They jump at Bellewstown on Wednesday. Our experts like the chances of these eight runners.
Wednesday’s Bellewstown Tips
- 15:51 Jackson Lamb
- 16:25 Whats New
- 17:00 Hatfield Hammer
- 17:35 Liam Swagger
- 18:05 Fastnet Crystal (NAP)
- 18:38 Direct Approach
- 19:08 Syosset
- 19:38 Blue Trix
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15:51 2m4½f Claiming Hurdle (4yo+)
John McConnell started the week with a winner at Ballinrobe and could land the opener at Bellewstown on Wednesday with JACKSON LAMB. A 28/1 runner-up over fences at Wexford last time, the seven-year-old reverts to hurdling having won a novice hurdle at Kelso last year. Having kept on after a positive ride under Alex Harvey last time, Jackson Lamb should enjoy a step up in trip and could enjoy himself from the front if ridden under similar tactics by 7lb claimer Shane Fitzsimons.
Selection: Jackson Lamb
16:25 2m4½f Maiden Hurdle (4yo+)
WHATS NEW has proven frustrating but gets a fine opportunity to finally open his account. He sets a clear standard on his runner-up efforts at this track and Sligo, while he returned to form when a staying-on second, beaten 6½ lengths, in a strong handicap hurdle at the Galway Festival last time. He tries this trip for the first time, which could bring further improvement, and if his jumping and stamina hold up, he looks hard to oppose.
Selection: Whats New
17:00 2m4½f Handicap Hurdle (4yo+ 0-100)
HATFIELD HAMMER can take advantage of what looks a really weak race. He has been consistent in similar company and ran to form when fourth, beaten 8 lengths, in a handicap hurdle at Wexford latest. He is effective over 2 to 2½ miles and the first-time blinkers could eke out a little more improvement.
Selection: Hatfield Hammer
17:35 2m4½f Bective Stud, Hotel & Tea Rooms Mullacurry Cup Handicap Hurdle (4yo+)
The best race of the day featuring former Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle winner Dreal Deal, last year’s Fred Winter third Liam Swagger and last season’s Cheltenham Festival Cross Country hero Final Orders. Out of those three big names, it is Liam Swagger who makes the most appeal.
LIAM SWAGGER has done most of his racing on the Flat but can build on a fine effort at Galway last time. That run is worth upgrading as he made his move too soon off a strong pace, and he returns to hurdling off a potentially lenient mark judged on his old UK form. A former Listed winner, he won two of his four previous hurdle starts and was placed off a higher mark in the 2025 Fred Winter. He looks interesting back over timber.
Selection: Liam Swagger
18:05 2m1f PANDA Mares Hurdle (4yo+)
FASTNET CRYSTAL sets the standard on a mark of 121 and looks capable of taking advantage of this drop in class. She improved again when second, beaten 2½ lengths, in a Listed novice hurdle at Galway last time and had previously won on debut before going close at Listed level. Effective over 2m-2m2f on a sound surface, she should have more to offer for her top course trainer (Joseph O’Brien) and looks the one to beat.
Selection: Fastnet Crystal (NAP)
18:38 2m1f John Purfield Memorial Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (4yo+ 0-100)
DIRECT APPROACH looks capable of playing a leading role on his handicap debut off a mark of 100. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has shown improved form in his last couple of starts, including a solid third at Kilbeggan, and his Flat form suggests there should be more to come. He was comfortably held at Roscommon last time but remains unexposed over hurdles, is effective over 2m2f and acts on both heavy and good ground. An open race, but he looks interesting for his top yard.
Selection: Direct Approach
19:08 2m1f John Purfield Memorial Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (4yo+ 0-100)
SYOSSET has been knocking on the door and could finally make the breakthrough. The Crystal Ocean gelding has finished in the places on each of his last four starts, including a solid third at Kilbeggan last time, and remains on the same mark of 92. He is yet to win over hurdles but is a Flat winner and remains well treated on his best form in that sphere. The first-time cheekpieces could also help eke out a little more.
Selection: Syosset
19:38 2m1f WTW Willis (Ladies Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (4yo+)
BLUE TRIX could be good enough to make a winning debut for the in-form Willie Mullins yard (31%). The Blue Bresil mare is a half-sister to three-time winner Beggars Rock, who was effective over 2m2f, and represents a top stable that does well with newcomers. She is likely to know her job first time up and is worth a close market check. Jockey Jody Townend won this bumper in 2022.
Selection: Blue Trix
Wednesday’s Bellewstown Tips
- 15:51 Jackson Lamb
- 16:25 Whats New
- 17:00 Hatfield Hammer
- 17:35 Liam Swagger
- 18:05 Fastnet Crystal (NAP)
- 18:38 Direct Approach
- 19:08 Syosset
- 19:38 Blue Trix
