1/5/25 Punchestown

 An excellent Wednesday at Punchestown saw all 3 of my picks win. In the novice hurdle Jasmin De Vaux recovered from a mistake at the last to lead narrowly on the run-in, the 13/8 favourite kept on well beating Honesty Policy by 1/2 a length. Bambino Fever was 3rd at halfway making headway to lead from 2 out. The 11/8 favourite was soon clear beating Switch From Diesel by 2 1/4 lengths. In the Gold Cup Galopin Des Champs made all the running having a 2 length lead at halfway. The 5/6 favourite extended his advantage from 3 out easily beating Spillane's Tower by an impressive 22 lengths. 

 The Punchestown festival moves into day 3 on Thursday with 2 Grade one main events. 

5.25: Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

4: Majborough: An excellent horse who won his first two races this season including the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown where he drew clear on the run-in easily winning by 9 lengths. He didn't complete the 4-timer when 3rd in the English Arkle at Cheltenham last time but that was due to a couple of late mistakes and if these can be avoided then he will be very hard to beat here.

6.00: Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

9: Teahupoo: A high-class hurdler who won this race last year by 6 1/2 lengths. Despite not winning the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham for a second season his performance behind Bob Olinger showed he is still as good as ever and he can bounce back here and defend his crown.

30/4/25 Punchestown

 The best at Punchestown on Tuesday came from Ballyburn who was 2nd. The 11/8 favourite led for a second time 3 out but was passed before the last by Champ Kiely who won by a comfortable 6 1/2 lengths. In the other races both Kopek Des Bordes and Fact To File were 4th. Irancy took the Champion Novice Hurdle beating Salvator Mundi by 9 lengths with the Champion Chase going to Marine Nationale who beat Captain Guinness by 7 lengths. 

 It's day 2 at Punchestown on Wednesday with 3 more Grade one features. 

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

6: Jasmin De Vaux: A decent horse who made a winning start over hurdles at Navan in December. He didn't progress as expected until winning the Albert Bartlett during the Cheltenham Festival 7 weeks ago. He recovered from a mistake 3 out making headway to lead before the last, he stayed on well coming home by 2 1/2 lengths. A repeat of that performance should see him follow up here. 

4.50: Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race ( Grade 1)

6: Bambino Fever: A good prospect who completed a hat-trick when taking the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham 49 days ago. She travelled well leading inside the final furlong winning by a comfortable 1 1/2 lengths. She still has more to come and is the one to beat here. 

5.30: Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup ( Grade 1)

2: Galopin Des Champs: A top-class chaser who has finished 2nd in the last two running’s of this race. He wasn't seen at his best when failing to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month but he can definitely bounce back here and achieve a 15th career win.

29/4/25 Punchestown

 Monday's best at Naas came from My Mate Alfie who was 2nd. The 1/1 favourite made good headway moving into 2nd two out, he stayed on well in the final furlong just failing to reach Two Stars who won by 1/2 a length. The days other pick Noble Nation was 11th in a race won by Love Billy Boy who beat Moltophino by a neck.

 The Punchestown festival begins on Tuesday with 3 Grade one’s taking centre stage.

4.15: KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

4: Kopek Des Bordes: An excellent horse who remains unbeaten after winning the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival 49 days ago. He travelled strongly leading from 2 out, he recovered from a mistake at the last staying on well and beating William Munny by 1 3/4 lengths. This top-class prospect should follow up here and make it five wins from five starts.

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

1: Ballyburn: One of the best novice hurdlers of 2023/24 who added to his grade one tally at Leopardstown in February beating Croke Park by 5 lengths with the reopposing Impaire Et Passe back in 3rd. He wasn’t seen at his best when fifth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham but he can bounce back here and pick up a 9th career win.

6.00: William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)

3: Fact To File: A top-class chaser who looked better than ever when winning the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last month. He led from 3 out going clear and beating Heart Wood by 9 lengths. Despite dropping to 2 miles he should be hard to beat and can follow up here. 

