Sunday 13th April

Down Royal 3.35 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 6 furlongs - 13 run - Good
 
At the top end of the market i've trip concerns about Bella Union and The Lucky Lobster just seems a weak finisher at trips from 2 miles 3 furlongs up to 3 miles although logically this trip should be ideal. With very little jumping out from 80% of the field overall, I think the most solid punts are STRETCHMOUNT who disappointed on Handicap debut but really has very little opposition here and KALSMAN a winner off a mark of 88, will definitely come on for a recent return run and who should be placing at the very least off a mark of 96 with a 7lbs claimer up. (MG)
 
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Tramore 3.50 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 5 and 1/2 furlongs - 14 run - Yielding
 
A more competitive race where the top end of the market may be vulnerable with Jonny Mansie having 3 recent poor runs after showing mild promise earlier in the season, Stumblin In has shown some promise and may be dangerous but the price looks very tight on actual form and Kalanisi Dubh , who steps up markedly in trip.
 
Set The Tone is a locally based horse who also steps up markedly in trip but may have been targeted for a bit of a touch, Twoplustwo Equals has been very lightly raced in th past few seasons but has some of the best back form on offer and can't be completely discounted and it will be interesting to track Kilkenny star forwards after a break of 833 days because prior form was impressive in the context of this race.
 
C'EST RIEN a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 81 last September will be delighted to get back to this sort of ground after Hurdling and Chasing in the mud over the winter and looks very well handicapped off a mark of 77 with regular pilot Danny Mullins (who has a nice book of rides on the Card generally) in the saddle and MULLANOUR for who the trip and Going should be ideal with any showers a plus, looks banker each way material.
 
There is one at 20/1 plus who I really do think is worth a small e/w bet to enhanced places and that is CLOSE ENOUGH a Distance winner in the past off  a mark of 80, has run well to place at this Course too in the past and will have improved for a recent spin and a sporting each way put off a mark of 83 with a decent 5lbs claimer. (Sean)
 
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