UK Horse Racing Tips: Roscommon

Magnetic North is the obvious starting point having rattled off a trio of claimers in June and July before an underwhelming return to hurdling in Sligo. He is swerved on this occasion, though, with soft ground on the agenda. The consistent KHAFAAQ appeals, particularly with Cian Horgan taking 7lb off his back. He has posted two victories, including one in a handicap over a similar trip at Cork, and three places from his last five outings. He has form on soft ground. Denis Hogan's Bal De Rio should be more than capable in this grade, especially if the ground is very testing. His stablemate Roderick landed a claimer at Killarney last month, which entitles him to respect. Comfort Line had a horror draw when unplaced in Galway, but could enjoy dropping into this class.
Prediction : 1st Khafaaq 2nd Bal De Rio 3rd Comfort Line

BAD DESIRE, who holds three Group 2 entries, can build upon a promising runner-up berth on debut at Galway. He was collared in the closing stages by a short-priced favourite and testing ground will hold no fears for him after that performance. Cambridge is a half-brother to a Listed winner and holds a Group 2 entry at Newmarket next month. He is an obvious threat on his racecourse debut for Aidan O'Brien. The form of Star Hunter's third at Leopardstown in May has been very well franked. He doesn't have any notable entries but if handling this much slower ground, should be a danger to all. Thor's Hammer showed considerable improvement when filling the runner-up spot on his second start in Killarney. He was well backed that day and slow ground will suit him fine.
Prediction : 1st Bad Desire 2nd Cambridge 3rd Star Hunter

RIBCHESTINA won her maiden over a sprint trip on testing ground at Navan and, afterwards, jockey Robbie Colgan was quoted saying that she is more a seven-furlong horse. This step up in trip should suit her. She was beaten into fourth on better ground at Naas, but the winner went on to be successful in the Albany at Royal Ascot, so her run has merit. Nemonte has plenty of ability, but ideally would want the ground to dry out to see her at her best. She does go to work off a light weight, though, with Conor Stone-Walsh's 7lb claim factored in. My Mate Alfie was placed on his first two starts and was produced close home by Colin Keane to win in Down Royal. There is plenty more to come from him, but he does have to give plenty of weight away and may not want the conditions too testing.
Prediction : 1st Ribchestina 2nd Nemonte 3rd My Mate Alfie

This looks like a nice opportunity for NELDA to open her account. The 88-rated filly sets a good standard in this and is over a stone clear of the next highest according to the handicapper. She just failed by a neck to peg back Livio Milo in Galway last time and a similar effort should be enough to get her head in front now. There isn't a lot between a few of these on ratings and Hazalaya could be the one to give the selection most to do. The Siyouni filly ran okay last time at Killarney but had some stronger form previously and it's interesting that the cheekpieces are dispensed with now. Rebecca's Girl improved when finishing third at Navan last month and Colin Keane takes the ride again. She should get involved for the places.
Prediction : 1st Nelda 2nd Hazalaya 3rd Rebeccas Girl

EMORCEE deserves to get his head in front and may prove the answer here. The Elzaam gelding ran really well at Galway last time when losing out late on to Malbay Madness over a mile. He may benefit for dropping back to 7f on this ground and has C&D form having just failed to get up here early last month. First Gentleman has been knocking on the door in maiden company and could be a danger here with blinkers fitted for the first time. Dragon Of Malta won well at Galway last time and has to be on the shortlist, despite a 9lb hike for that victory.
Prediction : 1st Emorcee 2nd First Gentleman 3rd Dragon Of Malta

YAMALIA STAR came on nicely from her debut to chase home Beechwood at Killarney last month and ran another solid race when third to a smart-looking newcomer at the Galway festival. Jack Davison fits a visor for the first time and the daughter of Sea The Stars, a sister to Group 2 winner Endless Time, may be able to get her head in front on her fourth start. Fisherman's Beach kept on steadily to be third on debut at Limerick and is also tried in headgear. He has a little bit to find with the selection on a line through Limerick second Beechwood but is open to plenty of improvement. Jessica Harrington starts off Hardpoint, a half-brother to a pair of Listed winners over 1m4f and upwards, and the Camelot colt may be more of a contender than Dundalk fourth Great Cat Mau.
Prediction : 1st Yamalia Star 2nd Fishermans Beach 3rd Hardpoint

NOSTRA CASA overcame a two-year absence when beating good yardstick Grappa Nonino on stable debut at Sligo in April. Raised 10lb for that ready success, Paul Flynn's charge has run two solid races since including when third of 21 at the Curragh behind the aforementioned Grappa Nonino last time. The well-bred Dubawi gelding can win the race run in memory of his jockey's brother despite dropping back to a trip which may be shorter than ideal. The lightly-raced Narlita stayed on well when just failing to win over an extended nine furlongs at Gowran two runs back and may be suited by stepping up to this trip. Both Action Motion and Secret Sea won maiden hurdles earlier in the year and the latter has had a four-month break since finishing third on the Flat at Limerick when sent off a short-priced favourite. Action Motion came back from three months off to finish fifth over 1m3f at Killarney in July and may well strip fitter here.
Prediction : 1st Nostra Casa 2nd Narlita 3rd Action Motion