UK Horse Racing Tips: Kilbeggan

TINA MEEHAN ran out a facile winner when romping home by 14 lengths on her racecourse debut in a Tramore bumper back in October and Willie Mullins' mare is hard to oppose now tackling hurdles for the first time. The Grey Dove finished a respectable second back over obstacles at Punchestown last month and appears the chief threat now faced with a stiffer test. Castra Vetera is lightly raced for an eight-year-old and could also have a say in these calmer waters.
Prediction : 1st Tina Meehan 2nd The Grey Dove 3rd Castra Vetera

HAMARTIA posted another solid effort in defeat when finishing third at Tramore last month and the Colm Murphy-trained six-year-old could gain a breakthrough success at the fifth time of asking over hurdles. Cash The Cheque shaped better than the beaten distance at Down Royal, with Anthony McCann's mare one to note now returned to maiden company. The lightly-raced Aeros Luck and more experienced Rock On Pedro can't be discounted in their current form either.
Prediction : 1st Hamartia 2nd Cash The Cheque 3rd Aeros Luck

A capable sort on the Flat and a respectable fourth at Limerick last time out, WAR CORRESPONDENT is very interesting on just his fourth start under NH Rules. Placed in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last November, the four-year-old could be well treated off a mark of 118 on his handicap debut and he can see off the challenge of easy Downpatrick scorer Moonovercloon. Weddell Sea is another leading contender on the back of a fine effort in defeat at Listowel last month.
Prediction : 1st War Correspondent 2nd Moonovercloon 3rd Weddell Sea

BRIDESWELL LAD may not have been seen over the smaller obstacles for a year, but this appeals as an ideal opportunity off a mark 31lb lower than his current chase rating. A determined winner of the valuable Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase at the Punchestown Festival when last in action, he can make his class tell against veteran C&D winner Dorans River and Tuff Days, who has been knocking on the door of late. Completing the shortlist are the likes of More Info, Pearlofflorida and Ranger Billy.
Prediction : 1st Brideswell Lad 2nd Dorans River 3rd Ranger Billy

THE FRIDAY MAN lost little in defeat when filling the runner-up spot over an extended 2m6f at Limerick in May and a reproduction of that effort can see him firmly in the picture. He has been progressive on his two chase outings and can get off the mark at the third time of asking. Desertmore House was only narrowly denied over timber here and scored in a point-to-point at the start of his career so is feared most now switching to fences. Summer Tide has a bit to find based on his two chase efforts but could progress now up in distance.
Prediction : 1st The Friday Man 2nd Desertmore House 3rd Summer Tide

An impressive winner of the Mayo National, this stiffer stamina test may not be enough to stop TULLYBEG from going in again and he can secure a National double in the very capable hands of Michael O'Sullivan, despite having to compete off an 8lb higher mark. Foxy Jacks bounced back to form when runner-up behind Stealthy Tom in the Connacht National and might be able to improve past the winner. Life In The Park had to settle for third behind the selection when sent off favourite at Ballinrobe, but could close the gap at least on the revised terms.
Prediction : 1st Tullybeg 2nd Foxy Jacks 3rd Life In The Park

LUCKY ZEBO, a winner at this venue over hurdles, has every chance of making a successful chasing debut. The Henry De Bromhead-trained gelding is a lightly-raced, progressive young horse who comes here on the back of two wins. Although yet to race over regulation fences, the six-year-old does have the benefit of three point-to-point runs. Pearl Of The West looks a big threat from the in-form John McConnell yard. The daughter of Teofilo has acquitted herself with credit on her first two starts over fences and that experience will be a huge advantage in this company. Tucson Train, a point-to-point winner in his early days, remains open to progression given that he has had just the 10 starts under Rules.
Prediction : 1st Lucky Zebo 2nd Pearl Of The West 3rd Tucson Train