The flat may be back at Naas today, but we can’t get away from the card that Limerick has on offer with a Grade 3 novice chase and a listed bumper headlining their seven-race card.
Four debut winners will clash in what looks like an above-average listed bumper, and six will go to post for the Grade 3 chase.
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Limerick 1:43 Party Time Ltd Mares Hurdle – 2m (5yo+)
A disappointing turnout for the mares hurdle as three will take their chance.
Lep Around reverts back to hurdling after a well-beaten sixth on chase debut, but even given her winning form over hurdles, she has to go some to keep tabs on the top two.
Jalila Moriviere is making her second start for Willie Mullins, but she must leave her disappointing stable debut run behind her. Given the small field and the distinct promise that she will come on for that run, she looks the one to beat, but the Stewart Crawford-trained MONGIBELLO can capitalize on what looks like a good opportunity to double her tally over hurdles.
She chased Aurora Vega home twice and seemed to get tapped for toe when fifth in Grade 3 last time out. However, given the small field, they may take the bull by the horns and turn this into a test of stamina over this shorter distance.
- Selection: Mongibello
- Danger: Jalila Moriviere
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Limerick 2:18 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle – 2m (4yo+)
It’s not the deepest of handicap hurdles here, and only a few come in with a realistic chance of winning. Falcon Park has been in fine form for Paul Hennessy, winning two of his last three, but today, he will make his debut for Shark Hanlon. He starts his life off for new connections on a mark of 103, and if the change of trainer can bring more improvement out of him, he has every chance of getting off to a winning start for Shark.
But the one that appeals the most is last time out winner, ELLAAT. He is another having his first start for new connections after winning with ease over Connors Cross in a claiming hurdle at Clonmel, and the connections of Connors Cross liked what they saw as they snapped up Ellaat not long after.
He gets to race off the same mark here, and if he can show the same form back in handicap company, Ellaat can claim a ninth career win.
- Selection: Ellaat
- Danger: Falcon Park
Limerick 2:53 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle – 2m3f (5yo+)
A typically weak maiden hurdle for this time of year, so this is the last chance saloon for DR EGGMAN.
This Willie Mullins-trained gelding has become expensive to follow, but he will not get a better chance to get off the mark than this and has already finished ahead of his main rival Champagne Kid when they clashed at Punchestown in February.
Dr Eggman should get the run of the race on the front end and finally get off the mark with an error-free round of jumping.
One to note on hurdling debut is Good N’ Kind, who makes his comeback after 379 days on the sideline. If he is ready to go first time out, he could prove a fly in the ointment for Dr Eggman.
- Selection: Dr Eggman
- Danger: Champagne Kid
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Limerick 3:28 SIS Handicap Chase – 2m3½f (5yo+)
Don’t Talk comes here on top of his game after recording back-to-back wins over fences, and his latest win has already been franked as the second Champagne Mahler has gone on to win by eight lengths since. Don’t Talk is not easily passed over, especially given the weight he is receiving, but the class of SPRINGT DE LA MARE may be enough to see him through and win off his monster weight.
The 138-rated chaser is a perfect two-from-two over fences and has looked well above average when winning both times. He is a big stamp of a chaser, so he should be more than capable of carrying such weight. In a race that will be run at a strong pace, Springt De La Mare can get the perfect set-up to come challenge after the last and bag his third win in a row.
The Lovely Man is one to keep an eye on in the betting on his first start for Gavin Cromwell because any market support would make him interesting here under Conor Stone-Walsh.
- Selection: Springt De La Mare
- Danger: Don’t Talk
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Limerick 4:03 Grade 3 Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase – 3m½f (5yo+)
Shannon Royal is on a retrieval mission after his good start to his chasing career has unravelled in front of our eyes. His jumping has become an issue, but the smaller field may help him get a better sight of his fences and regain some confidence. The talent is there for him to play a major role here, but it may be best to leave him run until he shows signs of a revival.
The classy mare Fun Fun Fun takes a big step up in tip here, but given how comfortably she won over 2m4f at Naas, this is a trip well worth exploring. However, the Sean Thomas Doyle-trained MONBEG PARK looks the one to side with here.
Despite his quirks, Monbeg Park has been in seriously good form this season, having chased home Jordans, Gorgeous Tom, and the handicap blot that was Backtonormal at the Dublin Racing Festival. He got his due reward for his consistency when comfortable taking a Listed chase at Leopardstown at the beginning of the month.
Given that he was doing his best work at the finish that day, this new trip could unlock even more improvement from Monbeg Park, and if that is the case, he will prove hard to beat here.
- Selection: Monbeg Park
- Danger: Fun Fun Fun
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Limerick 4:38 Racing TV Handicap Chase – 3m½f (5yo+)
There are a few interesting lurkers in the lineup here, but none more so than the handicap debutant BANPRIONSA.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained mare has put together two good runs over fences and has shaped like she was crying out for a step up in tip, and that is what she is going to get today. This daughter of Kayf Tara won here point-to-point by 22 lengths, so this trip should be the making of her.
Others to note are Emily In Paris, who has been a model of consistency this season, and the Philip Rothwell-trained Game And Glory, who shaped well over hurdles last time out. Where’s Frankie could prove the biggest danger if he puts his best foot forward.
- Selection: Banprionsa
- Danger: Where’s Frankie
Bet on Banprionsa with Betfred
Limerick 5:13 Listed Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion (Pro/Am) Flat Race – 2m (4yo)
We have a cracking end to proceedings today as some classy four-year-olds go head to head for listed honours.
Oneinthewell got the better of Eternal Echo at Leopardstown, but the latter now faces that rival on even terms this time around. Light Up The Dark lit up Naas when she powered clear through the fog at Naas to win going away by seven lengths. JP McManus has since snapped her up and will go close to making it back-to-back wins. But the one who looks to have a bright future ahead of her is CARRIGMOORNA BEECH.
She powered to victory on Thyestes day at Gowran Park, taking care of her rivals by 12 lengths and more. That was a taking performance in a bumper that has thrown up some classy individuals in the past, and she could be adding her name to that list of classy winners.
There will be plenty of rain this weekend, so she should get similar ground that saw her win at Gowran.
- Selection: Carrigmoorna Beech
- Danger: Light Up The Dark
Bet on Carrigmoorna Beech with SBK
About the author
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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