Kelso 12.53 - Class 3 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 6 and 1/2 furlongs - 12 run - Good To Soft

 

Nab Wood and Young Jack were impressive winners last time and carry 8lbs and 5lbs penalties respectively, it's hard not to see them finishing 1-2 here and I would just think that NAB WOOD has more scope.

 

The likes of Bertie B, Donnet Head, Idem and Ballytecho can all take a hand and at bigger prices I think that both Fingals Hill and GAILLIMH A STAR are overpriced. Fingals Hill steps up in trip and that looks logical but GAILLIMH A STAR was very impressive running on after a 2 year break last time and provided he doesn't "bounce" looks e/w value

 

I suggest a WIN BET on NAB WOOD and a reverse F/C with Young Jack and an each way bet on GAILLIMH A STAR.

 

(North)

 

-----

 

Leopardstown 1.55 - 

 

In this 3 mile Handicap Chase with 18 runners I will focus on 3 runners. I am TRACKING Garde La Peche forwards as I think he might just still need the run after a slight injury and I reluctantly left out Harveys Quay 3rd in this race last year and overpriced on that form.

 

My 1 -2 -3 though are SHAJAK whose jumping improved last time when given a tender ride, with that confidence the enging that we know is there should start to come in to focus. HASCOUER CLERMONT looks too big a price to be ignored, ticks all the boxes for me and it will be disappointing if a better effort is not forthcoming. OUTSIDE THE DOOR is another who has ideal conditions, right trip and competitive mark and has no excuses as a result.

 

Limerick 12.32 - 

 

In this 2 mile 6 furlong Novices Handicap Chase with 13 runners, I think that the each way banker is ATACANTER despite top weight its off a nice mark and no excuses here and at a bigger price i'm quietly confident that STARLIGHT CATO who is race fit, off a nice mark and again optimum conditions can run a place at least

 

(Michael)

 

----

 

Leopardstown 3.05 - 

 

The big Handicap race that closes the 4 day Meeting with 23 runners over 2 and a hal miles.

 

I narrowed this down to 3 and they include the favourite SA FUREUR who runs off a very competitive Hurdle mark and one I think here to win. I am convinced a few who will want to go to Cheltenham with this race under their belts for fitness will try to hide form and marks so my other two are based not just on form and chances but the belief that they are here to run on their merits and not to hide their true marks.

 

SHADOW RIDER is a very big price for one who is a bit of a dark horse and who may have substantial improvement in it, it would have to go very close here to have any aspirations outside of this sort of Handicap yet I think it can do some real damage at this trip and off this mark. COMFORT ZONE comes from a Yard that ha shit a rich vein of form and all their horses finally seem to be well and this nice dual purpose type should be placing at worst

 

Limerick 3.27 -

 

An 18 runner handicap to close the Meeting and the 4th day here over 2 miles and 3 furlongs 

 

With the ground just softening, which we hope will happen everywhere in the coming days, I think that Duffy's Hodey is the one they all have to beat if you want a "win saver"

 

Both Nephin Beg and Stellar Symphony can and have won races for me but I think that there will be other days for them and I'm hoping it won't be today but if either of the following were a non runner then they could step up in that order of preference.

 

ANOTHER OCANA won this race last year and is clearly best here at Limerick with wins off marks of 90 and 95, I'll ignore form elsewhere and I'll be disappointed if we don't win or place at the very least with this one today. KNOCKBRACK RAMBLER is generally consistent and although a lot of the generally consistent ones have suddenly started running poorly when tipped, I can find no excuses why this one won't be in contention here. 

 

(Sean)