Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: Head for Progress Drive at Limerick

I write this from Tbilisi, where Ireland are attempting to stay on track for qualification for Euro 2020.

There are four Irish race meetings this weekend and I’ve got a total of seven selections to consider.

Sunday selections:

3.50 Curragh: The Broghie Man

This Cityscape gelding has come down a long way in the weights but there was some encouragement from his last start and he has some upside here.

4.35 Limerick: Progress Drive

This is potentially avaricious but Gavin Cromwell is an outstanding trainer and this horse should be fit to go close and might be one of the few in the race with a bit in hand. He relishes a stamina test and has little weight.

4.25 Curragh: Davids Charm

What a year this horse has had. With a bit of luck he could nearly have won the Galway Hurdle but three wins on the spin coming here, the last of them in a hack canter in Graded level hurdling, shows he may still be improving. This stamina test will suit well.

5.35 Curragh: Tresorier

This might be last chance saloon territory but I can't get away from this horse at a price. Just over 12 months ago he ran in a Premier Handicap over six furlongs at the Curragh off 85 when beaten little over a length. He is now top weight in a middling race off 74 and I am fairly certain he needs two things: soft ground and a strong pace. He also needs your support here.

Saturday selections:

3.45 Limerick: Mianna

This is a poor race and Mianna makes plenty of appeal. She should relish the ground and is off a low rating here. She has been shaping pretty well over hurdles and is my nap of the day.

4.00 Fairyhouse: The Abbey

I am not sure what this horse's ideal trip is but he is clearly ready to win and he was well-backed when failing narrowly last time. As expected, the yard is in form.

4.55 Limerick: Blacklooks

I am not sure what happened to this horse at Laytown but he can surely be forgiven that. A son of Society Rock, he looks well-handicapped for Joseph O'Brien. The ground should be okay.