1/10/24 Cork

 Monday's best came at Down Royal where WonderfulWonderful was 3rd. The 5/1 shot led early but was challenged from 2 out, she dropped to 3rd entering the final 200 yards having no extra close to home. State Of Joy won beating Reponse Finale by a short head. The other pick Jesse Evans was a non-runner with the race going to San Salvador who beat A Law Of Her Own by 3 1/4 lengths. 

 October begins on Tuesday with 8 races at Cork and 2 features. 

1.55: Irish EBF Auction Series Nursery Handicap.

2: Gloriously Glam: A horse with a decent recent record who's last win came at Sligo in August. She was a very good second when last seen at The Curragh 16 days ago, she was 6th approaching the final furlong staying on to take 2nd close to home. She returns to nursery company here and can get back to winning ways. 

4.15: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Navigation Stakes. 

6: Dublin: A useful colt who impressed when winning on debut at Listowel 8 days ago. He travelled well to lead from a furlong out staying on strongly and comfortably coming home by 4 lengths. This is definitely a tougher race but this bright prospect has the ability to follow up.

30/9/24 Down Royal Royal & Roscommon

 An excellent Sunday at The Curragh saw all 3 of my picks win. In the Weld Park Stakes Heavens Gate was 5th at halfway challenging from 2 out, the 11/8 favourite led soon after and despite being strongly pressed she held on to beat Fiery Lucy by a neck. In the other Group 3 My Mate Alfie travelled well to lead in the final 150 yards, the 7/2 shot kept on well close to home beating Big Gossey by 3/4 of a length. The Irish Cesarewitch saw The Euphrates lead from 4 out soon going clear, the 7/2 favourite had a reduced advantage towards the finish but still managed to beat A Piece Of Heaven by 1/2 a length. 

 We move onto a Monday double header which sees 7 races at Down Royal and 8 at Roscommon with 2 highlights. 

Down Royal 3.15: Irish EBF Auction Series Fillies Maiden. 

14: WonderfulWonderful: A lightly-raced horse who improved when 3rd at Naas 11 days ago. She travelled well to lead for a second time 2 out but she was passed soon after dropping to 3rd in the final 150 yards. She has a good chance on form and can achieve a first career win here.

Roscommon 5.10: Ballymore Group Irish EBF Kilbegnet Novice Chase (Grade 3)

3: Jesse Evans: A promising horse who put in a career best performance to win at Galway on his last outing 3 weeks ago. He challenged from 2 out leading in the closing stages, he kept on well coming home by 2 1/4 lengths. With improvement expected he can follow up here. 

29/9/24 The Curragh

 Saturday's best came in the Goffs Million where Antelope Canyon was 2nd. The 9/4 favourite travelled well challenging inside the final furlong, he had every chance entering the closing stages but just failed to reach Apples And Bananas who won by a head. In the other race at The Curragh Nancy J was 5th with the contest going to Bolo Neighs who beat Mollie Foster by an easy 7 lengths while over at Listowel Flanking Maneuver was 6th in a race won by Donacheady Gale who beat Law Ella by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 There is an 8 race card at The Curragh on Sunday with 3 topping the bill. 

2.40: Weld Park Stakes (Group 3)

7: Heavens Gate: A useful filly who has 2 wins from 6 runs this year her last being at Naas in early August. She was a respectable 4th behind Celandine in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York when last seen 38 days ago and with her stable in good form she can pick up another victory here.

3.15: SBK Renaissance Stakes (Group 3)

8: My Mate Alfie: A progressive horse who impressed when winning over course and distance 2 weeks ago. He challenged from a furlong out leading narrowly in the final 100 yards beating the reopposing Torivega by 1 1/4 lengths. He should take the step up to Group company in his stride and follow up. 

4.25: Friends Of The Curragh Irish Cesarewitch. 

18: The Euphrates: A decent horse who was an excellent 4th behind Kyprios in the Irish St Leger on this course 2 weeks ago. He makes his handicap debut here in a competitive race and can achieve a 3rd career win.

