Ireland today

Ireland has far fewer racing fixtures than the U.K. and this gives them a big advantage when the weather causes cancellations, as has so often been the case this month, as it is relatively easy to transfer abandoned metings. Yesterday we had last Saturday´s Punchestownfuxture, and today it is the turn of last Thursday´s Thurles meeting. Best race on the card is the Grade 3 chase over 2 1/4 miles at 14.10 CET. The race revolves around Finger onthe Pulse (Tom Taaffe/ Paddy Flood), who ran a fine race only on Sunday at Leopardstown against much stronger opposition. If he turns out again, he should win; if not Irish Invader (Willie Mullins/ Ruy Walsh) is the obvious alternative. In any case the Mullins/ Walsh team can score with the smart bumper with the unpronounceable name Uimhiraceathair in the maiden hurdle ar 15.45. Another trainer in top form in Dessie Hughes, who had 3 winners yesterda, and he can take the 4yo hurdle at 14.40 with Flag of Honour (Paddy Flood), who was ver y unlucky last time. Air Chief (Eric McNamara/ Robbie Power), an easy winner of his only hurdles race, is the main danger, although No One Tells Me (Jessica Harrington/ Andrew Leigh), behind these two on his only starts so far, meets them on 7 lbs better terms and must be respected.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Paddy Joe - My Lord Oscar - Shrove Tuesday
2.Race: Finger Onthe Pulse - Irish Invader - Holly Tree
3.Race: Flag Of Honour - Air Chief - No One Tells Me
4.Race: Browns Baily - Oscar Dan Dan - Prince Rudi
5.Race: Uimhiraceathair - Fosters Cross - Gonebeyondrecall
6.Race: Betabob - Charming Hills - Oddwiller Manyana
7.Race: Marlay Park - Boskill Cross - Now Wich One