The opening Irish Stallions Farms EBF Mares Novice Chase at 2.05pm is the pick of the action at Thurles at Thursday, and Down Ace bids to get her career back on track having failed to make an impact in stronger company.
Noel Meade's eight-year-old looked so promising when opening her account over fences at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day and she still has plenty of time on her side. She appears to have been well placed to resume winning ways, although Our Katie has taken well to fences and comes here on the back of a convincing success at this track two weeks ago.
Feenakilmeedy was no match for the smart Gitane Du Berlais at Limerick but still ran really well to finish second and her accurate jumping should stand her in good stead as she lines up in the Ballycahill Beginners Chase.
There are certainly races to be won with Charles Byrnes' mare but she takes on a couple of decent types in Sumos Novios, runner-up at Punchestown latest, and Rye Martini, who is taking a marked drop in class.
The Thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle sees the return to action of Lockstockandbarrel, who was placed in a couple of bumpers last year, including when chasing home Vigil on debut, and he is a fascinating runner on his first start over timber.
Speed Demon sets a clear standard in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle following his recent Navan runner-up effort and he will be expected to open his account under Rules but Apache Park, sporting the same colours, could be worth a watching brief having finished second between the flags back in April.
Recent Fairyhouse winner Old Time Melody makes obvious appeal as he bids to supplement those gains in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle, while in the Munster INH Flat Race, Alamein should be capable of bouncing back from a below-par display at Leopardstown having shaped so well when second on his Punchestown debut previously.
Thurles preview