28/9/24 The Curragh & Listowel

 On a poor Friday both Tounsivator and Star Harbour were fifth. The race at Listowel went to Frankendael who beat Lord Erskine by 2 1/4 lengths while at Dundalk Bellezza beat Madam Celeste by a neck.

 A busy weekend begins on Saturday with 8 races at The Curragh and 7 at Listowel on the final day of the Harvest festival with 3 taking centre stage. 

The Curragh 2.00: Goffs 500

6: Nancy J: Made a good start when winning on debut at Gowran Park in August and ran well when tried at listed level at Leopardstown 2 weeks ago finishing fifth. She was 7th a furlong out keeping on and taking 5th close to home. She goes down in trip here and can take this big prize. 

The Curragh 3.45: Goffs Million 

1: Antelope Canyon: A decent horse who took a big step forward when winning at Naas 9 days ago. He travelled well leading for a second time in the final 100 yards staying on strongly and coming home by 1/2 a length. He has plenty more to come and gets the vote here to follow up.

Listowel 4.30: Charlie Chute Memorial Handicap Chase. 

4: Flanking Maneuver: Ran well when a respectable 3rd on his last outing at Galway 57 days ago. The wearing of blinkers has helped in recent performances and on form he is just the pick here on his first start for Gordon Elliott. 

27/9/24 Listowel & Dundalk

 Thursday's winner at Listowel was A Tipp For Gold. The 15/8 favourite made all the running going clear from 2 out, he hept on well in the closing stages beating De Temps En Temps by 3 3/4 lengths. In the other race Pinot Gris was 2nd. The 9/4 favourite was 6th at halfway making progress into 4th entering the straight, he was 2nd two out challenging at the last but had no extra in the final 100 yards allowing Eagles Reign to win by 3/4 of a length. 

 A Friday double header sees 7 races at Listowel and 8 at Dundalk with 2 main events. 

Listowel 2.40: MCG Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Tounsivator:  A decent horse who picked up a career best win at Kilbeggan 35 days ago. He recovered from being hampered 3 out to lead at the last, he drew clear on the run-in easily coming home by 14 lengths. He should progress further here and has an excellent chance to follow up. 

Dundalk 7.15: William Hill Top Price Guaranteed Diamond Stakes. 

1: Star Harbour: A smart horse who has 3 wins so far this year his latest was at Punchestown 10 days ago. He began a challenge 1 1/2 furlongs out staying on well to lead near the line winning by a head. Despite this being an open-looking race he can taste victory again.

26/9/24 Listowel

 The best on a poor Wednesday at Listowel came from Le Coq Hardi who was 5th in a race won by Zariygann who beat Gaucher by 6 1/2 lengths. In the Kerry National Perceval Legallois finished 6th with Flooring Porter taking the contest beating Horantzau D'Airy by 4 1/4 lengths. 

 Listowel moves on to it’s 5th day on Thursday with 7 races and 2 standing out. 

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

1: A Tipp For Gold: A horse in decent form who was a good 4th on hurdles debut at Ballinrobe 45 days ago. He made progress after a slight mistake 3 out soon taking 4th, despite having no extra on the run-in he was clear of the rest. He should build on that performance here dropping back in trip and can pick up his 1st win.

3.30: Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle. 

7: Pinot Gris: A promising horse who was a creditable 6th on the flat at Galway when last seen in July. He achieved a career best win on his last hurdles start at Bellewstown in late April coming home by an easy 11 lengths so he is definitely a player here who can get back to winning ways on his return to this sphere. 

25/9/24 Listowel

 The best at Listowel on Tuesday came from Sir Jeremy who was 3rd. The 5/1 shot  travelled well sitting 2nd 1 1/2 furlongs out, he had no extra in the closing stages dropping to 3rd while upfront Medici Venus won beating The Marty Party by a short head. In the other race Mundi was 6th with the contest going to Curvature who beat Princess Child by 2 1/4 lengths. 

 The harvest festival continues at Listowel on Wednesday with a 7 race card and 2 features. 

2.35: Seamus Mulvaney Bookmaker Novice Hurdle. 

