Mick Fitzgerald: My top tips at Thurles for ITV Racing on Saturday

Well done ITV racing and well done Horse Racing Ireland for managing to stage racing behind closed doors in Ireland with added restrictions.

There are five races on ITV to enjoy and the first race is an opportunity maiden hurdle – which is similar to apprentice or conditional riders races.

Thurles 13.40 – Fakiera

Gordon Elliott’s Fakiera has kept some good company and this looks the perfect opportunity to get off the mark.

Sean O’Keefe is a very capable rider and the 2lb claim is a help as I have been impressed with his riding style. The other one with a very good chance is Politesse. She won a bumper at this track in February but prior to that she finished a good second in a decent mares race Leopardstown. She is a very worthy  each-way bet with Conor Orr booked.

Thurles 14.10 – Jetz

Karl Der  Grose is a interesting contender even if we haven’t seen him for 408 days. He was highly regarded by the Mullins team at one point and a market check is advised. Ferocious beat Five O’Clock at Tramore last December, but he is very inconsistent. You’re never confident that he will deliver.

Moyhenna wears cheekpieces for the first time so note any market moves.

I like Jetz – who he was highly rated over fences – and ran to a decent level last time behind Charli Parcs. He will whiz round this track and has a very decent chance.

Thurles 14.40 – Johnny Little Legs

Goulane Jessie is the top weight and it’s going to be tough for her as this 2m 6f trip is plenty short enough. Johnny Little Legs on the other hand, ran a blinder when just getting piped at this track over two miles last time. The step up in trip is perfect for him.

One that could run well at a big price is Philip Rothwell’s Hide Out who reportedly ‘gurgled’ when making good headway late on last time behind Stoughan Cross. He’s worth considering.

Thurles 15.10 – Zero Ten

This is a good novice chase where Sizing Pottsie is on a roll, having won his last two starts and looks a worthy favourite. Zero Ten blotted his copy book last time at Punchestown, but that was a very messy race when he came down. His form is strong but he’ll need to jump better at Thurles’ trappy fences.

Henry de Bromhead’s Cappucimix  was second to Grand Annual winner Chosen Mate at Gowran Park before winning at Naas last time. He was clumsy there and that is a worry with him.

I’ll take a chance with Zero Ten now he returns to a right handed track.

Thurles 15.40 – Bridge Native

Bridge Native is near the foot of the weights in this 2m 4f Veterans Chase – even if this handicap is very compressed. She has run consistently in her last four starts and this would be a lovely prize for her to win.