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Irish racing tips for Leopardstown
Wayne Bailey / 21 January 2010 Free Bet View Market
It’s a busy weekend at Leopardstown with Graded racing taking place on both Saturday and Sunday.
“Solwhit resumed winning ways here at the Christmas Festival and I expect a decisive victory once again this Sunday.”
Racing in Ireland has only recently resumed and I haven't managed to get to a racecourse in 2010; so I'm looking forward to heading up to my local track this weekend for a few bets, a few drinks and a general good time.
The MCR Hurdle (formerly the Pierse Hurdle) is one of the highlights on Saturday along with the Leopardstown Handicap Chase, while Sunday also has some top class action with the Irish Arkle and Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle both scheduled.
Saturday, 14:30 - Leopardstown Handicap Chase (Grade A)
It's a bit too tricky to study this one just yet, but from the early decs list, Southern Vic catches the eye trained by Ted Walsh. It's fair to say that the 11-year-old has seen better days and he definitely missed the blinkers when trailing home sixth out of seven last-time-out at Punchestown. However off these weights he may cause a surprise and I don't think he's completely finished just yet. He's often bounced back after a bad patch and while he's not getting any younger, he may manage a place. But as I say, it's worth waiting until raceday before studying this one properly.
Saturday, 15:05 - MCR Hurdle (Grade B)
This is likely to have a very big field so again, it's worth reviewing selections on raceday. I'm starting to warm towards Steviemac, priced around [13.0] and based on his form last month, he's entitled to go very well. Despite an 11lb hike, he ran very strongly in the Fairyhouse Membership 2010 Handicap Hurdle and made it three wins in the space of a month. He's up again in the weights but the assessor may not have given him enough to hold him back and if I were pricing this one up, I'd have him at [10.0] or less. Martin Brassil's Moville is another that is in with a big chance and trades around [11.0] early doors. Despite winning at Navan however, his latest performance wasn't all that strong and I have my reservations. The current favourite Carthalawn looks short around [9.0] and I'm not certain he's fixed those jumping mistakes just yet.
Sunday, 13:45 - Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1)
There was talk of Sizing Europe taking in this race before going to Cheltenham but I read a few days ago that connections decided to give it a miss and head straight to the festival. It's a pity in some ways as it would have been interesting to see him run once more as his Christmas Festival win at this venue wasn't too convincing with Captain Cee Bee falling. Paul Nicholls sends Take The Breeze over and I've often mentioned the trainer's fantastic record when racing in Ireland. Since 2003, he's had 16 winners from 34 races and shows a level stakes profit of over 20 points. Stats aside, Take The Breeze is a worthy favourite and [3.0] look like a great price.
Sunday, 14:45 - Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle
Regular readers will know that I'm a big Solwhit fan and I'm sticking by the six-year-old who has now gone odds-on. Some remain unconvinced and have pointed to his Fighting Fifth form as evidence that he might struggle on the big occasions - but I'm blue in the face saying that the pace was all wrong that day and the form can be ignored. Solwhit resumed winning ways here at the Christmas Festival and I expect a decisive victory once again this Sunday.
As usual, we welcome your thoughts and tips so feel free to make a post below.
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