Today’s Leopardstown fancies:
12.10pm – 2m4½f Savills Maiden Hurdle (4yo)
The Paul Nolan stable is always one to keep an eye on over the Christmas holidays and his runner LE MOULIN ROUGE is worth a second look in the opening race.
A faller on his sole PTP run at Monksgrange, he was looking the likely winner that day but for coming down at the second last.
On his first run under Rules, he kept on well in a Wexford maiden hurdle over 2m½f and can be a lively each-way player here.
12.45pm – 2m4½f Handicap Hurdle (4yo+)
If you’re looking for a guaranteed winner almost every other day in Ireland, look no further than Gordon Elliott’s yard and his COYOTE SPIRIT (NAP) can continue the current purple patch of the yard.
The seven-year-old has figured prominently in his last two large field maiden hurdles, and he is of a major interest in his first handicap foray.
1.20pm – 2m5½f Beginners Chase (4yo+)
Gigginstown Stud still get their fair share of winners on the Irish circuit, and their PATTER MERCHANT stands out in this beginners’ chase.
No match for Romeo Coolio at Down Royal, he did as well as could be expected, and his experience nearly came off in his next outing when he was only narrowly beaten at Fairyhouse.
This slightly further trip will help, making him a major player under Jack Kennedy.
1.55pm – 3m Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+)
Soon to be an eleven-year-old veteran on January 1st, pensioner BOB OLINGER can show his younger rivals a clean pair of hooves in what could be one of the last few races of his illustrious career.
A ten-time winner, and the current Stayers’ Hurdle champion, “Bob” certainly has to go down as an each-way candidate in this Christmas Grade 1 affair.
2.30pm – 3m½f Savills Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+)
Former multiple Gold Cup champion GALOPIN DES CHAMPS can stamp his authority back on this division with victory in this hotly contested chase at Leopardstown.
Back to his imperious best in the Punchestown Gold Cup the last time we saw him race, the old adage “cream always rises to the top” is very true of him, and odds of 2/1 look generous to be honest in the grand scheme of things.
3.05pm – 3m Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) (4yo+)
Finding a proper trier is often half the battle in these qualifiers, and SYSKO can be just that in this race.
Recently engaged to be married Brian Hayes, can show his supporters that he’s still got it and can make a bold show at a punter friendly price.
3.40pm – 2m INH Flat Race (4yo+)
Not a race to get heavily involved in, but Jody Townend riding for Willie Mullins in the bumper certainly attracts my cash, and I make BENTRAGHHILL a win bet in the lucky last.
Mull It Over 