Dundalk, November 18th

Gulf Pearl

(G.M. Lyons)

A half-sister to two classy types in Southern France and Bolshoi Ballet, this daughter of No Nay Never made an encouraging debut to finish fourth to the newcomer Lecale’s Approach in a maiden last Friday week.

She kept on quite nicely in the closing stages to be beaten just over two lengths and showed enough to indicate a maiden success could come her way.

Punchestown, November 19th

Joshua Des Flos

(J.P. O’Brien)

This four-year-old shaped well on his hurdling debut last Saturday week when beaten just over four lengths into third by Absolute Notions.

This effort more than confirmed the promise of his second in a Leopardstown bumper last March and it won’t be long before the son of Joshua Tree is making his mark.

Punchestown, November 19th

Cardamon Hill

(G. Elliott)

A placed pointer, he went off favourite for a Punchestown bumper two weeks ago but was beaten seven and a half lengths into second by stablemate Caldwell Potter. He was never in a position to mount a telling challenge but stuck to his task well inside the last quarter of a mile and he should do well when he gets the chance to tackle longer trips over jumps.

Punchestown, November 20th

Dubai Clover

(J. McConnell)

She didn’t show much in two flat runs in the autumn but her hurdling debut was a good deal more encouraging as it saw her finish a 12-length fourth to the smart-looking Nusret.

There should be more to come from her following this outing and a first jumping success won’t be long in coming her way.

Limerick, November 22nd

Walk With Paul

(M. Brassil)

This six-year-old was making her racecourse debut when chasing home Brookie in a maiden hurdle last Tuesday week.

She lost out by just half a length against a capable and experienced 110-rated rival and this represented a heartening start to her career. On this evidence she will soon make up for lost time.

Gowran, November 26th

Chosen Thyme

(P. Fenton)

This winning pointer showed promise in two bumper runs last season and turned in an encouraging effort on his first run since April to finish third to Kalanisi Star in a maiden hurdle last Saturday.

He was beaten just over 20 lengths but will come on for this and can make his mark in a maiden this season.

Gowran, November 26th

Marelly

(E.C. McCarthy)

He is hardly the most original choice after winning a novice handicap hurdle at the weekend but the manner of his success suggested that he could be placed to further advantage through the winter months. Furthermore he coped well with the testing ground which also stand him in excellent stead for the winter.

Navan, November 27th

Jazzy Matty

(G. Elliott)

A three-year-old half-brother to Delta Work, he progressed nicely from his debut outing at Auteuil in September to finish second in a big field juvenile maiden hurdle on Sunday where he was beaten six lengths by the smart flat horse Comfort Zone.

He looks a nice staying type for the future.

Navan November 27th

My Trump Card

(G. Elliott)

This own-brother to the high-class Airlie Beach was a big eyecatcher in the maiden hurdle won by Grangeclare West where he finished well from the last to lose out in a three-way photo for second.

He looks a horse of some potential for the rest of the season.

Navan, November 27th

Lady Rita

(L.G. Lyons)

This mare progressed very nicely towards the end of last season and posted a respectable effort on her return when finishing seventh in a two-and-three-quarter miles handicap won by Jungle Prose on Sunday.

She wasn’t beaten all that far and will be of distinct interest wherever she turns out next.