Sunday's Irish Racing Tips
We have a selection great value tips for racing from Ireland. Limerick & Naas afternoon racing.
2:20 Limerick
Follow Limerick Races On Twitter Mares Hurdle
SPLASHING OUT - 11/8
SPLASHING OUT triumphed over course and distance (C&D) in November and nearly managed a repeat performance at the same venue during the Christmas season. Trained by Eoin Griffin, this mare has proven her capability on heavy ground. She is now set for a class drop following an outing in a high-value handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival, where she didn't fare as well. Queen Nell, on the other hand, dramatically improved on her previous maiden attempts by winning on very challenging terrain at Gowran Park earlier this month. Pulling away effortlessly in the final stages, she secured victory in a 16-runner maiden race, indicating her potential for further progress. Miss Agusta, after securing a second-place finish in the 2022 Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown, was acquired for a substantial sum. She started her hurdles career on a high note with a win in Galway last autumn but has since underperformed in two subsequent races.
2:55 Limerick
Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle
DESERT FRIEND - 11/1
DESERT FRIEND has an impressive track record, having secured victories on the Flat in the UK and triumphing in both hurdle and chase events under Denis Hogan. Since transferring to Snezzy Foster this winter, the horse has shown promising form, including a notable third-place finish behind Whiskeywealth (who has since won again) at Naas last month. Champagne Mahler impressed with a commanding victory at Gowran Park during the Thyestes Chase day and continued to perform respectably despite carrying an additional 11lb in a subsequent race at Naas. Mag Dillane is coming off a win over the same course and distance (C&D) as this race, while Zeeband enters following a maiden victory at Leopardstown. Grace Faraday is cutting back in distance and warrants consideration. Surf Club, though perhaps not the standout at Closutton, could attract attention in the betting markets on its handicap debut, signaling potential underestimation by competitors.
4:20 Naas
King Of Change At Compas Stallions Handicap
DARK VIPER - 9/4
Richard Hannon trained DARK VIPER during his two-year-old season, where he competed in four out of his five races on synthetic tracks. However, his performance on the heavy turf at Curragh last Sunday was eye-opening. This race marked several milestones: it was Dark Viper's first outing under the guidance of Jessica Harrington, who equipped him with cheekpieces for his first race post-castration. Notably, this was also his first time racing shorter than seven furlongs, having previously only competed in longer distances with Hannon.
In this debut for Harrington, the three-year-old demonstrated promising endurance, securing second place with his apprentice jockey in a competitive 20-horse, all-ages, six-furlong handicap. The race was ultimately won by the favored Merisi Diamond, who continued his successful streak from the previous season. Given Dark Viper's solid performance and his newly proven ability to perform well on heavy terrain, he appears well-positioned for success with Shane Foley as his jockey.
4:40 Limerick
Student Raceday 11th April 2024 @ Limerick Races Handicap Chase
HE FITZ IN - 11/2
HE FITZ IN appears poised for his first victory in a chase, arriving in top condition for a staying handicap at Limerick, buoyed by a recent fourth-place finish over hurdles at the same track. This performance marks his first outing since facing a challenging race against one of today's competitors, Baldur's Gate, in a handicap chase at Punchestown last November. Beneficially, He Fitz In is now 13lb better off compared to that race, where he was bested by a 13-length margin, a significant adjustment that could swing the odds in his favor.
Moreover, his commendable second-place finish to Hardwired at Punchestown is cast in an even more favorable light considering Hardwired's subsequent success. Hardwired managed to overcome a 7lb higher mark with ease at the same venue in January, highlighting the strength of He Fitz In's previous performances and suggesting his readiness for a strong showing in the upcoming race.