UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

ARCADIAN SUNRISE was no match for an easy winner on his hurdling debut at Tramore on New Year's Day but John Queally's gelding can go one better without a rival of that calibre in this contest. Behind The Curtain has placed on his last three outings and merits respect, along with Whatsnotoknow, who contested a hot contest at Leopardstown over Christmas, and Wingin A Prayer.
Prediction : 1st Arcadian Sunrise 2nd Behind The Curtain 3rd Whatsnotoknow

Festival D'ex looks an exciting individual for Gordon Elliott having followed up his Land Rover Bumper win at Punchestown with a fluent display at Navan last month on his first outing over timber. He is entitled to improve from that effort but he meets rivals who possess a strong level of form and a chance is taken with VIS TA LOI. Third at Limerick in a Grade 2 last month, that was a likeable display where he found plenty for pressure and the six-year-old could have more to offer. Stable companion Monkfish and Run Wild Fred appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Vis Ta Loi 2nd Festival Dex 3rd Monkfish

TEXARD got off the mark on his third start for Gordon Elliott at Cork earlier this month and the manner of that victory suggests the five-year-old could have more to offer on his first outing in handicap company. Bajan Excell receives plenty of weight being a juvenile and is respected following his Limerick success on St Stephen's Day, while Accidental Rebel and Pakens Rock are both open to improvement in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Texard 2nd Bajan Excell 3rd Accidental Rebel

HARDLINE came down at the last in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over the Christmas period but he can be given another chance, having found just Min too good in the John Durkan two starts ago. Real Steel was a couple of places behind the selection on that occasion and could give him plenty to think about here, while Footpad is the clear pick of the remaining trio.
Prediction : 1st Hardline 2nd Real Steel 3rd Footpad

ELIMAY developed into a smart hurdler and could take even higher rank in this sphere, having impressed on her chasing debut in a Cork Grade 3 where she disposed of Agusta Gold by five lengths. Chief opposition is likely to come from within her own stable because Cut The Mustard also made a triumphant start to her fencing career, albeit in lesser company at Limerick. Caravation got off the mark in this sphere at Naas and will appreciate the rise from 2m.
Prediction : 1st Elimay 2nd Cut The Mustard 3rd Agusta Gold

CAPPACURRY ZAK hit the crossbar twice between the flags and then went one better on his return to this discipline when justifying favouritism at Limerick. A 4lb rise may underestimate the merit of that performance and he can follow up, possibly at the chief expense of Brex Drago, who had still to play his hand when unseating at Fairyhouse. Une Lavandiere has her first run over fences since moving to Henry de Bromhead, so she warrants a second glance.
Prediction : 1st Cappacurry Zak 2nd Brex Drago 3rd Une Lavandiere

POWER OF PAUSE was very impressive in his sole point-to-point start almost a year ago, prompting Willie Mullins to fork out 180,000 pounds for him. He should relish this distance on his bumper bow and can see off Mr Lingo, who was a decent enough third at Limerick over Christmas. Western Run occupied the same position on his debut at Sedgefield, while California Holiday started off in a warm Leopardstown contest and should do better.
Prediction : 1st Power Of Pause 2nd Mr Lingo 3rd California Holiday