 2 1/2 lengths. She is a smart looking prospect who can make it 2 from 2 here.

3.55: Goffs Lacken Stakes (Group 3)

1: Bucanero Fuerte: An excellent horse who won two group races at The Curragh last season, the GAIN Railway Stakes by a short head and the Phoenix Stakes by a comfortable 4 lengths. He wasn’t seen at his best when finishing 3rd behind Henry Longfellow in the Group 1 National Stakes on his final outing back in September but he should still have too much for this field on his return. 

18/5/24 Navan & Wexford

 Friday's winner came at Leopardstown where Kyprios tracked the leaders sitting 3rd three out. The 1/12 favourite made good headway to move to the front 1 1/2 furlongs from the finish, he stayed on well comfortably beating Queenstown by a length. Over at Kilbeggan Vina Ardanza was 8th in a race won by Bardenstown Lad who beat Lisnamult Lad by 1/2 a length. 

 We have 8 races at both Navan and Wexford on Saturday with 2 main events. 

Navan 3.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Yeats Stakes.

2: Gaspar De Lemos: A lightly-raced horse who's only career win came at The Curragh back in September. He was a creditable 6th in a listed race at Newmarket on reappearance 31 days ago and despite going significantly up in trip here he can give his trainer a fifth win in the last 6 runnings of this race.

Wexford 4.35: Poolcourt Novice Chase. 

2: Magic Tricks: A promising horse who picked up a career best win on fences debut at Down Royal 12 days ago. He travelled well to challenge after the last leading in the final 100 yards, he stayed on well coming home by 1 1/4 lengths. He should improve further here and can follow up. 

17/5/24 Kilbeggan & Leopardstown

 Thursday's best came at Limerick where Kailasa was 2nd, the 5/2 shot was 4th at halfway improving to sit 2nd a furlong out. She made no impression soon after keeping on at one pace and allowing Fleur De Chine to win by 3 1/4 lengths. Over at Clonmel Charlies Pride was 12th in a race won by Ballycashin who beat Early Arrival by 6 lengths. 

 We round off the week on Friday with 8 races at both Kilbeggan and Leopardstown with 2 standing out. 

Kilbeggan 6.45: Kilbeggan Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Vina Ardanza: An interesting horse who was 4th in a handicap chase on this course on his final outing in June last year. He switches from chasing to hurdles and despite being off 11 months and going up in trip he has good claims here and if fully ready he should take this.

Leopardstown 7.05: Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes (Group 3)

2: Kyprios: A high-class horse who definitely didn't need to be at his best when winning a listed race at Navan on his return 20 days ago, he led from 2 out staying on strongly and easily beating Queenstown by 3 1/4 lengths. He won this race in 2022 before taking the Ascot Gold Cup and can do again. 

16/5/24 Limerick & Clonmel

 Wednesday's best came at Sligo where Castleheath won, the 15/2 shot was in touch leading narrowly after 4 furlongs. He was strongly pressed in the final 150 yards but just held on to beat Celestial Reign by a nose. At Tipperary Red Glory was 2nd, the 13/2 chance was 3rd at halfway staying on to dispute the lead at the last. He pressed the leader The Niffler on the run-in but couldn't reach him losing by a neck.

 The weeks 3rd double header takes place on Thursday with 7 races at Limerick and 8 at Clonmel including 2 highlights. 

Limerick 2.35: Ryans Cleaning Fillies Maiden. 

4: Kailasa: A good filly who was a decent 4th on debut at The Curragh 26 days ago. She was in midfield early improving to take fourth a furlong out keeping on in the closing stages. Improvement is definitely expected and with her trainer going well she can open her account here.

Clonmel 7.00: Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle. 

11: Charlies Pride: Made a good start in handicaps last summer picking up his first win at Kilbeggan in August leading before the last pulling away to come home by 4 3/4 lengths. He improved again when 4th at Listowel in September and with a run in a Punchestown charity race earlier this month under his belt he should be sharper and return to winning ways here.

15/5/24 Sligo + Tipperary

 Tuesday's winner at Killarney was Alpheratz, the 10/11 favourite led early travelling well until she was strongly pressed inside the final furlong. She was briefly challenged entering the closing stages but had a narrow lead finally beating Uluru by a neck. In the other race Master Of The Hunt was 3rd with the contest going to Thor's Hammer who beat Babich by a head.

