Ireland today

the going at both today´s Irish meetings at Punchestown and Tramore will be very heavy. Easily the most interesting event is the hurdle race at 14.45 CET at Punchestown. Hardy Eustace (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood) is the class act here, having won the Champion Hurdle twice, but he is getting on in years, probably needs better ground and has to give weight away all round. Glencove Marina (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and German-bred Wild Passion (Noel Meade/ Davy Condon) were both smart in younger years but are coming off very long breaks. The most valuable event here is the mares bumper at 16.45, which can go to Lonesome Dove (Charlie Swan/ Nina Carberry). At Tramore, Willie Mullins can continue his winning run with Drive on Regardless at 15.05 and Cru an hour later, both ridden by David Casey.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Palace Merano - Earth Magic - Sigma Lifestyle
2. Race: The Dew At Night - Whosaidso - Battlefront
3. Race: Glencove Marina - Hardy Eustace - Footy Facts
4. Race: Beroni - Farringdon - Bahrain Storm
5. Race: Tropical Island - Carnbridge - Bob Will Fix It
6. Race: Soldier Bay - Stir On The Sea - Pittoni
7. Race: Araucaria - Perfectly Composed - Lonesome Dove