We have a busy day ahead with 13 runners between Limerick, Bellewstown & Perth.
Starting the day across the water in Perth, CLANOKRE LASS has her second start over flights in the maiden hurdle. Fourth on hurdling debut, she should have come on plenty for that experience and with the benefit of a fillies and 4yo allowance, she should run a nice competititve race under Danny McMenamin.
GUNNERY SERGEANT takes his chances in the 2m4f handicap chase. This will be his first run in handicap company and looks a good opportunity for him to try and get on the scoreboard under Sean Bowen.
We send out LENKO in the 2m4f handicap hurdle. He has yet to show any spark in his 3 starts to date but we are hoping that the step up in trip and addition of first time cheekpieces will bring out some improvement in him on his handicap debut. Danny McMenamin takes the ride.
In the 2m7f handicap chase we run THEHAIRYFELLA. He was second over course and distance back in October and usually thrives on his trips to the UK. Sporting first time blinkers today, the 11yo will be ridden by Danny McMenamin.
Our final runner of the day in Perth is CREADAN GRACE in the 2m7f handicap hurdle. She was well held here the last day over course and distance but wears first time cheekpieces today which we are confident will help her see out her races. Robbie Dunne is booked to ride.
On home soil we have 7 runners in Limerick;
BOSTON BENJAMIN makes his hurdling debut in the 3yo maiden hurdle. A winner on the flat over 7f at Dundalk, he has been schooling well at home and should take well to the transition to hurdles. Jack Kennedy is booked to ride.
In the 2m handicap hurdle we send out DAIRY FORCE. He was a good second at Bellewstown two starts ago before failing to make an impact in Kilbeggan last time out after a bad mistake early on put pay to his chances. We’re hoping for a good run from him today and Jack Kennedy is booked to ride.
In the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle we send 3 runners down to post. BOWENSONFIRE returns to action after a short break. He climbed rapidly up the handicap last season, proving himself on the big stage with back to back wins at Leopardstown over Christmas and at the DRF. He didn’t disgrace himself in a Grade 2 contest at Punchestown Festival last time out and should appreciate dropping back down in grade. He is the mount of Jack Kennedy. KING OF KINGSFIELD is a smart individual who really took to his chasing campaign last season with 3 wins under his belt including a Grade 3 contest. Reverting back to hurdles again today, he should enjoy the ground conditions and will be the mount of Josh Williamson. BARBIZON was last seen running in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham where he failed to make an impression. Being the only 4yo in the field here today he does get a weight allowance but he will have to take a huge step forward from what he has shown so far if he is to feature. Danny Gilligan rides.
OPEN APPROACH represents us in the 2m4f maiden hurdle. He proved himself to be a stayer when finishing strongly in a 2m6f contest at Downpatrick last time out and he if he can build on that run then he should be one for the shortlist today under Jack Kennedy.
Our final runner of the day in Limerick is THE PRESIDENT in the bumper. The daughter of Benie Des Dieux was third on her racecourse debut and will have come on plenty for that run. She gets a fillies weight allowance here today and Harry Swan is booked to ride.
Finally, in Bellewstown, we send out THE MEDIATOR in the QR Race. Second in a charity race at The Curragh over the weekend, he has proven himself to be in great form at the moment. He had a good campaign on the flat last season and could go close today under Claire O’Ryan.