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Tag: leopardstown

  • Four To Follow – Dublin Racing Festival: Day Two

    Four To Follow – Dublin Racing Festival: Day Two

    What and incredible day’s racing yesterday, with Majborough, Final Demand and Galopin Des Champs all putting on impressive performances to shake up the Cheltenham markets and stirring the souls. More on offer at the Dublin Racing Festival today, and there may be a few to take on as well.

    Burn Baby Burn

    1:10 – Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade One) – Ballyburn @ 5/6 (General)

    After Sir Gino wiped the floor with him, people dismissed Ballyburn as a good chaser. That’s simply not correct, he’s not good enough over two miles. The likelihood is that he will now go to the Brown Advisory now the two-and-a-half mile chase is a limited handicap. He faces stablemate Impaire Et Passe who has a Grade One in his book, but Ballyburn can stay this trip and he will still improve more with his jumping. He’s not a forlorn hope.

    Keep an eye out for Croke Park. Once muted as a fantastic buy and a potential Gold Cup horse, he’s yet to reach those heights. However, in his chasing record he is three from three picking up two Grade One’s in the process. Yes, Mr Mullins dominates this meeting but Gordon Elliott horses are still good enough at this level. A two-time Grade One winner should not be 16/1 (William Hill).

    Open The Bordes

    1:40 – Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (Grade One) – Kopek Des Bordes @ 11/10 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    The Supreme is still very much an open race at this stage, and many will have noted Kopek Des Bordes at the start of the season being the number one pick for this race. Only one run over hurdles saw how big of an engine he has, even his jumping was a little sketchy. He will improve for that debut run and the form has been franked by Kawaboomga. A big performance here, puts him right in the picture.

    Shocks A-Plenty

    2:10 – Dublin Chase (Grade One) – Quilixios @ 12/1 (General)

    It’s a question of why I should back them at the top of the market. Gaelic Warrior has a poor record here and is an untrustworthy horse in general. Marine Nationale has never looked the same since returning from injury and Solness did not strike me as a horse that can repeat that Grade One feat. El Fabiolo may be a little rusty on return as well.

    So I’ve opted for Quilixios who is a very good horse in his own right. He comes back from a break but was last seen finishing second to Jonbon, who has franked the form, and was ahead of Solness who also boosted that form. He thrashed Marine Nationale in the Barberstown Castle Chase at the start of the season and may provide another Grade One shock.

    And running on for a place will be the Champion Chaser, Captain Guinness. Henry de Bromhead has the best record of not winning this race, placing in most of these renewals since it’s inception. It does take a while for Captain Guinness to find form, but often runs a good race in behind so that he’s finely tuned for the Spring assignments. Discount at your peril at 33/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

    Old Reliable

    3:20 – Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade One) – State Man @ 11/8 (BetVictor)

    Paul Townend has chosen State Man for a few reasons. One, there is no Brighterdaysahead. Two, he’s top-rated even with Lossiemouth’s allowance. Three, he knows that this is State Man’s final chance at glory before Constitution Hill. Lossiemouth will have her days, but State Man knows his way around Dublin and Leopardstown. Get the odds-against whilst you can, because he’s still the king in Ireland.

    The very best of luck!

  • Five To Follow Dublin Racing Festival Day One

    Five To Follow Dublin Racing Festival Day One

    The road to the Festival starts now. After Cheltenham we have a double helping of trials over in Ireland with the highly prestigious Dublin Racing Festival. Plus Grade One action in the UK comes in the form of the Scilly Isles Novice’s Chase. Jam-packed action on the way.

    Dublin Racing Festival

    Victory Shout

    1:15 – Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade One )– Sounds Victorious @ 7/1 (William Hill)

    This race often throws a slight upset to proceedings, with only four favourites winning in the past 10 years. However, there does seem to be a trend with horses winning over two-and-a-half miles particularly over Christmas and New Year. Sounds Victorious ticked that box when getting off the mark over hurdles at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day. He has the pedigree to stay further and often a Mullins second or third pick comes up trumps at this meeting.

