Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Stick with Last Time d'Albain

Racing takes place at Limerick today.

Limerick has survived the recent well spell in Ireland and we have three win selections for this afternoon's meeting...

Last Time d'Albain remains on a good mark when set against his chasing exploits and is fancied to follow up his Punchestown success in the 13:50. 5 lb clear on Timeform ratings, Liam Cusack's useful chaser beat next-time-out winner Followmeuptocarlow last time and looks to have got off reasonably lightly despite a 10 lb hike in the weights. Contrastingly, nearest market rival Vic Chic looks to have been harshly dealt with by the assessor and has it all to do to beat the selection.

The mares maiden hurdle on the card shouldn't take too much winning, and Italian Chorus (14:20) certainly did enough at Naas to think she can emerge on top. Only seventh in a bumper at Roscommon on debut in August, Italian Chorus went with plenty more encouragement when runner-up to Special Bar on her hurdling bow, making headway despite not getting the clearest of passages. Very few of her rivals make any appeal at all.

There are reasons for taking on last-time winners Ballyfinboy and Happy New Year, and it could well be Preswell Lad's (14:55) turn to get his head in front. He may be winless since bagging a 2m handicap hurdle at Tramore in April 2009, but his recent efforts have been respectable, chasing home easy winner Cool Oscar at Thurles (2m) last month. The slight drop back in trip looks a positive given the way he traveled that day, and he looks the value in the race at around 11.010/1.

Timeform Irish SmartPlays
back Last Time d'Albain in the 13:50
back Italian Chorus in the 14:20
back Preswell Lad win and place in the 14:55