1:05
A difficult start to the Dublin Racing Festival, but on decent ground and in a likely tactical affair it is probably worth opposing Hollow Games. GRAND JURY ran well when 2nd in the Lawlors of Naas and despite his yards lack of form, he should run his race. BRONN is the pick of Paul Townend, though he was slightly fortunate to win at Naas, whilst MINELLA CROONER has done very little wrong so far in his career.
1:35
VAUBAN was a Listed winner on the Flat in France and was unlucky to bump into Pied Piper on his hurdles debut at Punchestown. The pair had pulled 15-lengths clear of the rest and that form was very well advertised last weekend, so it will be a huge shock if he isn’t involved in the finish.
2:10
BLUE LORD sets the standard and was better than the result last time when the small field and omitted fences didn’t play to his strengths. His stablemate SAINT SAM also needs to be included after a very impressive win on his chase debut at Fairyhouse last month.
2:45
This looks to be the key race for the Placepot, and it is exceptionally competitive as always. PANDA BOY was an impressive winner here over Christmas, he remains unexposed and an 8lb rise may not stop him. DUNBOYNE was unlucky to be hampered by a loose horse in the same race and could go closer this time. PRIORY PARK is improving rapidly, having won his last 2 he may not have reached his peak yet, whilst ENJOY D’ALLEN would have a chance if he can translate his chase form back over hurdles.
3:15
This looks to be the “Gold Cup” for KEMBOY and FRODON. The former was only beaten a length in the Savills Chase over Christmas and has an exceptionally good record at this track, whilst the latter was a good winner of the Champion Chase at Down Royal in October and is worth forgiving his King George effort when he went too hard in front.
3:50
MT LEINSTER is surely better than a mark of 135 and needs to be included, as does EXIT POLL who ran well over this course and distance at Christmas at a time when his yard was badly out of form.
