UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

This is all about FAKIERA, who improved for his hurdling debut at Naas when finishing a close-up second behind the promising Jon Snow at Leopardstown. The winner had more experience than Gordon Elliott's charge and arrived there boasting some strong form, so the five-year-old emerged with plenty of credit and he is the one they all have to beat. Arthurian Fame heads the list of dangers from smart bumper performer Politesse.
Prediction : 1st Fakiera 2nd Arthurian Fame 3rd Politesse

Things haven't gone to plan for JETZ over fences this season, but he improved for the switch to hurdles when second behind Charli Parcs at Leopardstown earlier this month and that form looks strong enough to win this contest. Karl Der Grosse warrants a betting check for last year's winning trainer/jockey combination, but the main danger is the 134-rated Punchestown scorer Mary Frances.
Prediction : 1st Jetz 2nd Mary Frances 3rd Karl Der Grosse

GOULANE JESSIE has won and finished a close-up second on her last two hurdle appearances and with Simon Torrens allowed to use his full 7lb claim (took off 4lb latest), the eight-year-old looks sure to play a leading role. Johnny Little Legs was touched off on his second handicap outing over 2m here and providing he lasts home over this longer distance, he is likely to be in the shake-up again. Need For Gold and Duhallow Paddy are just a couple more with claims in a competitive handicap.
Prediction : 1st Goulane Jessie 2nd Johnny Little Legs 3rd Need For Gold

A cracking Grade 3 contest, in which ZERO TEN could make amends for his Punchestown fall last month. Emmet Mullins' high-class hurdler had previously made a promising return when chasing home Cash Back at Naas and with David Mullins (four from five aboard the seven-year-old) back in the plate, he certainly deserves another chance. Sizing Pottsie has won his last two starts comfortably and demands respect, despite conceding weight all round. Capuccimix and Dunvegan add further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Zero Ten 2nd Sizing Pottsie 3rd Capuccimix

TRUMPS ACE arrives here on the back of two impressive victories at Clonmel and even a 9lb rise for the most recent of those triumphs may not be enough to stop her from taking this contest as well. Pound A Stroke is another last-start winner who has to be given the utmost respect, while Kavanaghs Corner and Wishmoor complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Trumps Ace 2nd Pound A Stroke 3rd Kavanaghs Corner

MYTH BUSTER struggled in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time but his previous third-placed finish to Easy Game and Allaho at the same venue suggests that he is more than capable of winning a race of this nature. Max Dynamite is clearly not the force of old but he should not be underestimated. Macgiloney edges out Salty Boy and Dortmund Park to be the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Myth Buster 2nd Max Dynamite 3rd Macgiloney

LIGHT BRIGADE made a promising debut behind a useful prospect at Gowran in January. The front two pulled clear on that occasion and Charles Byrnes' gelding is the one to beat this time. Vartry Avenue (fourth) attempts to confirm form with Gevrey (seventh) from when they met at Naas last month, while Ultra Viers looked a work in progress when third at Punchestown and should have lots more to come.
Prediction : 1st Light Brigade 2nd Ultra Viers 3rd Vartry Avenue