28/4/25 Naas

 After a day off a busy week begins with 7 races at Naas on Monday where we have 2 highlights, 

6.10: Family Fun Day May 18th Handicap. 

15: Noble Nation: A promising horse who's last win came over course and distance 36 days ago. He recovered from a poor start travelling well to lead from 2 out, he asserted himself drawing clear inside the final furlong and easily coming home by 5 1/2 lengths. Despite a weight rise he still has more to come and can complete a hat-trick here. 

6.40: Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes.

2: My Mate Alfie: A smart horse who won 4 times in 2024 including a listed race on this course when last seen in October. He was prominent leading narrowly inside the final furlong winning by 3/4 of a length. Despite this being his first run over 5 furlongs he is definitely one to follow this season and can achieve a 4-timer here.

26/4/25 Results

 Our winner on Saturday at Navan was Kyprios. The 1/7 favourite was 2nd at halfway leading narrowly from a furlong out. He kept on well in the final 150 yards beating Enfranchise by 2 lengths. In the days Group 3 Tarima was 8th with the race going to Wemightakedlongway who beat Catalina Delcarpio by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Sunday. There are meetings at Wetherby and Southwell. The next Irish card is at Naas on Monday tips for the highlights will be up on Sunday night.

26/4/25 Navan

 Friday's winner came at Kilbeggan where Look To The West made good headway to lead from 4 out. The 10/11 favourite went clear soon after keeping on well on the run-in and comfortably beating Gaoth Chuil by 3 1/2 lengths. Over at Limerick Artful Approach was 6th in a race won by Evening Blossom who beat Fort Vega by 1/2 a length. 

 Navan stages 8 races on Saturday with 2 standing out. 

3.25: Bar One Racing Vintage Crop Stakes.

1: Kyprios: A high-class horse who won all seven of his starts in 2024 including the Ascot Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup. He was last seen taking the Long Distance Cup on British Champions Day back in October leading from 2 out beating Sweet William by 2 1/4 lengths. He has won this race for the last two seasons and should make it three in a row here.

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

8: Tarima: A well-bred horse who caught the eye when winning on debut at Leopardstown 27 days ago. She made good headway from 2 out leading inside the final furlong and comfortably coming home by 1 3/4 lengths. She can definitely improve here and this interesting prospect can follow up.

 

25/4/25 Limerick & Kilbeggan

 Thursday's only finisher came at Tipperary where Sup Of Red was 5th. The 2/1 shot led early but was 3rd by halfway, she soon had no extra dropping to 5th close to home. Upfront Joyful Tidings won beating Arugam Bay by 1 3/4 lengths. Over at Kilbeggan Marelly was a non-runner. 

On Friday there are 8 races at Limerick and 7 at Kilbeggan with 2 main events. 

Limerick 4.35: Great National South Court Hotel Handicap. 

15: Artful Approach: A decent horse who ran well on his first start for a new yard finishing 2nd at Leopardstown 26 days ago. He made headway from a furlong out keeping on well to take 2nd near the line. He can build on that promising performance here and achieve a 2nd career win.

Kilbeggan 6.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. 

4: Look To The West: A useful hurdles winner who was a promising 3rd on fences debut at Clonmel 57 days ago. She challenged before 2 out but after being slightly hampered approaching the last she kept on at one pace on the run-in. She can improve on that here and taste victory again.

24/4/25 Tipperary & Kilbeggan

 An excellent Wednesday at Gowran Park saw both my picks win. Mataariki made all the running going clear a furlong out. Despite having a reduced advantage close to home the 3/1 joint favourite kept on comfortably beating Marakesh by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other race Dahlia Noir made headway leading from a furlong out. The 3/1 favourite stayed on well close to home winning by 1/2 a length. 

 A Thursday double header sees 7 races at both Tipperary and Kilbeggan with 2 taking centre stage. 