    At a price, I like Sommesky. Henry de Bromhead is often the bridesmaid at the Dublin Racing Festival with Willie Mullins taking all the plaudits. But Sommesky can fly under the radar at a big price. He improved stepping up in trip winning at Limerick impressively by 6.5L over Christmas and also has a three-mile pedigree. Worth a place at 20/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports).

    Lady Of The Land

    1:50 – Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade One) – Lady Vega Allen @ 100/30 (Betfred, Boylesports)

    There’s been a lot of chat around Lady Vega Allen, more than stablemate Sainte Lucie. It’s clear that Willie Mullins and the team like her a lot and expect a lot of potential to come from her once she grows further into her racing. Last time over course and distance she was narrowly beaten by a short head to Hello Neighbour. With Mullins the trainer to follow, Lady Vega Allen can go one better and land her first big prize.

    If You’re Young Enough…

    2:55 – Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade One) – Majborough @ 4/6 (William Hill, Unibet, Boylesports)

    I immediately fell in love with Majborough when he made his debut at this Festival last year and was even more impressed, not just in the Triumph Hurdle but, on chasing debut. Despite Ile Atlantique making big strides over fences including landing the Racing Post Novice Chase and the highest rated in the field, it’s clear that Majborough is an impressive talent as a novice chaser at five-years-old.

    Champion Once More

    3:30 – Irish Gold Cup (Grade One) – Galopin Des Champs @ 4/7 (Unibet)

    He will win. Galopin Des Champs is the most talented chaser this decade. Unbeaten at Leopardstown and an outright champion, the rest won’t lay a glove on him.

    But who will finish in behind, is the real question of the race? I’ve gone with Monty’s Star to place in the top-three. He was beaten by Embasssy Gardens at Tramore, in a slight shock given that Tramore is Henry de Bromhead’s local track but this progressive eight-year-old is consistent. Whilst he may not grab a Grade One the best he can finish is runner-up. He ran a cracker at the Punchestown Festival and was runner-up at Cheltenham too. Arguably with that run behind him he should improve and finish best of the rest at 11/1 (William Hill, Boylesports).

    Sandown

    Baie All The Way

    2:35 – Scilly Isles Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – Jango Baie @ 5/6 (General)

    Whilst I have been impressed with Handstands, I don’t consider him to be Grade One material. Whilst Jango Baie, looked like a professional making his debut at Cheltenham. Without Impaire Et Passe in the line-up it becomes a much easier task for the Seven Barrows team and is top rated. Kalif Du Berlais looks for the hat-trick but untried at two-and-a-half miles casts doubt.

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow More More More

    Four To Follow More More More

    We’ve had the King George and the Welsh National so far. So now we complete the hat-trick with the Challow Novices’ Hurdle. Plus three more Grade One’s in Ireland, featuring the Savills Chase and the return of a dual Gold Cup champion.

    Newbury

    Ready To Roar

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    2:55 – Challow Novice’s Hurdle (Grade One) – The New Lion @ 15/8 (General)

    Regent’s Stroll looked very handy on debut at this course back in November and this has always seemed to be the target. But this is no open and shut case and the form from that maiden hasn’t worked out well. But it doesn’t take long to find the best horse in the race.

    The New Lion has raced over hurdles twice tackling this trip and has looked imperious in doing so. The form from Chepstow worked out and Newbury’s is yet to be tested. Dan Skelton may be out of form but this horse posses a lot of talent and has looked like a Graded hurdler in the making.

    Don’t also discount Bill Joyce who looks like another Graded hurdler in the making for Jonjo & AJ O’Neill. He has already picked up a Graded race at Sandown. Plus his only blot in the copybook came in the G1 Champion Bumper, which can be ignored. 7/2 (General).

     

    Leopardstown

    Cheering Him Home

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    2:00 – Savills Hurdle (Grade One) – Home By The Lee @ 2/1 (Unibet)

    It’s surprising that Bob Olinger never turns up in the early part of the season considering what a good and consistent hurdler he is. But at Christmas time, Home By The Lee seems to just come alive. Joseph O’Brien has been on a big Christmas raid with a King George, and the Paddy’s Reward Club Chase at Leopardstown yesterday. It’s no surprise and I’m fully on board with another O’Brien hopeful.

