Thurles Tips: It’s all in the genes

Seven National Hunt races come from Thurles on Thursday afternoon, between 12.10 – 15.40.

Lots of the biggest names in Irish racing are here, and I’m sure the contests will be keenly-contested.

Field sizes are very good, and an enjoyable afternoon’s sport looks assured.

12.45 – Leish Oscar’s Son @ 6/1

A wide-open-looking chase, over 2m 2f+.

The selection is a 7-yr-old gelded son of the great Sir Michael Stoute-trained Kalanisi, who I saw beaten a head by Giant’s Causeway in the Juddmonte at York just over 23 years ago! The late, great Pat Eddery was on board that day – and continuing the Irish theme here we are, tipping up Kalanisi’s offspring in a Thurles steeplechase.

This doesn’t look a hot contest and Leish Oscar’s Son steps back in trip here in a bid to shake off the memory of some ordinary displays. The massive factor for me frankly is the form of his trainer Gavin Cromwell, who’s red-hot right now, with 7 winners in the last fortnight.

The suspicion for me is that this might not take too much winning, and that trip experiment, plus the stable form, can enable the excellent Sean Flanagan to hopefully navigate his way into the winner’s coveted spot.

13.55 – Workforadime @ 3/1

Claimer Philip Byrnes rides this for trainer (and father) Charles – and she’s very experienced given she’s still a maiden. Last time at Down Royal Workforadime, ironically a daughter of another Stoute superstar in Workforce, finished powerfully without quite getting there under today’s pilot and I’m very hopeful that she can lose that pesky maiden tag.

That improved display came in a handicap, and she pops back into maiden company which should suit. Longstanding maidens don’t generally appeal as betting propositions but I’ve a feeling this could be an exception, fingers crossed.

Horse Racing tips – from Betfred Insights