* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
The going is expected to be on the firm side of good and there’ll be a bit of snow in the air on a cold and breezy Guineas trials day at Leopardstown this Sunday. The 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas trials look very competitive and there’s also an interesting Group 3 contest at 3.45pm.
I think there could be some value in an each-way Trixie on the three feature races on the card. Let’s take a look.
NEW TO PADDY POWER?
14:10 Poetic Flare
I’m going to side with the in-form Jim Bolger in this 2,000 Guineas trial. Although likely to improve for a longer trip, Poetic Flare is sure to be fully wound up for this seasonal debut. He was very impressive on debut at Naas in March last year when winning a decent 5-furlong maiden by a half a length over Aidan O’Brien’s useful Lipizanner.
He had no luck in running in the Dewhurst at Newmarket in his next start six months later where he wasn’t knocked about after his chance had gone. The horse bounced back only a week after that when winning a G3 contest over today’s course and distance in impressive fashion.
Jim Bolger has a great strike rate at Leopardstown and if he acts on the quicker ground I think we can expect a sparkling display from Poetic Flare this Sunday.
14:40 Joan Of Arc
Aidan, Joseph and Donnacha O’Brien have over half the field in this very competitive 1,000 Guineas trial and if I’ve learnt anything from putting my hard earned on O’Brien runners it’s to never discount their second or third strings in races like this. At the likely decent odds, I’m going to side with Aidan O’Brien’s apparent second string here in Joan Of Arc.
This filly is clearly bred to be a star being a full sister of Gleneagles who won the 2015 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. Gleneagles produced his best form on Good to Firm ground, a surface on which he also landed the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot a couple of months after his Guineas success.
Joan Of Arc showed great battling qualities when winning a big field maiden on Soft to Heavy ground at the Curragh on March 21 and on the Gleneagles evidence she should be suited by today’s quicker ground. She looks a solid each way play in this.
DON’T MISS
- CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW SNAZZY RACECARDS FOR EVERY SINGLE RACE TODAY
- … THEN GET ALL THE WINNERS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE WITH OUR FAST RESULTS
15:45 Taipan
The other feature race on the Leopardstown card is this very trappy looking Group 3 contest over 10-furlongs. Once again the O’Brien family have at least half the field and you’d have to have plenty of respect for the likely favourite, Bolshoi Ballet.
Dermot Weld’s Wuqood and Jim Bolger’s Flying visit were only separated by a head over a furlong shorter here last October. They could also have a say but I’m not sure this longer trip will suit either of them. I always like one at a decent each way price so I’m going to side with Jessica Harrington’s Taipan.
He came from off the pace when winning comfortably in a big field maiden at Naas on debut last November. Taipan’s dam acted on firm ground so the quicker ground today shouldn’t be a problem and the stable are getting a few winners lately. At the likely odds I’ll chance Taipan each way.
Graham’s Leopardstown Tips
14:10 Poetic Flare
14:40 Joan Of Arc
15:45 Taipan
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE
- Rejoice! Paddy’s English and Welsh shops are open again from Monday!
- The Cowboy Tipster: Curbs comes under scrutiny as the net closes on ‘H’
- Party time at Punchestown as Paddy pens three-year Champion Hurdle sponsorship deal
- Click here for our £/€20 sign up offer
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
