Thurles tips: Allaho returns on a fantastic day of action

The big freeze across Ireland and the UK caused unwelcome abandonments of high-class meetings this weekend but as the thaw sets in on Sunday we welcome an exhilarating day of racing as Allaho returns to Thurles.

The imperious chaser attempts to land a third victory in the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Steeplechase. This quality contest has been won in the past by Gold Cup heroes Don Cossack and Sizing John and this looks a belter.

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1.35 Thurles Horse & Jockey Hotel Steeplechase (Grade 2)

Allaho is the star turn at Thurles on Sunday and is chasing a third win in the race for trainer Willie Mullins, who is operating at a staggering 44% strike rate over the past 14 days. Mullins is seeking fourth win in five years in this contest.

Last seen finishing an excellent third in the King George at Kempton Park, Allaho is four pounds better off than Envoi Allen here and should get back to winning ways ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. A two-time winner of the Ryanair Chase in 2021 and 2022, he is around 3-1 favourite to land the race again in March.

It could be his stablemates Capodanno and Appreciate It who represent his biggest dangers. The latter has superb form in the book and is dropping in trip after struggling over further last time. Capodanno meanwhile, bounced back to form in the Savills Chase beaten a head into third by Gerri Colombe.

1.05 Thurles Carey Glass Irish EBF Mares Novice Steeplechase (Grade 2)

Half an hour earlier, Willie Mullins, who has won this six times in the last ten years, saddles smart mare Hauturiere - a Grade 2 winner last time out by an impressive 35 lengths at Limerick.

Mullins has mentioned in the past that she appreciates a trip and she has previously struck over today’s distance of 2m4f. The talented mare found 2 miles a bit quick for her at Cork in December and seems most comfortable over trips of 2m4f - 2m6f.

Do not rule out Silent Approach, who holds an entry in the Grade 1 Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. She impressed when she struck at 33-1 at Cork in December. Following that victory, her trainer Con O’Keefe - primarily a breeder who has had three generations of the family, described her as a ‘fantastic jumper’. She reappeared seven days ago to finish an admirable third behind smart types Spillane’s Tower and Blood Destiny.

2.10 Thurles Duggan Veterinary 4Cyte Handicap Steeplechase

R'evelyn Pleasure boasts excellent recent form having won his last two outings, most recently at Cork two weeks ago. The son of Getaway ran in this contest 12 months ago when finishing third behind Stumptown

This race has been the plan all along and his trainer and breeder Sean O’Brien stated he’s ‘really enjoying his racing’. Providing he is in the same hearty form, he is fancied to go two better this year despite a six pound rise for his latest win.

At the bottom of the weights and another in fine form is Mount Frisco who is lightly-raced and may have plenty more in the tank for John Ryan. An 18-length winner at Tramore three weeks ago, he is expected to go well up in trip.