13:40 Sun 16 April 2023
IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MARES MAIDEN HURDLE
Distance 2m
Prize €13,000 Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 14
- Silent Approach (IRE) – She sets the standard on her Gowran form and is back down in trip. She had a big run on debut for this yard when she was the runner-up at Gowran, finishing 9 lengths in front of I Sea The Moon. Although she may have found the heavy ground over an extended 2m4f at Wexford too demanding last time out, her overall form makes her a strong contender.
- Baby Chou (IRE) – She has shown promise in her trio of bumper efforts so far. Although she reportedly hung badly throughout at Thurles last time, it is still early days, and she should not be discounted in this weak contest.
- I Sea The Moon (IRE) – She went close in a couple of handicap hurdles in 2021, including a second-place finish at this venue. She didn’t show much in her first couple of runs this term but returned to her best when fourth at Gowran last month, albeit held on form by Silent Approach. She should have a say if she can build on that performance.
- Double Pink (IRE) – She had a low-key debut for this yard in 2021 before finishing runner-up on her sole outing for Willie Mullins at Sligo last year. She ran okay when sixth of 18 at Gowran six days after being carried out early when returning for this trainer at Wexford. She may need a step up in trip but has an each-way chance.
It is worth noting that other runners like Minnie Beets (IRE) and Kathy Choice (IRE) have shown minor promise, but they would need to step up their performances to be serious contenders in this race.
14:15 Sun 16 April 2023
ADARE MANOR OPPORTUNITY MAIDEN HURDLE
Distance 2m 4f 70y
Prize €11,000 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 15
- Potters Party (13/8) – Has shown promise in three out of his four starts in maiden hurdles, and despite not jumping well in his last race at Limerick, he wasn’t beaten far. With early days in his career, there is potential for improvement.
- Viceregent (7/4) – A former Flat winner, he has been consistently performing well over hurdles, hitting the frame in five of his last six starts. Although he might be vulnerable for win purposes giving weight away, he should be firmly in the mix.
- Macdermott (4/1) – Although he has had a mixed start to his hurdling career, he showed some encouragement in his last race at Limerick. There is room for improvement in his jumping, and he should perform better at some stage.
- Power Hour (15/2) – Has shown promise in two bumpers this term, but was tailed off when stepped up to this trip at Wexford last time. If the ground dries out, he could bounce back and be a contender.
- Sea Road Fill (14/1) – Has shown some ability in a couple of maiden hurdle starts at this sort of trip. If he can settle better than he did at Punchestown last time, he could be involved in the finish.
In summary, Potters Party and Viceregent appear to be the leading contenders for the race, with Macdermott, Power Hour, and Sea Road Fill as potential dark horses to keep an eye on.
14:50 Sun 16 April 2023
ANNE VALLEY WALK HANDICAP HURDLE (D.I)
Distance 2m 4f 70y
Prize €10,500 Rated (80-95) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 16
- Lilian Bland (9/2) – Point winner at Bandon and held her form well in subsequent starts under Rules. Heavy ground likely helped bring her stamina into play, finishing runner-up at Clonmel last week. With a 3lb higher mark here, she has a good chance of performing well.
- Early Arrival (5/1) – A 19-race maiden, but only beaten by a neck at Gowran last month. This mark is workable for him, and he goes on any ground. Considering his recent form, he has a decent chance of performing well in the race.
- Anstand (5/1) – Built on his handicap debut when finishing a 10l runner-up at Clonmel in February. Though his effort at Naas wasn’t as strong, he is not ruled out in this race.
- Royal Rhythm (8/1) – Got back to winning ways at Clonmel last month but couldn’t build on that at Limerick. Prefers testing conditions, and a career-best performance may be needed to defy his mark. Nonetheless, he has the potential to perform well in this race.
- Hard Target (8/1) – Relished testing ground when winning at Clonmel in December, but his form has dipped since. If the ground conditions are suitable, he could perform well in this race.
- Port Rashid (11/1) – A course winner who has proven he can stay this trip. He recently won at Thurles and remains on a workable mark. With the right conditions, he has a decent chance of performing well in the race.
- Well Loved (9/1) – Despite low-key efforts in maiden hurdles, she was about to have a say in the finish before a heavy fall at Naas on her handicap debut last month. She could be well treated from this mark and should not be ruled out.
These horses appear to have the best chances of winning or performing well in the race.
15:25 Sun 16 April 2023
ANNE VALLEY WALK HANDICAP HURDLE (D.II)
Distance 2m 4f 70y
Prize €10,500 Rated (80-95) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 16
- Mighty Jeremy (IRE): Although carrying an 8lb hike, he has recently returned to form by winning at Clonmel last week. However, his best form is on heavy ground, which could be a concern depending on the conditions.
- Costanuci (IRE): With a career-best performance at Punchestown in February, only nudged up 2lb and unexposed, Costanuci has every chance here with a repeat performance.
