UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

SALVATOR MUNDI hasn't achieved what might have been expected of him over fences but this appears to be a suitable opportunity for him to get off the mark in this sphere. Winner of an Aintree Grade 1 novice hurdle last April, he was beaten as the 1/7 favourite by Kappa Jy Pyke here in November, who subsequently scored at Grade 3 level when defeating subsequent Dublin Racing Festival winner Jacob's Ladder. The selection's stablemates Dr Eggman and Fishery Lane appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Salvator Mundi 2nd Dr Eggman 3rd Fishery Lane

TOON TOWN has been running well in similar handicaps recently and should get involved in an open-looking handicap. He finished narrowly behind recent Clonmel winner Kilbrin Rocco in November but is now 10lb better off with that rival. Ex-hunter chaser West Of Carrig scored on handicap chase debut last month and is respected, despite a 6lb higher mark. River Vale won here on his last appearance over fences in November and is capable of being in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Toon Town 2nd West Of Carrig 3rd River Vale

LE LABO won a course bumper last March and has been unlucky in two hurdle runs. A first-flight casualty here in November, he was leading when exiting at the last at Cork in December, with the winner, Kazansky, landing a Grade 2 subsequently and finishing second in a Grade 1 last Monday. Laurets d'Estruval was weak enough in the betting when finishing second to a useful winner over Christmas and is capable of stepping forward. Bulgaden Castle caught the eye here last month and appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Le Labo 2nd Laurets Destruval 3rd Bulgaden Castle

French import FOU DE TOI commands maximum respect on Irish debut for Willie Mullins. His sole start in France saw him finish third in a conditions' hurdle at Auteuil in May 2024 and the two horses in front of him have won at Listed level since then. He holds an entry in the Turners at the Cheltenham Festival. Vitorio Piel has had three runs to date, all at Punchestown, where he landed a bumper and was runner-up in a maiden hurdle when last seen in November. That form brings him into contention. There was merit in Leni's Law's opening fourth at Fairyhouse and Puma's Dream's fourth in Naas.
Prediction : 1st Fou De Toi 2nd Vitorio Piel 3rd Lenis Law

GIN TONIC represents an in-form stable and this is a good trip for him. He won his maiden hurdle over 2m4f at Wexford in October and the runner-up has done plenty for the form in landing a maiden at Naas before finishing a close fourth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Welonlyhavedone is a strong-travelling sort who should be involved at the business end with a rating of 130. Murat may have been a fortunate winner of a Leopardstown maiden hurdle over Christmas, but he did show battling qualities which will stand to him up in trip. Timeless Treaty and Sunny South West will have their supporters in a competitive heat.
Prediction : 1st Gin Tonic 2nd Welonlyhavedone 3rd Murat

KANOG BAY appeals as a horse that is going to improve with racing. He made the breakthrough over 2m4f at Fairyhouse last month and this extra distance isn't expected to inconvenience him. Empire Walk was gambled on at Naas and made up a lot of ground on the run-in to finish second without laying a glove on the winner. Based on that effort, he ought to appreciate this longer trip. Snow Punt reverts to hurdles after a decent runner-up berth in a beginners' chase at Cork while Roc My Haarth's form has been a bit in and out, but he is capable of banking a cheque. The Little Yank and Aine's Lad shouldn't be ruled out.
Prediction : 1st Kanog Bay 2nd Empire Walk 3rd Snow Punt

This could prove to be an above-average bumper in time. GREENHILLS OF CORK catches the eye after a promising fourth on debut in a Listowel bumper last September. The fact that the three horses in front of him have all delivered since then, including the runner-up in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham, really strengthens the form. Gavin Cromwell introduces Barnpark, who won a point-to-point for Ian McCarthy. That race has thrown up winners, so a big run wouldn't be surprising. Similarly, Thinkitdontjinxit has switched to Gordon Elliott for his racecourse career after an easy point-to-point success at Ballycrystal and is another danger. Drombane and Bravewave are others that could get in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Greenhills Of Cork 2nd Barnpark 3rd Thinkitdontjinxit