 We have a double header on Wednesday with 7 races at both Sligo and Tipperary with 2 features. 

Sligo 6.15: Rosses Point Caravan Park Maiden. 

2: Castleheath: A promising-looking horse who was 6th on debut at Navan 18 days ago. He showed with that performance that there is plenty more to come and he will definitely show improvement here. Looking at the rest of the field he sets a clear standard and can pick up his 1st career win. 

Tipperary 6.30: Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Red Glory: A winner on the flat who was a very good 3rd on handicap hurdle debut at Naas when last seen 66 days ago. He was in midfield at halfway but made no impression after he was badly hampered by 2 fallers at the last, he did recover slightly to take 3rd in the closing stages. He should build on that here and can take this. 

14/5/24 Killarney

 The winner on Monday came at Roscommon where Naval Force challenged early travelling well to move into a narrow lead in the final 100 yards. The 9/4 shot kept on well to beat Action Plan by 1/2 a length. In the Grade 3 at Killarney Gentleman De Mee was 3rd with the race going to Ash Tree Meadow who beat French Dynamite by 5 1/2 lengths. 

 The week continues with 7 races at Killarney on Tuesday where there are 2 main events. 

5.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

3: Master Of The Hunt: A lightly-raced horse who was 10th on his return at The Curragh 23 days ago. That run was needed and despite going significantly up in trip here he sets the standard based on his 2-y-o form and he can bounce back picking up his first career win. 

5.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Race.

1: Alpheratz: A decent horse who after winning by 1 1/2 lengths on her second start at Gowran Park in October was an excellent 2nd in the Group 3 Park Express Stakes at The Curragh in March. Her improvement continued when she was fifth behind A Lilac Rolla in the 1000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown 37 days ago and she is the one to beat here. 

13/5/24 Roscommon + Killarney

 Sunday's winner at Leopardstown was Los Angeles, the 4/5/ favourite tracked the leaders sitting 3rd entering the straight. He led narrowly from 1 1/2 out and despite being strongly pressed he asserted himself in the final 100 yards keeping on well to beat Euphoric by a length. In the other Group three's One Look was 6th with the race going to Wendia who beat Buttons by 3/4 of a length while Yosemite Valley was a non-runner. At Killarney Royal Eagle was 4th with the race going to Minx Tiara who beat Lady Rita by 4 1/2 lengths.

 There are 7 races at Roscommon and 8 at Killarney on Monday night with 2 standing out. 

Roscommon 6.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF 3yo Spring Series Median Auction Race.

2: Naval Force: A horse with promise who after winning by 3 1/4 lengths at Killarney on debut found the step up to Group 3 level a little too much at Leopardstown in October finishing 4th in the Eyrefield Stakes. Despite being off since he sets the standard here and should return to winning ways. 

Killarney 6.40: Boylesports An Riocht Chase (Grade 3)

1: Gentleman De Mee: A high-class chaser who was a good second behind Captain Guinness in the Queen Mother at the Cheltenham Festival in March. His last run in the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown 2 weeks ago can be overlooked and despite going up in trip here he stands out and should be too good for this field.

12/5/24 Leopardstown & Killarney

 Saturday's only winner came at Naas where Eclipse Emerald travelled well to sit 3rd two out, the 2/1 favourite challenged and led a furlong from the finish keeping on well to beat Kortez Bay by a length. At Cork Rosalys was 3rd in a race won by Jolie Jewel who beat Cast A Spell by 2 1/2 lengths and in the days Group 3 Je Zous was also 3rd with Sea The Boss winning beating Madam Celsete by a neck.

 Sunday sees 8 races at both Leopardstown and Killarney with 3 topping the bill. 

Leopardstown 2.25: Al Shira'aa Racing 'Mutamakina' Stakes ( Group 3)

4: One Look: A promising horse who won at Cork when last seen 43 days ago, she was 4th at halfway travelling well to lead from a furlong out. She stayed on and easily came home by 3 lengths. She has the edge on form and should complete a hat-trick here.

