Wexford Racecourse: Preview and tips for Friday’s seven-race card

Wexford Racecourse presents its latest National Hunt meeting on Friday evening, consisting of seven races; four over hurdles and three over fences…

Read on for a full preview of the Wexford card, courtesy of Sporting Life.

The evening’s racing begins with a four-year-olds’ maiden hurdle run over two miles and one furlong (4.30). Kilt and Stay In The Game are both switching codes from the Flat for the first time here, while Miss Donna and Northern Trix both make their racecourse debuts today. It is probably best to side with those who have previous form, though, and with that in mind, Harpy Eagle looks a likely type, after finishing third of 11 last time out, while Henry De Bromhead’s Dschingis Dragon also should be a player after placing last time too.

Up next is a handicap hurdle over the same trip (5.03). Tony Mullins’ mare Paul’s Dream has a nice chance here, down a pound from a good pair of recent performances, and given a further three pounds by rider John Shinnick. Course and distance winner Splendid Choice cannot be ignored either, on a mark that might be workable given his rider’s claim. The JP McManus-owned No Big Deal, fit from a Flat campaign, may also be worth thinking about.

Race three is a two and a half mile handicap hurdle (5.35). Gordon Elliott’s mare Gerry’s Wish might be able to improve here in first-time cheekpieces, having run two fair races already this month for mid-field finishes. Further down the handicap, Perfectway could make up the placings, given seven pounds by Calum Hogan again. Third over course and distance last time out, though, was Teenage Kiss, who has another live chance under Charlie O’Dwyer.

The fourth race is a three-mile mares’ maiden hurdle (6.05). One-time promising point-to-pointer Can’t Touch This is of some interest on her rules debut for Thomas Gibney under seven-pound claimer Sarah Kavanagh. Though soundly beaten over two miles at Killarney, Amburana – also a decent pointer – could take a big step forward up to this trip too. Charity Barnum might be a danger though, after a very close finish at Tramore last time, but Jetaway Nana’s chance may be given an edge, due to her rider’s seven-pound claim.

Next is a novice chase over two and a half miles (6.35). Already proven in Listed and Group company are Willie Mullins’ You Oughta Know and Joseph O’Brien’s Intellotto, who was last seen finishing third in a Grade Three novice chase at the Galway Festival. He is the best here on ratings, but the Mullins horse looks to have the better end of the deal, carrying four pounds fewer, and could be the winner here.

The penultimate race is a two and a half mile handicap chase (7.05). Jessica Harrington’s Ashdale Flyer was a course and distance winner two starts ago, and has a good chance today if bouncing back from an uninspiring run last time at Killarney. At the top of the handicap, Henry De Bromhead’s Newtown Rambler may have an opportunity to improve on a very close third last time, having appeared to appreciate the good ground that day, which he has again here.

Last of all is a handicap chase over three miles and a furlong (7.35). We have a trio of last-start winners; Stormy Master, It’s Never Simple and Il Silenzio, with the former looking the most likely to oblige again under Liam Quinlan. Hit The Frame could do just that and run for a place at least, staying on the same mark as last time out, when fourth of 13 at Kilbeggan. Yewtree Hill is also worth thinking about, given seven-pounds by his rider having finished fourth of 16 last time over course and distance.