Leopardstown
13:20
Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 5YO plus, 9 Runners, Class 1, 2m 6f 27y
GOOD LAND (5) was given a positive ride when an impressive 8L winner of a maiden hurdle at this track. Can handle this class rise attempting a longer distance and rates a top pick.
SANDOR CLEGANE (8) got off the mark in a 3m hurdle contest. Highly progressive and prominent and expected to be involved. UK raider WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT (9) found success in beating a subsequent winner at Cheltenham. Leading hope.
Talented hurdler AMERICAN MIKE (2) is another to consider for a strong trainer and jockey combination, he was second to the highly impressive facile de vega last year, but he could bounce back at a big price.
13:55
Donohue Marquees Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 4YO only, 8 Runners, Class 1, 2m
LOSSIEMOUTH (8) impressed delivering a pair of dominant hurdle wins for her new trainer including among Grade Two company over course and distance. Could prove hard to beat if able to replicate. GALA MARCEAU (7) is the obvious danger after a runner-up effort behind the main selection in the latest race.
Might have improvement to come. Rates second-best. GUST OF WIND (3) maintains an unexposed profile after a debut victory in France. Not one to rule out. TEKAO (5) scored second-up hurdling. Include for a placing but expect a few to be strong for him.
14:30
Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1) 5YO plus, 8 Runners, Class 1, 2m 1f
A trio of talented Willie Mullins novice jumpers dominate this Grade One prize over fences. Preference is for APPRECIATE IT (1) who had plenty to spare leading throughout in both chase wins. Hard to beat if able to dictate the pace.
Stablemate DYSART DYNAMO (3) barely came out of first gear scoring by 28L on chase debut tackling track and trip. Exciting chaser maintaining an ideal profile for this tougher assignment. Huge contender.
If the front pair race too enthusiastically then EL FABIOLO (4) may pick up the pieces after an effortless debut fences success. BANBRIDGE (2) is considered to make the frame bring consistent chase form to the table.
15:05
Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) 5YO plus, 7 Runners, Class 1, 3m 44y
Gold Cup hopeful GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (4) could possess too much class and extend his excellent spell with fences as a three-time Grade One chase winner. His effortless 13L success over a subsequent winner at Punchestown reads well and looks hard to beat on figures. Rates highly.
STATTLER (6) reappeared managing a neck second at Tramore attempting 2m 6f when racing up with the speed. Holds potential for progress.
Talented veteran KEMBOY (5) completed a fourth consecutive second in this class here. Sure to make his presence felt from the front. FURY ROAD (3) knows how to win at this venue. Include for a placing.
15:40
GROZNI (14) holds an appeal representing a notable trainer in these events following a head victory at a Leicester novice hurdle. Expected to go close returning to a handicap with an unexposed profile.
MAXXUM (3) rates highly if replicating an impressive pair of handicap hurdle wins including a 16L success over course and distance. Raised in the weights but is an obvious contender especially with a talented claiming jockey on board.
The consistent duo of PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (11) and JUNGLE PROSE (4) rate each way under optimum conditions. Include for multiples. A super race with lots of pointer to March.
16:10
Paddy Power Cheltenham Fanzone Handicap Chase (0-150) (Grade B) 5YO plus, 12 Runners, 2m 1f
FINAL ORDERS (4) continued his upward trajectory with an excellent fourth straight victory tackling a track and trip fences contest. Expertly placed to deliver another winning challenge. Last time out third GET MY DRIFT (8) offers leading hopes if able to build on an improved placing over 2m at Punchestown.
A notable candidate. Among the options rates REBEL GOLD (2) who scored by 9L at Fairyhouse. Definitely has more to offer over this trip.
Course winner A WAVE OF THE SEA (1) could easily bounce back to his best at this venue especially if the money arrives for a shrewd trainer and owner partnership.
16:40
THE BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)
Shabra Charity Oliver Brady Memorial Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2) 4YO to 7YO, 9 Runners, Class 1, 2m
(Registered as the CLASSIC Novices’ Hurdle Race) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 2m 4 1/2f
Those looking for clues to the Champion Bumper in 6 weeks’ time should look no further than FASCILE MODE (5) who won by 2.75L tackling track and trip. Everything is pointing to a huge run here with more improvement to come.
BETTER DAYS AHEAD (2) ran out a 3.25L winner second-up under rules at Fairyhouse. Likely to play a role representing notable connections.
Stablemates FACT TO FILE (4) and CHOSEN WITNESS (3) both proved too good on their respective rules debut and could be considered for those looking at horses at bigger odds.
