Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Moscow's the Man at Leopardstown

There is good action at Leopardstown on Sunday, and Timeform pick out the best three bets...

Art of Payroll shaped well on his handicap debut when fourth over C&D last time and he is capable of building on that effort in the two-mile handicap hurdle (15:20). The Dessie Hughes-trained five-year-old made an encouraging start to life over hurdles, winning at Cork, but he simply found graded affairs too competitive on his next two outings. He improved for the switch to handicaps, however, when shaping better than the bare result here last time having been hampered at a crucial stage, and remains open to improvement.

Moscow Mannon (15:50) was one of the top bumper performers in the 2011/12 season, and his emphatic chasing success at Naas last time suggests that he will be capable of competing at graded level over fences. Moscow Mannon perhaps didn't quite hit the heights expected over hurdles, but he had the misfortune of bumping into some exceptional prospects, notably Annie Power and Un de Sceaux, and looks set to make a better chaser based on the impressive jumping technique he showed at Naas. He ran out an effortless 15-length winner from a well-regarded horse trained by Willie Mullins at Naas, and is capable of taking this en route to better things.

Daring Article was narrowly denied over C&D by He'llberemembered in a valuable event in January and he can get his revenge this afternoon (16:20). A winning maiden hurdler - where he beat JLT-bound Felix Yonger, no less - Daring Article didn't quite go on as expected in that sphere but he has come good in some style over fences of late, winning two competitive handicap chases and bouncing back from a fall when well-fancied here at Christmas to finish runner-up last time. He is going the right way at present and makes as much appeal as any in a tricky event. 

Timeform Irish SmartPlays:
All at Leopardstown

Back Art of Payroll in the 15:20
Back Moscow Mannon in the 15:50
Back Daring Article in the 16:20

Amazon Sports Center

Irish Insight: Cheltenham pointers on Grade 1 Leopardstown card

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Last Instalment and Bog Warrior were a couple of high-profile winners for the Gigginstown House Stud this weekend

"Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase"

Although the pick of the British action was lost to the weather this weekend both Irish cards survived, and there were plenty of pointers for the weeks ahead....

The standout performer at Naas on Saturday was Bog Warrior, who went a long way to confirming the impression he created in the Drinmore when taking the two-mile novice chase, jumping well at the head of affairs and not needing to come off the bridle to beat the useful Slieveardagh by eleven lengths.

Bog Warrior will be a force to be reckoned with wherever he turns up next but he is yet to tackle going firmer than good to soft and it may be that something like the Powers Gold Cup over Easter, rather than a trip to Cheltenham, will be on his agenda.

Moving onto Sunday and the first of four Grade 1 races at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle over two miles. It went the way of Hisaabaat, who ended a run of seconds to open his account in fine style by a length and a half from Shadow Catcher. Speed is Hisaabaat's primary asset, though, so he makes limited appeal for the Triumph Hurdle over an extra furlong on a stiffer track. On the other hand Shadow Catcher could give a good account at Cheltenham as he possibly hit the front too soon, while he may still have won granted cleaner jumps at the last two flights, the error at the last costing him all his momentum. Further back Ut de Sivola lost his unbeaten record in this sphere but was reportedly struck into behind, so is better judged on earlier efforts.

The Deloitte Novice Hurdle saw a surprise result as Benefficient made all at a Betfair SP of [189.03]. All three previous Grade 1 winners were disappointing to various degrees, however, Captain Conan and Cash And Go (found to be lame and scoped badly) running as if amiss while Sous Les Cieux finished second but didn't jump with a great deal of fluency, so this clearly wasn't a vintage renewal and it's hard to see any of the aforementioned horses playing a prominent role at Cheltenham.

The Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase wasn't as informative as it might have been with Bog Warrior going for easier pickings at Naas, while it was a steadily-run affair to boot, things only really taking shape from two out. Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase, best placed after dictating a steady gallop and showing a tendency to jump out to his right.

