3 minute read
Play smarter on Sunday as we provide our expert analyst's tips for every race at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown
12:55 Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) - Leopardstown
A massive field for what is usually a good mares' handicap and there is lots to like about ENA BAIE's chances. She's run cracking races at the Galway and Leopardstown Festivals the last twice and seems sure to be competitive again back against her own sex and stepped up in trip. Jeremys Flame and last year's Dawn Run second Concertista, 1 of 8 for Willie Mullins, are next on the shortlist.
13:25 Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) - Leopardstown
ASPIRE TOWER made it 2-2 over hurdles when easily beating the re-opposing Wolf Prince in a Grade 2 over C&D on Boxing Day and should prove hard to beat. Wolf Prince has won at Fairyhouse since and can follow him home again, with Cerberus best of the others.
13:55 Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) - Leopardstown
EASYWORK holds a plethora of Cheltenham Festival entries and Gordon Elliott's exciting prospect can book his place on the ferry with another victory. He's looked a superb jumper in winning both his starts over hurdles and could be destined for the top. Willie Mullins, seeking a seventh win in 8 years in this contest, might have the main danger to the selection with Mt Leinster.
14:30 William Fry Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) - Leopardstown
An ultra-competitive handicap but GARDENS OF BABYLON has long left the impression this sort of stamina test could play to his strengths and he might be worth siding with. Gran Geste and thriving pair Silver Sheen and Treacysenniscorthy head the many possible dangers.
15:00 Flogas Novice Chase (Grade 1) - Leopardstown
FAUGHEEN rolled back the years to land his tenth Grade 1 of his career at Limerick on Boxing Day, maintaining his unbeaten record over fences, and will take plenty of beating again. Battleoverdoyen made it 3 from 3 in this sphere in a 3-runner Grade 1 event here 5 weeks ago and is the obvious threat.
15:30 Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup - Leopardstown
KEMBOY looked rusty on his rather belated return to action over C&D last time but he should be fully tuned up this time, so he's taken to turn the tables with Delta Work in what could unfold into a fascinating duel between the pair. Presenting Percy is also capable of getting involved if more goes his way than the last twice
16:00 Leopardstown Handicap Chase (Grade A) - Leopardstown
AT THE ACORN produced a dominant display back in novice company at Fairyhouse 3 weeks ago and though the assessor had had his say, he may well be up to the task given his upwardly-mobile profile. Dallas des Pictons surely has more to offer as a chaser, with Robin des Foret perhaps the pick of the Mullins quartet.
16:35 Coolmore N.H. Sires Mares Bumper (Grade 2) - Leopardstown
CASTRA VETERA made a big impression when scoring readily at Fairyhouse on debut and it's worth taking a chance on her to improve past the highly likeable Bigbadandbeautiful, who bids for her fourth straight win of the season. The West Awaits is best of the remainder.
