This response details the races scheduled at Limerick Racecourse in chronological order, drawing upon the provided race cards, spotlight commentary, and ratings report.
Limerick Racecourse Analysis (November 25th)
All races are scheduled on Heavy ground.
1. 12.35 Conference & Banqueting Facilities At Limerick Racecourse Maiden Hurdle (2m 2f 150y)
TimeWise Master Top Two
West Of Bally (IRE) (108 RPR master latest master)
Second in a point-to-point in May. Faded from two furlongs down in a 2m4f bumper at Listowel. Showed enough when fifth on his hurdles debut at Galway to suggest he could feature here for a leading local stable. The fourth placed horse in that Galway race, Kings Bucks, has since run well at Cheltenham.
Butch Coolidge
88 days
Hard to fault on pedigree, being by Walk In The Park out of the brilliant Solerina. He has shown hints of ability and took on stronger opposition at Kilbeggan last time. He is open to improvement.
Spotlight Verdict
Not much worthwhile form to go on. Eric McNamara may have the solution with WEST OF BALLY, whose Galway fifth was quite promising. Butch Coolidge, out of the great Solerina, ran in a stronger maiden than this at Kilbeggan and could feature. Mistyburn and Grey Gardens may be capable of improvement.
David Harry Kelly 1-1-2, Eugene M O’Sullivan 1-1-3.
Assessment of the Top Two
Horse
Strengths
Weaknesses
Suitability
West Of Bally
Has shown promise on hurdles debut; form boosted by subsequent run of a rival; represents a leading local stable.
Faded in bumper.
Expected to feature prominently in this field.
Butch Coolidge
Strong pedigree; previous experience against stronger opposition; open to improvement.
Only shown ‘hints of ability’ so far.
A likely contender who could feature.
2. 1.05 Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (2m)
TimeWise Master Top Two
Torps (IRE) (117 RPR master latest master)
Kmil Du Seuil (FR) (Inferred based on position/odds in Ratings Report)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form/Days Off
Comments
Torps
30 days
Consistent sort who was third on his sole bumper run. The best of his four maiden hurdle runs came when finishing second over the course and distance (C&D) last time.
Kmil Du Seuil
212 days
Third in a French 3yo bumper in 2023. Was thrown in at the deep end in a Grade 1 on his yard debut in April and subsequently pulled-up. Returns with a tongue-tie fitted.
Spotlight Verdict
A consistent sort who was runner-up over C&D last time, TORPS (nap) can go one better for his local yard. Kmil Du Seuil was pulled-up in a Grade 1 when last seen but this is much calmer waters and she can run well. If easy point winner Sound As A Bell were to get a run he would be a big danger. Justatan can do much better than in a Wexford bumper last time.
Carry On Heidi (IRE) (119 RPR master latest master)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form/Days Off
Comments
Bhean Saibhre
85 days
A versatile four-year-old filly. Gained her first hurdle win in August at Ballinrobe. She has been generally dependable on the Flat and over hurdles, including a good effort when second over 2m in testing conditions at Clonmel. A good 7lb claimer is booked.
Carry On Heidi
16 days
Dual point-to-point winner and twice runner-up. Got off the mark over hurdles at the third attempt in a 2m4f maiden at Clonmel last month. Ran a respectable effort behind the market principals in a 3m novice event at Cork earlier this month.
Spotlight Verdict
The versatile four-year-old filly BHEAN SAIBHRE should be in good shape for her return to hurdling almost seven weeks after a good Flat run. Getting weight from her eight rivals, She’s On Line has a leading chance on last month’s Clonmel second. If not inconvenienced by a drop in trip, Carry On Heidi and Run For The Border can feature.
Lenjoleur De Palma (FR) (98 RPR master latest master)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form/Days Off
Comments
Onefortheditch
12 days
Dual hurdle winner in 2024. Has been consistent in defeat recently over hurdles and fences. Handles soft ground.
Lenjoleur De Palma
31 days
Consistent in defeat when previously trained in the UK. Went closest for the current yard last time when finishing a close third over C&D, being headed late on. He is up 2lb for that effort.
Spotlight Verdict
Probably left in front a bit too soon when headed late on over C&D last time, LENJOLEUR DE PALMA can make amends today. Onefortheditch and Kingdom Calling could prove to be his main dangers.
P J Rothwell 1-0-4, Eoin Christopher McCarthy 0-2-5.
Assessment of the Top Two
Horse
Strengths
Weaknesses
Suitability
Onefortheditch
Proven winner this year; consistent form; handles soft ground.
The 2m trip might be slightly sharp.
Expected to be involved and is considered a main danger.
Lenjoleur De Palma
Consistent; ran very well over C&D last time, showing pace.
Up 2lb; must handle this softer ground.
Expected to score and make amends for recent close defeat.
5. 2.35 Mr Binman Christmas Racing Festival Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)
TimeWise Master Top Two
Johnny Cakes (FR) (100 RPR master latest master)
Gaelic Des Chastys (FR) (98 RPR master latest master)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form/Days Off
Comments
Johnny Cakes
24 days
Got off the mark at Punchestown in February over 2m4f. Ran well over 3m at Kilbeggan subsequently. Is expected to improve from his Galway return when tiring late on.
Gaelic Des Chastys
31 days
Has been generally consistent since joining the current yard (18 months). Won over fences at Listowel and achieved a good second place over C&D since.
Spotlight Verdict
Having looked to get tired late on at Galway on return, JOHNNY CAKES can improve enough from that to score. Gaelic Des Chastys was runner-up over C&D last time and looks a big danger. If ready enough after his break, Macivor should be involved off his lower hurdle mark.
Has been campaigning over fences recently and has sound prospects off this hurdle mark. Won a 2m5f event here 12 months ago, and is only 5lb higher now. His chase form has been excellent, winning twice recently, including scoring by 5l at Galway.
Grace Faraday
24 days
Previously a course winner over 2m6f (May 2024). Showed a return to form when second at Galway over 2m6f in September. Built on that to win over 3m at Galway, demonstrating good stamina.
Spotlight Verdict
This looks open. A hopeful vote goes to NETTUNO ITALIA to atone for two instances of beaten favouritism since his return from a break. Heading the list of dangers is Heesdynamite who has been in good form over fences. The renewal of rivalry between Grace Farraday and Ballyroe Madam could have a bearing on the outcome.
Lord Lackendarra (IRE) (96 RPR master latest master)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form/Days Off
Comments
Mossy Way
257 days
Had a cracking run on debut at Fairyhouse last year behind a smart sort. Later ran better again at Thurles in a stronger race than this.
Lord Lackendarra
12 days
Has run respectably in defeat across 10 bumpers.
Spotlight Verdict
Debut point winner TIP OF THE WINGS appeals most making his rules debut for Gordon Elliott having made 95,000GBP after that win. Mossy Way can provide the stiffest opposition.
Race Statistics
Note: The provided source excerpts do not contain the full race statistics (Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, Trainer Records) for this specific race.
Assessment of the Top Two
Horse
Strengths
Weaknesses
Suitability
Mossy Way
Proven ability in bumpers against smart competition; faces a potentially weaker field here.
Disappointed at Limerick over Christmas; absent for 257 days.
Can provide the stiffest opposition to the likely winner.
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