Timeform Irish SmartPlays

Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Sunday 19 January

Horses jumping a fence
There's a good card at Thurles on Sunday

"...he also looked an exciting prospect on his hurdling debut..."

Timeform on Festival d'Ex

Timeform identify three bets at Thurles on Sunday...

Behind The Curtain - 13:00 Thurles

Bumper winner Behind The Curtain has finished in the frame on all four starts over hurdles and can get off the mark in this sphere. His latest effort at Down Royal, when he finished runner-up behind a decent prospect on his first start for this yard, represents the best form on offer and this looks a good opportunity. Arcadian Sunrise is the main danger after finishing an encouraging second on his hurdling debut at Tramore.

Festival d'Ex - 13:35 Thurles

Festival d'Ex bolted up by ten lengths in the valuable Land Rover Bumper at the Punchestown Festival, looking something well out of the ordinary as he sustained a strong run from the rear. He also looked an exciting prospect on his hurdling debut at Navan, where he again came with a strong late challenge to score. He appears to have plenty of stamina and this marked step up in trip should suit.

Une Lavandiere - 15:50 Thurles

Une Lavandiere disappointed over hurdles on her latest outing but she might have found that run coming too soon after registering an impressive, wide-margin win at Tramore. She switches to chasing but she has some fair form in this sphere and is on a competitive mark, so is expected to bounce back to form.

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