1: Le Coq Hardi: A useful hurdler who was a good second behind Gale Mahler in a listed race at Galway when last seen 57 days ago. He was 6th at halfway making progress from 2 out taking 2nd on the run-in. He had the reopposing Gaucher back in 4th that day and despite being top weight he has the ability to take this.

4.20: Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

13: Perceval Legallois: A decent horse who's best recent performance was a 2nd at Punchestown back in May. His jumping let him down when 8th in the Galway Plate last time but that can be discounted and he is well worth another chance here and he can pick up a 5th career win.

24/9/24 Listowel

 Neither of Monday's tips ran as both Weston and Rudi's Apple were non-runner's. The race at Listowel went to Soaring Monarch who beat Scholarship by 2 3/4 lengths. Over at Fairyhouse Rebel Diamond won beating One Smack Mac by 3/4 of a length. 

It's another day at Listowel on Tuesday where on a 7 race card there are 2 highlights. 

3.45: Edmund & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes.

5: Mundi: A lightly-raced horse who has one win from three runs this year. That came at Dundalk in April and he was fifth behind Lord Massusus in a listed race at The Curragh when last seen at the end of June. Despite being off since he still has plenty of potential and can take this on his return. 

4.20: MAC Hardware & Farm Supplies Irish EBF Rated Race.

6: Sir Jeremy: Took a major step forward when winning at Down Royal on his last outing 18 days ago. He was 4th at halfway leading from 2 out, he was clear approaching the final furlong keeping on and easily coming home by 5 1/2 lengths. He should improve further here and follow up. 

23/9/24 Listowel & Fairyhouse

 The best at Listowel on Sunday came from Paggane who was 2nd. The 11/10 favourite led early being pressed from 3 out, she was passed soon after making no impression and keeping on at the same pace allowing World Of Fortunes to win by a comfortable 4 lengths.  In the other race I A Connect was 6th with the contest going to Solness who beat The Banger Doyle by 1/2 a length. 

 There is a double header on Monday which sees 8 races at Listowel on day 2 of the harvest festival and 7 at Fairyhouse with 2 main events. 

Listowel 4.20: John McGuire Handicap. 

2: Weston: Ran well on his first start for a new yard at Navan in May finishing 4th. He recovered from a poor start to sit 6th at halfway, he made progress taking 4th a furlong out keeping on at one pace. His last run at Galway 56 days ago can be overlooked and going down in trip here can see him finally open his account. 

Fairyhouse 5.45: Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes. 

5: Rudi's Apple: A useful colt who's last win came at The Curragh in July. He was a respectable 3rd in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes on the same course when last seen 23 days ago and goes slightly down in class here which should suit. He just has the best form on show and can return to winning ways. 

22/9/24 Listowel

 Saturday's winner came at Navan where Oxford Rock travelled well to lead 2 out, the 4/9 favourite was briefly challenged inside the final furlong but she stayed on to beat Turners Cross by 1/2 a length. At Gowran Park Caught U Looking was 3rd in a race won by Je Zous who beat One Look by 1 3/4 lengths. 

 It's day 1 of the Listowel Harvest festival on Sunday where on a 7 race card 2 take centre stage. 

2.30: Cheesestrings Irish EBF Mares Hurdle. 

2: Paggane: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 2nd at Killarney when last seen 31 days ago. She was prominent early sitting second at halfway, she made no impression before the last keeping on at one pace. She has cheekpieces back on here and can give her trainer a 3rd win in the last 4 runnings of this race. 

4.30: Kerry Group Handicap Chase. 

7: I A Connect: A horse with a decent record who was in need of the run when 5th at Killarney last month. He travelled well early and was 3rd at halfway, he had dropped to 5th by the last and had no extra on the run-in. With that under his belt he can do better here off a good-looking mark picking up a fifth career win.

