Mayo for Sam? Who knows. One thing’s for certain, we’ve got eight races over the jumps at Ballinrobe on Tuesday. Here are our selections.
- 16:36 Bells Grove
- 17:06 Sharu
- 17:39 Le Diablo
- 18:09 Lureka Du Noyer
- 18:39 Wolf Prince (NAP)
- 19:09 It’s Time Again
- 19:39 Pourquoi Poi
- 20:09 Tommy’s Ticket
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16:36 2m1½f O’Hare’s Bar Maiden Hurdle (4-5yo)
Bells Grove has shown consistent form throughout his career, finishing placed in all three bumpers before making an encouraging hurdling debut at Listowel. He stayed on well to finish third, pulling nicely clear of the remainder in what looks a strong contest, and the drying ground should hold no concerns. With that promising first run over hurdles under his belt, he looks capable of taking another step forward in this weaker contest.
Selection: Bells Grove
17:06 2m1½f West “Howya” Maiden Hurdle (4yo+)
Sharu took a step forward when runner-up in a qualified riders’ maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan, finishing just 2½ lengths behind the winner after being ridden positively over a shorter trip. That effort suggested he’s progressing for his top trainer Henry de Bromhead, and with proven effectiveness over this sort of distance, he looks firmly in the mix once again. Darragh O’Keefe being booked for the first time could be an indication that a big run is expected.
Selection: Sharu
17:39 2m1½f David Heneghan Memorial Handicap Hurdle (4yo+)
John Patrick Ryan’s stable hit the headlines recently with a monster 1,013-1 treble at Sligo and the Templemore handler could have a big say in this contest with Le Diablo. The five-year-old gelding bounced back to form with a strong second at Wexford earlier this month, finishing 3¼ lengths behind the winner after dropping back in trip. That effort suggested he was in need of a stiffer test, and with a first-time tongue-tie applied, he looks capable of further improvement over a more suitable distance off just a 1lb higher mark.
Selection: Le Diablo
18:09 2m1½f RBC Brewin Dolphin Rated Novice Hurdle (4yo+)
Lureka Du Noyer made an excellent start for his new yard with an emphatic maiden success on his Irish debut at Limerick, having arrived with plenty of experience from France and strong market support. His French form suggests there is more to come, and while all of his previous runs were on softer ground, his pedigree offers encouragement that this quicker surface won’t be an issue. If handling the conditions, he looks capable of following up for the Henrry de Bromhead stable.
Selection: Lureka Du Noyer
18:39 2m1½f Handicap Hurdle (4yo+)
Wolf Prince showed he retains plenty of ability when making all to score gamely at Sligo last week, with first-time cheekpieces appearing to have the desired effect. The headgear is retained here and, still looking well treated on his old form prior to his lay-off, the 10-year-old has a fine opportunity to follow up if able to dominate once again.
Having missed all last year, the former Fergal O’Brien charge, who won back-to-back races ocer hurdles at Taunton and Chepstow in 2024, scored by almost 4-lengths under a positive ride at Sligo nine days ago. 11lb below the mark carried at Chepstow two years ago, this is a great chance to go in again.
Selection: Wolf Prince (NAP)
19:09 2m6f Sweeney Oil Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (4yo+ 0-100)
It’s Time Again won over this course last year and looked set to end a lengthy losing run when falling at the final flight while in command at Clonmel last time. The winner has since franked the form, suggesting she would have gone very close, and off just 2lb higher, she has strong claims if none the worse for that mishap.
Selection: It’s Time Again
19:39 2m6f Sweeney Oil Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (4yo+ 0-100)
Pourquoi Poi gets the vote after another solid effort when finishing a four-length third at Sligo, where he was only beaten by a well-handicapped rival. That performance confirmed he remains in good form, first-time cheekpieces could eke out a little more improvement, and the booking of Jack Kennedy catches the eye.
Selection: Pourquoi Poi
20:09 1m7½f Jennings Meats INH Flat Race (4yo+)
Tommy’s Ticket shaped with plenty of promise on his debut at Kilbeggan, travelling strongly for a long way before his early keenness took its toll. A first-time hood should help him settle better, and if it has the desired effect, he looks capable of taking a significant step forward.
Selection: Tommy’s Ticket
Ballinrobe Selections – Tuesday July 21
- 16:36 Bells Grove
- 17:06 Sharu
- 17:39 Le Diablo
- 18:09 Lureka Du Noyer
- 18:39 Wolf Prince (NAP)
- 19:09 It’s Time Again
- 19:39 Pourquoi Poi
- 20:09 Tommy’s Ticket
