IRISH ANGLE

NAP OF THE DAY

EASY FELLA (6.40) gets the nap vote to make it a winning debut over fences in tonight’s Tipperary Races Beginners Chase.

The Henry De Bromheadtrained sevenyear-old is lightly raced but won two staying hurdles last season impressively and the form of his second to High Class Hero at Thurles has worked out well, with that horse finishing runner-up in a Grade 1 at Punchestown.

The Yeats gelding has plenty of size and scope and could develop into a smart chaser in time when the ground is decent.

EACH WAY THIEF

FAIRYLAND OPERA (5.10) carries some famous old silks in the first division of the Mares Maiden Hurdle and is one that can run well.

The Lorna Fowlertrained mare is a granddaughter of high-class Opera Hat, a brilliant mare trained by her father-in-law John Fowler to win many big races.

She runs in the same Cooper family silks and although beaten 22 lengths on her maiden hurdle debut but should progress. The in-form JJ Slevin is booked and she can make the frame.

ONE TO WATCH

THE Peter Faheytrained TIGER BAY QUEEN (4.35) sets a scorching standard in the opening Hotel Minella Mares Maiden Hurdle at Tipperary.

She hasn’t run since winning a Listed bumper in April 2023 at Fairyhouse but had some nice horses behind her that day.

She was bought by JP McManus afterwards and although she’s obviously had training issues, it’s not hard to see her winning despite that absence of over a year.

ONE TO SWERVE

BARRY CONNELL and Michael O’Sullivan are a formidable partnership that deal in quality rather than quantity. Their NINE GRACES (6.40) was running a big race here last month on her chasing debut last time out before a bad error at the second last cost her a chance. She’ll do well to bounce back from that and is best watched here.