Irish racing today

The two jumps meetings in Ireland are of slightly higher standard than the British fixtures and the prize-money is also much better. The most valuable race of the day is the novices handicap chase at 18.05 CET at Navan, which with 20 runners looks very difficult. Saddlers Storm (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell) and Kimberlite King (Colm Murphy/ Matt O´Connor) are our two against the field. The novice hurdle over 2 miles 7 furlongs at 16.35 is another competitive race, no fewer than 6 of the 8 runners are last-time-out winners. Acapulco (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) won well over CD, while Rhyl Accord (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) was an odds-on flop last time, but has chance to atone here. There are some huge fields, including 30 in the opening maiden hurdle at 15.35. It is rather suprising to see ex-Germn Champus (Noel Meade/ TC Carroll) entered here after the dreadful fall he took last time, but if anywhere near his best, he must take all the beating.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marlay Park - Dreadnot - Golan Guy
2. Race: Johnnyofcourse - Ballywooden King - Its All Hush Hush
3. Race: Rhyl Accord - Quito De La Roque - West Of The Border
4. Race: Nintytwo Team - Sharekan - Operation Houdini
5. Race: Corskeagh Royale - Deal Done - Taravada
6. Race: Saddlers Storm - Kimberlite King - Whats Up Gorden
7. Race: Good Time Donie - Tornado Bob - Romantic Lead




Willie Mullins probably has better prospects at Limerick, where he can land a treble with Glenlo Abbey in the maiden hurdle at 15.25, Morning Supreme in the listed mares novice hurdle half an hour later - both partnered by Ruby Walsh- and Lios a Choil in the bumper at 18.25 with son Patrick in the saddle. Main event here is the Grade Three mares novice chase at 16.25, but the field does not look outstanding. Tally em Up (Philip Rothwell/ Shane Jackson) has to concede weight all round, but is still the selection.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Glenlo Abbey - Ikidunot - Goban Saor
2. Race: Morning Supreme - For Bill - Lady Hillingdon
3. Race: Tally Em Up - Shuil Aris - Would You Do That
4. Race: Caola Mann - Jack Absolute - Grand Lahou
5. Race: Tooman Lane - Matchbook - Max Almighty
6. Race: Slash And Burn - Johnny Kilawee - Wait For Green
7. Race: Lios A Choill - Dun Bawn - Acey