    Looking at each-way prices, Sandor Clegane has rerouted back to hurdles after never quite making the cut over fences. He did place twice and is a hardy horse can always fight out for the minors, and one day is due a top-level Graded success. It might not be the day today but no surprise to see him giving more towards the end to fill the placings. 12/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports).

     

    More Glory For GDC

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    2:35 – Savills Chase (Grade One) – Galopin Des Champs @ 4/5 (Betfred)

    Galopin Des Champs is the best three-mile chaser around. There’s no question about that but this year faces tough opposition from the Green and Gold army. Fact To File, Inothewayurthinkin and I Am Maximus provide the rivalry, but this should prove to be quite easy for GDC and will have been primed to go down the same route for his bid for an historic third Gold Cup.

    However one of the opposition that I would like to put in behind the top pick is Inothewayurthinkin. Don’t forget that he is a Grade One novice chaser after winning at Aintree. It was clear that the John Durkan trip didn’t suit him so this step back up to three miles will be much better and can easily get back on to placing terms. 10/1 (Boylesports).

     

    Limerick

    Searching For Something

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    1:40 – Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade One) – Search For Glory @ 10/1 (BetVictor)

    This may be a step in the right direction for Search For Glory after scoring over two mile and six furlongs on debut. He’s a good winner over three miles when hurdling but this will be a good distance to win going Grade One chasing and maybe we will see him more over this trip for a little while longer. Interesting to note that Sam Ewing, now the top rider when Jack Kennedy is away, is booked aboard which clearly says that this is Gordon Elliot’s best chance of the day.

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow Day After Boxing Day Bonanza

    Four To Follow Day After Boxing Day Bonanza

    After the most chaotic, and successful, day of the racing calendar, we have another day of top class action to get stuck into. This time we head to East Wales for the Welsh National at Chepstow, as well as the last of the Kempton action and Leopardstown too.

    Chepstow

    Genius Contender

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    2:50 – Welsh Grand National (Premier Handicap Chase) – Monbeg Genius @ 11/2 (General)

    Monbeg Genius has been unlucky yet brave at this level. He’s placed third in the 2023 Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and third in the 2023 Coral Gold Cup. He is due a big win and this might be the one to suit. A big galloping track and soft underfoot conditions will suit him well. His only run this season came at Haydock in the gruelling staying handicap chase finale, which can often be used as a form guide for this contest.

    But after that incredible performance at Haydock, Fontaine Collonges cannot be discounted. She hasn’t managed to stay over three-and-a-half miles but seems to come alive at Christmas, with last year’s Rowland Meyrick the performance to watch for. This will ultimately be tougher than that, but she looks to have come out of Haydock well and Venetia Williams will not look to come out Christmas empty-handed. 10/1 (General).

    Or could a returning performer steal the show. Iron Bridge was fighting out his own Welsh National when 34 lengths behind Nassalam just pulling out by three parts of a length to grab second. With no Nassalam in the race he can act on a surprising six-pound lower mark than last year. He’s a proper staying chaser that won’t be far from the finish. 8/1 (Betfred).

    Kempton

    Burn Baby Burn

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    1:55 – Wayward Lad Novice’s Chase (Grade Two) – Ballyburn @ 11/10 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    After Constitution Hill delivered with all the hype around him, I’m sure that Ballyburn can do the same. With no two-mile novice chase at Leopardstown this year it was either stepping him up or bringing him here. And after his 13 length victory on debut, he looks imperious. Sir Gino was brilliant winning the Fighting Fifth but this may be a stretch too far throwing him in on chasing debut against this titan.

    Give It Some Welly

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    2:30 – Desert Orchid Limited Handicap Chase (Grade Two) – Boothill @ 11/4 (General)

    Boothill has experience over this course and distance but just failed when it was a level weight contest. Now in a handicap, he can take advantage of some of his rivals and looks well-placed. It’s been a bit of a luckless story for Boothill since winning the Wayward Novice’s Chase back in 2021, running into Edwardstone and Jonbon and the likes. This looks like a very gettable Grade Two today.

