Horse racing tips: Fairyhouse – Eamonn Hames’ top betting preview for Saturday, February 24

FAIRYHOUSE

2.55

This was won in scintillating fashion by Presenting Percy last year and it’ll be interesting to see if this year’s renewal produces one as good as him.

The JP McManus pair will both have their supporters, but this is a very open race and it may pay to take a chance on FINE THEATRE fulfilling his potential with a long overdue win here.

The Paul Nolan-trained eight-year-old is better known for his chase exploits, but he ran a cracker to take third over timber two runs back and is a lot lower rated over hurdles.

He will be back over fences in no time, but a drop in trip could be just what he needs and he looks the value at a working man’s price.

Turbojet is another that will enjoy the drop back in trip and Laid Back Luke won well at Gowran Park, but the JP McManus pair are the dangers.

Sire Du Berlais may not be as forward as he needs to be, so Out Of The Loop is just preferred.

1

3.30

STOUT stayer A GENIE IN ABOTTLE can get back to winning ways now returned to smaller fields.

The seven-year-old has struggled in big field handicaps the last twice and this looks a great opportunity to get his confidence back.

This won’t be easy by any means, Mala Beach and the returning Bellshill guarantee that, but his record in smaller fields is a far cry from his record otherwise.

He’s fighting fit and he can boss this field from the front. Bellshill is by far the most naturally gifted of these, but it will be tough for him to get by the selection on his first start since last year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Mala Beach may be a little harder to shrug off. The selection beat him fair and square under similar circumstances at Galway earlier this season, but he gets a handy bit of weight this time around.

It may not be enough to turn around that form, but Gordon Elliott’s old boy should make a good go of it.

Eamonn Hames' top tips for Fairyhouse

NAP 3.30 Fairyhouse - A Genie In Abottle: 'Can get his confidence back here'

NEXT BEST 2.55 Fairyhouse - Fine Theatre: 'Drop in trip looks likely to suit and is the value option'