THE first Grade 1 action of the National Hunt season is now behind us, and with the weather having taken a wintry turn, the jumps season really is here now! The focus of Tote customers’ attentions will be on Limerick tomorrow, with a competitive card of National Hunt action that represents a fiendish challenge for those that get involved in the big pool bets. However, with the Pick 6, Placepot and Jackpot being guaranteed for €10,000, €15,000 and €5,000, they really look worth having a whirl at.

The Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (1.10) isn’t the strongest of maiden hurdles and being well covered might be a good idea. The Jim Larkin-trained Banker Burke and the Gordon Elliott-trained Halling’s Treasure have solid hurdling form in the book, while the Eoghan O’Grady-trained Westerner Point might well go close on his hurdling debut having shaped well in his other starts to date.

The Christmas Racing Festival 26th-29th December Hurdle (1.40) looks to be a good opportunity for the Willie Mullins-trained Lucky Bridle to double his tally over hurdles. The five-year-old has been acquitting himself well on the flat in recent months and should be capable of winning this without too much fuss.

The www.limerickraces.ie Maiden Hurdle (2.10) revolves around the Willie Mullins-trained Uranna. The six-year-old showed promise in France back in 2012 but hasn’t been seen since then. She has to be respected on what is her first start for the champion trainer. In case she fails to fire, it is also worth including the Gordon Doyle-trained Wexford Bridge.

The Limerick Racecourse €19 Munster Madness Handicap Hurdle (2.45) is perhaps the most difficult race on the card and being well covered is a must. The Peter McCreery-trained Graney Town, the Liz Doyle-trained Pippa Rose and the Daniel Murphy-trained Serra Nova all make appeal and can be included.

The Follow Limerick Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Hurdle (3.20) can perhaps be narrowed down to the Shark Hanlon-trained Snapchat and the Eoin Griffin-trained Bank Bonus. Both come into the race in tip-top form and with conditions to suit, could well have this between them.

The Racing Again On The 26th December Handicap Hurdle (3.50) is another interesting handicap and the two that make the most appeal are the Eoin Doyle-trained Chakisto and the Austin Leahy-trained Pleased As Punch, both of whom come into this race in very good form and have conditions in their favour in this contest.