13:00 Willow @ 15/8
An interesting fillies maiden with some very well-bred and well entered-up types.
WILLOW made a promising start at the Curragh when the stable second-choice and the daughter of American Pharaoh and Irish Oaks winner Peeping Fawn could take plenty of beating now with the benefit of that experience.
Siskin’s half-sister Talacre will also be straighter for her Bellewstown debut run but this could be a better maiden and she’ll need to improve. Meanwhile of the newcomers, the expensively bought Lovely Esteem and another by American Pharaoh out of an Irish Oaks winner Nicest appeal most.
13:30 Brazil
Fernando Vichi and BRAZIL are closely matched on their Navan run earlier this month and the latter is taken to reverse form with a sizable step forward expected here.
Any market support for the well-bred newcomers Benaud and Sir William Bruce should be worth noting and they complete the shortlist.
14:00 Shona Mea
A typically competitive three-year-old handicap at this venue, but SHONA MEA still looks ahead of her mark and she has an ideal draw for her preferred front-running tactics here.
Take My Hand looks as if she will relish this longer trip and rates as the main danger to the selection.
14:30 Stellaire Enfant @ 4/1
Apprentice jockey Ryan Sexton looked like good value for his claim when winning on STELLAIRE ENFANT at Limerick last month and the partnership is maintained here with the mare carrying a 6lb penalty for her win; she can give another good account with Sexton claiming 10lb this time.
Dark Magic can go well again after a good second at Dundalk last time where he shaped like this step back up in trip would suit.
15:00 Rain Or Shine
Gatsby Cap hinted at a return to form when last seen, but preference is for RAIN OR SHINE in her hat-trick bid. She produced a career best at Dundalk last time and this longer trip could see her improve again.
Out On Friday is still a maiden, but he’s been in good form of late and he can go well with Colin Keane taking over in the saddle.
15:30 Bowerman
A very good renewal and not easy to fathom. Latrobe is the highest-rated runner in the field. but the Irish Derby winner has yet to convince over this trip and could be vulnerable.
Flight Risk loves it here but has yet to win over this far, Simsir drops back in trip after disappointing last time and Verbal Dexterity has plenty of questions to answer at this stage.
The improving Keats could well be up to this rise in class, but a chance is taken on Irish Lincoln winner BOWERMAN, a winner over this trip on Polytrack.
16:00 Mr Mooj
Competitive fare with in-form Place Des Vosges and Dollar Value of obvious interest, while Lyrical Attraction and Acclamatio are others with claims.
But, perhaps the lightly raced three-year-old MR MOOJ (NAP) can strike here on his second handicap outing with this longer trip likely to suit.
16:30 Cartesienne
Contesting only her second handicap when caught close home at Cork last time, CARTESIENNE looks to have got away quite lightly with just a 2lb rise and she could well have more improvement in her.
Plenty of dangers, notably the ultra-consistent Mulzamm and recent Navan winner Lady Scathach, who has a 12lb hike to contend with.
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Leopardstown tips summary:
13:00 Willow
13:30 Brazil
14:00 Shona Mea
14:30 Stellaire Enfant
15:00 Rain Or Shine
15:30 Bowerman
16:00 Mr Mooj
16:30 Cartesienne
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