UK Horse Racing Tips: Tipperary

The first race of its kind this season, with 14 hurdling debutants set to line-up. Successful at Navan in April, JUNKYARD DOG appears one of the safer options. A beaten favourite when last seen at Limerick, he probably wasn't suited by the deteriorating conditions there. Sure to be well-schooled over flights, it'll be disappointing if this Fastnet Rock bay is not involved towards the business end. Not beaten far at Ballinrobe last week, Highway Sixty One is of definite interest with Darragh O'Keeffe aboard, while UK import Hawkesbury Legend, John Nallen's Minella Study and Fairyhouse runner-up Felicity Smoak are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Junkyard Dog 2nd Highway Sixty One 3rd Felicity Smoak

On what was his first start for Emmet Mullins, DARCY'S FRIEND landed a monster gamble at Leopardstown in March, justifying odds-on favouritism in what looked a competitive 17-runner handicap. Upped 17lb for that success, the Elusive Pimpernel six-year-old could still be ahead of the handicapper on a revised mark of 105. Declared to run over fences on Tuesday, the hat-trick seeking Gimme A Buzz would be an obvious danger if turned out again quickly. Starting off in handicap company, Dunkerque is of definite interest with Eoin Staples claiming 7lb, while others for the shortlist are four-time winner The Banger Doyle, Ross O'Sullivan's Free Flow and the returning Red Glory.
Prediction : 1st Darcys Friend 2nd Dunkerque 3rd Gimme A Buzz

A good quality renewal of this Grade 3 contest. Successful 12 months ago, WINTER FOG is back to defend his crown. Despite his advancing years, the 11-year-old clearly retains plenty of enthusiasm for the game, with his form at Cheltenham and Punchestown reading very well in the context of this race. Willie Mullins trains the selection and also saddles Gaucher and Batman Girac, with both capable of making an impact. The only four-year-old in the line-up, Puturhandstogether is an intriguing contender. An easy winner of the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in March, he since finished third in Grade 1 company at Aintree. The Andy Slattery-trained pair of Sunchart and Smooth Tom both warrant respect, while it will be interesting to see how Feud fares on his return from a lengthy absence.
Prediction : 1st Winter Fog 2nd Puturhandstogether 3rd Sunchart

A solid third on his hurdles debut over the course and distance in November, GORVITHO looks the one to side with. While no match for the principals on that occasion, who are now rated 134 and 133 respectively, he encouragingly drew 29 lengths clear of the fourth. Successful over 2m4f in a bumper at Wexford in May, Strong Link is an obvious danger on his first try over flights, while Cosmos D'ainay is another sure to have plenty of supporters. This Gordon Elliott-trained chestnut easily accounted for five rivals in a bumper at Sligo, with a subsequent winner filling the runner-up spot. Amboyna is capable of making an impact if putting her best foot forward, with course winner Eaglewood and Punchestown third Coded Welder others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Gorvitho 2nd Strong Link 3rd Cosmos Dainay

A case can be made for many in this fiercely competitive affair, with WAY DOWN SOUTH the suggestion. On the mark at Limerick over Christmas, he was out of his depth when sixth at Cork on Easter Sunday. Still just half a length behind the now 133-rated Fils d'Oudairies in that Mallow contest, it will be interesting to see how he fares returning to calmer waters. Hills Of Glory, You Done Well, Gatehouse Boy and Duty Bound were all successful when last seen and it will come as no surprise if any of them manage to follow up. Gordon Elliott is represented by Themanintheboots, Irina's Path and Penny Express, with Jack Kennedy set to partner the former, who filled the runner-up spot on recent starts at Listowel and Downpatrick respectively.
Prediction : 1st Way Down South 2nd Penny Express 3rd Gatehouse Boy

Another competitive affair. Showing good resolution when making the breakthrough at this venue in May, MIDNIGHT FAIRY might be able to follow up. The reopposing Ballerina Boxer finished fifth on that occasion, but won since at Punchestown and rates an obvious danger. Kiln Time is another coming into this race on the back of a win, and this Harry Kelly-trained nine-year-old is sure to have plenty of supporters. Second and third behind Gatehouse Boy at Limerick in May, Stily and Noteveatext are of definite interest, while others for the shortlist are Sligo fourth Loughrask Rainbow, Henry de Bromhead's Adaliz and the locally-trained Imperial Tune.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Fairy 2nd Kiln Time 3rd Ballerina Boxer

With the booking of Patrick Mullins looking significant, SIOUXFONIC can make a winning debut. Trainer Tom Cooper does well with his bumper runners, particularly when teaming up with the champion amateur. An unraced son of Sioux Nation, the four-year-old is a full-brother to a dual winner on the Flat. Given his pedigree, he does need to prove his stamina over this trip but it is surely encouraging that connections have opted to go down this route. Although ultimately well beaten on his introduction at Gowran Park, Silly Mongoose ran well for a long way. If the first-time hood brings improvement, he is entitled to be on the premises. Ebony King is one of the more interesting debutants in the race.
Prediction : 1st Siouxfonic 2nd Silly Mongoose 3rd Ebony King