UK Horse Racing Tips: Limerick

Runner-up at Thurles in November, STILY can get his head in front for the first time. Trained locally by Michael McDonagh, the six-year-old remains a maiden after 14 starts but had been in decent form for much of last season. The gelding should have every chance here if ready following a 182-day absence. A winner over hurdles on her penultimate start, Ellies Rock is interesting on her chasing debut. Donnrua Dream is another that has leading claims in a competitive affair.
Prediction : 1st Stily 2nd Ellies Rock 3rd Donnrua Dream

A faller on her last two starts over fences, LOOK TO THE WEST can win this granted a clear round. Slightly unfortunate when third on her chasing debut at Clonmel in February of last year, the Henry De Bromhead-trained mare opened her account at Kilbeggan next time. The daughter of Westerner faces her easiest assignment so far this season and looks to have an excellent chance. Broomfield Bijou has been highly tried in recent outings. This looks an easier task and, should the selection falter, the James Hannon-trained mare looks best placed to take advantage. Affinity Rock heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Look To The West 2nd Broomfield Bijou 3rd Affinity Rock

The winner of a Listed novice hurdle at this track last October, SHADOW PADDY can deliver on his chasing debut. Trainer Eoin McCarthy did exceptionally well with the son of Shadow Gale, picking up four races over flights last year. Highly tried on his reappearance when pulled up in Grade 1 company at Aintree last month, this is more realistic. While his ability to jump fences has to be taken on trust, the six-year-old looks the pick on his hurdles form. Twice successful over flights, Le Coq Hardi has yet to win over fences but has run to a decent level and boasts an official rating of 136. Ocastle Des Mottes has also shown enough over fences to be of interest.
Prediction : 1st Shadow Paddy 2nd Le Coq Hardi 3rd Ocastle Des Mottes

Runner-up here when last seen in March, DOYEN MAGIC can go one better. The Philip Rothwell-trained mare won over hurdles at this venue last November and also has a chasing success to her name. The seven-year-old should appreciate the recent rain and looks the one to beat. Off the mark over flights here last month, Springboard has scope for improvement on his chasing debut and holds every chance of registering a second career success. Third at Killarney recently, Toon Town has to be respected. Although yet to fully prove his stamina for this trip, his breeding suggests that he should be suited to it.
Prediction : 1st Doyen Magic 2nd Springboard 3rd Toon Town

GAME ON ran well in two competitive point-to-points and won a good-ground maiden hurdle at Downpatrick just over a year ago. He sustained an overreach when pulled up on his chasing debut at Kilbeggan and his trainer has described him as 'a real fast-ground horse who jumps very well'. Sporting Glance won a point-to-point and progressed well in staying hurdles in the autumn. He holds the highest hurdles rating of any of these and looks a likely contender. Some Song was a lucky winner of a maiden hurdle at Down Royal in October, but he is a point-to-point winner and represents a trainer with a good strike-rate in this type of contest.
Prediction : 1st Game On 2nd Sporting Glance 3rd Some Song

Having looked limited over hurdles, ANOTHER CHALLENGE showed much improved form on his second start over fences when second in a Down Royal handicap over Christmas. The third won since and Oliver McKiernan's six-year-old is bred to appreciate the extra two furlongs that he races over here. Since the selection's latest outing, his stable has enjoyed a revival in form and he can add to the recent fruitful spell. Royal Time was a long way behind Another Challenge at Down Royal in December, but ran a much better race when third back there the following month and he is now tried in blinkers. Another Ocana has an acceptable record at this venue and has place claims.
Prediction : 1st Another Challenge 2nd Royal Time 3rd Another Ocana

Josh Williamson's 5lb claim is going to be much sought after as the season goes on and it could enable SNOW PUNT to gain a deserved breakthrough victory under Rules. The nine-year-old has made the first three in his last five starts over fences and was touched off over C&D in March. He has crept up a few pounds in the ratings for those placed efforts, but his talented rider's allowance will negate that increase. A Year Older won by six lengths at Fairyhouse in January and was beside the selection, and still going well, when falling four out at Down Royal last month. Oneforgonzo is up 7lb for his win at Killarney and is far from out of it either.
Prediction : 1st Snow Punt 2nd A Year Older 3rd Oneforgonzo

SMALLCRAFTWARNING was second three times in a row in handicap chases in October after winning over fences for the first time at Killarney in July. He was tailed off at the latter track on his first run of the year, but probably needed the outing and a more prominent display would not be a surprise now. Leopardstown winner Harbour Highway may not have been suited by dropping back in trip when second at Kilbeggan, and stepping up to 3m may unlock improvement. The locally-trained Battle Of Mirbat is a strong stayer and has been largely consistent since his latest win at Down Royal in November.
Prediction : 1st Smallcraftwarning 2nd Harbour Highway 3rd Battle Of Mirbat