UK Horse Racing Tips: Limerick

Having caught the eye on a couple of occasions of late, BLANC DE NOIR can record a second career success. A consistent gelding since joining trainer Johnny Murtagh, the four-year-old has been plying his trade in a slightly higher grade of late. With Ben Coen returning to the saddle, the son of Showcasing holds leading claims. Recent Tipperary scorer Linger For Longer has been an infrequent visitor to the winners' enclosure but as a mare in form, she commands respect, while Imperial Dream has run well enough on three starts since joining Pat Flynn to suggest that he will get his turn in the coming weeks.
Prediction : 1st Blanc De Noir 2nd Linger For Longer 3rd Imperial Dream

Trainers Michael Halford and Tracey Collins can continue their fine recent spell with VADALI. Fourth behind a subsequent winner at Gowran Park in May, the Aga Khan-owned colt returned to that same track to finish third last time. Slowly away on that latter occasion, the son of Churchill kept on strongly from over a furlong out. The Dermot Weld-trained Aratayvo sets the standard with an official rating of 81. However, having disappointed on his final start as a juvenile, there was little encouragement to be taken from his three-year-old's return in May. Final Curtain is an interesting debutant from the Johnny Murtagh yard. It would be no surprise to see the daughter of Lope De Vega play a part in the finish.
Prediction : 1st Vadali 2nd Aratayvo 3rd Final Curtain

Irish Oaks entrant FLIGHT OF FANCY sets a strong standard off a mark of 94. Runner-up in a well contested fillies handicap at the Curragh on her penultimate start, the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly had earlier run in a Group 3 race. Although failing to fire at Royal Ascot last month, this represents a major ease in class. Thequietman made a promising racecourse debut when staying on to fill the runner-up position at Leopardstown back in April. The form of that race has been advertised in subsequent months by a few of those that finished behind him. Monasterboice, who was second here in a similar contest last month, has to hold claims under Colin Keane. His experience should also stand to him at this stage of the season.
Prediction : 1st Flight Of Fancy 2nd Thequietman 3rd Monasterboice

With the form of his recent second over course and distance having been really well advertised by the winner, POPPADOM has to hold strong claims. The Andrew Slattery trained gelding pulled well clear of the remainder with a horse that has gone on to win his next two starts. As a son of a Cape Cross mare, stepping up to a mile for the first time in his career should also be a major positive. Newfire proved a bitter disappointment when well supported at Gowran Park last time but the Ray Cody-trained filly didn't enjoy the clearest of passages. She is better judged on her previous fourth placed effort at Sligo. Saffredi, who finished third at Bellewstown in mid-week, should be involved once again.
Prediction : 1st Poppadom 2nd Newfire 3rd Saffredi

The Willie McCreery trained CANCELLED can gain a deserved first career success. Runner-up on her racecourse debut at Cork in May, the filly occupied a similar position at Navan on her next outing. Only fourth of five at Gowran Park last time, dropping back in trip may well have been a factor. On the balance of her form, the daughter of Almanzor should take beating here. La Vita Nova, a staying on fourth in that aforementioned Navan maiden could get much closer now. Making her debut on that occasion, the Jessica Harrington-trained filly is entitled to be much sharper on this second run. Declaree, who was third in that same contest, also holds every chance in what has the makings of a competitive affair.
Prediction : 1st Cancelled 2nd La Vita Nova 3rd Declaree

A winner at Navan last month, MAYO FOR SAM was clear of the third when just denied over 1m5f at Ballinrobe on her most recent outing. The handicapper gave her another 4lb for that but coming back in trip may help and she likes to race handily which can be an advantage at this venue. Forlio returned from a lengthy absence to win over C&D in May on his first start in Ireland. Disappointing later that month at Tipperary, he should be capable of bouncing back to form. Just Another Eagle was placed for the first time at Gowran last month and shaped like he would appreciate this trip when making late headway at Leopardstown.
Prediction : 1st Mayo For Sam 2nd Forlio 3rd Just Another Eagle

KILLEEMORE LAD has been in good form under both codes this year and recorded his first Flat win over C&D last month. He was value for more than the winning margin of a length and can follow up off a 9lb higher mark. Curious Bride chased home the selection in the aforementioned contest at this venue and has since run another solid race over 1m5f at ballinrobe. She'll appreciate the return to this trip and has the champion jockey's assistance this time. Influential Lady stays well over jumps and gained a first Flat win over 1m6f at Gowran two starts back. This stiff test of stamina will suit her.
Prediction : 1st Killeemore Lad 2nd Curious Bride 3rd Influential Lady