2.15 Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle 2m 101y
Rambling Rose may be good enough to win this moderate contest for her local connections. A bumper winner at Ballinrobe last year, the six-year-old showed definite ability when mid division on her hurdling debut at this track last time. In a race where any worthwhile form is rather thin on the ground, she appeals as one of the few winners in the line-up.
Betty Zane, a Cork bumper winner, has been set some pretty stiff tasks since then so will appreciate these calmer waters. She ran reasonably well on her last appearance but has the disadvantage of making her hurdling debut now.
SELECTION: RAMBLING ROSE
Next best: Betty Zane
2.50 See You In October Hurdle 2m 7f 198y
Unexpected Depth has really improved since stepping up to this trip and could well have more improvement to come. He appeared to hold leading claims for the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham but connections decided to bypass the race at this stage in his career. This looks a wise move as the former point-to-point winner could develop into a decent staying chaser next season.
Jett has been highly tried in graded races over the last few seasons so will find this opposition much easier. However, he has failed to sparkle for some time now so the application of first-time blinkers will need to bring about a change in fortunes.
SELECTION: UNEXPECTED DEPTH
Next best: Jett
3.25 Leugh Handicap Hurdle
2m 7f 198y
Trickey Trix may be good enough to defy top-weight in a competitive affair. A previous course winner, she stays this trip well and arrives here in good form having been placed on her latest two outings. Danny Hand gets a good tune out of the mare and the duo can combine to win for the second time.
Glenabo Bridge is a capable sort on his day although his win record isn’t the best. However, his best efforts have come at this sort of distance and he shaped well for a long way at Leopardstown last time.
SELECTION: TRIKEY TRIX
Next best: Glenabo Bridge
4.00 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3) 2m 2f
Felix Desjy should have little difficulty in justifying short odds here as he drops considerably in class. A winner at Killarney earlier in the season, he followed up in Grade 2 company before finding the highest level beyond him on his last two runs. With nothing to trouble him on ratings, at least he should make it three wins over fences.
Whatsnotoknow has a very good record at this track so could well be the one to chase the jolly home and pick up second-place prize money.
SELECTION: FELIX DESJY
Next best: Whatsnotoknow
4.35 Duggan Veterinary 4cyte For Horses Handicap Chase 2m 4f 121y
Sidetracked had long had the appearance of a well-handicapped individual and was well supported to land a competitive race at Leopardstown recently. However, he was an early casualty on that occasion so is on something of a recovery mission. Provided he is none the worse for that tumble then he should be winning now.
Espion Du Chenet was still in contention when exiting three out at this venue last time. His jumping can be a worry but he has the ability to be involved all the same.
SELECTION: SIDETRACKED
Next best: Espion Du Chenet
5.10 Horse & Jockey Beginners Chase 2m 6f
Top Moon can to his handicap experience to good use here by proving too strong for some unexposed rivals. A decent handicap hurdler last year, he had shown little over fences prior to an excellent effort in a very strong race at Leopardstown last time. A reproduction of that run would be good enough.
Myth Buster is another that has yet to hit the heights over fences but has shown definite ability at the discipline. One of his better runs over fences came at this very track.
SELECTION: TOP MOON
Next best: Myth Buster
5.40 www.thurlesraces.ie (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m 101y
Agape caught the eye on her recent debut when running green before staying on late. She looked capable of improving from that initial outing and making her presence felt in similar company so has to be followed. It would be a surprise if she isn’t fighting out the finish under her 7lbs claimer.
Forever Frankie has the beating of the selection strictly on collateral form but may not possess as much scope for improvement. Nonetheless he looks a leading contender here.
SELECTION: AGAPE
Next best: Forever Frankie