Willie Mullins trained the next two home, namely Call The Police and Lambro, and while the former shaped well enough to suggest a graded race should come his way before the season is out, the form of the latter is by no means rock solid and it could be that he's already finished progressing.

The last Grade 1 action was the Hennessy Gold Cup and it was a sub-standard renewal after Synchronised, Jessies Dream and Quito de La Roque were all ruled out earlier in the week.

That left the way clear for Quel Esprit to record his first top-level success and give his trainer an eighth win in the race, jumping well out in front and having everything else off the bridle turning for home. He'll make no great appeal in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, his form a long way shy of the required level, but he would be an interesting runner if pitching up in the Ryanair Chase, while further down the line the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown should also be on the agenda.

Bostons Angel now has plenty to prove after the fitting of cheekpieces failed to spark a revival, while China Rock spoiled his chance by refusing to settle, and the evidence is starting to mount up that he's better over shorter.
............
Get unsurpassed levels of analysis and statistics for any race in Britain and Ireland with Timeform Race Passes. Click HERE to find out more.

Mouse Morris is delighted with how First Lieutenant's preparation is going as he prepares to bid for his second Cheltenham Festival triumph next month......

Bog Warrior justified cramped odds by winning the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Novice Chase at Naas......

Synchronised will miss Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown after failing to satisfy connections in the run-up to the Grade One......

Amazon Sports Center

Irish Insight: Cheltenham pointers on Grade 1 Leopardstown card

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Last Instalment and Bog Warrior were a couple of high-profile winners for the Gigginstown House Stud this weekend

"Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase"

Although the pick of the British action was lost to the weather this weekend both Irish cards survived, and there were plenty of pointers for the weeks ahead....

The standout performer at Naas on Saturday was Bog Warrior, who went a long way to confirming the impression he created in the Drinmore when taking the two-mile novice chase, jumping well at the head of affairs and not needing to come off the bridle to beat the useful Slieveardagh by eleven lengths.

Bog Warrior will be a force to be reckoned with wherever he turns up next but he is yet to tackle going firmer than good to soft and it may be that something like the Powers Gold Cup over Easter, rather than a trip to Cheltenham, will be on his agenda.

Moving onto Sunday and the first of four Grade 1 races at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle over two miles. It went the way of Hisaabaat, who ended a run of seconds to open his account in fine style by a length and a half from Shadow Catcher. Speed is Hisaabaat's primary asset, though, so he makes limited appeal for the Triumph Hurdle over an extra furlong on a stiffer track. On the other hand Shadow Catcher could give a good account at Cheltenham as he possibly hit the front too soon, while he may still have won granted cleaner jumps at the last two flights, the error at the last costing him all his momentum. Further back Ut de Sivola lost his unbeaten record in this sphere but was reportedly struck into behind, so is better judged on earlier efforts.

The Deloitte Novice Hurdle saw a surprise result as Benefficient made all at a Betfair SP of [189.03]. All three previous Grade 1 winners were disappointing to various degrees, however, Captain Conan and Cash And Go (found to be lame and scoped badly) running as if amiss while Sous Les Cieux finished second but didn't jump with a great deal of fluency, so this clearly wasn't a vintage renewal and it's hard to see any of the aforementioned horses playing a prominent role at Cheltenham.

The Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase wasn't as informative as it might have been with Bog Warrior going for easier pickings at Naas, while it was a steadily-run affair to boot, things only really taking shape from two out. Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase, best placed after dictating a steady gallop and showing a tendency to jump out to his right.

Willie Mullins trained the next two home, namely Call The Police and Lambro, and while the former shaped well enough to suggest a graded race should come his way before the season is out, the form of the latter is by no means rock solid and it could be that he's already finished progressing.

The last Grade 1 action was the Hennessy Gold Cup and it was a sub-standard renewal after Synchronised, Jessies Dream and Quito de La Roque were all ruled out earlier in the week.

