1.55pm Limerick Tips & Betting Preview 02/12/2016

Twelve runners go to post for this Novice Hurdle with a decent prize of 7,379 Euros on offer to the winner. Read on for our experts’ thoughts and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: On Flat form, Artful Artist should hack up here but his runs over Hurdles so far haven’t quite matched his exploits on the level. That being said he should be fighting out the finish as should ACCORDION LEGACY, who has done nothing but improve in three runs so far and can go close here if continuing in the same vein today. Artesone can grab a place if handling the trip for Ted & Ruby Walsh as can Billy De Kid if ridden more prominently this time.

1 Billy De Kid – Has been in fair form this year with 3 runner-up spots from his last 6 runs. Fourth of 9 at Fairyhouse last month and was reported to have had a breathing problem. Solid each-way claims if over that and ridden close to the pace.

2 Red Pearl – Won at Ballinrobe last May and only four runs since. Fair fourth of 13 in a 13 runner Maiden Hurdle at Thurles last month and will win a race or two but that probably won’t come today.

3 Artesone – Decent enough Hurdler and winning at Wexford in October 2 runs back. Didn’t really improve upon that last time out when only fifth of 10 at Navan, getting caught out by the tactical speed that day. May struggle with the trip today having won over 2m4f.

4 Duke Cass – Winner of a Maiden at Sligo in August and only tenth of 14 in a Handicap at Hurdle at Clonmel 64 days ago, well beaten. Down in trip today and worry this could be too sharp.

5 Artful Artist – Only fair form over Hurdles so far and had a spin at Leopardstown at the end of October finishing 8^th behind stablemate Golden Spear. Didn’t get a clear run that day reverts back to Hurdles today. Has a tongue strap back on today but is a useful staying Handicapper on the flat and he should go close in this.

6 Canny Tom – Decent Hurdler without winning in 13 runs. Good second of 10 in a Handicap at Thurles 8 days ago when beaten on the run-in. Doubtful runner given he ran in the 2.50 at Thurles yesterday.

7 Accordion Legacy – Four runs this year and has progressed with each run so far. Good 3^rd of 13 in a Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse 16 days ago and must have a good shout in this line-up with more progress expected. Big player.

8 Pashtunwali – Still a Maiden after 14 Hurdle runs and hasn’t won since landing a Bumper at Killarney last July. Well below form when only seventh of 14 in a Handicap Hurdle at Cork 26 days ago and is beginning to look rather exposed. Others look stronger.

9 Simiel – Won a Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel by 1 ½ lengths but only ninth last time out Limerick when well beaten. Down in trip but has decent form at 2m. Yard remain in good form but should find others too strong in this.

10 The Irregular – Only modest form over Hurdles so far in 7 runs. Fifth of 17 at Thurles yesterday and has plenty to find on form if taking his place here.

11 Theatre Princess – Has some mixed Chasing form so far with an easy 20-length win at Cork in March his best so far. Won sixth of 14 starts over Points but vulnerable to most of these over Hurdles. Was a disqualified at Wexford 10 days ago and difficult to see her getting involved here.

12 Phantasmo – Fair Maiden on the Flat and twice-raced over Hurdles for this yard. Sixth of 8 in a lesser event at Clonmel 15 days ago. Has it all to do here.