Caroline’s Sunday Selections for 22nd March 2026

Caroline’s Sunday Selections from Limerick

racingtv.com Mares Hurdle 1.53
Blue Waters
Just the four for this Maiden, so a tricky little one to open proceedings on Sunday. And I’m thinking that despite the spell of warm weather, this is all going to be about who best copes with the heavy going, and for me that’s Blue Waters. This is a bit easier than the Monksfield Hurdle the last day, and as that was back in November I have to take it on trust that Blue Waters is ready to run. Willie Mullins Baby Kate definitely wants better ground, and has first time cheekpieces, so has a question to answer on this going, and maybe John Ryan’s Eye Of A Tiger would also want a firmer surface. Blue Waters has the least questions to answer for me, so gets my vote over Baby Kate.

Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle 2.23
Lenjoleur De Palma
I’m finding it easy to back Ed McNamara’s Lenjoleur De Palma for this Handicap Hurdle. His last three runs have been here at Limerick, so he should know his way around by now, and hasn’t been out of the top three yet, winning one and finishing a one and three quarter length second in a Listed contest the last day. Of course, he’s creeping up the weights in these handicaps, but is progressing well since the move to Ireland from Tom Ellis’s yard, and should have the measure of this field.

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle 2.53
Dani Donadoni (nap)
This Maiden should be going to Willie Mullins Dani Donadoni, if he can keep out Gordon Elliott’s Doctor Elvis. It’s Doctor Elvis that is entitled to come on at this trip, having made a mess of his chance the last day at Naas, making a mistake three out to lose momentum to the winner, Healys Pub, but will be trying to go one better under Jack Kennedy. However, Dani Donadoni has been in some decent races, including a second to Lord Rouge back in December, who has gone on to score for me at Grade 3 level. Not off the mark yet, Dani Donadoni, but this looks an excellent opportunity so he’s my first pick.

SIS Supporting Irish Racing Handicap Chase 3.27
Mount Frisco
I’ll be taking the chance that John Ryan’s Mount Frisco can be making them most of this handicap mark to win. I’d be the first to admit he’s fully exposed after twenty five starts over fences, but seems to be in good heart this year, though this will be his seventh run in just over eleven weeks, so taken on trust that he’s keeping his form. I suppose Michael McDonagh’s Krabat would be the one to make a race of it, while Miss Pronunciation would also be on my list with Mark Walsh aboard. Mount Frisco to prevail from the bottom of the weights, I hope!

Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3) 4.02
Uhavemeinstitches
Well, Uhavemeinstitches didn’t get too far in the Leinster National the last day, ejecting Simon Torrens after the fourth, but should get the better of You Oughta Know here. Again, it will be all about who copes with the soft to heavy ground on the Chase course the best, and for me that’s Uhavemeinstitches, given that You Oughta Know doesn’t have the most convincing record over trips of three miles. Of course, Uhavemeinstitches was looking a contender for the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t line up there and that looks a good indication of her level, so she gets my endorsement.

Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (Listed) 5.12
Coole Cafe (nb)
Gavin Cromwell has the answer to this Listed Flat Race with Cool Cafe. She wouldn’t have to improve much from her win at Naas the last day to be winning this, where she was given a patient ride by Eoghan Finegan before finishing the race strongly. Much the same conditions here at Limerick, so more of the same please! I suppose that Gordon Elliott’s Cinating would be the main danger, as Cool Cafe has form over Apache Peak from that Naas contest, and may have more to unlock, but it’s Cool Cafe they all have to beat.