Limerick 13:50
A good match this isn’t it? Breaken and Noel Meade’s Calicojack, who’s the only horse with form. Breaken was second in France in a hurdle race and he obviously jumps really well. He’s forward going, he’s a fast horse and he has loads of work done. He’s in really good form and you’d be hoping he wins a maiden of this standard but Calicojack is the one he has to beat.
Limerick 14:20
Paul (Townend) rides Maze Runner and the form with Band of Outlaws looks even better now. He split Band of Outlaws and the horse Band of Outlaws beat in the Fred Winter, Coko Beach, on his last start in Naas. Obviously, Maze Runner ended up first reserve in the Fred Winter which is a bit disappointing. He is in good form but this is a competitive race, plenty of these have chances.
Gordon’s horse, Serious Ego, looked like winning at Navan last week and made a mistake at the last. Whatsafellatodo has won on his last two starts. For a rated novice hurdle, I think there’s plenty of horses with chances but we are hoping Maze Runner will be a bit better than his mark, although he might like a stiffer test.
Limerick 14:55
Cut the Mustard didn’t cut much ice in the county hurdle but this looks more her level. It looks a match between her and Black Tears, there’s only a pound between them in ratings. They both carry the same weight so I think it’s between the two of them. Obviously, this is a lesser test than the county hurdle but a reproduction of her Leopardstown run would put her bang there.
Limerick 16:05
Paul’s on Robin Des Foret and he’s two pounds well in on official ratings but I just feel there’s more scope for improvement on Burrow Saint. Both horses are stepping up to three miles and both have to prove they stay but Burrow Saint improved a lot from the first day in Gowran Park to the second and I think with a bit of dry ground he could improve again. It’s a competitive enough contest though. Henry’s (De Bromhead) horse, Nick Lost, is getting his ground again. He’s a good jumper on good ground but this one’s my only ride this weekend and I’m looking forward to it.
Limerick 17:15
Liz Doyle’s horse, Barnes Des Mottes, won well on his first outing. He came from France with a lot of horses including Fakir D’oudairies. They all came in a bunch and he was very well thought of. I thought he did it very well in a messy race in Naas so he could be the one to beat here.
Willie’s best Chance
Breaken is his best chance. He goes well in the maiden. And then I think Willie’s a good chance of winning the 4.05pm with Burrow Saint or Robin Des Foret. Then Maze Runner and then Cut the Mustard.