UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

CITY LIMITS certainly wasn't disgraced behind two useful-looking opponents on his latest hurdles start at Punchestown and, having run creditably on the Flat since, he is fancied to play a leading role under Gavin Brouder. He's Ok, wearing a first-time hood, performed well at Naas in January, finishing six lengths behind subsequent winner Final List, and hopefully his confidence won't have been knocked by a last-flight fall over C&D latest, while Iconic Lady, Generalisation and Kolumbus are other names to note in a very winnable maiden.
Prediction : 1st City Limits 2nd Hes Ok 3rd Iconic Lady

Scarpeta wasn't beaten too far in the Coral Cup and must enter calculations, although his jumping is always a worry, while Prince Of Scars, equipped with first-time cheekpieces, also merits consideration following his pleasing reappearance in the Galmoy Hurdle. However, the vote goes to 10-time winner PEREGRINE RUN, who arrives fresh from a four-month break and looks likely to have the ground lively enough for him to show his best form.
Prediction : 1st Peregrine Run 2nd Scarpeta 3rd Prince Of Scars

Lisclogher Lad returns to hurdles off an attractive mark and Jack Kennedy is a positive jockey booking, but preference is for last weekend's Limerick runner-up BE MY DREAM, who is 2lb higher in the ratings now but partnered by Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning pilot Paul Townend, who is riding on the crest of a wave at present. Grey Habit wasn't too far behind Thursday's Cork winner Ronald Pump on her latest outing and also merits shortlist inclusion.
Prediction : 1st Be My Dream 2nd Lisclogher Lad 3rd Grey Habit

JETZ unseated at the first when prominent in the betting market in a Grade 3 last time at Naas and could make amends here wearing first-time cheekpieces back under Paul Townend. Duca De Thaix was 35 lengths behind the selection at Navan earlier this month but should get much closer this time, while Benruben was second, beaten eight and a half lengths, in that same race but does have a stronger pull at the weights today.
Prediction : 1st Jetz 2nd Benruben 3rd Duca De Thaix

SIZING ROME was fourth in the competitive Cork National when last seen in November and this looks to be a nice opening for the seven-year-old to strike back from a 139-day absence. The drop in distance is a slight concern, but none of these rivals showed much last time out and he could get an easy time of things up front. Oisin James needs plenty to drop right, while Bee A Beneficiary is entitled to improve for her comeback run over hurdles.
Prediction : 1st Sizing Rome 2nd Oisin James 3rd Bee A Beneficiary

RATHNURE REBEL took a step forward from his chase debut when runner-up at Gowran a fortnight ago and the step up a couple of furlongs will benefit Noel Meade's gelding in what appears a winnable contest on paper. Another Barney had excuses when last seen over fences at Naas as he returned lame, and a pair of cheekpieces may just bring about improvement, while Stooshie is best judged on his third behind Ex Patriot two starts ago at this venue.
Prediction : 1st Rathnure Rebel 2nd Another Barney 3rd Stooshie

MY UNCAS was still in contention when brought down in a Naas bumper on his racecourse debut last month and he can go very close with better luck today. Scalor was second on his first career outing at Punchestown and is more than capable of being in the mix again, while Farceur Du Large looks an interesting newcomer for Noel Meade.
Prediction : 1st My Uncas 2nd Scalor 3rd Farceur Du Large