UK Horse Racing Tips: Ballinrobe

JESSE EVANS is as versatile as they come and is an eight-time winner. Beaten just a head in the Galway Hurdle of 2023, he finished a respectable eighth in the latest renewal. Returning to flights for the first time since, he is nicely treated by the conditions of this race and looks the one to beat. Competing in Graded company last season, Belloccio will appreciate this significant drop in class. A fine third on his penultimate start at Fairyhouse, he'll be well fancied to go a few places better. The winner of this race in 2023, Fils D'oudairies will need to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Cork if he is to feature, while Killarney winner My Gaffer looks up against it on ratings.
Prediction : 1st Jesse Evans 2nd Belloccio 3rd Fils Doudairies

While clearly not one of the leading lights at Closutton, YORADREAMER might get his turn in this weak contest. A beaten favourite on his last two starts, the Roger Brookhouse-owned chestnut takes a significant step up in trip and, with Paul Townend aboard, it's difficult to look beyond the 118-rated six-year-old. Jacovec Cavern proved easy to back when second at Cork on his latest outing and is closely matched with the selection on ratings. A good fourth in the third race on this programme 12 months ago, Winning Smut is of definite interest on his debut for Gordon Elliott, while the Stuart Crawford pair of Colvin and Annaghbeg are both capable of making an impact.
Prediction : 1st Yoradreamer 2nd Jacovec Cavern 3rd Winning Smut

LONDONOFFICECALLIN is the suggestion in this fiercely competitive affair. He still looks nicely treated and is versatile in terms of trip and ground. The likeable grey is already a seven-time winner and was a respectable eighth of 25 when last seen at Punchestown. Billy Lee Swagger was fourth in that contest, but is worse off at the weights. Digby got a confidence-boosting victory over fences to his name at Bangor and it will be interesting to see how he fares, while recent course winner Straight Home is sure to have plenty of supporters. First and second at Kilbeggan, Ad Caelum and Dartan both warrant respect, with handicap debutants Apple's Of Bresil and Rockymountainbleu others of note.
Prediction : 1st Londonofficecallin 2nd Digby 3rd Straight Home

With an official rating of 140, WESTPORT COVE sets a fair standard. A bumper and maiden hurdle winner, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding has twice finished runner-up from five runs over fences. Narrowly denied at Wexford last month, the seven-year-old then gained valuable handicap experience in a decent contest at Plumpton and should appreciate dropping back into a beginners chase. As a former point-to-point winner, three-time hurdles scorer Al Gasparo has to be seriously respected on his chasing debut. Tipperary second Le Coq Hardi shaped well enough on that occasion to suggest he can win races over fences.
Prediction : 1st Westport Cove 2nd Al Gasparo 3rd Le Coq Hardi

Given the impressive record Gordon Elliott has had in this race in recent years, WESTERN FOLD has to hold leading claims. Having reached the frame on his previous two starts, the six-year-old opened his account over fences with an easy win at Tipperary. His prominent racing style and solid jumping should stand to him around this tight track. A Penny A Hundred, who won her beginners chase around here last September, has to be a contender for Willie Mullins. Anna McGuinness claims a valuable 7lb off the champion trainer's only representative in the contest. Linden Arden is another worthy of consideration having proven his ability to act around here in the past.
Prediction : 1st Western Fold 2nd A Penny A Hundred 3rd Linden Arden

Scottish National sixth FLASH DE TOUZAINE should appreciate this lesser assignment. A winner on his previous start at Limerick in March, the Liz Doyle-trained veteran remains more than capable on his day. Although a longer trip would undoubtedly be preferable, he was runner-up over this sort of distance at Wexford last summer. A former Graded winner over hurdles, Dreal Deal should find this more to his liking. The John McConnell-trained 10-year-old has hinted that he retains plenty of ability. Tullybeg, a previous winner around here, shouldn't be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Flash De Touzaine 2nd Dreal Deal 3rd Tullybeg

LODGE MAN, who stayed on nicely to finish runner-up at Killarney on debut, should have strong claims. Although that effort was over flights, the Pat Doyle-trained gelding should be just as capable in this sphere. Claude, who was well fancied when fourth in a bumper at the aforementioned meeting, should be all the better for that introduction. Cluain Chormaic shaped with plenty of promise when mid-division in a well-contested race at the Punchestown Festival, while Love Me Tender would have to be respected if getting a run.
Prediction : 1st Lodge Man 2nd Claude 3rd Cluain Chormaic