Limerick Saturday – Trust McConnell’s mudlark to Get Out of Jail

2017 runner-up Get Out of Jail can go one better in the apprentice handicap at Limerick for trainer John McConnell and jockey Donagh O’Connor.

14:10 Munster Mile Handicap

He disappointed at Leopardstown last time, but it might be worth chancing Sirjack Thomas at this more suitable track. Leopardstown is a hard place to make all, and he may also have found the run coming too soon after a creditable fourth at Listowel, when he was nailed on the line by the reopposing Canary Row. He’s slightly better off at the weights, and can reverse that form if running to his best here, and a flurry of recent winners for his yard is a positive pointer in that regard. If the selection sets an overly strong pace, that is likely to again play into the hands of Canary Row, who has been second in this race in the past and is a previous course and distance winner.

Tip: Back Sirjack Thomas @

15:20 JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Tomorrow Apprentice Handicap (D1)

Last year’s runner-up Get Out of Jail is effectively a winner without a penalty having chased home the leniently handicapped Cubomania at Ayr on Thursday, and he had the others well strung out behind. Further rain will aid the cause of the son of Authorized, and his hold-up style is well suited to this course and distance. Jockey Donagh O’Connor is not exactly prolific, but he has talent, and getting the leg-up on a fancied runner from the Dermot Weld stable at Cork during the week tells you all you need to know about his ability in the saddle.

Tip: Back Get Out of Jail @

15:55 JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Tomorrow Apprentice Handicap (D2)

Papal Parade ended up running out a rather cheeky winner on soft ground at Roscommon last time, conceding first run to One Cool Poet, but rallying so well that Declan McDonogh could drop his hands at the line. Eamonn O’Connell’s mare has been raised a paltry 3lb for that, and that doesn’t look enough to prevent a follow up. She has won off a higher mark in the past, and given Roscommon was just her second start of the year, she should come forward again. She has a wide draw to overcome here, but was parked wider still last time, and that didn’t stop her, so the draw should put no-one off now.

Tip: Back Papal Parade @