It is a very busy start to the weekend as we have runners in three meetings where we start off in Sligo. GRATITUDEFORGRACE is against her own sex here and will have Ethan O’Sullivan in the saddle claiming 7lbs. She has been a modest performer to date and can hopefully go well.

COMBS faces a small field in the Abbey Haven Care Centre Hurdle where he looks like he could have a decent chance. The step back in grade will be a benefit to him and the easing ground should also help. Danny Gilligan has been booked to ride.

TROPICAL TWIST never looks particularly far away in her runs and this looks another open event where she has a reasonable chance. The ground will be starting to turn for her now and she could find this difficult, she has Paddy Cleary in the saddle claiming 7lbs.

GUNNERY SERGEANT showed an improvement in his form by placing the last day. This is another race where he could go well with him being well in the mix. We have Tommy Halford riding who claims 2lbs. This horse is one of few who has a mark going into this which will be a bonus.

In the staying maiden hurdle we have FUUSLAND who ran a cracker the last day when second. This is another step up in trip and every inch should be of benefit and Danny Gilligan has been booked to ride.

Over in Cheltenham BOWENSONFIRE heads out over 2m in the novices chase. He was a cracker last year going up the handicap by about a stone. He is already Graded placed over fences this season but still a maiden. Jack Kenney flies in for the ride.

Our other runner in Cheltenham is COSMOS D’AINAY. The falling rain won’t help his chances as he goes better on drying ground. He steps back up again in trip which should suit and Jack takes the ride.

Boston Benjamin unfortunately doesn’t get in this afternoon as third reserve.

Making his weekly commute up to Dundalk BOSTON MAX returns in the 6f handicap. Cursed with perpetually wide draws Max and Nina made a strong attempt last week in a 7f contest to be denied 1st place on the bob of a head. He is back down to 6f here but is bang at the top of the handicap being 3lbs above the ratings. Nina’s full 10lbs claim will be a huge help and Boston Max will have first time Cheekpieces. Hopefully they can have a successful trip and won’t be too far away.