Limerick Saturday: Mudlark Warnaq Can Defy Handicapper

13:50 Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden

I like Rathbride Prince, but he will improve for a step up to ten furlongs, and the drop back to seven is a big worry, while newcomer Rock Sound is also by a staying influence, suggesting this maiden is best left to Ted Walsh’s Castletownshend, who may not have matched his debut form when mid-field at Naas last time, but wasn’t at all knocked about, and remains capable of better. The son of Equiano is out of a Swain mare, so ought to improve for the step up to seven furlongs, and he is proven in the ground, so ticks all the relevant boxes.

Bet: Back Castletowsnshend @ 

14:25 Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden

It’s My Turn showed improved form on soft ground last autumn, finishing in the frame in nurseries at Leopardstown and Naas over seven furlongs, and if she stays this longer trip, ought to go well, while Wisdom Mind has also shown useful form, and may shade favouritism having her first start for Joseph O’Brien having had three runs as a juvenile for the recently retired Criquette Head-Maarek.  That pair are passed over in favour of Chilled White, who only ran once as a juvenile, and that was when badly in need of the run at Leopardstown in October. She will derive enormous benefit from that run, and this well-bred daughter of Dawn Approach should be a fair price given the standard set by others.

Bet: Back Chilled White @ 

16:10 Jake Carter Plays Live At Limerick Racecourse June 22nd Handicap

Warnaq was ultimately very impressive when winning over a mile in heavy ground at Navan two weeks ago, and stamina was the key attribute in that success. She’s got to defy a 9lb rise, but the step up to this more suitable trip will help offset the stiffer task, and she should be able to shrug aside the handicapper’s impost. She revels in the mud, and is in very capable hands, so rates the day’s best bet.

Bet: Back Warnaq @  (NAP)