Tipperary 3.52: Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

11: Sup Of Red: A promising horse who ran well when 2nd on debut at Cork 18 days ago. She made headway from a furlong out staying on to take 2nd in the closing stages. She can build on that here and with further improvement likely she can go one better and open her account. 

Kilbeggan 4.40: Clarke's Electrical Contractors Castletown Geoghegan Handicap Hurdle. 

1: Marelly: A good horse who despite not winning since December 2022 travelled well to finish a respectable 4th at Naas when last seen 88 days ago. He has a decent chance here running off the same mark and he can pick up a 3rd career victory. 

23/4/25 Gowran Park

 On a very poor Tuesday at Fairyhouse Kalix Delabarriere was 16th in a race won by Lord Erskine who beat Helvic Dream by 1/2 a length while in the other race Fairyland Opera was a non-runner. 

 There are 7 races at Gowran Park on Wednesday with 2 highlights. 

5.40: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

6: Mataariki: A lightly-raced horse who's only career win came on this course exactly a year ago. She was a good 3rd behind Big Gossey at The Curragh in November and wasn't disgraced when 10th in a listed race over at Chantilly later the same month. Despite being off 151 days she can make her handicap debut a winning one.

6.12: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden. 

1: Dahlia Noir: A decent horse who's career best performance was a 3rd at Leopardstown back in July. She finished a good 5th on the same course on her return 24 days ago sitting 2nd two out but having no extra in the final furlong. She ran well there and sets a high standard here and can open her account. 

22/4/25 Fairyhouse

 On Monday two of my picks won. At Cork Coming Up Easy travelled well leading for a second time close to home. The 10/3 shot beat Jay Pee M by 1 1/2 lengths. In the Irish Grand National Haiti Couleurs led from 4 out going 2 lengths clear before the last. The 13/2 chance kept on well on the run-in beating Any Second Now by 3 1/4 lengths. Heart Wood was the only pick not to finish being pulled up 2 out.

 The 7 race card that was abandoned at Fairyhouse on Saturday now takes place on Tuesday with 2 standing out. 

4.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final. 

16: Fairyland Opera: A useful hurdler who didn't need to be at her best to win at Tramore just 9 days ago. She was 4th approaching halfway leading from 3 out, she asserted herself before the last easily winning by 12 lengths. This may be a tougher test but she is more then capable and can win again here.

5.05: RYBO Handicap Hurdle. 

10: Kalix Delabarriere: A decent horse who won on her 3rd hurdles start at Naas in February. She challenged from 2 out leading early on the run-in. She came under pressure but won by 1 1/2 lengths. She can pick up a 3rd career win here and give her stable a sixth victory in this race since 2014.

21/4/25 Cork & Fairyhouse

 Sunday's only finisher was at Fairyhouse where Spindleberry won. The 3/1 shot improved from 4 out travelling well to lead soon after, she kept on strongly on the run-in beating Firefox by 4 1/2 lengths. The days other two picks failed to finish. Asterion Forlonge unseated his rider 2 out while The Big Westerner was pulled up before 2 out.

 The Easter festivals at Cork and Fairyhouse reach their conclusions on Monday with 8 races at both and 3 features. 

Cork 2.25: Coolmore N.H. Sires Luxembourg Handicap Chase. 

5: Coming Up Easy: A decent horse who picked up a career best win at Limerick 39 days ago. He made all the running going clear before the 3rd, despite having a reduced advantage at the 6th he asserted himself again from 2 out comfortably coming home by 11 lengths. He tops the shortlist here and can follow up. 

Fairyhouse 4.20: Jack McInerney Memorial Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2.)

6: Heart Wood: A high-class chaser who was last seen finishing an excellent 2nd behind Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham 39 days ago. On form he stands out and can go one better here.

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

14: Haiti Couleurs: An improving horse who made it 3 wins from 4 runs in this sphere when taking the National Hunt Cup at Cheltenham in March. He led from 3 out staying on well and winning by 4 1/2 lengths. He enjoyed the increase in trip there so with more to offer he can win again. 

