13:40 THURLES

The opening race on the card at Thurles looks as though it will go to Fakiera from the Gordon Elliott stable. He’s got by far the best form in the race but is likely to go off at odds-on, so there might be an opportunity for an each-way play.

RUINOUS runs for Gavin Cromwell and has caught the eye on his three starts to date.

He’s a strong traveller who will definitely be able to win races in time. I’d suggest that he’ll be better when he moves up in trip slightly, but he travels so strongly that he should get a nice toe into a two-mile race.

Fakiera could be hard to beat, but I do expect him to chase him home.

15:10 THURLES

The Pierce Molony Chase is the feature race on the card on Saturday.

There were only five runners last year, but this year’s renewal has attracted a nine-strong field, which brings the each-way placings to three.

On that basis, I think it’s worth backing DUNVEGAN each way.

He’s not the most consistent but, on his day, has plenty of talent and ability. He’s still relatively lightly-raced and this will be just his third run of the season, which I think will play to his strengths.

He was third behind Cash Back over two miles in his last run, but shaped as if he wants further and this 2f increase in trip will surely suit.

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