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12:40 Thurles
We start with a Martinstown Opportunity Hurdle over two and a half miles. De Benno is the favourite and took advantage of a much lower handicap hurdle, He is still a maiden over fences and this mark looks beyond him over fences.
Black Zero has been running consistently well over fences but is another who has not won off this mark but at least has won over fences. Kalico Kalista has one win to his name over fences but is seven pounds higher here and has the exciting jockey David Mullins on board. He has to improve to win off this mark.
The selection is Teelin Star who makes his handicap début today on his first ride for the upwardly mobile Liz Doyle. A lot will need to be taken on faith in regards to this horses fitness but the trainer is someone who can ready one. He won his bumper on his second start and that form while three year ago is strong and also on heavy ground. He will need to have been well schooled but to me looks well handicapped and could be thrown in here.
Teelin Star (WIN)
14:10 Thurles
The next race is a two mile handicap hurdle and Desoto County has been especially well punted overnight but to my eye he is not that well treated as some of the others here. It is his first start for Gordon Elliot after been removed from Donald McCains yard. Cliff House is another who could go well and while he has top weight. he was classy on flat for Clive Brittan and with his form over hurdles is good he has a bit to prove off this mark but cannot be discounted.
The selection is Busty Brown who is also having his first run for this yard after leaving Noel Meades and it is interesting to see Davy Russell booked. He has some strong form over both hurdles and fences and is now a full stone lower than his highest mark which he achieved after winning the Monksfield grade two novice hurdle. This looks a good opportunity for a good placer of horses and looks overpriced.
Busty Brown (E/W)
15:20 Fakenham
The final selection comes from an unusual source for me. A maiden from the UK but I quite like the look of one of the outsiders here. What A Moment is the favourite for Pipe and Scudamore but that yard have been struggling of late and I would want to see them have a couple of consistent winners before getting involved at the prices. Young Dillion has set a good standard with a rating of 120 and if the yard had been in some form I would have been interested. Kalondra is another who is interesting but is yet to get his head in front when having ample opportunity.
Prince Of Steal was highly tried in points before getting head in front. Its hard to know how strong that form is but he won eased down by six lengths. He didn’t disgrace himself either with a bumper third for this yard over an inadequate trip and is sent straight over hurdles and up in trip. This should suit and I’d be disappointed if not at least running a promising race.
Prince Of Steal (E/W)