UK Horse Racing Tips: Tipperary

Despite beating just two home on his introduction at Leopardstown in August, CLARET receives the vote. Showing obvious signs of greenness on that occasion, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt is almost certainly capable of better. It has to be a slight concern that the son of Wootton Bassett doesn't hold any fancy entries going forward but this doesn't look the strongest of races for the grade. Third on both outings to date, the Joseph O'Brien-trained Acclamatic should be involved under Declan McDonogh. First-time cheekpieces could well bring about further improvement from the Acclamation colt. Fits Perfect, a half-brother to a black-type mare, also has to be respected on debut.
Prediction : 1st Claret 2nd Acclamatic 3rd Fits Perfect

With ground conditions very much in her favour, AKECHETA can follow up her recent win at Gowran Park. Travelling strongly throughout that latter race, the Kevin Coleman-trained mare led over two furlongs out, before staying on to good effect. Given the way the five-year-old saw out that contest, she should relish stepping back up in trip here. Already a maiden winner at this track, the daughter of Sioux Nation looks to have leading claims. Fourth in the Irish Cambridgeshire in August, the Dermot Weld-trained Coeur d'Or ran another solid race when runner-up last time. He retains plenty of ability despite his advancing years. Rhythm King, a five-time winner who enjoys testing conditions, is also worthy of attention.
Prediction : 1st Akecheta 2nd Coeur dOr 3rd Rhythm King

A significant improver in recent months, the Michael O'Callaghan-trained COPACABANA SANDS can resume her progression. Runner-up at the Curragh on her stable debut in March, the daughter of Sands Of Mali was unlucky in running when fifth in a Leopardstown Group 3 subsequently. Registering a first win in a Naas Listed race in May, the three-year-old went on to claim Group 3 honours back at Leopardstown the following month. Fourth in a similar grade over this course and distance last time, the filly has every chance in this tight knit contest. Arguably better over further, the Paddy Twomey-trained Deepone could be dangerous if allowed an easy time on the front end. Lord Massusus also warrants plenty of respect.
Prediction : 1st Copacabana Sands 2nd Deepone 3rd Lord Massusus

Unbeaten on two starts to date, the Willie Mullins-trained LOVE ME TENDER can maintain his perfect record. A full-brother to a black-type horse, the four-year-old falls into the could be anything category. While the bare form of his bumper win at Tramore or maiden hurdle win at Kilbeggan is nothing special, it was the manner of those victories that captured the imagination. Facing his stiffest task to date in this much stronger contest, he can cope with the rise in class. Icare d'Aubrelle has been absent since April but the Tom Cooper-trained seven-year-old boasts decent winter form. With ground conditions coming in his favour, the gelding has every chance. Zillow is one that could easily take a step forward.
Prediction : 1st Love Me Tender 2nd Icare Daubrelle 3rd Zillow

Top weight GAUCHER would prefer a sounder surface but recently finished fifth in the Galway Hurdle and won on this card 12 months ago. By Frankel, he admittedly has winning form on soft ground and while beaten by Jesse Evans, Enniskerry and Sunchart here in July, showed better form at Galway subsequently and is reliable. Heavy ground will play to Sunchart's strengths and he is likely to enter calculations. A dual winner of Naas' Listed Devoy Stakes over 1m2f, he has poor recent form but operates much better on today's testing ground. Cottesloe Sunshine showed smart novice form on a sound surface last season.
Prediction : 1st Gaucher 2nd Sunchart 3rd Cottesloe Sunshine

BALKO D'ANGE returns following a summer's break but is ideally suited by heavy ground. A progressive type last season, he scored at Listed level last Christmas and could continue to progress. Six-year-old Drumgill has already won six times and while heavy ground is a concern, reverts to hurdling from a favourable rating. He has done most of his racing during the summer months but has some form on easy ground and wasn't beaten far in a Listowel chase last month. In-form Half A Chance has form on heavy and indeed has his chance.
Prediction : 1st Balko Dange 2nd Drumgill 3rd Half A Chance

GOLD DANCER has shown his old sparkle in two recent wins and might continue to progress. Winner of a heavy-ground Compeigne hurdle in May 2023, he had disappointed his Irish connections prior to scoring at Tipperary in May and then scored at the Galway festival. He has plenty of size so should continue to do well in this sphere. Pied Piper was a high-class performer some years ago and while he landed a hat-trick when starting life over fencers earlier this year, disappointed behind the selection at Galway (when reported to be clinically abnormal) and was a faller at Listowel recently. Downmexicoway is rated 131 over hurdles and while he scored nicely at Killarney in August, faces a tougher task.
Prediction : 1st Gold Dancer 2nd Pied Piper 3rd Downmexicoway

CHURCHFIELD ANNIE has a fine pedigree and it is encouraging that she debuts as a four-year-old for a yard which does well in bumpers. By a French-based stallion who has produced Grade 1 winner Irish Point, the selection is a half-sister to two Graded-placed winners, while today's rider claims a helpful 7lb. La Cote Fleurie is by a staying stallion and is also from a French family which has plenty of stamina. She could also be quite useful. Red Sea Girl showed nice ability when finishing third, having made a mistake at the third last, at Wexford in August.
Prediction : 1st Churchfield Annie 2nd La Cote Fleurie 3rd Red Sea Girl