21/9/24 Navan & Gowran Park

 The best performance on a poor Friday came at Dundalk where Saratoga Special was 4th. The 5/4 favourite tracked the leaders early sitting 4th a furlong out, she soon made no impression while upfront Powerful Nation won beating Amazing Athena by 1 1/2 lengths. Over at Downpatrick Due Course was 7th in a race won by Someone’s Wish who beat Tuckmill by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 There is a double header on Saturday with 7 races at both Navan and Gowran Park with 2 features. 

Navan 2.00: www.navanracecourse.ie Maiden.

9: Oxford Rock: A decent horse who put in a career best performance to finish 2nd at Down Royal 2 weeks ago. She led briefly from 2 out being passed soon after, she made no impression in the final 150 yards but did pull clear of the rest of the field. She is the pick on form and can open her account on her 6th outing. 

Gowran Park 4.01: Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes (Group 3)

6: Caught U Looking: A useful filly who was a good 4th behind Hanalia in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes at The Curragh just 6 days ago. She travelled well to sit 2nd at halfway but she was 3rd two out, she came under pressure in the final yards dropping to 4th close to home. She looks like the one to beat here and gets the vote. 

20/9/24 Downpatrick & Dundalk

 Thursday's best at Naas came from Rowdy Yeats who was 2nd. The 9/4 favourite was in midfield making progress from a furlong out, he kept on well taking 2nd close to home with Cercene winning by 2 1/4 lengths. In the other race Lunigiana was 3rd with the contest going to Carla Ridge who beat Miracle Beauty by 2 1/4 lengths. 

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

Downpatrick 4.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. 

1: Due Course: A fair hurdler who picked up a career best win at Bellewstown 23 days ago. He led from 2 out asserting himself before the last and coming home by 2 3/4 lengths. He is definitely going the right way and can follow up here on chase debut. 

Dundalk 4.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

7: Saratoga Special: A lightly-raced horse who after finishing a good second in a listed race at The Curragh went on to finish 3rd at Navan 22 days ago. She ran well disputing the lead inside the final furlong dropping down to 3rd near the line. She sets a high bar here and should achieve a first career win. 

19/9/24 Naas

 At Tramore on Wednesday First Dare won. The 6/1 shot was 4th after the 6th improving to go 2nd two out, she led soon after keeping on well on the run-in to beat Ta Na La by 5 lengths. In the other race Mater Matuta was 4th with the contest going to Must Be Dreaming who beat Prince Of Air by 4 1/2 lengths. 

 We move onto Naas on Thursday where on a 7 race card 2 stand out. 

2.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

5: Lunigiana: A horse with a decent record who ran as well as expected when 3rd behind Treasure Isle in a listed race at The Curragh 33 days ago. She was 4th entering the final furlong keeping on and taking 3rd close to home. She returns to maiden company here and can open her account on her fifth start.

5.05: Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden. 

7: Rowdy Yeats: A horse with promise who finished an encouraging 2nd on debut at The Curragh back in March. He was 5th at halfway improving to dispute the lead a furlong out, despite keeping on at the same pace he finished well clear of the rest. He goes significantly up in trip here which will suit and he is a big player on his return. 

18/9/24 Tramore

 Tuesday's winner at Punchestown was Star Harbour. The 4/5 favourite was 2nd entering the straight challenging inside the final furlong, he disputed the lead close to home staying on well to hit the front near the line beating Gesture by a head. The other pick Vadali was 12th in a race won by Ard Na Mara who beat Mythical Rock by 1/2 a length. 

 Tramore stages a 7 race card on Wednesday where there are 2 main events. 

3.35: Tote.ie Handicap Chase. 

6: Mater Matuta: A good horse who has 2 wins from 3 runs this season his last coming on this course 31 days ago. He was 2nd two out moving to the front at the last, he stayed on well under pressure winning by 1/2 a length. He switches back to chasing here and can continue his excellent form by following up. 

5.50: Tramore Racecourse Directors Handicap Hurdle. 

5: First Dare: A course winner in her career who was last seen finishing 7th on flat debut at Down Royal 88 days ago. She showed good form over hurdles before that including a win at Navan and a decent runner-up effort at Bellewstown. Returning to this sphere will suit and she should get back on track here.

