UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

The experienced MINT CANDY can register a first win. A promising fourth on her debut at Tipperary in August, the Dubawi filly was just denied at Gowran Park on her second start. Although a beaten odds-on favourite at Punchestown last time, the Aidan O'Brien-trained juvenile may not have entirely acted on that track. In what is arguably a weaker race, she is taken to open her account at the fourth time of asking. Joyful Princess, who finished two places in front of Mint Candy at Gowran Park, is almost certain to be involved once again. The Jessica Harrington-trained filly stayed on well to take minor honours close home. Cork fifth Restful stayed on late once the penny dropped on her recent debut. She is another capable of getting involved.
Prediction : 1st Mint Candy 2nd Joyful Princess 3rd Restful

Sligo fourth JARETH can take this for in-form Curragh trainer John O'Donoghue. Slowly away on debut, the Make Believe gelding kept on well inside the final furlong. With the second and third winning subsequently, that form has a decent look to it. Absent since finishing sixth on his debut at Down Royal in June, Califer shouldn't be far away on his return from a break. The Gavin Cromwell-trained colt will appreciate stepping up to a mile, having looked outpaced over 7f before staying on in the closing stages. Jessica Harrington's Kurrawa has been a consistent filly in recent starts. Although her best chance would have appeared to be in handicaps, a mark of 73 sets the standard in this ordinary race.
Prediction : 1st Jareth 2nd Calcifer 3rd Kurrawa

A consistent performer in similar races all season, SKONTONOVSKI can strike for the first time since Fairyhouse in July. A six-time winner on the Polytrack at Dundalk, the Ado McGuinness-trained gelding is rated 15lb lower on turf. Having finished behind a couple of these rivals in recent outings, the seven-year-old is weighted to reverse those form lines here. Listowel winner Amemri travelled easily in the box seat under Luke McAteer before picking up well to win cosily. David Marnane's filly is entitled to be a leading contender once again. Cork runner-up Warazam was just denied by a subsequent unlucky loser. Dylan Browne McMonagle stays loyal to the filly here so that should definitely be noted.
Prediction : 1st Skontonovski 2nd Amemri 3rd Warazam

Down Royal winner LONDONOFFICECALLIN could still be a step ahead of the handicapper. Raised 9lb for that recent victory, the gelding, who is having his first start for Gavin Cromwell, scored with a bit in hand. Wayne Hassett takes 5lb off here, which should greatly ease the task. On a tight track that suits a prominent racer, one would expect the seven-year-old to force the pace. Dual all-weather winner Steps In The Sand has yet to win on grass on the Flat but has twice been successful over jumps. Undoubtedly well handicapped in this discipline, the Cian Collins-trained filly has every chance. Scott Lang is also worthy of consideration under a very promising young 10lb claimer.
Prediction : 1st Londonofficecallin 2nd Steps In The Sand 3rd Scott Lang

Seventh in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, AUTUMN WINTER should make the most of this drop in grade. Staying on strongly having been short of room at a crucial stage that day, the three-year-old gave the impression he had more to offer. Only 4lb higher than for his recent Listowel win, Granite Bay should have every chance. The Jarlath Fahey-trained gelding is a thorough stayer who will appreciate a strongly run race. Dark Oak, runner-up in that aforementioned Listowel race, should get closer to her conqueror on these revised terms. Gary Carroll may well decide to make the running on the El Kabeir filly.
Prediction : 1st Autumn Winter 2nd Granite Bay 3rd Dark Oak

Navan runner-up DOUBLE AGENT should appreciate stepping up to two miles. Having made the running last time, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt looked like folding when being headed two furlongs out. However, the manner in which he rallied to stay on again inside the final furlong suggests he requires a real stamina test. Graded class hurdler Jetara would be a serious contender if fit enough on her return from a summer break. Last seen when finishing runner-up in a Grade 1 hurdle at the Punchestown festival, the Jessica Harrington-trained six-year-old is an intriguing runner. Soul Of Spain, who finished fourth behind Double Agent last time, shouldn't be discounted despite his rather frustrating profile.
Prediction : 1st Double Agent 2nd Jetara 3rd Soul Of Spain

A dual winner earlier in the campaign, EMPRESS ALMA can record a third career success. Although unable to complete the hat-trick, the Gavin Cromwell-trained filly was far from disgraced when staying on to finish fifth in a competitive handicap at the Galway festival. Given a break since then, the Holy Roman Emperor three-year-old can resume her progress. Topweight Sir Allen can confirm Listowel form with the quartet that finished in behind. A smart juvenile hurdler last season, the Andrew Slattery-trained gelding remains nicely treated back on the Flat. Recent Perth handicap hurdle winner Building Bridges is another that has the potential to exploit his mark on the level.
Prediction : 1st Empress Alma 2nd Sir Allen 3rd Building Bridges