Saturday Six

Weather permitting we should have a lot of interesting racing at home and abroad this weekend. Here’s six horses we will be watching out for.

Maggie Connolly (Fairyhouse, 2.05, Saturday)

Willie Mullins reduced his entry in this race from five to just one and it is the only ride that Ruby Walsh takes up on Saturday. Those should be pointers enough but we are interested to see just how good she is and if she can back up her maiden hurdle success at Limerick just after Christmas.

Lisrose (Fairyhouse, 2.35, Saturday)

This horse will love the heavy ground and despite improving consistently this season the weighting is still on the generous side. Add in a  jockey claiming seven pounds and a distance that suits, we think there’s a bit of value to be had here.

Banjaxed Girl (Fairyhouse, 4.15 Saturday)

Apart from the great name, this mare is one to watch as we think the change of trainer, from Nigel Twiston-Davies to Lady Jane Fowler, has done wonders for what was already a promising horse. She was flying in a novice chase at Thurles last month before falling and she is nicely weighted for this one. If she can stay up, she should be grand.

Big Zeb (Punchestown, 2.55 Sunday)

The full details of his rivalry with Sizing Europe is here but we think that Colm Murphy's charge will come out on top again on Sunday.

Marble House (Punchestown, 3.25 Sunday)

The three-and-a-half mile Grand National Trial is a real puzzle but we will be tracking how Marble House gets on. Encouraging recent form - and a win at Tramore - has piqued our interest and while this race is far longer than any previously attempted by the six-year-old, how he copes will probably dictate his future. With the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham on the horizon, a good run here sets up a Festival tilt.

Scots Irish, (Punchestown, 3.55 Sunday)

Willie Mullins' horse takes on old sparring partner Garde Champetre in this one and while Enda Bolger’s warrior may have won this race last year, we think Scots Irish will take it this time. It has been a mixed season to date for Mullins’ 11-year-old but if he is going to hit form and maybe, just maybe, have a lash at the Aintree Grand National, then he has to sparkle here.

The Saturday Six is in association with the Pick Six bet from Tote Ireland, one of the trickiest and most rewarding bets you can have a go at. Find out more about the Pick Six bet over here.