    But do not discount Editeur Du Gite, who has won this race for the previous two years running when it was both a level weight and a limited handicap. He comes into this in not the best form but has been racing over further. He’s down a big four pounds in the handicap with a further five pounds taken off to make him extra competitive. A possible hat-trick could be incoming. 13/2 (General).

    Leopardstown

    Don’t Feel Blue

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    1:05 – Paddy’s Reward Club Chase (Grade One) – Dinoblue @ 5/1 (General)

    There’s two weaknesses to the top two. Gaelic Warrior hates Leopardstown and Found A Fifty will possibly want further and hasn’t won his first two starts of the season all the comfortably. With weaknesses to exploit, Dinoblue can take full charge of her mares’ allowance to grab yet another Grade One and retain her title. The form from both the G2 Hilly Way at Cork and the G1 Punchestown Champion Chase has been given a huge boost with Banbridge winning the King George. All signs point to the Green and Gold.

    But don’t forget about Captain Guinness, the Champion Chaser. He’s hasn’t just won that as a fluke, he was great jumper at Cheltenham and fully earnt his right. He finished within a neck of Banbridge last season at Punchestown but needs to turn up to be at his best. Too bigger price for a champion in this brilliant contest. 5/1 (General).

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Irish Champion Weekend | Four To Follow – Saturday

    Irish Champion Weekend | Four To Follow – Saturday

    It’s Ireland’s richest weekend, with some of the biggest prizes on offer and chance to write themselves into the history books, alongside legends of the games. Today we’re at Leopardstown for the older horses. The feature is the Irish Champion Stakes, with another competitive field going to post. Can Auguste Rodin defend his title? Find out below.

     

    Beware The Brits

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    2:15 – Solonaway Stakes (Group Two) – Maljoom @ 3/1 (BetVictor)

    The Brits have a fantastic record in this race, with seven out of the last ten winners coming from over the Irish Sea. And it looks like it could be the same story. Maljoom was last seen in the Juddmonte International, which looked like an unusual route to go down. He’s now back down to his favoured mile, and has plenty of form to try and back up. He finished second behind Notable Speech in the Sussex Stakes and third behind Charyn in the Queen Anne. Dropped in class and first time cheekpieces, makes him look attractive to beat Diego Velazquez.

    Watch out for Poker Face for Simon & Ed Crisford. He always performs to his best at the end of the season, with an unbeaten two-year-old season back in 2022, two out of three wins last season and looks primed after finishing second in the Celebration Mile. That came on ground he didn’t suit so well, but will be fine over here. Worth considering at 10/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Watching From Above

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    2:50 – Coolmore Matron Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Fallen Angel @ 7/2 (William Hill)

    She hasn’t been seen since winning the Irish Guineas, but Fallen Angel is ready to go again. And the form from both the Irish and British Guineas have worked wonders in her favour. And after seeing her in person just this week, she looked ready for the challenge. And when Wathnan Racing buy her the week before her big date, they know that something is up. She’s an extremely talented filly that should put Porta Fortuna in her place.

    Don’t forget about the tough Rogue Millennium either. Her last race was in the Prix de Rothschild, with the form backed up again by Mqse De Sevigne. She finished second in last year’s race, so does have a good performance in her. She won’t mind the ground and proves a stiff challenge for the three-year-olds. 16/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Star Spangled Champion

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    3:25 – Irish Champion Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Los Angeles @ 13/2 (BetVictor)

    Reading the quotes on Economics doesn’t look good. It seems that whilst he is a good horse, he is representing the sponsors of the race. Plus he hasn’t won a Group One either and the form from the Dante hasn’t worked out well, and the form from his latest run in France hasn’t been tested. Auguste Rodin is a difficult character and is hard to be with, especially when there’s only been two dual winners.

    So I’ve opted for the three-year-old Los Angeles. Derby third, Irish Derby winner and Great Volitguer winner, against the St Leger favourite. He’s been consistent and reliable throughout this season, and has the added bonus of C&D having won the Derby trial here back in April. To say he’s second string is a bit of an insult, and upsets aren’t uncommon in this race.

