UK Horse Racing Tips: Fairyhouse

There isn't much between three of these on ratings and SMOOTH SCOTCH may prove the pick. Stuart Crawford's charge is tried with cheekpieces now after a solid run to chase home Autoportrait at Navan just over two weeks ago. He had Butcher Hollow half a length behind him then and may be able to confirm that form. St Cuthbert's Cave has a similar profile to the other two, as he's also been knocking on the door. He was third at Cork on decent ground last time and is sure to run his race again.
Prediction : 1st Smooth Scotch 2nd Butcher Hollow 3rd St Cuthberts Cave

WINGMEN should benefit from a drop in grade here. The Kayf Tara gelding weakened after making the running in the Albert Bartlett last month and having been pestered for the lead then he was probably doing more than he wanted in front. Dropping back now should suit and he could prove a cut above these rivals. Willie Mullins saddles three in the race and Paul Townend sides with Ballygunner Castle. He was edged out by Ballybow in Grade 3 company last time and may also appreciate dropping in trip. Fleur In The Park was slightly disappointing when last seen at Naas but may be better suited by nicer ground now.
Prediction : 1st Wingmen 2nd Ballygunner Castle 3rd Fleur In The Park

CRESCENT MOON looks capable of scoring off this kind of mark. The Spanish Moon mare ran a solid race in a competitive contest at Leopardstown last month when fourth to Darcy's Friend and may appreciate stepping up in trip now, having been placed in a point-to-point on her debut. Aurea Fortuna has had a little break since finishing a fine third at Leopardstown over Christmas and form would suggest he wants nice ground. He could be the danger. Arctic Gale had a bit of a frustrating campaign over timber last summer but has the ability to be thereabouts in this.
Prediction : 1st Crescent Moon 2nd Aurea Fortuna 3rd Arctic Gale

Supreme fourth KARNIQUET looks the one to beat in this. The Kapgarde gelding ran a solid race behind star stablemate Kopek Des Bordes at Cheltenham last month, having also finished second to him at the Dublin Racing Festival, and this is an easier task now. On official ratings there isn't much between him and another stablemate, Gaucher. That Frankel gelding was impressive in Grade 3 company at Naas last time but his overall form doesn't look as strong. Willie Mullins saddles half the field and Irancy, who was seventh in the Supreme, is an unexposed sort who could have a say in this.
Prediction : 1st Karniquet 2nd Gaucher 3rd Irancy

YOUNG LUCY has a nice weight in this and looks capable of winning off her current mark. The Lauro mare ran well in a strong contest won by Ol Man Dingle at Leopardstown over Christmas and pushing out further in trip now may help her. Born Bright was a cosy winner at Thurles last time and has to be respected. A 7lb rise for that victory doesn't look harsh. Topgun Simmy was no match for cosy winner Rokathir at Punchestown last time but it was a solid effort and he could reach the frame again.
Prediction : 1st Young Lucy 2nd Born Bright 3rd Topgun Simmy

Having caught the eye staying on strongly to finish third at Leopardstown last time, OAKLEY can make the breakthrough over hurdles. A dual winner on the Flat, the Tony Mullins-trained gelding has long given the impression that he is well treated in this discipline. With the jumping issues that had blighted his earlier runs appearing to have been ironed out on his most recent start, the seven-year-old can get his head in front. The John McConnell-trained Mooretown Lad is an interesting contender on his handicap debut. Successful on the level for previous connections, an opening mark of 86 looks lenient. Top-weight Blue Reed also enters calculations.
Prediction : 1st Oakley 2nd Mooretown Lad 3rd Blue Reed

Despite having a bit to prove following her reversal at the Dublin Racing Festival, FUTURE PROSPECT is given another chance. A former point-to-point winner, the Willie Mullins-trained mare made a winning Rules debut here in December. Although only fifth on her latest outing, the daughter of Order Of St George raced keenly before weakening. The application of a first-time hood could see her in a much better light. Two places ahead of the selection at Leopardstown, Carrigmoornaspruce rates a serious threat. A dual bumper winner, the Declan Queally-trained mare knows where the winning line is. Switch From Diesel also holds claims.
Prediction : 1st Future Prospect 2nd Carrigmoornaspruce 3rd Switch From Diesel