17/9/24 Punchestown

 On Monday at Laytown both of my picks finished 2nd. In the 6.35 Harry's Bar travelled well leading narrowly from 1 1/2 out, the 4/1 shot was passed in the closing stages by Jungle Cove who won by 1 1/2 lengths. In the last race of the night Quar Shamar led early but was passed after 2 furlongs, the 13/8 joint favourite made no impression from 1 1/2 out allowing Tough Talk to win by an easy 10 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Punchestown on Tuesday with 2 features. 

3.25: Happy 60th Birthday To Ger Dunne Of Punchestown Race.

1: Star Harbour: A smart horse who’s latest win came at Tipperary in August. He was 3rd at halfway making headway to lead in the final 100 yards coming home by 1/2 a length, He was a good second at Dundalk when last seen 33 days ago. He sets a high standard here and should go one better.

3.55: William Hill Most Top Price Runners Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

7: Vadali: A lightly-raced horse who has been second on his last 2 starts including at Galway 45 days ago. He led early but dropped to 3rd by halfway, he kept on in the final furlong just failing to reach the winner losing by 1/2 a length. He should challenge again here and open his account. 

16/9/24 Laytown

 On Sunday at The Curragh two of my picks won. The early group 1 saw Bradsell sit in a prominent position leading from 2 out, the 2/1 favourite asserted himself in the final 150 yards beating Believing by 1 1/4 lengths. In the Irish St Leger Kyprios was 2nd at halfway moving to the front 3 out, the 2/5 favourite went clear in the closing stages beating Vauban by 2 1/4 lengths. The other pick Bedtime Story was 5th in a race won by Lake Victoria who beat Simmering by 1 1/4 lengths. 

 Irish racing makes it's annual trip to the beach at Laytown on Monday where on a 6 race card there are 2 highlights. 

6.35: ONEILLS.com (Q.R.) Handicap. 

5: Harry's Bar: Made a promising start for a new yard when 10th at Navan 18 days ago. He tracked the leaders early but weakened from 2 out dropping down the field. With that run under his belt he is a player here who can take a big step forward and return to winning ways. 

7.05: Tote Never Beaten By SP (Q.R.) Race.

2: Quar Shamar: A useful horse who finished a respectable 10th in the Irish Cambridgeshire at The Curragh when last seen 2 weeks ago. He goes down in class here in what should be an easier race and the pick on form can achieve a 2nd career win.

15/9/24 The Curragh

 An excellent Saturday at Leopardstown saw both my picks win. In the Justify Matron Stakes Porta Fortuna travelled well sitting 4th at halfway, the 5/4 favourite made headway to lead a furlong out asserting herself and beating Fallen Angel by a length. The Irish Champion Stakes saw Economics sit 3rd two out moving into the lead 150 yards from the finish, the 7/4 favourite kept on well under pressure to beat Auguste Rodin by a neck.

 The Curragh stages the second and final day of the Irish Champions Festival on Sunday where on a 8 race card 3 stand out. 

3.00: Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1)

1: Bedtime Story: An excellent filly who impressed when winning the Chesham at Royal Ascot by 9 1/2 lengths. She went on to win the Silver Flash at Leopardstown and the Group 2 Debutante Stakes over course and distance. She is an exciting prospect who should remain unbeaten here and give her trainer a 10th win in this race.

3.35: Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes (Group 1)

2: Bradsell: A horse with a good record this year who beat the reopposing Believing in the Nunthorpe at York when last seen 23 days ago. He tracked the leaders early leading from a furlong out and coming home by 3/4 of a length. A repeat of that should be enough to see him complete a hat-trick here. 

4.45: Comer Group International Irish St Leger (Group 1)

4: Kyprios: A high-class horse who has won all 4 starts this year including the Ascot and Goodwood Gold Cup's on his last 2 outings. He has 6 Group one victory's in his career taking this 2 years ago and is the one to beat here. 

