UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

BATTLE OF RIDGEWAY was a winner over hurdles when last seen at Clonmel in May and this looks like a nice starting point for him over fences. The Califet gelding scored on his handicap debut on his last outing and went up to a mark of 101 for that victory. That means he is a pound below the limit for this restricted contest. The fact that he has point-to-point experience is a plus. Tomas O Maille is on the top mark of 102 over hurdles and again this is a perfect place to start him off over fences. He was consistent without winning over the smaller obstacles. Uncle Gerhard was placed in a couple of handicap hurdles in the spring and is another that has to be considered back over fences, having been a fair enough fifth on his sole outing here back in March 2022.
Prediction : 1st Battle Of Ridgeway 2nd Tomas O Maille 3rd Uncle Gerhard

A visor worked well on ITSALONGLONGROAD at Tramore three weeks ago and if he comes here in the same vein of form he can follow up off a 7lb higher mark. The Lawman gelding posted a convincing seven length success then, when making all, and could be hard to peg back again. Peckham Springs chased the selection home last time and on 6lb better terms he is entitled to get a bit closer now. His trainer Dermot McLoughlin also runs Look Dont Touch, who has been knocking on the door and could pick up prize-money again.
Prediction : 1st Itsalonglongroad 2nd Peckham Springs 3rd Look Dont Touch

MOLLYS MANGO was well beaten when last seen at Leopardstown in February but that did come in a hot Grade 2 mares bumper won by Fun Fun Fun. The Clovis Du Berlais mare had been third in Listed company prior to that, having also won at Cork previously, and is a smart prospect for jumping this term. This looks like a nice starting point. Missus Beeton already has solid placed form over timber, having been third at Listowel, and could be the one to give the selection most to do. Idol, a bumper winner for Willie Mullins last year before switching to Sam Curling, was fourth in a strong maiden hurdle, won by Fascile Mode, at Punchestown last month and could get closer now in against her own sex.
Prediction : 1st Mollys Mango 2nd Missus Beeton 3rd Idol

DESTIVELLE has shown improvement on her last two hurdle starts and travelled well for Daniel King when second over C&D last month. She was nicely clear of third home Outdoor Mozzy and can go place better off just a 1lb higher mark. The winner of that Thurles handicap had previously chased home Duke Otto at Tramore and Pat Flynn's charge has to enter calculations off a 6lb higher mark after that breakthrough success which was achieved on heavy ground. Brownstone was another to gain a first win last time out when scoring on soft ground at Fairyhouse and Keith Donoghue, riding so well at the moment, now takes over in the saddle on his brother's charge.
Prediction : 1st Destivelle 2nd Duke Otto 3rd Brownstone

A course bumper winner on soft ground last year, MITIVA is interesting here after finishing fourth at Fairyhouse last month. That creditable display came after four months off and stepping up in trip may well suit the daughter of Motivator who is closely related to useful staying chaser Mister Coffey. Costanucci has won three of her last five starts and handled testing ground when winning at Clonmel last time. She's up another 8lb for that success but is on a roll at present and may be capable of further progress. Atimetodream was a ready winner over this trip on her second handicap start at Listowel. Henry de Bromhead's five-year-old has taken a sharp rise in the ratings but is well bred and there could be more to come.
Prediction : 1st Mitiva 2nd Costanuci 3rd Atimetodream

SHANNON ROYALE won a bumper on heavy ground at Clonmel in April and was a short-priced favourite on hurdling debut at Fairyhouse last month. Gordon Elliott's charge was turned over by a 107-rated rival but having that run under his belt will be an asset as he steps up in trip on testing ground. Lecky Watson's fourth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham is the standout piece of form but he was a long way below that when a beaten favourite at the Punchestown festival. He could easily outclass these rivals but may be vulnerable on seasonal and hurdling debut. Jonathan Sweeney has a small string but his runners always merit respect and Rushmount, runner-up in both point-to-point starts in the spring, could go well on rules debut.
Prediction : 1st Shannon Royale 2nd Lecky Watson 3rd Rushmount

A couple of these have shown a fair bit of ability but newcomer CHARLIE BUCKETT may have their measure under Patrick Mullins. The Champs Elysees gelding is out of a bumper winner who is a half-sister to useful jumper Riviera Sun. If You Let Me is a point-to-point winner and is related to bumper winners. He was too keen when sixth in a Galway festival bumper but that race has worked out well and Derek O'Connor is a significant booking. Tankardstown Lady ran well to be fourth on rules debut at Fairyhouse. She will be fitter for that outing and gets plenty of weight from the likely principals.
Prediction : 1st Charlie Buckett 2nd If You Let Me 3rd Tankardstown Diva