Sunday 12th April 2026
The first of four selections for me on Sunday comes within the 2.10 at Leopardstown, and this is a fillies maiden which is contested over a distance of a mile. I’m quite strong on the chances of THUNDERING ON in this particular affair for Joseph O’Brien and Joey Sheridan. She progressed from a fourth-placed effort on her racecourse debut at the Curragh to finish a highly encouraing second of eight in Group 3 company at that same venue in October. She should continue to progress, and that has to make her a key player within maiden company here.
It’s over to Musselburgh for my next selection, and the 4.45, which is a Class 4 fillies’ handicap that’s ridden over a mile. I’m taking a chance on PERFECT PART here for Brian Ellison and Zak Wheatley, who takes off three pounds. She ran a very encouraing race on her seasonal reappearance in the Spring Mile at Doncaster, finishing fourth of twenty-two, and that race was a Class 2 event. She’s down in grade here to Class 4 company, and she’ll also contest this race off the same mark as her Doncaster run. She’s not won since her debut success; however, she should be making her presence felt at this level.
My best bet of the day comes within the 4.55 at Leopardstown, which is the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes over a mile and two furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of PIERRE BONNARD here for the team of Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. He was a highly progressive two-year-old and won three on the spin at the back end of last season. He announced himself on to the scene with a win in the Group 3 Zetland Stakes at Newmarket, before following up just a couple of weeks later with Group 1 success in the Critérium de Saint-Cloud. He probably won’t need to be at his absolute best to take this on seasonal reappearance, and he looks like a very exciting prospect.
The fourth and final selection of the afternoon for me on Sunday comes within the 6.15 at Musselburgh, and this is a Class 4 handicap over seven furlongs. The James Owen-trained SEA SUITE should post another bold bid here under Cieren Fallon. He finally opened his account last time out at Southwell, when getting up by a length and a half in a twelve-runner affair. He’s only been raised a couple of pounds for that success, so it would be no great surprise to see him follow up here for a trainer who does very well progressing his recruits.
Sunday Selections
12/04/26
2.10 Leopardstown
THUNDERING ON – (7/4) (Win) (NB)
4.45 Musselburgh
PERFECT PART – (8/1) (Each-Way)
(4 places)
4.55 Leopardstown
PIERRE BONNARD – (Evs) (Win) (NAP)
6.15 Musselburgh
SEA SUITE – (9/4) (Win)