14/9/24 Leopardstown

 The best at Ballinrobe on Friday came from Natural Look who was 3rd. The 10/3 favourite was in midfield sitting 6th two out, she moved into 3rd before the last keeping on at the same pace allowing Cobra Queen to beat Ring O Roses by 1 1/4 lengths. In the other race Caman Eileen was 7th with Ah Fuhgeddaboudit taking the contest beating Mexican Moonshine by 2 lengths. 

 The Irish Champions Festival begins with 9 races at Leopardstown on Saturday where 2 take centre stage. 

2.50: Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes (Group 1)

6: Porta Fortuna: An excellent horse who's standout win as a 2-y-o was the Group 1 Chevely Park at Newmarket. She has taken her form to another level this year finishing 2nd in the 1000 Guineas before winning the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and then the Falmouth Stakes when last seen in July. She just sets the standard here and can complete a hat-trick. 

3.25: Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)

5: Economics: A top-class horse who after impressively winning the Dante at York by 6 lengths went on to taste victory in a Group 2 at Deauville last time beating Jayarebe. He showed in those performances he has the potential to win at the highest level and he can do that here achieving a 4-timer. 

13/9/24 Ballinrobe

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Friday with 8 contests at Ballinrobe where there are 2 main events. 

4.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

2: Caman Elieen: A decent bumper winner who was a promising second on hurdles debut at Roscommon in July. She led from 5 out being challenged soon after and losing the lead on the run-in going down by 2 1/4 lengths. Her performance on the same track last month can be overlooked and she is worth another chance here. 

5.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Natural Look: A horse with a good record who's last win came at Clonmel in May. She recovered from a mistake 2 out to lead on the run-in keeping on well and coming home by 1 3/4 lengths. She was a good second on debut for a new yard at Kilbeggan 63 days ago finishing well clear of the rest and she can go one better here. 

11/9/24 Results

 An excellent Wednesday at Cork saw both my picks win. In the opener Rebel Diamond led early asserting himself from a furlong out, the 2/9 favourite kept on well comfortably beating Temperance by 2 1/4 lengths. In the other race Comanche Brave tracked the leaders moving to the front 2 out, the 8/13 favourite stayed on strongly easily beating Elusive Duke by 4 1/2 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Thursday. There are meetings at Doncaster where on day 1 of the St Leger Festival a couple of Group 2's take centre stage, Epsom and Newcastle. The next Irish card is at Ballinrobe on Friday tips for the highlights will be up on Thursday night. 

11/9/24 Cork

 On Tuesday at Galway both my picks were 2nd. In the early race Medici Venus travelled well challenging from a furlong out, the 4/1 shot led in the final 150 yards just being caught on the line by Tamam Desert who won by a short head. The other pick Rouge Sellier made progress from 2 out moving into 2nd inside the final furlong, the 7/2 favourite couldn't reach Beechwood who won by 4 1/4 lengths. 

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

3.45: Irish EBF Auction Series Race.

1: Rebel Diamond: A lightly-raced horse who picked up a career best win at Naas 17 days ago. He travelled well disputing the lead 2 1/2 furlongs out, he led soon after and despite being strongly pressed he held on in the final furlong coming home by a head. He is the pick on form and can follow up here.

4.20: Coolmore Stud Gleneagles Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden. 

3: Comanche Brave: A well-bred colt who finished a promising 4th on debut at The Curragh 32 days ago. He recovered from a slow start to make headway 3 out staying on at one pace in the closing stages. He had several of this field behind him that day and with improvement expected he can win here.

10/9/24 Galway

 Monday's winner at Galway was Neveradullmoment. The 9/4 favourite was prominent sitting 2nd three out, he led soon after going clear after the last. He kept on in the closing stages easily beating Macgiloney by 9 1/2 lengths. The other pick Fakir D’Oudairies was a non-runner. 

 There are 8 more races at Galway on Tuesday with 2 standing out. 

5.10: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden. 

3: Medici Venus: A well-bred horse who left her debut behind when 4th at Naas 16 days ago. She was disputing the lead when badly hampered a furlong out dropping down to 4th and ending any challenge. She should improve further and gets the vote to open her account here. 

6.15: Ardilaun Hotel Irish EBF Oyster Stakes.

