Sunday 11th May 2025
1.45 Leopardstown: Captain Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Maiden: My first selection of the day on Sunday comes within the 1.45 at Leopardstown, and this is a maiden that’s contested over a mile and four furlongs. I like the Donnacha O’Brien trained Lombardi Trophy here, who’s the mount of Gavin Ryan. He posted a very encouraging effort on his racecourse debut when finishing fourth of ten behind potentially smart prospect Stay True, who went close in the Derby Trial at Lingfield at the weekend. He stayed on to the line that day, giving the impression that this extra distance will suit, and he should naturally progress. Lombardi Trophy – 9/4 (Win) (NB)
2.20 Leopardstown: Al Shira’aa Racing ‘Mutamakina’ Stake: I’m staying at Leopardstown for my second selection of the day, and the 2.20, which is the Group 3 Mutamakina Stakes contested over seven furlongs. I’m with Vespertilio here for Willie McCreery and Dylan Browne McMonagle. She’s a smart filly and despite only having one success to her name, however, that victory did come within Group 2 company, and she’s also been placed at Group 1 level. She made a highly encouraging return to the track last month when half of a length second of eight at Cork, and she should build on that here. I think she’s the one to beat. Vespertilio – 9/4 (Win)
2.50 Newcastle: Weekend Winners On At The Races Handicap: It’s over to Newcastle for my third selection and the 2.50, which is a Class 4 handicap that’s contested over a mile and two furlongs. I’ve come down on Sea Legend in this particular affair for the team of Jim Goldie and Paul Mulrennan. He won the race last year off a three-pound higher mark and ran with credit on his return to the level here last month, when finishing third of seven. The plan has more than likely been to come back to race, and I think he’s got every chance of winning it again. Sea Legend – 11/2 (Each-Way)
3.25 Newcastle: Weekend Winners On At The Races Handicap: My fourth selection of the day also comes from Newcastle and the 3.25, which is a Class 4 handicap that’s ridden over a mile and two furlongs. I’m with the Daniel & Claire Kubler trained Londoner here who’s set to be ridden by David Egan. He’s been tried over a variety of different trips, and actually started his career with Aidan O’Brien where he was tried within pattern company. He didn’t show a great deal on his stable debut at Newbury last month when finishing eighth of fourteen, however, he didn’t get a clear run on that occasion. He continues to tumble down the weights, and he should be going well off these marks and at this level. Londoner – 7/2 (Win)
4.00 Newcastle: Michael John Hrycko Handicap: My penultimate pick comes within the 4.00 at Newcastle, and this is Class 3 handicap action over a mile and two furlongs. I’m very strong on the chances of Gunship here for the combination of James Ferguson and Daniel Muscutt. He won a novice event at this track over a mile and progressed when tried within handicap company for the first time at Sandown last month, finishing third of twelve and staying on in the closing stages. He should build on that run here and looks a progressive type for connections. I think it would be disappointing should he get beaten here. Gunship – 10/11 (Win) (NAP)
6.15 Newcastle: Border Minstrel Handicap: My final selection of the day comes within the 6.15 at Newcastle and this is Class 4 handicap over a distance of seven furlongs. I like Cairdeas here, who represents William Haggas and is the mount of Tom Marquand. He progressed from his handicap debut to finishing third of nine at Ripon on his second start within handicap company, just two and a quarter lengths behind the winner and staying on in the closing stages. That run suggested that this return to seven should suit, as his novice victory also came over today’s distance. If he takes to this surface, he can go close off a pound lower mark. Cairdeas – 13/2 (Each-Way) (4 places – Several firms)