20/4/25 Fairyhouse & Cork

 Our only runner on Saturday was at Cork where Rowdy Yeats finished 2nd. The 1/1 favourite made headway to briefly dispute the lead 2 out, he made no impression inside the final furlong allowing Currawood to win by 5 1/2 lengths. The other two picks didn’t run because the meeting at Fairyhouse was called off due to 21mm of overnight rain making the track unfit for racing. The card has been rescheduled for this coming Tuesday April 22nd.

On Sunday there are 8 races at both Fairyhouse (if an early morning inspection is passed.) and at Cork with 3 main events. 

Fairyhouse 2.22: WillowWarm Gold Cup (Grade 1.)

6: Spindleberry: A useful chaser who picked up a career best win in a listed race on this course when last seen 57 days ago. She led for a second time before the last staying on well on the run-in and coming home by 6 1/2 lengths. She should progress further here and complete a hat-trick. 

Cork 3.57: Michael O'Sullivan Chase (Grade 3.)

1: Asterion Forlonge: A smart chaser who has been a course and distance winner including this race last year. He was a respectable 2nd in a hurdle at Thurles 36 days ago where he disputed the lead early but made no impression before the last. He switches back to chasing here and can defend his crown.

Fairyhouse 4.10: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

14: The Big Westerner: A promising horse who was a good second behind Jasmin De Vaux in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival 37 days ago. She made headway to challenge before the last going down by 2 1/2 lengths. She is a major player who can return to winning ways here, 

19/4/25 Cork & Fairyhouse

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Saturday with 8 races at Cork and 7 at Fairyhouse with 3 topping the bill. 

Cork 2.00: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race.

3: Rowdy Yeats: A promising horse who opened his account at Naas 27 days ago. He led early going 3 lengths clear from a furlong out, he kept on well in the closing stages coming home by 3 1/2 lengths. He definitely has more to offer and should follow up here. 

Fairyhouse 4.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final. 

20: Fairyland Opera: A useful hurdler who didn't need to be at her best to win at Tramore just 6 days ago. She was 4th at halfway leading from 3 out, she asserted herself before the last easily winning by 12 lengths. This may be a tougher test but she is more than capable and can win again here.

Fairyhouse 5.05: RYBO Handicap Hurdle. 

11: Kalix Delabarriere: A decent horse who won on her 3rd hurdles start at Naas in February. She challenged from 2 out leading early on the run-in, she came under pressure but won by 1 1/2 lengths. She can pick up a 3rd career win here and give her stable a sixth victory in this race since 2014.

17/4/25 Results

 Thursday's winner at Clonmel was Raydamann. The 1/1 joint favourite was 2nd early recovering from a slight mistake to lead from 2 out. He asserted himself on the run-in keeping on well and comfortably beating Autumn Twist by 4 1/4 lengths. In the other race Volez Vous was a non-runner. 

After today's action Irish racing takes another break on Friday. There are meetings at Newcastle, Lingfield and Chelmsford. A busy easter period begins at Cork and Fairyhouse on Saturday tips for the features will be up on Friday night. 

17/4/25 Clonmel

 Wednesday's best at Gowran Park came from Mathan who was 2nd. The 10/11 favourite tracked the leader early disputing the lead a furlong out, he was passed in the final 150 yards by Saint Brandon who won by 3/4 of a length. In the other race Elegant Madame was 3rd with the contest going to Pink Oxalis who beat Declaree by 4 lengths. 

 On Thursday there are 6 races at Clonmel where we have 2 highlights. 

6.00: Easter At Clonmel Races Maiden Hurdle. 

6: Raydamann: A useful horse who has improved with each run in this sphere culminating in a good second at Limerick 2 weeks ago. He was 3rd early moving into 2nd four out. Despite making no impression on the winner he finished well clear of the rest and with further progress likely he should go one better here. 