     

    Fast And Furious

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    4:35 – Pentingo Handicap (Premier Handicap) – Nurburgring @ 13/2 (General)

    After succeeding at the Galway Festival over hurdles, Nurburgring is looking for another big handicap prize, this time on the flat. Surprisingly he’s dropped a pound after not impressing over a mile and one furlong last time out, but this mile and five furlong handicap will be much more up his street. He hasn’t done well in the two flat handicaps in his career, but with a win under his belt this summer, he can go big prize hunting again.

    Another jumper trained by Joseph O’Brien is Comfort Zone. He finished second in this race last year off a mark of 86, and is only two pounds higher this season. He came near at Galway, finishing third over hurdles, which has been backed up by winner The Wallpark since. But with this the only flat handicap on his agenda, it’s worth siding with him. 11/1 (William Hill).

    Click here for St Leger Tips.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Dublin Racing Festival – Day Two

    Four To Follow: Dublin Racing Festival – Day Two

    We head to Dublin for Ireland’s biggest weekend in racing. After the almighty shock of Marine Nationale being downed by Il Etait Temps and the excellent majesty of Galopin Des Champs, it ended up being a disappointing day for the page yesterday. But we look up and head into a new day, armed with the best tips around.

     

    Leopardstown

    Warrior Has A Weakness. FACT.

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    1:10 – Novice Chase (Turner’s Trial) (Grade 1) – Fact To File @ 2/1 (General)

    If there’s one weakness that Gaelic Warrior has, it’s jumping right-handed. He may have been flawless last year over hurdles, but chasing is a whole different aspect and in a high-quality field, every mistake is costly.

    Fact To File thrashed Zanahiyr over Christmas by 17 lengths, and over C&D. He seems primed to head to the Turner’s, whereas stablemate Gaelic Warrior doesn’t.

    Grangeclare West is one who has been overlooked in the field after winning a Grade One is a high-quality field. Whilst his destination may be over further, he won’t mind stepping back in trip and 9/2 (BetVictor, Boylesports) is far too big. A Fact To File & Grangeclare West reverse forecast may be the bet of the race.

     

    Gallop To Glory

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    1:50 – Tattersalls Novice Hurdle (Grade One) – Farren Glory @ 18/5 (BetVictor)

    If it hadn’t been for a heavy fall at the second last, Farren Glory would have blitzed the field in the Formby Novices’ Hurdle. The form is clear that he wouldn’t have beaten much after Florida Dreams disappointed at Musselburgh yesterday. He’s still a Grade One winner all in all and Ballyburn did show a chink in his armour on debut, and also didn’t beat much in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown.

     

    You Know What I’m Thinkin’?

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    3:20 – Leopardstown Handicap Chase (Grade Three) – Inothewayurthinkin @ 6/1 (General)

    Inothewayurthinkin brings plenty of quality form to the table in this race. A novice still, he’s finished behind Gaelic Warrior twice. He’s slightly up in distance, which won’t trouble him at all. His first handicap mark is generous enough and can make a big impact in a big handicap.

    Heart Wood also has standout novice form, including finishing behind Grangeclare West before he backed it up in a Grade One. With that sort of form, and not being beaten that far behind Grangeclare West, the handicapper took into account his previous run when not up to it against Blood Destiny. He’ll handle the trip and is generously priced at 8/1 (General).

    Lucid Dreams could run a big race, over an untried trip for John Patrick Ryan. He ran a great race behind Uncle Phil in the Dan & Joan Moore and showed signs of staying potential. It’s a big ask and a big hike in distance, but his last win was comfortable over two-and-a-half miles and can recreate that winning feeling under a good claiming ride. On the drift, however, now 22/1 (William Hill).