Leopardstown 3.00: Porsche In Support Of Breast Cancer Ireland Amethyst Stakes (Group 3.)

7: Yosemite Valley: A smart colt who arrives here after a career best win in the Gladness Stakes at The Curragh 3 weeks ago, he led narrowly a furlong out staying on strongly and comfortably winning by 2 3/4 lengths. He should continue his good form here and follow up.

Leopardstown 3.35: Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3)

4: Los Angeles: A decent horse who ended his 2-y-o career winning a Group 1 in France back in October beating Islandsinthestream by a neck. Despite being off 6 months he looks like the one to beat here for a yard in excellent form.

The big race at Killarney is the 2.10 where my pick is number 7 Royal Eagle. 

11/5/24 Cork & Naas

 Friday's winner came at Cork where Cherry Blossom made all the running asserting herself from a furlong out. The 5/2 favourite kept on well in the closing stages to beat She's Quality by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other two races both Janoobi and Doctor Nightingale finished 6th with Kings Time taking the Mallow Handicap beating Rahmi by 1 1/2 lengths while at Downpatrick Redwood Queen beat Not May by 1/2 a length. 

 Another busy weekend begins on Saturday with 7 races at Cork and 8 at Naas where there are 3 highlights. 

Cork 3.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

15: Rosalys: A decent-looking horse who has run well in her career so far, winning at Huntingdon on debut and then finishing a good 4th on her first outing for Henry De Bromhead at Navan in September. She can definitely improve on that here and return to winning ways. 

Naas 3.40: Declan Landy Fencing Handicap. 

2: Eclipse Emerald: A promising horse who was 2nd at The Curragh when last seen 20 days ago, he travelled well to lead inside the final furlong but he was passed close to home losing by 1/2 a length. He makes his handicap debut here and can go one better.

Naas 4.15: Al Shira'aa Racing Irish EBF Jannah Rose Stakes (Group 3)

3: Je Zous: A useful filly who was an excellent 3rd behind Making Dreams in a Group 3 at Saint-Cloud 40 days ago. She holds the clear edge on form here and can win for a trainer who tasted victory in this race 12 months ago. 

10/5/24 Cork & Downpatrick

 Thursday's winner came at Gowran Park where Simply Sideways sat 4th at halfway improving to lead a furlong out. The 7/2 shot increased her advantage inside the final furlong and despite it being reduced close to home she still beat Independent Expert by 1/2 a length. At Tipperary Nine Graces was 3rd in a race won by Easy Fella who comfortably beat Prairie Dancer by 18 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Cork and 7 at Downpatrick on Friday with 3 features. 

Cork 4.40: Goffs Irish EBF Polonia Stakes. 

3: Cherry Blossom: A useful filly who ran well as a 2-y-o including finishing second in both the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York and in the Goffs Million at The Curragh. She didn't get a clear run when 7th in the 1000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown on her return 33 days ago but she has to be taken seriously here and tops the shortlist. 

Cork 5.50: Mallow Handicap. 

2: Janoobi: A lightly-raced horse who picked up a career best win after a long injury absence at Naas 47 days ago. He was 4th approaching halfway making headway from 2 out, he led soon after staying on well and coming home by 5 lengths. He can defy a weight rise here and follow up.

Downpatrick 6.45: ITBA Celebrating Northern Region Award Winners Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Doctor Nightingale: Showed improvement to open her account at Limerick 29 days ago, she disputed the lead for a second time 2 out moving to the front on the run-in. She kept on well winning by 1 3/4 lengths. She is back in handicap company here and can win again. 

9/5/24 Gowran Park & Tipperary

 The best performance on Wednesday at Gowran Park came from Goldana who was 2nd, going off the 10/11 favourite she led until being passed 2 out. She stayed on to strongly press the leader close to home but she just failed to reach Empress Of Beauty who won by a short head. In the other race Dancing Tango was 4th with the contest going to Enfranchise who beat Countess Of Tyrone by 2 lengths. 

 A 3rd double header takes place on Thursday with 7 races at Gowran Park and 8 at Tipperary with 2 main events. 