6.30: Botanica International Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

8: Volez Vous: A decent horse who enjoys running here winning her last two starts the latest came 3 weeks ago. She made progress entering the straight leading narrowly from 2 out. Despite a slight mistake at the last she kept on well on the run-in coming home by 1 1/4 lengths. She can continue her good record here and complete a course hat-trick. 

16/4/25 Gowran Park

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Wednesday with 7 contests at Gowran Park where 2 stand out. 

 1.57: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race.

2: Mathan: A good prospect who showed improvement when opening his account at The Curragh 18 days ago. He was 2nd at halfway leading from 2 out, he asserted himself inside the final furlong comfortably coming home by 3 1/4 lengths. He still has more to come and can take another step forward here by following up. 

4.17: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. 

3: Elegant Madame: A decent horse who was a respectable 5th at Dundalk when last seen 47 days ago. She was prominent early sitting 4th two out, she made no impression inside the final furlong losing a place. She was unsuited by the drop in trip that day and should do better back at a mile and can pick up a 2nd career win here. 

14/4/25 Results

 The best performance on Monday at Tramore came from Joueuse Royale who was 3rd. She was prominent early sitting 5th two out, the 9/2 shot improved taking 4th at the last moving into 3rd inside the final furlong. Upfront Pipers Boreen won beating Beggars Rock by a length. In the other race Routine Excellence was 4th with the contest going to Must Meet Cecil who beat Darkened by 1/2 a length. 

 After today's action Irish racing takes a break on Tuesday. There are meetings at Newmarket, Southwell and Kempton. The next Irish card is at Gowran Park on Wednesday tips for the highlights will be up on Tuesday night.

14/4/25 Tramore

 A very poor Sunday saw both my picks fail to finish. At Tramore Qualimita sat 3rd at halfway travelling well before falling 2 out. Over at Down Royal Banprionsa was pulled up 3 out.

 There is a second day at Tramore on Monday where on a 7 race card there are 2 main events.

4.25: Tramore Claiming Hurdle. 

2: Routine Excellence: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 4th when last seen at Leopardstown 42 days ago. He tracked the leaders early sitting in 4th three out, he improved to take 3rd before the last but had no extra inside the final furlong dropping back to 4th. He switches from chasing to hurdles here and goes down in trip so can pick up a fifth career win. 

6.25: Tramore Promenade Beginners Chase. 

11: Joueuse Royale: A lightly-raced horse who finished a very good second at Downpatrick 2 weeks ago. She made progress from 3 out challenging after the last, she kept on at one pace on the run-in going down by 2 1/4 lengths. She has plenty of ability and should make her chase debut a winning one. 

13/4/25 Tramore & Down Royal

 The best on Saturday came at The Curragh where Jan Brueghel was 2nd. The 4/5 favourite tracked the leader early sitting 2nd at halfway, he made no impression from a furlong out allowing allowing Galen to win by 2 1/2 lengths. In the other races Whirl was 6th with the contest going to One Look who beat Ecstatic by 1 3/4 lengths while over at Bellewstown First Dare failed to finish falling at the 4th.

 On Sunday there are 7 races at both Tramore and Down Royal with 2 topping the bill. 

Tramore 2.05: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 

6: Qualimita: A useful hurdler who was a creditable 5th at Navan when last seen 22 days ago. She was in touch sitting 6th three out but made no impression before the last keeping on at one pace. That was a slight blip on an otherwise excellent record and she can bounce back here and open her account. 

Down Royal 4.35: Fibrus Super Simple To Switch Handicap Chase. 

1: Banprionsa: A decent horse over hurdles who won on her 3rd start in this sphere at Limerick 3 weeks ago. She travelled well to lead narrowly from 2 out and despite being passed she led again close to home winning by a head. She should challenge again here and can follow up. 

12/4/25 Bellewstown & The Curragh

 Friday's best came at Ballinrobe where Extrapolation was 2nd. The 15/8 favourite led from 2 out but was passed after the last by Impero who won by 2 1/4 lengths. Over at Dundalk Mission Central was 5th in a race won by Leblon Beach who beat First Approach by 1 1/2 lengths. 

