The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections for 24th March 2024

The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections from Naas & Limerick

Naas

Dubawi Legend Irish EBF Fillies Maiden 1.25
Wendla
There’s a few debutantes lining up here so racecourse experience should count for plenty, and Wendla appeals. Both of her runs have been on soft ground, so these conditions should suit, and her sixth behind smart Juvenile Porters Place was a decent run where she led for a long way. Upped in trip now, so less emphasis on outright speed, and she just edges it over the beautifully bred Fleetingly. Wendla to lose the maiden tag for Ger Lyons

TRM Equine Nutrition Race 2.00
Portland
Aidan O’Brien can win this with Portland, whose fine third in the Group 1 Criterium International is the standout piece of form here. Assuming he’s trained on, this is a good starting point for his Classic campaign, where he holds an entry for both the British and Irish Derby. The well bred Purple Lily, by the speedster Calyx, could give the selection the most to think about, but might want less cut in the ground. Portland to be too strong for Purple Lily on this going

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Devoy Stakes (Listed) 2.35
Knight To King
Knight To King looks a useful colt after a fine 5 length fourth to Lafayette in the Royal Whip Stakes last year. This Kingman colt should be getting this trip and heads for the Alleged Stakes at The Curragh in two weeks time, so should be fully tuned up for this. La Filomena has made the move to Joseph O’Brien’s yard from Jean-Claude Rouget’s French base, so makes for an interesting rival, while Jim Bolger’s Serious Challenge already has a three figure rating and can also make the frame. Dermot Weld’s Knight To King to get some Black Type with Chris Hayes steering him home

Limerick

Limerick Racecourse Maiden Hurdle 1.45
Lazer Wolf
Gavin Cromwell’s Getaway gelding has hit the bar in his last two runs over timber, but is surely due to lose the maiden tag soon enough. This looks like an ideal opportunity against just the four rivals, with Anthony McCann’s mare Whimsey rating the biggest threat. Obviously Whimsey gets a big pull in the weights from the boys, but didn’t put in an inspiring turn here back in December, so Lazer Wolf can take his chance, with Keith Donoghue making sure he gets the job done

Follow Limerick Races On Twitter Mares Hurdle 2.20
Splashing Out (nap)
This looks a super chance for course and distance winner Splashing Out to get back to winning ways. That said, she was a bit out of sorts when down the field at Leopardstown’s Racing Festival last month in a Listed Handicap, but these are far calmer waters and she’s taken to score for Eoin Griffin. Queen Nell rates the main threat after waltzing home in a Maiden last time out, and this pair should be the one-two

Follow Limerick Races On Instagram Handicap Chase 4.05
Lets Go Champ (nb)
This can go to Cheltenham heroine Rachael Blackmore on Lets Go Champ. A distant second to the smart Embassy Gardens at Punchestown in December, Henry de Bromhead drops him into Handicap company where he’ll line up as top-weight. Recent Thurles scorer, Dancing Jeremy is the one that Rachael Blackmore will have to keep tabs on, but Lets Go Champ should be winning this

The Mandarin