12.35pm, Leopardstown – Beginners Chase
Antey and Melon take on City Island in the Beginners Chase at 12.35. Antey is the second-stringer, you’d imagine he’d have to improve a fair bit on the runs he’s had.
Melon’s form is strong though. I know Fakir got beaten but it’s still rock-solid form. City Island will have to step up to get the better of Melon.
I’m hoping the experience will count. They’re both good horses and stayers, so hopeful that bit of experience for Melon will make the difference.
1.10pm, Leopardstown – Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase
Paddy keeps changing the name of this – the Dial-a-bet was much better in my view – but this is all about Chacun Pour Soi. His form is rock solid.
He ran last year at the Punchestown festival where he beat Defi Du Seuil, who is two-for-two this year.
Chacun could be one of those horses with the x-factor. I was lucky enough to ride him doing a bit of work at Punchestown a few weeks ago, he’s in really good form and he’s the horse I’m really going to miss riding this Christmas.
Chacun Pour Soi is my Christmas NAP.
1.45pm, Leopardstown – Paddy Power Champions Future Novice Hurdle
Just the four runners in this. It looks like Abacadabras versus Blue Sari, they were second and fourth in last year’s Champion Bumper.
Abacadabras has a bit more experience over hurdles, but the drop back in trip should suit Blue Sari and I’d stick with Willie’s horse.
2.20pm, Leopardstown – Handicap Hurdle
La Sorelita has been progressively getting better and if she can step forward again she has a good each-way chance in an open field.
2.55pm, Leopardstown – Paddy Power Handicap Chase
JP McManus has won three of the last four runnings, though even picking the right one of his in this is far from simple because he’ll probably have eight or nine runners.
This is a brilliant race for punters and a great one for owners too, as there’s such a big prize fund and it’s always very competitive. Obviously JP’s had a good run in it, but if you’re looking to pick out another one of his this year for it, Tower Bridge is worth a look at 14/1.
He pulled up in the Troytown Chase, but he does have good form thrown in there too and it won’t surprise me when he crops up in a big handicap chase. This could be his day.
For Willie, Chef Des Obeaux disappointed at Fairyhouse, and would want to step up. The trip should help but would want more rain. Class Conti’s been in-and-out, Robin de Foret ran a blinder in Navan and I just hope this is not too soon for him.
Blazer is unexposed but ran well in the Galway hurdle and ran well in this one last year. You’d just wonder about stamina. Pointavon’s at the right end of the weights but has to put in a better showing than in the Cork National.
3.30pm, Leopardstown – Bumper
Appreciate It is in the Carefully Selected colours for the Bumper. The trip will really suit him at two-and-a-half-miles. He stayed really well at Fairyhouse and should’ve improved for that run.
12.15, Limerick – Two Mile Maiden Hurdle
Donie McInerney is on Ciel de Neige in the four-year-old maiden hurdle. He’ll be very hard to beat. Was very good in a handicap the last day and this looks an ordinary race too.
2.00pm, Limerick – Novice Hurdle
Vis Ta Loi stays well, and has probably come on a bit since his run in Cork, but I don’t know if it’s enough, but he’s the best of our four.
Fury Road is top-weight and will be hard to beat. Zola stays all day and will be a good each-way price
Foveros and Quartz Du Rheu, Four-year-olds in heavy ground in Limerick is asking a lot.
2.35pm, Limerick – Maiden Hurdle
Colreevy’s improved for her run in Cork and her form is very solid. She’ll be hard to beat.
*All odds correct at time of posting
Check out some cracking Christmas odds at PaddyPower.com