 A busy weekend begins on Saturday with 7 races at Bellewstown and 8 at The Curragh with 3 taking centre stage. 

Bellewstown 2.40: Boardsmill Stud Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

1: First Dare: A good horse who's latest win came at Tramore in September. She travelled well challenging from 2 out. She stayed on leading before the last coming home by 5 lengths. She was a creditable 6th when last seen at Naas in November and she can return to winning ways here. 

The Curragh 3.25: Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (Group 3)

8: Whirl: An improving horse who picked up a career best win in the Staffordshire Stud Stakes over course and distance when last seen in October. She led for a second time close to home beating And So To Bed by 1/2 a length. She definitely has more to offer this season and can complete a hat-trick on her return. 

The Curragh 4.35: Tote.ie Alleged Stakes (Group 3)

1: Jan Brueghel: A two-time course and distance winner who achieved a career best success in the St Leger at Doncaster on his last start of 2024. He led in the final 110 yards beating Illinois by a neck. He should remain unbeaten here on return picking up a 5-timer. 

11/4/25 Dundalk & Ballinrobe

 On a poor Thursday at Limerick the best came from West Away who was 4th. The 16/5 favourite was 5th after the 7th making no impression from 2 out. He kept on at the same pace on the run-in taking 4th in the closing stages, upfront Grange Walk beat Slip Jig by 2 1/2 lengths. In the other race The Dancing Tree was 6th with the contest going to Mercury Mission who beat Andyourbirdcansing by 6 lengths. 

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

Dundalk 5.30: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

3: Mission Central: A well-bred newcomer who's family include No Nay Never and Thar She Blows an unraced sister of Prosperous Voyage a horse who won the Falmouth and finished 2nd in both the 1000 Guineas and the Fillies Mile. All that should stand him in good stead and he can win here on debut. 

Ballinrobe 5.47: McGrath Limestone Works Handicap Hurdle. 

3: Extrapolation: A course and distance winner who was last seen finishing 8th on the flat at Gowran Park 9 days ago. He made some progress from 2 out but soon dropped down the field making no impression. That run was good preparation for this his hurdles return and he can pick up a fifth career win here. 

10/4/25 Limerick

 Wednesday's best at Leopardstown came from Mutasarref who was 2nd. The 5/6 favourite led approaching the final furlong but was passed in the last strides by Lord Massusus who won by a neck. In the other race Migdam was 9th in a contest won by Himalayan Heights who beat Ard Na Mara by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 On Thursday we have 7 races at Limerick with 2 features. 

3.27: Locke Burger Novice Handicap Hurdle. 

2: The Dancing Tree: A useful horse who showed improvement when an excellent 2nd on handicap debut over course and distance 72 days ago. He was left in the lead after a runner pulled up before the 6th,he kept on under pressure on the run-in being passed close to home just going down by a head. He should progress further here and go one better.

4.37: Ishka Irish Spring Water Handicap Hurdle. 

2: West Away: A horse who showed early promise which was confirmed when he won at Roscommon back in June. He made headway early in the straight leading approaching the last, he kept on well easily coming home by 4 1/4 lengths. He needed the run when 12th on his return at Naas last month but that can be overlooked and he can resume winning ways here. 

9/4/25 Leopardstown

 Tuesday's winner at Navan was Dakota Blue. The 7/4 shot travelled well from 2 out leading soon after. He went clear staying on strongly in the final furlong easily beating Vorfreude by 1 3/4 lengths. In the other race Poetic Sound was 2nd. The 6/4 favourite made headway from 3 out keeping on well under pressure in the closing stages challenging only losing to Saturn by a neck. 

 On Wednesday there are 8 races at Leopardstown with 2 main events. 

2.48: 'Domin OH Hoo Hoo' Handicap. 