15: Rouge Sellier: A horse with a good record who impressed when winning on return at Kempton in July. She led from 2 out soon going clear, she was eased down in the final 110 yards very easily coming home by 15 lengths. She was 4th behind Kalpana in a listed race at Hamilton 53 days ago but that can be excused and with plenty of potential she can win again here. 

9/9/24 Galway

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Monday with 8 contests at Galway where there are 2 highlights. 

4.30: Deacy Gilligan Hurdle. 

3: Fakir D’Oudairies: A smart chaser who was a respectable 10th in a Grade 3 at Leopardstown when last seen back in February. Despite being off 7 months and wearing a tongue strap for the 1st time this former Grade 2 winner should go well for a yard in good form and can make a winning return here.

6.45: Kenny Developments Handicap Chase. 

6: Neveradullmoment: A decent horse who picked up a career best win on this course 36 days ago. He was 7th at halfway improving to lead in the closing stages beating Wajaaha by 1 3/4 lengths. He switches back to fences here and has to be taken seriously as he attempts to follow up.

7/9/24 Results

 The best at Navan on Saturday came from Agouti Bear who was 2nd. The 5/2 favourite was 3rd approaching halfway making headway to lead early in the final furlong, she kept on well but was passed close to home by Actin Like A Diva who won by 1/2 a length. The other pick Snapdragon was 4th in a race won by Grande Marques who beat Shimmy Jimmy by 2 1/4 lengths.

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Sunday, there are meetings at York and Fontwell. The next card in Ireland is at Galway on Monday tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night. 

7/9/24 Navan

 An excellent Friday saw both of my picks win. At Down Royal Lightning Bear was 3rd at halfway improving to challenge 2 out, he led soon after keeping on well in the final 150 yards beating Oxford Rock by 1 3/4 lengths. Over at Kilbeggan Presenting Lad was at the rear early making headway into 5th 2 out, the 7/1 shot led at the last and despite being strongly pressed close to home he held on to beat The Dasher Conway by a head. 

 Navan stages Saturday's action where on a 7 race card 2 top the bill.

2.15: Irish EBF Auction Series Fillies Maiden. 

6: Agouti Bear: A promising horse who was a decent second on debut at The Curragh 3 weeks ago. She disputed the lead early but was passed 2 out, she made no impression soon after but kept on in the final furlong. She showed there was plenty to work with and with improvement expected she looks like the one to beat here. 

2.50: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Race.

1: Snapdragon: A useful colt who finished a very creditable 2nd on this course when last seen 9 days ago. He led but was strongly pressed from a furlong out being passed near the line going down by a head. The quick turnaround shouldn't be a problem and after coming close in his last 3 starts he can go one better here.

6/9/24: Down Royal & Kilbeggan

 Thursday's winner at Clonmel was Expound. The 15/8 favourite led early asserting himself from 1 1/2 furlongs out, despite drifting slightly to the left in the closing stages he held on to beat Moonlit Mist by 1/2 a length. In the other race Jabbar was 2nd, the 7/2 shot was 4th at halfway sitting 3rd 1 1/2 furlongs out, he kept on close to home taking 2nd on the line, En Or won by 2 1/2 lengths. 

 There are 8 races at Down Royal and 7 at Kilbeggan on Friday with 2 main events. 

Down Royal 3.15: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

3: Lightning Bear: A good-looking horse who was a promising 3rd on debut at Cork 3 weeks ago. He made progress from 2 out and had every chance in 4th entering the final furlong, he kept on at the same pace taking 3rd in the closing stages. He wears cheekpieces for the first time here and with more to come can open his account. 

Kilbeggan 4.35: Pat Doyle Memorial Handicap Hurdle. 

10: Presenting Lad: A horse with a decent record who has picked up 2 wins from 6 runs this season his last was at Tramore 22 days ago. He led from 3 out but was passed soon after sitting 2nd at the last, he rallied leading again close to home and winning by a neck. He switches back to hurdles here and should complete a hat-trick. 