     

    Musselburgh

    Hear The Thunder

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    3:35 – Scottish Champion Chase (H’cap Chase) – Thunder Rock @7/2 (William Hill)

    There’s no doubt Gavin Sheehan has had the season of his life. Multiple big race wins has just shown how talented a jockey he really is. It’s possibly why Max McNeil and Olly Murphy have chosen him to part with Thunder Rock, with Sean Bowen back to riding on Monday and Adrian Heskin over in Ireland. After disappointing in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, he’s back in a ‘lesser’ race where he doesn’t carry top weight and gives him a fighting chance.

    And it wouldn’t be Musselburgh without Scottish-trained winners. Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox are the leaders in their respective championships at the track and saddle Corrigeen Rock. He finished second on New Year’s Day over two-and-a-half miles and the step back in trip off a pound higher mark, but there looks to be plenty of improvement from him. Generous at 15/2 (General).

    The very best of luck!

  • FIVE To Follow: Boxing Day Bonanza

    FIVE To Follow: Boxing Day Bonanza

    After sleeping off two full plates of Christmas dinner and mince pies galore, we move to the best day of the festive period. Boxing Day. And what a bonanza of racing we have on offer. FIVE Grade One’s from all over the British Isles, and all covered in a special FIVE to Follow.

     

    Kempton

    Auld Lang Syne

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    1:20 – Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (Grade One) – Giovinco @ 11/4 (William Hill)

    I have problems with the top two in the market. Hermes Allen has never gone over three miles before. And the French raider Il Est Francais has never gone on anything firmer than very soft.

    The going may prove to catch some of these horses out and Giovinco will relish it. He was unlucky at Sandown with problems being caused by a loose horse, but it’s clear he’s a stayer and a sharper track may be the trick.

     

    Royal Message

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    1:55 – Christmas Hurdle (Grade One) – Sceau Royal @ 16/1 (PLACE) (William Hill)

    Constitution Hill is not only the best hurdler on the planet right now, he’s probably the best there’s going to be for the decade to come. There’s no wonder he’s such short odds, it’s a case of name the distance with him.

    But to get close to him I’ve gone with an old name. Sceau Royal may be an 11-year-old but he’ll still know his way round Kempton Park like the back of his hand. Rubaud has never quite cut the mustard in terms of performances and will be put against the sword by the old master.

     

    Boxing Banker

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    2:30 – King George VI Chase (Grade One) – Allaho @ 7/4 (General)

    Ever since Bravemansgame was beaten twice this season, I doubted he’d actually coming here. I fear that he’s been overraced and won’t be up to the standard we saw him last year. Then the might of Willie Mullins decided to get a look-in. Allaho looks tailor-made for this race, especially with Paul Townend ditching the usual St. Stephen action at Leopardstown. Allaho has won the Punchestown Gold Cup and has always finished with plenty in the tank when winning his two Ryanair’s. He is the one to beat.

    One who I think is very overpriced is a Grade One winner everyone has dismissed. The Real Whacker beat Gerri Colombe in last year’s Brown Advisory and had that form boosted at the start of November. Handicap Company proved a little too much and is in preferred race conditions here. The ground should suit, and I’ve a feeling trainer Patrick Neville has had this race in mind since the start of the season. Certainly worth something at 17/2 (BetVictor, Unibet, Betfred).

     

    Aintree

    Technically The Tolworth

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    1:05 – William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One) – Farren Glory @ 3/1 (Betfred)

    It’s quite rare we see an Irish raider in this race, but maybe it’s because the Irish don’t have far to travel off the ferry? But we get to see a Grade One winning novice hurdler on our shores before most of ours have had two runs. And Farren Glory looked a real nice type when upsetting the odds at Fairyhouse and beating stablemate King Of Kingsfield by one-and-a-half lengths. It’s quite often these days, we don’t have the best novices anymore.

    One to take advantage of the conditions at a price is Favour And Fortune. It’s clear he has a preference for soft ground, even if he’s versatile on form. There hasn’t been a boost from his win at Wetherby, but many of his rivals would prefer there to be less rain up North. Sadly, they won’t be getting it. He’s worth a poke at double figures, 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).

