Pirita © Photo Healy Racing
Tipperary plays host to a seven-race Flat card this evening with the first due off at 6pm.
Aidan O'Brien looks the man to side with in the opener, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden, as he saddles Rule The Waves
This son of War Front, who is fitted with blinkers for the first time, ran well on his debut at Leopardstown recently, finishing a good third after attempting to make all, being headed a furlong out. That run was over six furlongs and the drop back to five now should suit.
O'Brien has three more runners on the programme, and Lone Star looks his best chance of claiming a double.
This gelded bay son of Sea The Stars runs in the last race, the Ladies Day At Tipperary Sunday 20th July 3yo Rated Race.
After disappointing on heavy ground on his last start he should appreciate the quick conditions. Granddukeoftuscany represents O'Brien in the Follow TipperaryRaces On Twitter Maiden and while he has decent claims, Wrap Star could be the one to side with.
The John Oxx-trained colt finished a good third on his second start at the Curragh recently and a reproduction of that effort should see him hard to beat.
Unrequited for Ger Lyons looks a danger, while Dabasan Gambling Girl and Bell Of The Ball all appear to have solid each-way claims.
Just five go to post for the Pride Of Tipperary Festival 2014 3yo Handicap but it looks a competitive affair. Chiclet was just beaten at Cork on her last start and she probably deserves to go off favourite with 7lb claimer Daniel Redmond taking the ride on the Tracey Collins-trained filly.
Dermot Weld 's Pirita disappointed on her handicap debut at Navan recently but with that experience under her belt, an improved performance is in the offing. Prince Connoisseur is the most interesting runner of the quintet as he makes just his second start after winning his maiden on debut at Dundalk in January. Calm Bay bids to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Tipperary Family Day Saturday 12th July Handicap and could take the beating under Robbie Downey for Harry Rogers.
The Pride Of Tipperary Launch Handicap over a mile and six is another competitive contest, with Roisin Dubh Aughnacurraveel Absolutlyfantastic Sharjah and Lady Rutherford among those with leading claims.
The remaining race on the card is the TipperaryRaces.ie Handicap and after getting off the mark at Fairyhouse, Teochrios might be able to follow up now. Glance Of Doon who won on her last start at Tramore, looks a big danger. Duarte Fernandes Mahrajaan and Shutter Island are others to consider.
