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Thursday Irish racing tips: "she looks the bet of the day"

Last Updated: Thu 16 Jul 2026

Before we talk about the July Festival’s penultimate day at Killarney, I know of three stag parties – at least – bound for Ireland’s most scenic venue Friday.

One stag is a former professional footballer. Another is a top Gaelic footballer. The other one is a jockey – and he is riding on Friday’s card!

A clue: it might help that he is tee-total. What an occasion Friday promises to be for all – but there are better betting opportunities on Thursday.

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4.50 Leopardstown: Ballyskeagh

Finished: 1stSP: 7/4

I was at Roscommon for this filly's debut and only later did I realise how strongly the runner-up, Sea Of Rain, was fancied.

Ballyskeagh has nearly five lengths to find, but she was so sluggish early, she was soon at least six lengths off Sea Of Rain, who had to work very little to get handy and was having her third start.

As such, given she is trained too by Joseph O'Brien, she must have a big chance of reversing the form and that could well be enough to win this. If she is any sort of an each-way price she will make loads of appeal.

5.24 Leopardstown: Bear Right

Finished: 3rdSP: 5/2

There are three horses in this who were eye-catching in third last time: Bear Right, Ardadslosttheplot and Dawn Flame.

Ready preference is for the Harrington runner, with Keithin Kennedy a huge asset in a race like this.

She is up 3lb for Fairyhouse and the headgear is slightly surprising, but she finished so well then she really should win this with a clear run.

5.35 Killarney: Diamond Secret

Finished: RO SP: 11/1

On his handicap debut at Kilbeggan, this gelding raced without cover early, when green, and kept on nicely, very much looking as though he needed further.

He has a stout pedigree and Nialll Moore takes over. Lots of each-way appeal with 16 runners.

6.10 Killarney: Koeur A Prendre

Finished: 2ndSP: 9/2

It was not a strong race even for the grade at Clonmel, but given how green this horse looked on his handicap debut he excelled himself and looked a certain future winner.

He is hugely appealing each-way here in another weak race and holds one of his main dangers in Tedworth.

Top conditional Michael Kenneally rides in a race limited to conditionals.

6.35 Leopardstown: Tachos

Finished: 5thSP: 9/1

Tachos' Leopardstown handicap record when the ground is good to yielding or better is four runs, one win, two thirds and the best of them all a close fifth off 84 in a Premier Handicap on Champions Weekend.

Given she competes off 75 here, she would win on that best bit of form, and her Curragh run when she was restless in the gates and met traffic last time was encouraging enough to think she can exploit a 3lb drop in the weights.

If there is an obvious advantage racing from the front by the time of this race, as is often the case at Leopardstown, it will be a negative.

7.45 Leopardstown: Marmeladova

Finished: 1stSP: 3/1

Very eye-catching at Ballinrobe, she should reverse that form with Daler, and she did not look to stay a mile and a half in a messy race at Tramore when second.

This looks a perfect fit for a well-treated horse.

8.20 Leopardstown: Killyclogher Rose

Finished: 6thSP: 3/1

I am astounded this filly got only 4lb for her win at Naas, when she beat a big field on her handicap debut readily and her rider reported she was looking around in front.

She looks the bet of the day on her fifth career start for a yard doing very well in handicaps this season.

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