The second day of the Dublin Racing Festival could well prove another vintage day for Willie Mullins. However, it is a pair of high profile owners who could enjoy their share of the spoils, as GG tipster Joe Napier gives four best bets on the Sunday card at Leopardstown.
12.40 Leopardstown – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy And Maureen Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle
British raider Queens Gamble is there to be taken on and one who could serve it up to her at a price is LILY DU BERLAIS for Simon Crawford. She is among the senior members of this party aged nine, but could be ripe and poised for an upse
The majority of her appeal stems for her having finished first and second in the Grade 2 mares’ bumper here at two previous Dublin Racing Festivals. Although she is yet to run at Leopardstown over hurdles, that speaks positively to her chances of running a big race here and she is not overly handicapped.
She won off 1lb lower at Kelso last May, but found Graded novice company too hot in November. Her disappointment at Doncaster last time is slightly tougher to forgive, but she races off 5lb lower in this race and given her record at the meeting, it would be no surprise at all if this was a longer term plan. She is unexposed for her age and more than capable of bouncing back.
1.10 Leopardstown – Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1)
His defeat by Sir Gino could easily be explained by an off day or bumping into an extremely talented rival, but Ballyburn should have his mettle tested here too. It is also easy to argue that though he retains the greater potential, IMPAIRE ET PASSE’s achievements outstrip him quite comfortably.
The selection has been around for longer but the pair are the same age, so there could easily be as much improvement in both. Similarly, Impaire Et Passe ran in a far stronger year for novice hurdlers than Ballyburn did when winning his edition of the Turners, with the likes of Gaelic Warrior trailing in his wake. He won an open Grade 1 over hurdles at Aintree last season to boot.
Even over fences, it is the Munir/Souede’s horse who has already scored in Grade 1 company, doing so in comfortable style at Limerick. He has to prove himself slightly more at Leopardstown than his stablemate does, but the pair’s overall accomplishments are not reflected in their odds, making Impaire Et Passe easily the greater bet.
2.10 Leopardstown – Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1)
It appeared unlikely earlier in the week that EL FABIOLO would be ready in time for this Grade 1, which does temper enthusiasm slightly. However, Willie Mullins would not run him unless he was sound and if he is, he is an exceptional price to land the spoils.
The eight-year-old may have blundered his way out of the Champion Chase, but his rating of 174 is 9lb and more superior to his seven rivals, including stablemate Gaelic Warrior. Even his second to Jonbon at Sandown to conclude last season would be form strong enough to take more renewals of this race than not.
Moreover, he has an excellent record fresh and at Leopardstown, winning two Grade 1 chases here by 18½ lengths combined. There is always the heart-in-mouth jumping to contend with, but Champion Chase aside, that has rarely stopped him. If he turns up in decent health, he is the best horse in the race at this track.
3.50 Leopardstown – Timeless Sash Windows Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
Handicaps such as these are always tough as plenty may be well ahead of their marks. The two which stand out as the likeliest in that respect are Storm Heart and MCLAUREY, though it is the latter who shades the vote.
Storm Heart has been off for a long time and may still need some time for adjustment as a five-year-old in his first big field handicap, though he could make a mockery of his 140 rating. However, McLaurey has improved with every start, making the frame in two maiden hurdles before easily landing the spoils at Limerick.
On collateral form through the third that day, Emmet Mullins’ charge could have loads in hand off a mark of 120. Conditions should suit him, he races off a feather-weight of 10st 2lb and his owner and trainer are formidable in this kind of contest.
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