UK Horse Racing Tips: Roscommon

The Johnny Murtagh-trained THINK ABOUT IT is marginally preferred after coming from last to finish a never-nearer third on debut. The subject of good market support on that occasion, she is likely to come on plenty for the experience. Going down by just three-quarters of a length on his initial start at Gowran, Loch Tay is given second preference. Beaten by an odds-on shot at the Co Kilkenny venue, he had the reopposing Majestic Wave back in fourth. Showing inexperience when hanging off the bend entering the straight at Galway, Raven Darkholme still managed to fill the runner-up spot and she is likely to have plenty of supporters. The aforementioned Majestic Wave is progressing with each run and can't be discounted in first-time cheekpieces, while Pleasant Dawn is another capable of making her presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Think About It 2nd Loch Tay 3rd Raven Darkholme

Conditions are likely to be testing and top-weight PLAY IT AGAIN ZAAM won on heavy at Gowran in May so has plenty going for him. Already successful over C&D this season, he has the plum draw on the rail and could make a winning start for new connections after being claimed when second on his latest outing. Manhattan Dandy has a good record at Roscommon and is another who will have no issue with the underfoot conditions. The Thomas Coyle-trained bay will be ridden by Keithen Kennedy, who claims a valuable 7lb. If handling conditions, Shamrock Sprig has the form to win this, while others for the shortlist are Naas runner-up Cannes Do, the Jessica Harrington-trained Dark Viper and recent Killarney victor Nibras Rainbow.
Prediction : 1st Play It Again Zaam 2nd Manhattan Dandy 3rd Shamrock Sprig

ORANDI had no luck in running when a never-nearer third over C&D recently. Backed into favouritism on that occasion, the French import might be able to recoup losses now, with Colin Keane again on board. Connections of Mercurial have clearly been waiting for the ground to ease, with the five-year-old a non-runner three times due to the 'change in going' since his win on heavy at the Curragh in April. Still looking nicely treated on a mark of 74, the John Nallen-trained bay should give a good account of himself. Narrowly beaten into third at Gowran earlier this month, Bellaphina looks to have solid claims, while the evergreen Verhoyen, top-weight Vasda and dual winner Merisi Diamond are others to consider in a competitive heat.
Prediction : 1st Orandi 2nd Mercurial 3rd Bellaphina

With the weights in his favour, the Sheila Lavery-trained VESTIGIA should take the beating. Winner of his maiden at Gowran Park in May, the three-year-old colt ran perfectly respectable when fifth in a Curragh Group 3 subsequently. Although failing to build on that effort in three runs of late, the application of first-time blinkers could prove the key. A shock 40/1 winner on her belated debut at Tipperary, the Kevin Coleman-trained Akecheta proved that run was no fluke when runner-up in a stronger contest at Gowran Park after. A daughter of Sioux Nation, her proven ability to handle testing conditions is a definite plus. Tramore winner Riviera Queen could be dangerous now that she has managed to get her head in front.
Prediction : 1st Vestigia 2nd Akecheta 3rd Riviera Queen

Stepping back up to this trip on testing ground should finally see PSALM register a first career success. Runner-up in a juvenile maiden at the Curragh last October, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt has been a beaten favourite on each of his last three starts. With stamina likely to be at a premium here, the son of Justify should be in his element. Rosso improved on two promising efforts when second at the Curragh on his most recent outing. Having travelled into the race easily, the Camelot colt kept on well close home. The Dermot Weld-trained Strolling has shown enough in three runs to date to suggest she is capable of winning her maiden. Just denied at Tramore last month, she is of particular interest in first-time blinkers.
Prediction : 1st Psalm 2nd Rosso 3rd Strolling

A beaten favourite at Naas last month, QUIZ TEST can recover losses. A combination of dropping back in trip and meeting trouble in running arguably cost the four-year-old a win on that occasion. Back over his optimum trip now, on ground he should handle, the Sean Byrne-trained gelding is entitled to go close. Sixpack finished in front of the selection when runner-up over course and distance back in May. Despite having a bit to do at these revised weights, Johnny Murtagh's gelding has won twice subsequently. Arch Enemy, who has been hindered by poor draws on recent starts, has once again been done no favours in that respect here. However, if James Ryan can get her into stride early, the mare should be finishing strongly.
Prediction : 1st Quiz Test 2nd Sixpack 3rd Arch Enemy

Runner-up on both starts since joining present connections, OUR LIL can get her head in front for the first time. The daughter of Cable Bay gives the impression that she will be better suited to an ease in the ground, so it will be interesting to see if that brings about the desired improvement on this occasion. Maxwell Smart, who didn't enjoy the clearest of passages when third at Navan on Thursday, has to be considered. The Tom McCourt-trained gelding will need some luck from his wide draw but this looks a slightly easier race. Prairie Angel, who showed ability in three maiden runs earlier in the season, made a winning debut over hurdles last time. Joseph O'Brien's filly could be the potential improver in the line up.
Prediction : 1st Our Lil 2nd Maxwell Smart 3rd Prairie Angel