UK Horse Racing Tips: Limerick

Fairyhouse runner-up JANES HARBOUR looks to have been found a nice opportunity to go one better. The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly shaped as though ready to open her account when taking minor honours on her two previous starts and, with the benefit of that run in handicap company sure to stand to her back in maiden grade, the daughter of Camelot can register a first career success. Game Phoenix, who is a modest handicapper on the Flat, looks a different proposition over flights. Twice finishing second at Killarney earlier in the season, she should appreciate the return to better ground. Navan fifth Rhythm Of Life is entitled to be all the better for that experience.
Prediction : 1st Janes Harbour 2nd Game Phoenix 3rd Rhythm Of Life

Having returned to form when faced with better ground at Cork, CRAMERS VALLEY might be able to build on that effort. Runner-up for just the second time in his career, the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding indicated that his turn may not be that far off. It is also a positive that Tiernan Power Roche partners the six-year-old ahead of the second stable runner, Splendid Choice. At these weights, the son of Mount Nelson should be able to confirm the form of that aforementioned race with the third-placed Phoenix Cowboy, who had been racing over further and appeared suited by dropping in trip. Clonmel winner Tingarran Express also enters calculations, despite a 5lb rise.
Prediction : 1st Cramers Valley 2nd Phoenix Cowboy 3rd Tingarran Express

THE DANCING TREE can prove himself to be a real course specialist by getting off the mark over flights. Runner-up in a novice handicap hurdle here in January, the Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding easily landed his bumper at this track the previous year. A lightly-raced six-year-old, he could be well handicapped off a mark of 112. Mercury Mission had looked to need a trip before dropping down in distance to open his account at Wexford. While this stiffer track should play to his strengths, he will almost certainly need a strong gallop. Thurles maiden winner Nowwhatdoyouthink is also a contender if handling the better ground on this occasion.
Prediction : 1st The Dancing Tree 2nd Mercury Mission 3rd Nowwhatdoyouthink

Ballyragget point-to-point runner-up MASHALLA HABIBI can register a first win under Rules. The form of his only start between the flags has been well boosted, with the victor having made a winning UK debut for Harry Derham before running mid-division in the Aintree bumper. Although yet to reach the frame in four starts over hurdles, Mashalla Habibi has shaped with enough encouragement to suggest he can win a race such as this. Tattersalls Farm point-to-point winner Thetownilovedsowel has to be of interest on his Rules debut. Despite switching stables since that success, the six-year-old merits close attention. Jonny Carrol has yet to see action under any code but, coming from these quarters, he has to be considered.
Prediction : 1st Mashalla Habibi 2nd Thetownilovedsowel 3rd Jonny Carrol

WEST AWAY should improve following a recent reappearance run and contests a race in which many of his rivals are out of form. He performed consistently well last spring/summer and while beaten 53 lengths at Naas last month, that was a much stronger race and reverting to better ground will help. My Friend The Wind is winless since August 2023 but has shown consistent form, is ground-versatile and should get involved. Grange Walk was beaten 50 lengths at Gowran last month, but finished third in a Listed handicap chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. He is rated 12lb lower over hurdles, although he has won just once in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st West Away 2nd My Friend The Wind 3rd Grange Walk

GIVE HIM A CHANCE ran well on his handicap debut last month and looks the type who should better his rating. Placed in an ordinary good-ground point-to-point last April, he was well held in his initial hurdle runs but showed much improved form at Gowran, where a cumbersome landing at the last hindered progress. Flemens Intrest won here last week and, although raised 10lb for that success, is lightly raced so open to more progression. One And Only had a good winter campaign and has form on good ground.
Prediction : 1st Give Him A Chance 2nd Flemens Intrest 3rd One And Only

EMILY LOVE showed consistently useful point-to-point form before finishing third at this venue last month. She has form on fast ground between the flags and now has a race-fitness edge over some of her principal rivals. Amina ran well on debut at last summer's Galway Festival and will also appreciate good ground, while Knockarina has been off since disappointing in last year's race but had previously chased home the smart Familiar Dreams at Cork. Good Girl Kathleen showed useful point-to-point form, but is also long-absent.
Prediction : 1st Emily Love 2nd Amina 3rd Knockarina