5/9/24 Clonmel

 The best on poor Wednesday at Kilbeggan came from Cruisin Susan who was 6th in a race won by Camino Rock who beat Royal Cave by 2 1/4 lengths while the other pick Leading Lion was a non-runner. 

 There are 7 races at Clonmel on Thursday with 2 features. 

5.45: Comida To Come Handicap. 

5: Expound: A decent horse who showed improvement over hurdles when winning at Tramore 3 weeks ago. He made all the running staying on well on the run-in and coming home by 1/2 a length. He should continue his good form here and has to be taken seriously as he attempts a follow up success. 

6.45: Camida Advantage Tipperary Cup Handicap. 

2: Jabbar: A horse with a good record this year culminating with a career best win at Killarney just under 2 weeks ago. He was fifth at halfway travelling well to challenge 1 1/2 furlongs out, he led narrowly soon after pulling away in the closing stages eventually winning by 2 1/2 lengths. With his yard in decent form he can win again here.

4/9/24 Kilbeggan

 Tuesday's winner at Gowran Park was Monumental. The 11/8 shot was at the rear early making headway to sit 3rd at halfway, he led narrowly from 2 out keeping on well in the final 150 yards to beat Tashir by 2 1/2 lengths. In the other race Mint Candy was 2nd. The 11/8 favourite led for a second time a furlong out being passed close to home by Greatest Drama who won by a nose.

 We have 7 races at Kilbeggan on Wednesday with 2 highlights. 

3.45: Kilbeggan Racecourse Novice Handicap Hurdle. 

2: Leading Lion: A good horse who impressed when picking up a first career win at Bellewstown a week ago. He was 3rd at halfway making headway to lead from 2 out, he was 5 lengths clear at the last keeping on well and coming home by 4 1/2 lengths. With improvement definitely expected he can follow up here. 

5.30: Kilbeggan Handicap Hurdle. 

7: Cruisin Susan: A useful horse who has 2 wins from 5 runs this season her latest coming at Tramore last month. She disappointed when 9th on her hat-trick bid at Wexford 5 days ago but that can be discounted and she can quickly return to winning ways here. 

3/9/24 Gowran Park

 On Monday at Roscommon Loch Tay won. The 7/2 shot was 2nd at halfway leading early in the straight, he kept on well inside the final furlong beating Majestic Wave by 4 1/2 lengths. In the other race Akecheta was 2nd. She made headway from a furlong out challenging 150 yards from the finish, she made no impression close to home allowing Vestigia to win by a neck. 

 Eight races take place at Gowran Park on Tuesday with 2 standing out. 

1.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. 

11: Mint Candy: A decent horse who was a promising 4th on debut at Tipperary 25 days ago. Despite being slowly away she was soon in midfield sitting 5th a furlong out, she moved into 4th in the final 100 yards keeping on at one pace. Her stable is in good form and with improvement expected she gets the vote here.

2.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden. 

6: Monumental: A promising looking horse who finished a good second at The Curragh when last seen 24 days ago. He was always in a handy position only being outpaced close to home. He has more to offer and on form should go one better here. 

2/9/24 Roscommon

 Sunday's best at Tipperary came in the Group 3 where Super Sox was 3rd. The 5/6 favourite was 4th at halfway improving into 2nd a furlong out, she dropped to 3rd soon after keeping on at one pace while upfront Without Words beat Matilda Picotte by a length. In the other race Little Queenie was 4th with the contest going to She's Quality who beat Jakajaro by 3 lengths. 

Roscommon stages 7 races on Monday with 2 main events.

4.10: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race. 

2: Loch Tay: An interesting horse who was a good second on debut at Gowran Park 78 days ago. He made headway entering the straight leading 1 1/2 furlongs out, he was strongly pressed soon after being passed in the closing stages going down by 3/4 of a length. Despite being off since improvement is expected and he can go one better here. 

5.45: Lecarrow Race. 

1: Akecheta: A winner at Tipperary in May who went on to finish second at Gowran Park when last seen 77 days ago. She travelled well from 2 out taking 2nd in the final 100 yards. She has the best form on show here and with progress on the cards she can return to winning ways.