Irish racing today

Two N.H. meetings in Ireland today, with the better racing again coming from Leopardstown, with two Grade One races. The chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 14.00 CET can go for the second year running to Mansony (Arthur Moore/ Davy Russell), although he was later behind Natal (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) on these terms. The novice hurdle at 14.55 sees some of the main Irish hopes for this season at the start, including Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and Noel Meade´s pair Donnas Palm (Paul Carberry) and Go Native (Niall Madden). The big betting race of the day, and also the most valuable event, is the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.10; with 28 runners, this is wide open and the bookies will probably go 10-1 the field, but Mullins and Townend have chances of doubling up here with Emma Jane. Best bet on the card is Eoin Griffin´s Sanglote, who contests the opening maiden hurdle at 13.40 under top flat jockey Seamus Heffernan.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Donegal - El Presidente - Flag Of Honour
2.Race: Realt Dubh - Indian Spring - Gentleman Jeff
3.Race: Mansony - Natal - Thyne Again
4.Race: Hurricane Fly - Donnas Palm - Go Native
5.Race: Dun Doire - Square Sphere - Rocco`S Hall
6.Race: Operation Houdini - Dante Hall - Patsy Hall
7.Race: Quel Esprit - West Of The Border - Chargen



The best race at Limerick is the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.50, whch also looks very tricky; top-weight Conna Castle (JJ Mangan/ Derek O´Connor), Gripit n Tipit (Charlie Swan/ DG Hogan) and Freds Benefit (Willie Mullins/ Joe Cullen) are the three on our short list.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Bannow Rose - Sanglote - Dul Ar An Ol
2.Race: Perce Rock - Faltering Fullback - Charlie Yardbird
3.Race: Hoochie Mama - Himalayan Trail - Harty`S Quay
4.Race: Lock Mor Lad - Keel Castle Maine - Soleil Levant
5.Race: Freds Benefit - Gripit N Tipit - Knocknagow Leader
6.Race: Raven`S Run - Clarnazar - Green Black
7.Race: Knockbrack Vic - Dolly Hall - Elaine`S Fancy