UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

LOW MILEAGE who caught the eye when staying on nicely from off the pace at Gowran last time could be the answer. The Philip Dempsey-trained five-year-old finished second on his sole point-to-point start and should appreciate the extra yardage he encounters now. A lightly-raced sort, he has more scope than most of his rivals and should be suited to the better ground. Brawler sets the standard having attained a handicap mark of 112 after nine runs over fences. Despite failing to win thus far, he has reached the frame on six of those starts so isn't that far off a first success. Politicise was a smart hurdler earlier in his career but has yet to hit those same heights since switching codes. It is still too early to write him off, especially in a race such as this.
Prediction : 1st Low Mileage 2nd Brawler 3rd Politicise

HAPPY VICTORY is interesting on his return to racing under rules. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding shaped with promise on a couple of occasions earlier in his career but had rather lost his way of late. The switch to point-to-pointing seems to have had the desired effect with the six-year-old unbeaten in two starts between the flags. With confidence high, the gelding can gain a first win on the racecourse here. Dento Des Obeaux has won four races in the point-to-point fields but also remains a maiden under rules. The 10-year-old arguably has less scope for improvement than some younger rivals but he does arrive here in winning form. Longhouse Star should also play a leading role for the Sam Curling yard. A solid yardstick in point-to-points, he has reached the frame on his last couple of starts.
Prediction : 1st Happy Victory 2nd Dento Des Obeaux 3rd Longhouse Star

THE GUNNER YEATS is given another chance despite having slightly disappointed when managing only third on his racecourse debut in a Navan bumper. A former point-to-point winner, the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old switches to hurdles here, a decision that could reap a quick reward. Rock Ya Boy Ya has yet to win from 21 starts but has some decent form to call upon and wouldn't be out of this if at his best. He should appreciate the better underfoot conditions he encounters now. Set Point shaped with a degree of promise on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse last month so this former smart flat handicapper could be capable of a big run in this slightly easier contest.
Prediction : 1st The Gunner Yeats 2nd Rock Ya Boy Ya 3rd Set Point

DYLAN LOMBARDY, who finished runner-up to Port Rashid over C&D last month, may be able to turn the tables. With both horses having been reassessed following that race, they actually meet on similar terms here but the Eoin McCarthy-trained gelding has the benefit of a more experienced rider on this occasion. Naas winner Flashthelights returned to something like his best when third at Clonmel recently. He, too, has a more senior rider taking over in the saddle so should again be very competitive. Warm In Gorey has hinted that he is good enough to win one of these but has thus far failed to get his head in front. It is surely just a matter of time before the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding records a first success.
Prediction : 1st Dylan Lombardy 2nd Port Rashid 3rd Flashthelights

FRUIT BLOSSOM is a speculative suggestion in a very trappy affair. The Gordon Elliott-trained mare shaped well on her stable debut at Punchestown in January, but has failed to back that up in two subsequent outings. However, this is unquestionably one of the weakest races she has contested so it will be disappointing if she can't make her presence felt. Young Darleen is less exposed over hurdles and hinted at ability when fifth at Clonmel last time. The former point-to-point winner should appreciate the stamina test of this contest. Monza Man drops back in trip now having run respectably on two previous visits to this track. The locally-trained gelding has more scope for improvement than most of his opponents.
Prediction : 1st Fruit Blossom 2nd Young Darleen 3rd Monza Man

ROBYNDEGLORY appears better than ever this year and recorded a fourth career win when drawing clear on the run-in over 2m4f at Fairyhouse last month. The step up to three miles is not a concern having won over the trip at Wexford last year and she probably put up her best effort when staying on in fifth behind Queens Brook in Grade 3 company last time at Punchestown. Whatsavailable also takes a drop in class after competing at the Dublin Racing Festival last month. The top-weight previously won over 2m4f at Fairyhouse. Champella, who won three times last year including over 2m4f at Wexford, is another for the shortlist, while Riggs stays well and was third to the progressive Verdant Place at Punchestown last month. Limerick maiden winner Alpesh Amin will have to prove his stamina on handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Robyndeglory 2nd Whatsavailable 3rd Champella

ZAIDI won a point-to-point for Ellmarie Holden and joined Gordon Elliott after finishing second to the Cullentra-trained Search For Glory in a Fairyhouse bumper last November. The latter has shown decent form since over hurdles, including when going close in a Grade 3 at Clonmel. Naruto, whose dam won over 1m5f in France, is an obvious threat and the market should provide a good guide to expectations for the Willie Mullins-trained newcomer, who is fitted with a tongue-tie. Minella Diamond was runner-up to a horse who is well fancied for the Champion Bumper in the first of two point-to-point outings last year so merits respect.
Prediction : 1st Zaidi 2nd Naruto 3rd Minella Diamond