Gowran Park 3.45: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

4: Simply Sideways: A course and distance winner in her career who finished a respectable 6th at The Curragh when last seen 19 days ago. She tracked the leaders early sitting 5th two out, she didn't make an impression in the final furlong but she has a good chance on form here and just gets the nod. 

Tipperary 6.40: Tipperary Races Beginners Chase.

9: Nine Graces: A promising horse who has been a good winner over hurdles. She ran better than the result suggests when fifth on fences debut on this course 2 weeks ago, she was challenging until a bad mistake 2 out dropped her to the rear. That can be overlooked and she is definitely worth another chance here. 

8/5/24 Gowran Park

 Tuesday's best came at Navan where Heavens Gate was 2nd, the 4/1 shot led early but she was passed a furlong out. She kept on in the final furlong without threatening the winner Unexpected Issues who came home by 1/2 a length. Over at Ballinrobe Slim Marvel was 3rd with the race going to Wandering Rocks who beat Drumgill by 1 1/2 lengths.

 Gowran Park stages the midweek meeting where on a 7 race card 2 stand out. 

6.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Vintage Tipple Stakes.

1: Dancing Tango: A useful mare who picked up a career best win at Naas on her last outing back in October, she was 5th a furlong out improving to lead in the final 150 yards coming home by 1 1/4 lengths. Despite being off since conditions here should be in her favour and she can follow up.

6.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes. 

1: Goldana: A decent horse who arrives in good form after opening her account for the season at Leopardstown a month ago. She was 4th at halfway leading narrowly from a furlong out, she kept on well asserting herself close to home and winning by 1/2 a length. The trip here suits and she can win again. 

7/5/24 Navan & Ballinrobe

 Monday's only finisher came at The Curragh where Jumbly was 5th. The 6/4 favourite was always in midfield moving into fifth two out, she made no impression inside the final furlong while upfront in an exciting finish Gregarina beat You Send Me by a head. In the other two races both Look To The West and Elegant Man were non-runners.

 There is another double header on Tuesday with 7 races at Navan and 8 at Ballinrobe which includes 2 highlights. 

Navan 1.05: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

5: Heavens Gate: A decent-looking newcomer who is a half-sister to 3 winners including Kirkland Lady and is also related to Cape Bridgewater. Her sisters Mawatheeq and Ghannaati are high-class horses meaning this good prospect is the standout here and she can open her account on debut. 

Ballinrobe 4.45: Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. 

14: Slim Marvel: A fair hurdler who finished a very good 3rd on this course when last seen 18 days ago. She was 2nd four out dropping to 3rd before the last. Looking at this field she is difficult to oppose here and should pick up her 1st career win. 

6/5/24 Down Royal + The Curragh

 Sunday's best at Sligo came from Spanish Cara who was 2nd, the 8/11 favourite led from 2 out but was challenged soon after. She kept on well but was passed in the final 50 yards by Her Ladyship who won by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other race Camelot Alexander was 7th with the contest going to Belhaven who beat Whimsy by a short head. 

 A Monday double header kicks off another week with 7 races at Down Royal and 8 at The Curragh and 3 taking centre stage. 

Down Royal 2.45: Pepsi Max Hurdle. 

3: Look To The West: Made a winning debut at Navan in November stepping up to graded company in both her starts since, her best finish was a 3rd behind Jade De Grugy in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in January. She goes back down in class here and is the one to beat. 

The Curragh 3.35: Coolmore Stud Little Big Bear Irish EBF Athasi Stakes (Group 3)

4: Jumbly: A useful mare who was 2nd in the Gladness Stakes over course and distance on reappearance 2 weeks ago. She made progress from two out moving into 2nd entering the closing stages keeping on without troubling the winner. With that run under her belt this is a good chance to resume winning ways. 

The Curragh 4.10: Coolmore Stud Sottsass Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes (Group 2)

1: Elegant Man: A promising horse who has 2 wins from 2 runs this year his last was a career best at Newcastle 38 days ago, he led early quickening away from 3 out eventually coming home by 1 1/4 lengths. He makes his turf debut here and if he transfers his all-weather form he will be hard to beat.