That left the way clear for Quel Esprit to record his first top-level success and give his trainer an eighth win in the race, jumping well out in front and having everything else off the bridle turning for home. He'll make no great appeal in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, his form a long way shy of the required level, but he would be an interesting runner if pitching up in the Ryanair Chase, while further down the line the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown should also be on the agenda.

Bostons Angel now has plenty to prove after the fitting of cheekpieces failed to spark a revival, while China Rock spoiled his chance by refusing to settle, and the evidence is starting to mount up that he's better over shorter.
............
Get unsurpassed levels of analysis and statistics for any race in Britain and Ireland with Timeform Race Passes. Click HERE to find out more.

Mouse Morris is delighted with how First Lieutenant's preparation is going as he prepares to bid for his second Cheltenham Festival triumph next month......

Bog Warrior justified cramped odds by winning the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Novice Chase at Naas......

Synchronised will miss Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown after failing to satisfy connections in the run-up to the Grade One......

Amazon Sports Center

Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Edison can light up Leopardstown

Tipping / Timeform / 29 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

A. P. McCoy can score on Thomas Edison at Leopardstown

"That form is at least on a par with what Burn And Turn and Double Double were capable of in bumpers and there is plenty more to come from Tony Martin's five-year-old."

All eyes will be on the returning Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown today, but we have decided to concentrate on some of the supporting races for our SmartPlays....

A. P. McCoy was back in the winners' enclosure at Doncaster yesterday and has strong claims of landing the opener at Leopardstown courtesy of Thomas Edison. This very well-bred son of Danehill Dancer was an unfancied 12/1 (28.1 BSP) shot on his debut at Down Royal but, despite a poor round of jumping, showed considerable promise to finish third in a race that looks better now than it did at the time. Since then he has run twice in bumpers, accounting for a pair of next-time-out winners in a hot contest at this track on St Stephen's Day. That form is at least on a par with what Burn And Turn and Double Double were capable of in bumpers and there is plenty more to come from Tony Martin's five-year-old.

Blackstairmountain has taken well to chasing, having four of today's rivals immediately behind when winning a Grade 1 here over Christmas, but he may well struggle to cope with the progressive Flemenstar here. The winner of one of his two starts over timber last year, Flemenstar has looked a novice chaser of some potential this season, blitzing his field in a maiden at Navan before getting the better of a sustained duel with Lambro at Naas last time. With plenty of prominent racers in the field, the emphasis is likely to be on stamina here and that will play right into the hands of the selection.

Willie Mullins sets punters a poser in the Grade 2 novice hurdle at 15:05 by running both Boston Bob and Make Your Mark. The latter has run out an impressive winner of a bumper and a C&D maiden hurdle already this season but this represents a big step up in class for him and even a Grade 1 penalty may not be enough to stop Boston Bob. He has won both starts since joining the master of Closutton, putting up the best performance seen by a novice in Ireland this season according to Timeform ratings when beating Mount Benbulben in the Navan Novice Hurdle last time. That form has been boosted by both the third (Jetson) and fourth home since and Boston Bob can take this en route to even better things.

Timeform Irish SmartPlays
Back Thomas Edison in the 12:55
Back Flemenstar in the 13:25
Back Boston Bob in the 15:05
............
Get unsurpassed levels of analysis and statistics for any race in Britain and Ireland with Timeform Race Passes. Click HERE to find out more.

Today's Follow The Money comes from the meetings at Ffos Las and Leopardstown....

The main action is across the Irish Sea where Hurricane Fly makes his first appearance of the campaign but profit may be found opposing the Cheltenham champ, says David Cleary...

Ffos Las is the venue for Sunday's placepot perm.......

Amazon Sports Center

Weekend Preview: Festival clues at Cheltenham & Leopardstown

Weekend Preview/Review / Timeform / 27 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Captain Chris puts his stamina to the test on Saturday

" will be interesting to see how Captain Chris handles the stiff three-miles-one-furlong test, with a positive run likely to sway connections into running him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup."

