UK Horse Racing Tips: Limerick

SHIRZAN has shown promise and can put her experience to good use. A midfield finisher in an academy hurdle at Christmas, she then finished third in a useful bumper back at Leopardstown this month. That race's winner had point-to-point form, while the runner-up was fourth at Grade 2 level previously. It is encouraging that Jack Kennedy rides homebred Ballyhahill on debut but while she is the first foal of a dual-purpose six-time winner, she meets more experienced rivals. Louie's Folly was a fair stayer on the Flat in the UK and can build on two reasonable hurdle runs.
Prediction : 1st Shirzan 2nd Ballyhahill 3rd Louies Folly

The ex-French BEAUVALLON is a half-brother to 2000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare and it is hoped he can build on his January jumps debut. He failed to win in four Flat starts, mostly at a mile, and although also well held at Thurles, that race was won by a smart type, while the third scored subsequently and then finished 15 lengths ahead of Crooked Path here. Manoir De Mirande is rated 123 and while unlucky at Cork in December and a runner-up at Gowran in February, he disappointed on his latest start. Crooked Path is dependable, but vulnerable to more capable types.
Prediction : 1st Beauvallon 2nd Manoir De Mirande 3rd Crooked Path

THISAIN'TTHAT neatly fits the qualifying criteria, having finished fifth twice, and can build on eyecatching recent displays. Although well held in two February maiden hurdles at Punchestown, his debut performance reads well while, on his second start, the third-placed horse scored subsequently. He is unexposed and could have plenty in hand. Endless Talking, out of an unraced half-sister to two smart stayers, won a weak point-to-point and was well held in two subsequent bumpers. Blazing Duke showed fair form prior to unseating his rider at Wexford recently.
Prediction : 1st Thisaintthat 2nd Endless Talking 3rd Blazing Duke

WAY DOWN SOUTH won a restricted beginners chase at Cork in early January and may be able to follow up now back in handicap company. A drop in trip was cited as one of the reasons for his improvement, while the application of cheekpieces and a tongue-tie probably helped as well. Hello Jack didn't run too badly in a more competitive contest at Leopardstown and he could play a bigger role. Midnight Moonshine was knocking on the door when last seen and is another to consider on his return from a little break.
Prediction : 1st Way Down South 2nd Hello Jack 3rd Midnight Moonshine

COME ON THE LADS looks on a competitive mark now trying handicap company over fences. The Elzaam gelding ran well on his chase debut at Fairyhouse back in October and was a bit outclassed behind Fleur In The Park at Wexford subsequently. This is more his level. Doyen Magic has been runner-up on her last couple of outings and has to be respected. She's on the same mark as when chasing home Kings Hill here 19 days ago. Marelly has been in decent form over timber and is another to note on his return to chasing. He has a 6lb lower mark over fences.
Prediction : 1st Come On The Lads 2nd Doyen Magic 3rd Marelly

EVEN THO may be able to make a winning start for Willie Mullins. The Crystal Ocean mare looked set to win a point-to-point on her debut until crashing out at the final fence. The horse who benefited from her fall at Dromahane was an impressive bumper winner at Warwick last month. Araminta has already shown strong bumper form and won't be easy to beat. She chased home a smart-looking sort in Ealu at Leopardstown earlier in the month. Thelittleballerina ran a nice race when third at Down Royal a fortnight ago and is another who has to be on the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Even Tho 2nd Araminta 3rd Thelittleballerina