14: Migdam: A fair horse who despite not winning since 2023 put in a creditable performance to finish 6th on this course 10 days ago. He was in midfield early briefly sitting fifth a furlong out, he made no impression in the closing stages dropping to 6th. That was his turf return and going back up in trip here should suit and he can achieve a fifth career win.

3.48: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Heritage Stakes. 

1: Mutasarref: A smart horse who has been a four time course winner. He ended his 2024 with victory in a listed race at Cork where he was 2nd two out leading narrowly soon after, he kept on well under pressure in the final furlong coming home by a length. He makes his return here for a yard in good form and he can follow up. 

8/4/25 Navan

 After a day off Irish racing returns on Tuesday with 7 contests at Navan with 2 standing out. 

3.10: Cusack Hotel Group Family Fun Day July 13th Handicap. 

3: Poetic Sound: A lightly-raced horse who picked up 2 wins from 3 runs last year his latest was a Bellewstown in October. He was 3rd at halfway making headway from 2 out. He led soon after keeping on well in the final furlong and coming home by 4 lengths. Despite being off 6 months progress is expected and he can complete a hat-trick here on handicap debut. 

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

1: Dakota Blue: A promising horse who finished a close 2nd at Dundalk when last seen in October. He recovered from a poor start to sit 2nd a furlong out, he challenged inside the final furlong but just failed to reach the winner going down by a head. He goes up in trip here for a yard in good form and can go one better on his return. 

6/4/25 Results

 On Sunday two of my picks finished 2nd. At Cork Vespertillo travelled well after a poor start to lead from 2 out. The 7/2 shot was strongly pressed in the final 150 yards by Lady With The Lamp who went on to win by 1/2 a length. Over at Fairyhouse Karniquet was 3rd at halfway but made no impression approaching the last. The 4/5 favourite kept on at one pace allowing Irancy to win by 1 1/2 lengths. In the other contest Wingmen was 6th in a race won by Mr Percy who beat Fleur In The Park by 3/4 of a length. 

 After a busy weekend Irish racing takes a break on Monday. There are meetings at Kelso, Redcar, Wolverhampton and Kempton. The next Irish card is at Navan on Tuesday tips for the highlights will be up on Monday night. 

6/4/25 Fairyhouse & Cork

 On Saturday at Bellewstown both my picks finished 2nd. In the opener Chester Nimitz travelled well leading for a third time a furlong out. The 9/4 shot was passed inside the final furlong by Atsila who went on to win by 2 1/4 lengths. In the later race Cuban Grey led early being strongly pressed from 2 out. The 9/2 joint favourite had no extra close to home allowing Emerald Harmony to win by a head.

 A busy Sunday sees 7 races at both Fairyhouse and Cork with 3 highlights. 

Fairyhouse 2.35: Paddy Kehoe Suspended Cellings Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

8: Wingmen: A useful hurdler who after finishing 2nd in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown was below form when 10th in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham 23 days ago. He led from the 4th but was passed after a mistake 2 out dropping down the field. He goes back down in trip and class here and should pick up a 4th career win.

Cork 3.25: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes.

7: Vespertilio: A useful filly who was a good 5th behind Porta Fortuna in the Justify Matron Stakes at Leopardstown when last seen in September. Despite going down in trip here she has an excellent chance and can take this on her return. 

Fairyhouse 3.37: Donohoe Marquees Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

7: Karniquet: A decent horse who after winning at Tramore in November has been behind stablemate Kopek Des Bordes on his last two starts, finishing 2nd in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and 4th in the Supreme at Cheltenham. He tops the shortlist here and can get back to winning ways. 

5/4/25 Bellewstown

 Friday's winner came at Wexford where Rebel Gold was 2nd approaching halfway disputing the lead at the last. The 7/2 favourite led narrowly soon after keeping on well to beat Don't Go Yet by 1 1/4 lengths. Over at Dundalk Eric Lock was 2nd. The 11/2 shot led early but was passed 2 out, he had no extra inside the final furlong allowing Brigid's Cloak to win by 3 1/2 lengths. 

