2.00 Sign Up To Our Newsletter Maiden Hurdle 2m

Gentleman Joe can improve on previous efforts to get off the mark at the third time of asking. A very useful handicapper on the flat, he was sent off odds-on for his hurdling debut but could manage no better than fourth.

In hindsight, that was undoubtedly an above average maiden so the run should be upgraded. A disappointing effort at Leopardstown over Christmas can also be excused as the yard wasn’t firing on all cylinders at that time.

Igraine brings more solid form to the table, although she has had plenty of chances. Her penultimate run when second over course and distance would give her every chance in this race.

SELECTION: GENTLEMAN JOE

Next best: Igraine

2.35 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden hurdle 2m3f

Nos Na Gaoithe may be good enough to make a winning debut over hurdles. Highly tried since making a successful debut in a Sligo bumper last August, the Willie Mullins-trained mare is sure to be well schooled ahead of this assignment. On collateral form, she should have the edge over these rivals if jumping proficiently.

See A Stride should really appreciate the test of stamina, having won a point-to-point prior to racing under rules. Although her track form to date has been satisfactory, she gives the impression of requiring this step up in trip.

SELECTION: NOS NA GAOITHE

Next best: See A Stride

3.10 Coolagown Stud Rated Novice Hurdle 2m3f

Fanoir is a speculative suggestion in a very competitive affair.

The seven-year-old mare has done little wrong since returning from a break; finishing second to a long odds-on shot before winning her maiden hurdle last time out.

On that evidence, she has more scope for improvement then her rivals and Charlie O’Dwyer continues to be great value for his claim.

Mankhool should appreciate these calmer waters having finished mid division in a much stronger race over Easter. Prior to that, Denis Hogan’s gelding had been running consistently in handicap company.

SELECTION: FANOIR

Next best: Mankhool

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Handicap Hurdle 2m4f

The Tack Room should take plenty of beating in this lower grade having shown real potential when third at Fairyhouse.

On that occasion, Harry Swan did well to force the J.P. McManus-owned gelding up for a share of third place in a very competitive novice handicap hurdle. It was only the second time the horse had run in handicap company, so he should have learned from the experience.

Thedancingfarrier reserves his best for this venue but failed to perform when last seen 20 days ago. He was stepping up in trip on heavy ground then, so perhaps he will show more now back at two and a half miles on a sounder surface.

SELECTION: THE TACK ROOM

Next best: Thedancingfarrier

4.20 Mallow Maiden Hurdle 3m50y

Chiricahua is worth another chance now that he steps up to this trip for the first time. A high-class staying handicapper on the flat, he has thus far failed to deliver over hurdles but has run some solid races.

His overall form is just about the best on offer here but the extra half a mile he encounters could just see him in a better light.

Eyre Square is another who should be suited to the three-mile distance. A bumper winner over two and a half miles, she was placed in her point-to-point and has long given the impression he needs a stamina test.

SELECTION: CHIRICAHUA

Next best: Eyre Square

4.55 Racing Again May 18th Handicap Hurdle 3m50y

Emancipator should be difficult to beat on his second start for Terence O’Brien. The six-year-old bolted up by 20 lengths in a handicap chase on his first run for the yard and now reverts to hurdles off a mark of just 89. He had been very consistent over flights for previous connections, so there is no reason to be concerned about switching back.

Four Horsemen is an interesting runner on his first outing for Karl Thornton. The latter does very well with these dual-purpose horses and this is one that fits the ideal profile.

SELECTION: EMANCIPATOR

Next best: Four Horsemen

5.25 Irish Stallion Farms EBF 4Y0 Fillies INH Flat Race 2m

Gaoth Chuil sets the standard in this finale, although much has to be taken on trust. The bare form of her Sligo second would be good enough to win an ordinary bumper but not if there is an above average newcomer in the field. With nothing to go on regarding the latter, the Ted Walsh-trained filly gets the verdict.

Slip Jig catches the eye among the newcomers. Jamie Codd looks a significant booking for Colin Motherway and there are plenty of winners in the four-year-old’s pedigree. It would be no surprise to see her involved.

SELECTION: GAOTH CHUIL

Next best: Slip Jig