1.57 Wexford Mares Maiden Hurdle 2m
Garde La Peche can make amends for a rather lacklustre racecourse debut by redeeming herself here. A point-to-point winner on her introduction at Durrow last March, that form looks strong given the subsequent exploits of the runner-up. Clearly something had to be amiss at Limerick last time, so a much better performance can be expected.
Turtulla point-to-point winner Hollow Rodger has shaped with promise on both starts under rules to date. David O’Brien’s mare looks best placed to take advantage should the likely favourite under-perform again.
SELECTION: GARDE LA PECHE
Next Best: Hollow Rodger
2.32 Visit Wexford Maiden Hurdle 2m
Following a promising handicap run at Leopardstown earlier this month, it is surely significant that Magic Olinger returns to maiden company here. The six-year-old was noted making headway from off the pace before a mistake two out ended her chances. Connections must clearly feel that she is good enough to win her maiden. Malton Grove sets the standard with a handicap rating of 102. Having just his third start for trainer Dermot McLoughlin, the seven-year-old could be open to further improvement.
SELECTION: MAGIC OLINGER
Next Best: Malton Grove
3.07 BoyleSports Wexford Novice Handicap Hurdle 2m
The Paul Gilligan-trained Zeeband can follow up his recent maiden win at Leopardstown. A 96-rated handicapper on the flat, the seven-year-old took nine attempts to get his head in front over hurdles but looked a horse to keep on the right side of last time.
With his jockey able to claim his full allowance in this race, the Sea The Stars gelding looks well handicapped. Spavango also has to be of interest on his handicap debut. Trainer Eoin McCarthy is well adept at laying one out and the five-year-old shaped with promise when staying on nicely at Limerick over Christmas.
SELECTION: ZEEBAND
Next Best: Spavango
3.42 Micheal O’Murchadha Memorial Handicap Hurdle 2m
Conyers Hill has the most potential of these although there has to be a slight worry about the suitability of this track. Usually held up in his races, the Paul Nolan-trained six-year-old can’t afford to be too far off the pace but if ridden more prominently he does look the most likely winner.
Badly hampered in a stronger race at Leopardstown recently, he should find this easier. Effernock Fizz would arguably prefer a sounder surface but would be a threat to all if getting an easy lead. Trainer Cian Collins has campaigned the mare expertly so it would be no surprise to see another big run.
SELECTION: CONYERS HILL
Next Best: Effernock Fizz
4.17 visitwexford.ie Beginners Chase 3m 1f 100y
The very fact that jockey Paul Townend makes the trip to Wexford for just one ride makes Klarc Kent of interest. A bumper winner at Clonmel in 2022, the eight-year-old has failed to add to that sole success, but at the same time he has had few opportunities. Given that connections have kept faith with the son of Spanish Moon, it is probably fair to say that he shows more than he has delivered thus far. Paul Nolan’s Jasmine De Cotte makes the switch to chasing after just the four starts over flights. A former point-to-point runner-up, the gelding is another that is surely better than his bare form implies.
SELECTION: KLARC KENT
Next Best: Jasmine De Cotte
4.52 Racing Again Friday 5th April Handicap Chase 2m 3f 100y
Full Noise failed to land a gamble when finding one too good on his stable debut at Navan last month. However, off a chase mark which is 12lb lower, it is difficult to get away from the Katy Brown-trained gelding. An easy winner over fences at Downpatrick last May, the eight-year-old is undoubtedly well treated in this sphere.
Similar comments apply to Tangental, a dual winner over hurdles. Colm Murphy’s gelding shaped with plenty of promise when fourth over further at Navan back in January. Dropping back in trip could see the eight-year-old in an even better light.
SELECTION: FULL NOISE
Next Best: Tangental.
5.27 Wexford Racecourse (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m
Willie Mullins does particularly well with his bumper horses at this track so Jackson Wood is the obvious choice. An unraced son of French dual-purpose sire Al Namix, he should have the perfect blend of speed and stamina required for a bumper at this tight track. With those that have already raced appearing vulnerable, a newcomer looks the percentage call. Beaufort Scale could only manage fourth of the six finishers on his sole point-to-point start, so the fact Gordon Elliott splashed out for the five-year-old has to be respected. It would be no surprise to see a much improved effort from the son of Sholokhov.
SELECTION: JACKSON WOOD
Next Best: Beaufort Scale