Tipperary

A seven race national hunt card opens at Tipperary this afternoon with a division of the maiden hurdle.Flycorn’s recent runner up slot at Navan behind Frawley jumps off the page here while Bagnelstown handler Colin Kidd is entitled to be reasonably optimistic regarding the prospects of his consistent mare Back In A Tic.The second divide of the maiden looks a potentially stronger heat where the highly rated Mickleson is sure to have been well schooled for this.Spot Fine, coming from much respected quarters, is afforded maximum respect if encouragement is seen in the market.

Worldly Wise is consistent but his vast collection of silver medals doesn’t augur well for his chances of winning the older horses maiden at 2.55.Marginal preference here is for the useful point to pointer Farrell’s Fancy, partnered by Tom Doyle,a  jockey who enjoyed a successful Gowran Park meeting over the weekend riding three winners.The only handicap on the card is scheduled for a 3.25 start and here market watch is recommended when assessing the chances of Down Under,a lightly raced gelding running in the J.P McManus colours.Craughwell based Pauline Gavin’s Lillymile sprung a double carpet (33-1) shock at Ballinrobe on her latest start and can be given every chance of following up in this event also.

Rivage D’Or,a consistent staying hurdler,can be expected to go close in the beginners chase at 3.55 while in the two and a half miler at 4.25 Goresbridge based Gerard Mullins will be fancying his chances with Celtic Wish ,a horse who shaped nicely on his latest start when runner up to Sorcerer over at Ballinrobe.

Racing draws to a close with the bumper, a tricky looking event where plenty can be considered.John Nallen’s Minella For Value and Dennis Ahern’s War Of Words are speculative choices against the field in a race where as usual the market may well be the best arbiter.