12.10 Leopardstown
The second day of the Leopardstown Christmas festival is upon us, and we kick off with a 3-year-old’s hurdle in the 12.10.
No great superstar from the flat in here, so it may well be a case of going with trainers who have a good record with juveniles.
Willie has the fav – Mr Adjudicator – and he could have found a weak race to start off in. Slanted street formerly with Jim Bolger on the flat could be a lively each way punt.
12.40 Leopardstown
Next up is a beginners chase and Paul Townsend rides Bunk Off Early who won at this meeting last year and was impressive.
Fences could be the making of him as he was quite keen over hurdles. Tycoon Prince will take advantage of any hiccups from the fav.
13.15 Leopardstown
Min has only been beaten by Altior in recent years and there is an argument that he is a stronger horse now.
He should dispatch these easily.
Min v Altior will be mouthwatering come March
1.50 Leopardstown
Gold Cup winners and Champion Hurdle winners have won this in the past with Hurricane Fly and Sizing John on the list of winners,
Mengli Khan will be a warm order here but I was really impressed by Real Steel at Thurles and I think he could pull off a surprise against the fav.
2.25 Leopardstown
I am really tempted to give Ted Veale the nod here.
This horse is fit from the flat and has lots going for him with a number of these under pressure from the handicapper.
3.00 Leopardstown
Polidam is still ahead of the handicapper but he must settle.
These big field chases you need this type who travels well. Pleasant Company was fancied for the Grand National last year and has to be an each way play here at a tidy price. The other one is Ucello Conti.
15.35 Leopardstown
To finish, lots of top stables represented here and Willie normally unleashes one if previous results are anything to go by.
However Jessica and Kate Harrington have Madison To Monroe in here who had a lofty reputation before winning at Monksgrange in a point to point. He could be a value bet in a race where the market is always the best guide.
Gallop over to the latest racing odds on PaddyPower.com*All prices correct at the time of publication