2:50 Limerick Tips

Grimaud has not won when hurdling in handicaps yet, but in November showed signs of improvement when second at Navan on heavy in a better race than today. He followed up at the start of this month with a fourth in listed company and could find today a tad easier while still in the mud.

Only up 3 pounds for a strong run over course and distance last month. Roc Na Hearth is lowly weighted here (10 stone 1 pound). Some solid efforts but still looking for first win over hurdles. Good chance at these weights.

This is the trainer's only entry. He's got this one out today and it will be fitter for last time out. They have a 3 lb claiming jockey booking/change. A good each-way value bet for the five places available.

Has to be an excuse for the latest run. Previously this horse was progressing well. Ignoring the latest run, and with ground conditions likely to suit, it is value to go close.

Martin Hassett's 5-year-old gelding SIEGE OFJADOTVILLE has me perplexed. I tipped up this charge way back in March at a big price, since then I've cooled my interest until he drops in weight. Watching this lad's last two runs had me updating his notes on my tracker. This charge's penultimate @Fairyhouse (20f, heavy) last month wasn't without a glimpse of promise when returning from a 211-day break to finish sixth, keeping on. He then followed this up with a good run @Cork, where he was making rapid headway, keeping on, and had he not jumped the last like a bag of hammers I think he would have at least landed some prize money. Being a son of SOLDIER OF FORTUNE gives us hope that he can stay. The booking of jockey Daniel King is certainly a big plus. So why the perplexity? The step up in class, mark a bit high (still 8 lbs heavier than last win), and whilst it's a promising trip it is still an unknown. But I've also got to go on what I saw the last two runs. I'd be a lot less tentative if this was 18/1+ but it is what it is.

Quest With Speed has won 3 of his 21 starts, though consistency is not his strong point. He won for the second time over hurdles at Navan two weeks ago. Though up 7 lbs, Paddy Hanlon's claim takes him back to the same mark. If on a going day, he looks a good each-way bet at these odds with five places on offer.

Duffy's Getaway has not been successful this year in all the runs over fences, but gets back to hurdling today. His last run was here in April last yearon heavy ground off a mark of 104. With the expected going today likely to suit and a mark of 96, I think he is worth an each-way 5/1 chance.

Should be on a decent mark here. Trainer's other runner has been pulled out, so hopefully this is the one to be on when it comes to the line. Good senior jockey on board despite still having a claim. Big run, hopefully.