- Just Hannah (IRE): Showed promise in maiden hurdles and kept on well from the rear at Ballinrobe when last seen. However, she has been off for 219 days, and the handicapper hasn’t missed her, so she might not have the best chance to win, but could still perform well.
- Master Breffni (IRE): Achieved a career-best when beaten 9l on handicap debut at Naas last month. Although only up 1lb, the drop in trip might not be to his advantage, but he still has the potential to perform well.
- Tango Theatre (IRE): Despite struggling in recent races, he showed an encouraging 14l second place finish at Ballinrobe on Friday. If he can maintain this form, Tango Theatre could perform well in the race.
- Unheralded (IRE): Left his previous form behind when finishing fifth of 10 in a maiden hurdle at Clonmel on his penultimate outing (form boosted since). A return to a longer distance may suit him, and he warrants respect on his handicap debut.
In summary, Costanuci and Mighty Jeremy appear to be the strongest contenders, but Just Hannah, Master Breffni, Tango Theatre, and Unheralded could also perform well.
16:00 Sun 16 April 2023
TRAMORE RACECOURSE DIRECTORS CHASE
Distance 2m 5f 126y
Prize €13,000 Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 3
- Saint Sam (FR): This keen horse has been hurdling this season and has shown promise. He is returning to chasing for the first time at this trip, but the tight track should give him every chance of seeing it out, although he needs to settle better than of late. This race seems like a golden opportunity for Saint Sam, and he is the strong favourite.
- Minella Escape (IRE): Despite being disappointing overall, Minella Escape’s sole win under Rules came in a maiden hurdle over this trip over two years ago. He has no stamina issues, but his recent form makes it hard to have confidence in him. However, if he can recapture some of his earlier form, he could perform well.
- Halsafari (IRE): The ground is suitable for Halsafari, but the trip might stretch him, making it a big ask at these weights. While he may not be the strongest contender, he could still put up a decent performance if things go in his favour.
In summary, Saint Sam appears to be the strongest contender for the win, but Minella Escape and Halsafari could potentially perform well in the race.
16:35 Sun 16 April 2023
BOOK A TABLE FOR THE AUGUST FESTIVAL HANDICAP CHASE
Distance 2m 5f 126y
Prize €15,500 Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 11
- Tyre Kicker (FR): This horse has recently won a hat-trick of races, starting with a victory over this course and distance. He needs to improve again to continue the sequence, but the return to a longer trip should suit him well.
- Old Soul (FR): He has made steady progress in his attempts over fences, winning a 2m4f beginners’ event at Clonmel in testing conditions. Old Soul is likely to continue improving as he steps up in trip, and could perform well in this race on his handicap debut.
- Lizrona (IRE): She has been progressing well, winning on heavy ground over 3m at Thurles in December and securing a career-high mark by winning a 2m7f Clonmel mares’ handicap 10 days ago. Lizrona is now 6lb higher but is still one to consider for this race.
- Priory Park (IRE): While he hasn’t reached similar heights in his seven attempts chasing, his narrow defeat by Sunnyvilla at Fairyhouse is a standout performance. With a talented rider’s claim and a shorter trip, he could bounce back in this race.
- Super Citizen: Held by the handicapper so far this season, he showed improvement in his last run at Leopardstown off a reduced mark. Now back down to his last winning mark, Super Citizen cannot be ruled out.
In summary, Tyre Kicker, Old Soul, and Lizrona appear to be the strongest contenders for the win, but Priory Park and Super Citizen could also perform well in the race.
17:10 Sun 16 April 2023
LISMORE HANDICAP CHASE
Distance 1m 7f 22y
Prize €11,500 Rated (0-109) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 17
- KNOW THE GAME (IRE) – This horse won at Naas in December from a 9lb lower mark and had a decent run at Fairyhouse. Despite a fall at Navan in its latest race, it shouldn’t be ruled out.
- DREAMSRMADEOFTHIS (IRE) – Had a good handicap chase debut with a C&D second in October and returned to a similar level of form at Thurles last time. This horse appears to be the more solid choice from the Enda Bolger stable.
- FREDDIE ROBDAL (IRE) – Although this horse has limited chasing experience and hasn’t performed well in beginners’ events, it could still be a contender against experienced handicappers.
- JOY OF LIFE (IRE) – After a winning start over fences and a good second at Clonmel, this horse’s form has been inconsistent due to jumping errors. However, with blinkers replacing cheekpieces, it could still have a chance.
- JUST JACOB (IRE) – Although this horse hasn’t shown much in its chasing attempts so far, it is stepping down in class for its handicap debut and could potentially surprise.
- LAKE CHAD (IRE) – This horse has had better form over hurdles, but it won a beginners’ chase at this course last summer. It might be hard to be confident with its current chase mark, but it shouldn’t be dismissed entirely.
- MALINAS GLORY (IRE) – Showed improvement in its second chase start but hasn’t been as strong recently. Returning from a break for a new yard, the trip might be on the short side, but it could still perform well.
- WITHALLDUERESPECT (IRE) – Won at Clonmel last summer and had a decent run at Thurles in February. It’s not one to readily rule out.
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