Day Three Leopardstown Christmas Festival Who To Follow - 28/12/21

Leopardstown 14:20

A Plus Tard

Rachael Blackmore

Henry De Bromhead

Age: 7

Weight: 11-12

OR: 174

Days: 38

The second Grade 1 of the day and the feature race is the Savills Chase, won by the likes of Denman, Bobs Worth and A Plus Tard last season who looks to replicate that success a year on.

He won the race last season with the likes of Kemboy and Tornado Flyer (this year’s King George winner) in behind, so the form is very solid and does have some substance.

Although the impressive Galvin is in the race this season, this affair doesn’t look like it has as much depth as previous renewals meaning A Plus Tard will take all the beating once more.

His Betfair Chase win last time out was arguably his best career performance to date; there was a few question marks on him going into the race, whether he'd be suited to Haydock and winning first time out, but he certainly put those doubts to bed, winning by 22 lengths eased down.

The racing in Ireland has pretty much been dominated by the Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott yards in recent times, but we are starting to see the rise of Henry De Bromhead, who had a fantastic season last season, winning the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, just to name a few.

Last season was the breakthrough year for him, and he looks to have a top team that he can lead into battle again this season landing plenty of top class races along the way.

A few of his mounts to keep an eye on are A Plus Tard in the Grade Savills Chase, who is the current favourite for the race; Life In The Park, a point to point recruit having his second start over hurdles in the opener with Rachael Blackmore onboard; and Ain’t That A Shame, making his second start over fences after an impressive 3rd last time out on chasing debut, beaten by the impressive Stattler on the day.

Henry and his team are certainly on the rise and it would be wise to take most of his runners seriously, especially when number one stable jockey Rachael Blackmore is booked to ride them.

Everyone who follows jumps racing will know the name Davy Russell and how he is one of the best riders in the weighing room at the moment; it’s no surprise to see him firing in the winners as he often does.

He is currently riding at a 36% strike rate with 4 winners in just 11 rides, and his strike rate percentage has been like this since he has come back from injury.

Davy has five brilliant rides at this Leopardstown meeting, including the ride on Grade 1 Savills Chase runner Galvin who leads the way for the Gordon Elliott yard in the feature race.

His other rides include Gealach (12.35) Duffle Coat (1.10) Grand Roi (1.45) and Floueur (2.55).