5/5/24 Sligo

 Saturday saw another two winners at Punchestown, in the 3.42 Lossiemouth was 2nd early and despite a mistake 3 out she soon challenged. The 2/11 favourite led going clear before the last easily beating Gala Marceau by 7 lengths. In the later race Kargese was 9th two out improving to sit 5th before the last. The 9/4 favourite travelled well to lead in the final 100 yards beating Bottler'Secret by 1 1/2 lengths. 

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

2.15: Tote.ie Median Auction Maiden. 

10: Spanish Cara: A promising horse who returned after 13 months off to finish a good second at Dundalk 23 days ago, she was 6th at halfway improving to dispute the lead a furlong out. She kept on well in the closing stages just holding on to 2nd. That was her first run for a new yard and this is a good opportunity to open her account. 

4.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

7: Camelot Alexander: A decent filly who put in a career best performance when winning at Gowran Park 12 days ago. She got to the front a furlong out travelling well and easily coming home by 2 3/4 lengths. There is definitely more to come and she can follow up here. 

4/5/24 Punchestown

 An excellent Friday saw both my picks win, in the Champion Hurdle State Man was 2nd at halfway making headway early in the straight. The 2/7 favourite led approaching the last keeping on well to beat Irish Point by 2 lengths. The other race saw Ballyburn tracking the leaders early moving to the front approaching the straight. The 1/5 favourite was 3 lengths clear at the last eventually beating Jetara by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 The Punchestown Festival reaches it’s conclusion on Saturday with 2 final Grade one’s topping the bill. 

3.42: Coolmore N.H. Sires Bolshoi Ballet Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle. 

4: Lossiemouth: A top-class horse who completed a 4-timer when beating the reopposing Telmesomethinggirl in the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham,she travelled well leading before the last pulling clear and easily coming home by 3 lengths. She is hard to look past and can win again here. 

4.50: Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1)

9: Kargese: A useful hurdler who has finished second in her last two starts the Triumph at Cheltenham and behind Sir Gino in a Grade 1 at Aintree 23 days ago. A repeat of that performance here gives her a good chance to pick up her 4th career win.

3/5/24 Punchestown

 The winner on Thursday at Punchestown was Teahupoo, the 5/6 favourite recovered from a poor start to sit 4th two out. He led before the last going clear on the run-in to comfortably beat Asterion Forlonge by 6 1/2 lengths. The other pick Gaelic Warrior was 2nd, the 1/3 favourite disputed the lead entering the straight moving to the front 2 out. He was passed after the last by ll Etait Temps who won by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The festival at Punchestown enters it's 4th day on Friday where on an 8 race card there are 2 main events. 

6.00: Boodles Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: State Man: A top-class horse who won this race 12 months ago and is unbeaten in 4 starts this season. He was last seen winning the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March beating a rival in this field Irish Point by 1 1/4 lengths. He didn't need to be at his best that day and he should add another grade one to his record here completing a 6-timer in the process. 

6.35: Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

1: Ballyburn: Has progressed well since being beaten by Firefox on hurdles debut by defeating Slade Steel in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and making it a hat-trick in impressive fashion in the Gallagher Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. This top prospect looks hard to beat here and can continue his excellent run.

2/5/24 Punchestown

 Wednesday's winner at Punchestown was Dancing City, the 7/4 favourite made headway from 2 out moving into the lead before the last. Despite being strongly pressed inside the final furlong he stayed on well close to home beating High Class Hero by 1/2 a length. In the Gold Cup Galopin Des Champs was 2nd, the 1/2 favourite led early but had dropped to 3rd by the 4th. He improved to go 2nd before the last staying on well on the run-in without reaching the winner Fastorslow who came home by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 It's day 3 at Punchestown on Thursday where 2 grade one’s headline the card.

5.25: Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

1: Gaelic Warrior: A winner at this meeting last season who impressed when taking the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival on his last outing. He led before the last pulling clear and easily beating Found A Fifty by 8 1/2 lengths. He should take this and give his trainer a ninth straight win in this race. 

6.00: Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

9: Teahupoo: A high-class hurdler who won a second Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse on his return in December and followed up by taking the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham. He moved to the front approaching the last staying on well and comfortably coming home by 3 3/4 lengths. He can show why he is currently the best in this division by completing a hat-trick here.