Wexford Racecourse: Preview and tips for Thursday’s eight-race card

Wexford Racecourse presents another competitive jumps meeting on Thursday, with eight races on the card; seven hurdle races and one bumper…

Read on for a full preview of and tips from Wexford’s card, in conjunction with Sporting Life.

The action begins with a colts and geldings’ maiden hurdle over an extended two miles (4.35). John McConnell’s Fine Print is the only one who makes his National Hunt debut, switching codes from the Flat, while Claude makes the move from bumpers to hurdles for the first time today, equipped with cheekpieces by trainer Joseph O’Brien. This is a fairly difficult race to judge, based on the overall inexperience of the field, but Crooked Tannie looks the best at present, with two good recent runs. Jordan Gainford should be able to get this gelding to the front today.

Another maiden hurdle follows, this time over two and a half miles (5.10). Gavin Cromwell’s duo of Hillhead Runner and Sophia Rose could provide the Navan-based trainer with a good result in this race, both of them having finished second last time out. With the former being ridden by a seven-pound claimer, he is certainly of interest, but the mare has displayed as much ability as he has, so could be our winner today.

Next is a ladies’ handicap hurdle over two and a half miles (5.45). This is a warm looking race, with plenty of good form on show and, therefore, a number of chances. Warm In Gorey has run two good races lately, including at this track over fences, and looks likely to go well again, but Rose Boum, who was last seen winning at Punchestown, might have the edge. She is also given seven pounds by her rider and has returned for 2025 in excellent form, which she looks well enough treated to continue here.

The first division of a three-mile handicap hurdle (6.15). Small Town Hero made a very strong start for his new stable, winning last time out at Roscommon, and hasn’t been too heavily penalised as a result so could be at the sharp end again. Ballerina Boxer is a consistent sort who looks as if she should be involved here, while Fire Coral is tried over three miles for the first time and might benefit from the extra distance.

Following is the second division of the same race (6.47). Phildante might be of interest, up in trip to three miles for the first time, while Royal Cave looks a likely type for the win, fit from a run on the Flat earlier this month and more than capable over comparable trips. With Jordan Gainford in the saddle, who has ridden the mare to a good second place in the past, she might finally break her maiden at the 14th time of asking.

Next is the first division of an extended two-mile handicap hurdle (7.17). Course and distance winner Splendid Choice ought to be in with a good chance today, having run well last time at this track for fifth of 14, and might be helped by being given five pounds by his claiming rider. Towards the bottom of the handicap, Surviving Murmansk just might be able to run a good race, given a useful seven pounds by Harry Sexton today, and could be in with a chance of placing.

The penultimate race is the second division of the previous race (7.47). Menas Miracle won her last start at this track, but was raised a hefty 10 pounds in the handicap as a result, so may struggle to replicate that form here. Pleasureofpressure, who was behind Menas Miracle that day, made a good show of himself that day and, if taking a step forward on the same mark, now with two runs under his belt for the season, could get further to the front this time.

Finally, the evening’s racing concludes with a bumper (8.17). Mistyburn may be a smart prospect having won his point-to-point, but there are others in here with more promising pedigrees. The likes of Pointwelltaken and Talas Kera look interesting in this capacity, with plenty of talent throughout their pages. The former gets the final vote having at least had a run before.