‘A more realistic opportunity’ - Today's Thurles tips Thurles hosts a seven-race jump card on Thursday and there’s a competitive handicap hurdle taking place at 16:02, with an 18-runner field going to post with three reserves on standby. William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle Betting Tips Selection: Roc My Haarth Next Best: Blossom De Mai Empire Walk faces a stiffer test and Kanog Bay steps into deeper waters Empire Walk comes in as top weight for this race and will be running in a handicap for the first time. The five-year-old finished second in a maiden at Naas in December, but the form of that race hasn’t worked out great since and a mark of 99 for this Thurles test leaves big doubts. Kanog Bay opened his account a Fairyhouse last time out off a mark of 80 and is fancied to go close again, but he’s up 10lb for that success and the step up in trip could also hinder his chances. Roc My Haarth can make his mark With doubts over both Empire Walk and Kanog Bag, preference is for Roc My Haarth, who is aiming to shed his maiden tag at the 11th time of asking. There have been some promising performances across his 10 runs, but the most eye-catching came two starts ago when finishing a clear second at Limerick in November over an extended three miles on heavy ground. Ray Hackett’s charge stashed on strongly all the way to the line, pulling well clear of the remainder, and the way he handled the conditions underfoot bodes well with the going at Thurles set to be soft. While yet to run at Thurles, the fact Roc My Haarth also has a third-placed effort to go with his second position at Limerick, which is also an undulating track, suggests he should go well at this course. If reproducing his best form, Roc My Haarth has the ability to be competitive in this company and bring up a first victory. Blossom De Mai back in her comfort zone Blossom De Mai is best judged on her efforts when conditions are testing, and she remains of interest in this contest stepping back up in trip. The nine-year-old’s last win came back in 2023, when scoring at Tramore on soft ground, and she could get in the mix if reproducing a similar effort. Recent efforts have left a lot to be desired, having failed to land a blow at Tramore at the beginning of the year when finishing fifth before then being pulled up at Fairyhouse last time out. However, excuses can be made given the competitive nature of those contests and a lack of fluency at key stages. Blossom De Mai now returns to a more suitable stamina test and is off a dangerously low mark of 76, which is four below when she won three years ago. While she does need to find a bit on the figures, this looks a more realistic opportunity and if rediscovering the form of her Tramore win, she wouldn’t be a surprise contender.
