Marian Avenue can thrive over longer trip at Limerick

Earlier, Jessica Harington’s Milan mare Aruntothequeen might prove too strong for La Cote Fleurie in the Great National South Court Mares Maiden Hurdle

Thu, 28 May, 2026 - 07:11

John Ryan

Marian Avenue, trained locally by Charles Byrnes, might recoup recent Punchestown losses in a division of the Irish Wire Products Ltd Handicap Hurdle in Limerick.

The six-year-old Casamento gelding showed limited ability in maiden hurdles and his handicap debut behind Le Diablo at Clonmel last month.

But he displayed significantly improved form in a two-mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown last time when, strongly supported in the market and backed into 9-2, he came from off the pace and stayed on in good style on the run-in to get within a neck of odds-on favourite Spanish Maid.

The handicapper reacted to the Punchestown race by putting Spanish Maid up 10lb while Marian Street received a 5lb hike.

Today, Marian Avenue, with Philip Byrnes on board, is expected to prove even more effective over this longer trip, almost two and a half miles. And he’s expected to defy the extra poundage.

Earlier, Jessica Harington’s Milan mare Aruntothequeen might prove too strong for La Cote Fleurie in the Great National South Court Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Winner of the prestigious, listed Mucklemeg at Gowran Park back in October 2024 (beating Mozzies Sister), this mare has been largely disappointing over hurdles, although finishing placed in three of her seven outings over obstacles.

Runner-up to Chosen Comrade over this course and distance last October, the selection has gained valuable experience in handicap company and, last time, was facing tough opposition when finishing 16 lengths third behind Switch From Diesel at Punchestown.

Suited by good ground, Aruntothequeen faces a stiff opponent in the shape of La Cote Fleurie, from the in-form yard of Henry de Bromhead.

Winner of a Tipperary bumper on her debut last October, she finished a close third to Local News on her hurdling bow in Cork and rates a big danger.

The Limerick jumps fare shares the Thursday slot with Flat action in Fairyhouse where Ross O’Sullivan might be on the mark with Stone Bear in the Fiver Fridays At Fairyhouse Handicap.

Successful at Dundalk off marks of 52 and 60 this year, Stone Bear performed creditably off 67 when a close third to Arctic Steps over five furlongs in Naas last time.

Better suited by this longer trip, Stone Bear must race off career-high mark of 69 but should have every chance.

With 39 winners already on the board this season, Joseph O’Brien might strike again with once-raced Mai Dahlia in the concluding fillies’ maiden.

A daughter of Too Darn Hot, she encountered traffic problems before finishing well to be a close third to Totally Puzzled in a one-mile maiden.

Expected to improve and to be suited by this longer trip, Joey Sheridan’s mount should prove tough to beat.

LIMERICK

John Ryan

4.40 Game Point

5.15 Aruntothequeen

5.50 Gaoithe Glory

6.20 Marian Avenue (Nap)

6.50 Minella Diamond

7.20 Embrace The Day