UK Horse Racing Tips: Ballinrobe

IDEAL PAL hasn't been at his best of late but this kind of trip and track are ideal and he has the ability to go close dropped into a claimer for the first time. One of his six Flat wins came at this venue and he beat a good horse over hurdles at Fairyhouse in April. 1m4f was too far last time at the Curragh. As ever in Irish claimers, James Mcauley has a strong hand and Eastern Racer, second in a similar contest at Killarney last week, has his chance again with Colin Keane retaining the partnership. Stablemate Mischief Star, who landed two claimers in May, has Shane Foley's assistance for the first time and is fitted with cheekpieces. Alhaajeb, who won a handicap over this trip at Gowran in May, is another dropping into this grade for the first time and merits respect.
Prediction : 1st Ideal Pal 2nd Eastern Racer 3rd Alhaajeb

ROMAN BULL didn't show much in two bumpers but has taken well to this discipline. A staying-on sixth at Listowel, he again did his best work late on when getting to within a neck of an 81-rated colt at Limerick and the extra furlong here should suit him well. Red Azalea has been placed in five of her eight outings and has bumped into some classy types. Her fourth at Listowel wasn't one of her better efforts albeit the winner followed up next time. She obviously has her chance again but is vulnerable. Gambe Veloci, a half-brother to five winners, was due to make his debut in a C&D claimer but got upset in the stalls. The fact that he was set to start off in a race of that type wouldn't inspire confidence but he had attracted some market support and can't be ruled out. Lady Tanzanite should progress from her Fairyhouse debut but was beaten 13 lengths on that occasion.
Prediction : 1st Roman Bull 2nd Red Azalea 3rd Gambe Veloci

HEATHER BEAR, raised a total of 12lbs for victories at Gowran and Naas, can complete a hat-trick. Andy Slattery's filly had Arch Enemy (now 3lb better off) back in fourth when winning at a big price on handicap debut and was very game when making most of the running over 1m2f at Naas earlier this month. She's likely to be ridden forward around this sharp circuit. Arch Enemy got a good ride from Jake Coen when leading in the final stride over C&D last month and has her chance again. Top weight Prophets Voice has been well held on his latest two starts but comes into it on early season form and dropping back in trip may help. James Henry showed more when fourth in a Limerick maiden and is fitted with cheekpieces for his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Heather Bear 2nd Arch Enemy 3rd James Henry

LONGBOURN needs to put a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot behind him but if doing so, the Ross O'Sullivan trained six-year-old has strong claims. A recognised front-runner, he is ideally drawn to boss this small field from the front. Add in Jake Coen's claim and the fact the horse arrives here as one of few in form, then his chance becomes obvious. Laelaps arguably boasts an even better recent run having finished third at the Curragh on Derby weekend. However, a tendency to break slowly is a definite concern for the Newtown Anner owned gelding. He certainly cannot afford to miss the kick around this tight track. Takeachancejimmy comes into the reckoning as a previous course and distance winner, while Bowerman looks well handicapped on turf.
Prediction : 1st Longbourn 2nd Laelaps 3rd Takeachancejimmy

BEER WITH THE BOYS has every chance of stepping up on two recent runner-up placings. However, a wide draw does make life that much more difficult for the son of Nathaniel. Nonetheless, he holds a leading chance under one of the better apprentices in this race. Shumaker didn't show a great deal last year but won his first two starts on the flat the previous summer. It would be no great surprise to see the ten-year-old bounce back to form under Joey Sheridan. Pak Army is an interesting contender on his first run for Eoin Doyle. Better known as an all-weather performer, he has won off a higher mark than this on turf. Stablemate South East Star also comes into the mix on the back of a nice recent run at Tipperary.
Prediction : 1st Beer With The Boys 2nd Shumaker 3rd Pak Army

KODIAC PRINCE has stamina to prove over this trip but will take beating if seeing out the extra distance. A staying on fourth at this track last time, he shaped as though in need of further. Connections have upped him fully three furlongs now, so it's difficult to know if he wants all that. Stellium kept on well when second at Fairyhouse last time despite not looking the most straightforward. The first-time hood he wore on that occasion has been dispensed with here. Youmdor makes his reappearance after 489 days off the track but such an absence is seldom a concern with one trained by Willie Mullins. The fact Colin Keane has been booked for the ride suggests the five-year-old may be straight enough.
Prediction : 1st Kodiac Prince 2nd Stellium 3rd Youmdor

MIDNIGHT RUN who was well backed prior to being taken out of a similar contest at Killarney in mid-week can win for Joseph O'Brien. A dual bumper winner, he was still in contention when falling three out in the Grade 1 Drinmore Chase in November. A similar fate befell stablemate San Salvador who led at the last when coming to grief in Grade 3 company at Tipperary on his penultimate start. Thousand Tears belied his 50-1 starting price when a close second at Roscommon last time. This looks a stronger race so he will do well to again reach the frame. Thermoscope is perhaps, the most unexposed runner in the field, having just the solitary outing when fourth on the all-weather track at Dundalk.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Run 2nd San Salvador 3rd Thousand Tears