UK Horse Racing Tips: Thurles

CAPPUCINO has shown promise in his two most recent completed starts and looks nicely handicapped. A bumper winner and initially rated 121 over hurdles, he hasn't won since October 2024 but ran nicely behind Rockbrook at Tramore and now meets that rival on 8lb better terms. His two wins have been on a sound surface, but he also goes on easy ground and will like this distance. Rockbrook subsequently boosted that Tramore form by following up at Naas and has claims, despite carrying extra weight. The Electrical Kid has shown promise, but disappointed when last seen in October.
Prediction : 1st Cappucino 2nd Rockbrook 3rd The Electrical Kid

KARIA DES BLAISES fell on her latest start, but is capable. Placed at Grade 2 level on her chase debut in December 2024, she returned following a 304-day layoff over Christmas and although held in second when coming down at the final fence, that was nonetheless useful and she might progress from the run. Tahaa was pitched into a Grade 2 when falling on her chase debut, and second career outing, at Cork but had shown promise behind high-class rivals prior to exiting. Out of a half-sister to The New Lion, she is her trainer's first string. Tareze bumped into Jade De Grugy here last month and meets nothing of that calibre now.
Prediction : 1st Karia Des Blaises 2nd Tahaa 3rd Tareze

ONEFORGONZO has failed to place in seven previous chase outings, but is well treated in this sphere. While both his wins came in April 2024, he has been running well recently and finished a close second in a big-field handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day. Since his subsequent Down Royal chase run, he has been helpfully dropped 2lb by the handicapper. Plain Or Battered and Just For Yuse have reasonable form, while recent point-to-point winner Barrow Ranger debuts in a handicap chase.
Prediction : 1st Oneforgonzo 2nd Plain Or Battered 3rd Just For Yuse

TIMELESS TREATY scored in style here and can follow up under top weight. Despite appearing exposed in handicaps earlier this season, he bolted up a fortnight ago and could now progress a little further. Parnell Street has bumped into some smart performers and may prove to be slightly better than his 123 rating, so should give the selection a race as he receives 6lb. The same can be said for Open Secret, who was a commendable fourth in a Cheltenham Grade 2. Bon Viveur comes here on a retrieval mission following his disappointing Navan effort.
Prediction : 1st Timeless Treaty 2nd Parnell Street 3rd Open Secret

RUSTY HARKNESS has shown some promise in two runs and is sure to suited by stepping up to this distance. Out of a Grade 1-winning half-sister to a Velka Pardbicka hero, he was well held behind capable types on debut in November and although again well beaten during Christmas, that race was also strong and he receives weight from principal rival Barnahash Mason. The latter won a Leopardstown bumper and while aided by having previous hurdling experience, has to concede 8lb to the selection. De Jour En Jour might beat Haveanothertry for third.
Prediction : 1st Rusty Harkness 2nd Barnahash Mason 3rd De Jour En Jour

HESGONETHATWAY scored easily on his second handicap start earlier this month and can defy a 9lb rise. He showed big improvement to score at Naas and has similar conditions here. A Nod To Getaway's last three runs have been at this course, including an October success over fences, and he's very much respected. Happy Me is a 12-race maiden but has nice bits of form, not least his solid Limerick third over Christmas.
Prediction : 1st Hesgonethatway 2nd A Nod To Getaway 3rd Happy Me

MARY O'G ran promisingly on debut last month in a race which is working out very well. A half-sister to top-class chaser Gerri Colombe, the selection finished third to subsequent Grade 2 bumper winner Moonverrin at Cork, while the runner-up had previously scored in a point-to-point. Belladaball was well held behind two useful rivals on her debut at Fairyhouse in December and can build on that effort. C'est Elle is noted too.
Prediction : 1st Mary Og 2nd Belladaball 3rd Cest Elle