     

    Leopardstown

    A St. Stephen Star

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    2:20 – Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade One) – Facile Vega @ 1/3 (General)

    With organisers looking to get rid of one of the three novice chases here, an argument may be given to this one and its lack of runners. Only four turn up for this year’s renewal and no more than seven have turned up for one in the past ten years.

    And with the lack of runners comes the lack of value. Facile Vega will win it simply because of his quality, and the lack of opposition. Sharjah may prove to be useful, even at the ripe old age of 10, and Mullins won’t bother giving a sniff to the two other horses. For better value a tricast on the two Mullins runners, plus Cheltenham winner My Mate Mozzie, may pay something back.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Leopardstown Ladies

    Four To Follow: Leopardstown Ladies

    As we approach the end of the season (and the start of the jumps!), the stars are all reappearing for one final hurrah! First up is Irish Champions weekend, and we head to Leopardstown for a tasty looking Irish Champion Stakes. There’s also the small matter of the Sprint Cup at Haydock as well. Here’s this week’s four to follow.

     

    Leopardstown

    Long Time, No Tah-see

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    2:45 – Coolmore ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (Group One) – Tahiyra @ Evs (General)

    Tahiyra is an undoubtable talent, but she’s only ran three times this season. Which makes her return to the track all the more tantalising. However, the Matron Stakes has the habit to throw up some real surprises. No favourite has won since Legatissimo in 2015, and has been the only favourite to win in the last 10 years. But Tahiyra is clear on ratings, versatile on ground with a slight bias to firmness, and has every right to be favourite, even after a period off the track.

    To follow her in, Just Beautiful looked as though she could become a talking horse when winning the Lanwades Stud Stakes all the way back in May. But she’s been off the track for some time, and is making a crucial step up to Group One level. Her previous form says she’ll get the ground, and has a couple of decent formlines. Interesting at 9/1 (William Hill)

     

    Not Just The Boys

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    3:20 – Irish Champion Stakes (Group One) – Nashwa @ 11/2 (General)

    This looks, on paper, one of the races of the season. Two three-year-olds who have captured the racing world, plus plenty of Group One experience in the mix as well. But it’s Nashwa I’m drawn to after her performance in the International Stakes. Many people disregarded her, but she finished in between, arguably, the two best horses in the race. She was Only beaten by a length that day, and comes to Leopardstown with conditions on her side, plus John Gosden’s record in the race in recent years puts her in the frame and make the race her own.

    Spare a thought for Luxembourg who seems to be totally disregarded, despite having a good career, three Group One’s including the race last year. He wasn’t up to standard, but you could argue he drops to a preferred trip here. And just because Ryan Moore is on the other horse, doesn’t necessarily means he’s on the right one. Each-way claims at 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, BetUK)

     

    Too E-Aasy

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    4:30 – Paddy Power Stakes (Group Three) – Al Aasy @ 11/4 (William Hill)

    It beggars belief how Al Aasy is second favourite. His performances, whilst at Listed level, have been eye-catching and he steps up in trip for the first time since his reappearance in the Fred Archer. But he has narrowly been denied at the top level, and it’s that previous Group One experience that may just put him over the line against Adelaide River, who hasn’t won this season, or since his debut. Whilst Adelaide River has disappointed, Al Aasy has made smooth progress and can follow up here at Leopardstown.

     

    Haydock

    Slam Dunk Finish

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    3:35 – Sprint Cup (Group One) – Shaquille @ Evs (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Shaquille has very much picked up the gauntlet as the top sprinter of the season. From one Northern horse (Highfield Princess) to another, Shaquille has impressed with the turn of foot unlike any other sprinter at the top level. He may dwell at the start, but his jet engine propels him to the front to pick of those who are no match for him. And on paper, it looks another open and shut case.

    Or does it? Sacred was incredibly unlucky at Royal Ascot when denied by 80/1 shot Khaadem, and has been out for revenge since. Whilst previous form suggests his best distance is over seven, on quicker ground it’s much better over six. It was evident when disappointing in the City of York Stakes last time out, and the quick turnaround plus drop in trip may give him a chance to spoil Shaq’s shindig. Next best in the field at 17/2 (William Hill)

    The very best of luck!