The opener is the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. With twenty runners set to go to post it looks an open affair. However we are siding with HELIAC.
The horse made a pleasing debut when finishing strongly at the Curragh and can put his experience to good use against some unraced prospects.
The horses breeding is unquestionable and connections would be disappointed if it cant win a race like this.
Next up it’s the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden. Again we think it is worth focusing on those with experience and are going with Dermot Weld’s runner RAKAN.
This well bred filly out of the Sea The Stars out run his odds on debut at Naas to finish well and can make his presence felt here.
That experience would have done the Colt the world of good and gives him a major advantage over most rivals.
NATIONAL GUARD can take the spoils in the Leopardstown “Christmas Cracker” Nursery Handicap.
The Aiden O’Brien trained colt looks to have bags of potential and has been unfortunate not to win a race over his five outings.
Could do with running less keenly but today should be the day he finally gets his nose in front. Could go on to bigger races.
The feature race of the day is the Killavullan Stakes (Group 3). OLD GLORY was beaten by No Needs Never last time out.
However he can improve past that horse considering he has only had the two outings whilst his rival is more exposed.
Debut performance showed the horse has tons of ability and this looks a winnable Group race.
The Trigo Stakes (Listed) can go to the lightly raced FLIGHT RISK. The Jim Bolger seven-year-old has only had one run this season.
That was third in a Group 3 and if he can come on for the run he will be a tough nut to crack.
Has won at this level more than once before and this looks a good opportunity to do so again.
The Tote Handicap should see AUSSIE VALENTINE victorious despite carrying top-weight. The Adrian McGuinness runner carries a penalty for his victory at Dundalk but the horse is in good form.
Same apprentice on board to day and can make it a two-timer. Has won at Leopardstown previously and has never ran a bad race here.
The penultimate race is the Tote Maiden. We fancy FREETOWN to finally produce form in some way that links to his breeding.
His odds in races have indicated he must be showing something at home and hopefully this is a chance to shed that maiden tag at the sixth time of asking.
The closing race is the Leopardstown Members Club Handicap. Joseph O’Brien trained PERFECT TAPATINO can make it three wins from four outings and continue a good four-year-old season.
Won under hands and heels last time out and has improved markedly on last seasons form. Nap of the day.