 There are 7 races at Bellewstown on Saturday with 2 features. 

4.20: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. 

2: Chester Nimitz: A lightly-raced horse who was 4th at The Curragh on his return 20 days ago. He tracked the leaders early sitting 3rd two out, he kept on at one pace dropping to 4th close to home. Despite going significantly up in trip here he can build on that performance and open his account. 

6.25: His Majesty's Cup Handicap. 

4: Cuban Grey: A decent horse who picked up a career best win at Dundalk when last seen 68 days ago. He made all the running going clear 2 out, he stayed on strongly in the final furlong easily coming home by 2 1/4 lengths. Despite a weight rise he has an excellent chance and can follow up here. 

4/4/25 Dundalk & Wexford

 Thursday's winner at Naas was Shuffle The Deck. The 5/1 shot travelled well to lead from 2 out, he went clear after the last staying on strongly on the run-in and comfortably beating Casheldale Lad by 3 lengths. In the days other race Ma Belle Etoile was 2nd. The 4/6 favourite tracked the leaders disputing the lead from 2 out. She was passed at the last by Fiver Friday who won by 2 3/4 lengths. 

 A Friday double header sees 7 races at both Dundalk and Wexford with 2 main events. 

Dundalk 5.42: Saturday 12th July Ladies Day at Dundalk Stadium Handicap. 

7: Eric Lock: A decent horse who was a good second at Naas when last seen 12 days ago. He led at halfway but was passed in the final 100 yards only going down by 3/4 of a length. He can build on that here off an unchanged mark and open his account. 

Wexford 6.30: Ambrex Switchgear Veterans Handicap Chase. 

1: Rebel Gold: A horse with a good record who despite not winning in 11 runs has showed improvement lately finishing 2nd at Gowran Park 27 days ago. He was 3rd two out keeping on to take 2nd on the run-in. He goes up in trip here and on form he can pick up a 6th career win.

3/4/25 Naas

 The best on Wednesday at Gowran Park came from Win Me Over who was 2nd. The 8/11 favourite led for a second time 1 1/2 furlongs out but was passed in the final 150 yards by Deressa who won by 1 1/4 lengths. The days other pick Romzina was 5th in a race won by Falcon Eight who beat War Rooms by 3/4 of a length. 

 Naas stages 8 races on Thursday with 2 standing out. 

2.35: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.

9: Ma Belle Etoile: A fair hurdler who has one win in her career. She was a bit below form when 6th at Listowel on her final outing back in June. She was 2nd early leading narrowly from 2 out, she was passed before the last weakening on the run-in. Despite being off 10 months she can make a winning start for trainer Henry De Bromhead. 

3.10: Colm White Bookmakers Rated Novice Hurdle. 

1: Shuffle The Deck: A decent horse who has run on this course for his last two starts opening his account comfortably in December and then being pulled up before the last in Grade 1 company a month later. The ground didn't suit that day so he is worth another chance and can win again on his return. 

2/4/25 Gowran Park

 Tuesday's winner at Limerick was Drumgill. The 3/1 shot made good headway from 3 out leading narrowly soon after. He kept on well on the run-in easily beating General Clermont by 5 lengths. In the other race Icare D'Aubrelle was a non-runner. 

 There are 7 races at Gowran Park on Wednesday where we have 2 highlights. 

5.10: GowranPark.ie Fillies Maiden. 

7: Win Me Over: A well-bred horse who was a promising 4th on debut at The Curragh 17 days ago. She was always prominent sitting 3rd three out, despite keeping on at one pace inside the final furlong she caught the eye in a big field. This is a stiffer test but that is certain to suit and she should open her account here.

7.15: Dine At Gowran Park Race.

9: Romzina: A horse with a decent record who after making a winning start at Cork went onto run well in better company in her final two outings culminating with a 3rd in a listed race at Naas in October. She should have more to offer this season and with progress expected she can make her return a winning one.