Ireland today

There is flat racing at Gowran Park this afternoon as well as N.H. racing from Down Royal, where there are several smart performers on view. The Grade Three Anglo-Irish Bank Hurdle at 15.40 CET is always one of the best early season races and, although only 4 line up today, this is again the case. The smart Jered (Noel Meade/ Tony McCoy), was one of the top novics around last season and won his last 3 races in good style. However he is set to concede 11 lbs to Jessica Harrington´s Cork All Star (Barry Geraghty), and although thre 2007 Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner has not so far run up to expectations over hurdles, this will not be easy. Megan´s Joy (Colm Murphy/ Davy Russell) has a possible fitness advantage, having won already this month, and could easily surprise them both. The Grade Three mares novice hurdle at 15.10 looks quite open, and the German-bred Dancera (Mervyn Torrens/ Andrew Thornton) is one of thre favourites, but may not be suited by the very soft going. Cabin Point (Andrew Leigh), one of two Jessica Harrington runners, is much improved and can complete a hat-trick. Tony McCpoy should not go home empty-handed, as he can win the beginers´ chase at 16.10 with Tony Mullins´ Aranleigh.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: The Fist Of God - Geestring - Tharawaat
2.Race: Kaskader - Paradis De Thaix - Plunge
3.Race: Cabin Point - Dani`S Girl - Dancera
4.Race: Jered - Cork All Star - Megans Joy
5.Race: Aranleigh - Taipan`S Way - Boulavogue
6.Race: Berkerys Treasure - Indian Love - Publican
7.Race: Voler La Vedette - Captain Nash - Playboy Luke



At Gowran Park, the most interesting racs could be the two divisions of a 2yo maiden over a mile that open the card. Aidan O´Brien introduces two well-bred sons of Sadler´s Wells in Moon Indigo (14.20) and Byzantium (14.50), both of whom will be ridden by Seamie Heffernan, as stable jockey Johnny Murtagh is in Australia preparing for the Melbourne Cup.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Moon Indigo - Dazzle Dancer - Liszt
2.Race: Ebashan - Byzantine - Slieve Mish
3.Race: Lee Applause - Snap - Sara Cara
4.Race: Designated Decoy - Slaney Wave - Liberty Eclipse
5.Race: Elbasana - Forest Minx - Clayton Chief
6.Race: Vignelaure Rose - Rue De Cabestan - Vertigo On Course
7.Race: Havetoavit - Diamond Fire - Katcarhue