Limerick – Thursday 26th May

It has been a slow week on the betting front as there has not been much racing to get stuck into, and the races I have chosen have been tricky to navigate. That sometimes can happen at this stage of the season, but I know my strengths lie by continuing to target the jumps action, and that is what I will continue to do until the stats prove otherwise over time. With that in mind, I have no hesitation in thinking that Limerick is the port of call for this evening’s racing, and hopefully I can pick apart some horses with a chance.

Starting off with the 6.35 race, which is the 2m3f handicap hurdle and this is the second division of a tricky handicap for horses rated between 80-95. There have been a few horses in this that I have followed down a dark road and I am going to allow one of them lure me in one more time in this contest, and that is Shean Glory. Sean Aherne’s horse here has been frustrating to watch over the last few seasons, as she has constantly shaped as if a win was only around the corner, only for her not to get one. However, she shaped nicely again last time out and she is off a basement mark in this type of grade. With plenty of places available, you would have to think she has a fair each way chance. At a price of 15/2 with Paddy Power, who are paying out 6 places, she should be backed each way.

The 7.10 race is the Auction maiden hurdle on the card, and this race has a decent quality of horse going to post, including horses that went very close in races over the winter. Despite running on this ground for the first time, I am going to be sticking to the top of the market in this contest, and with Itwasfate – who brings the best hurdling form to the table and was a very close second over this course and distance in the winter. This looks a competitive race, but he has the best form on offer and with the De Bromhead team in good shape at the moment, he should take some beating. At a standout price of 13/8 with SkyBet, he should be backed.

The 7.45 race is the final race I will be looking at and this 2m6f handicap hurdle is for horses rated between 80-102. I have already been sucked into backing Rebellious Gale a few times for Tony Martin, wondering when the ideal conditions are going to hit for this horse to strike, and I believe tonight may well be that night. He has shaped with promise in a few of his starts and his fourth last time out at Kilbeggan was a step forward, especially given he was outpaced at a crucial stage. He steps well up in trip on this occasion, which should suit and if seeing out this trip, he is a very well handicapped horse and his trainer continues to be in the winners. At a price of 4/1 with Paddy Power, who are offering 5 places, I am going to side with caution and back him each way.