Cheltenham's Festival Trials card is the highlight on Saturday, with Captain Chris and Big Buck's two of the highest profile runners appearing, whilst Hurricane Fly makes his seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown on Sunday...

The Grade 2 Argento Chase looks to be the most fascinating race at Cheltenham on Saturday and Captain Chris, who'll be putting his stamina credentials on the line having finished third in last month's King George, currently holds favouritism for the contest. It will be interesting to see how Captain Chris handles the stiff three-miles-one-furlong test, with a positive run likely to sway connections into running him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, rather than the Ryanair Chase.

Also lining up in Saturday's feature are Time For Rupert and Diamond Harry, two horses more than capable of giving the favourite something to think about if producing their best. Time For Rupert was dropped in grade by connections on his latest start, and a victory in a Newbury graduation chase will have done his confidence the world of good. Diamond Harry was disappointing when finishing fourth in the Betfair Chase last time but he is lightly raced enough to bounce back from that defeat and it is worth noting he has won three of his four completed chase starts. Tidal Bay and Midnight Chase look the best of the rest.

The Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle, as with the majority of top staying hurdle races, revolves around Big Buck's, with the Paul Nicholls trained charged considered some 13 lb ahead of David Pipe's Dynaste on Timeform ratings. The Cleeve Hurdle will be a stepping stone for Big Buck's' defence of the World Hurdle crown in March, and it is fully expected that the nine-year-old gelding secures his fifteenth successive victory on Saturday.

The Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial and Grade 2 Neptune Investment Hurdle Trial complete the graded action from Prestbury Park on Saturday, with the former race having attracted what appears to be a very strong field. Grumeti and Baby Mix, both prominent in the ante-post betting for Triumph Hurdle itself look set to battle it out, with Hollow Tree and Pearl Swan also due to line up. The latter contest will also be of interest to many with Broadbackbob, Knight Pass and Hard To Swallow all within 1 lb of one another according to Timeform figures.

The rest of the card is completed with handicaps, the Grade 3 Murphy Group Handicap Chase looking the most competitive of the remaining three races. Paul Nicholls looks to hold the aces in the race at the moment with Poquelin and Woolcombe Folly heading the weights and Aerial , the mount of Ruby Walsh, also entered.

There is plenty of graded action at Doncaster on Saturday with a Grade 2 Mares' Hurdle featuring the likes of Alasi and Dorabelle getting the card underway at 13:15 before Menorah and Kumbeshwar re-oppose in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices' Chase just over half an hour later.

The handicap feature comes in the form of the SkyBet Chase (read our preview HERE) over three miles, where upwardly mobile performers such as Shakalakaboomboom and Galaxy Rock, who both have an eye on the Grand National in April, will do battle. It will be intriguing to see how that pair get on against the likes of Aiteenthirtythree and Wayward Prince.

The final graded race of the afternoon at Doncaster is an Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Trial, for which Gullinbursti and Rocky Creek are at the head of Timeform ratings. Both look open to progression after few starts and a Grade 1 assignment at the Cheltenham Festival could be in the offing for the winner.

Racing in Britain is completed with an all-weather meeting at Lingfield and a National Hunt meeting at Uttoxeter, whilst over in Ireland Leopardstown hosts a seven-race jumps card that features a two-mile-five-furlong Grade 2 novice chase in which Sir Des Champs and Hidden Cyclone are pitted against one another.

Sedgefield and Ffos Las will be the venues for racing in Britain on Sunday afternoon, the latter arguably possessing the stronger card.

Irish racing on Sunday is dominated by the Irish Arkle and the Irish Champion Hurdle , both of which feature on a seven-race card at Leopardstown. The Arkle looks to be between Flemenstar, Notus de La Tour and Blackstairmountain at this stage, with it very difficult to separate the trio, all of them open to various degrees of improvement.

The Irish Champion Hurdle is arguably the feature of the entire weekend and looks set to include the belated seasonal return of Hurricane Fly. Hurricane Fly was reported to have delighted Willie Mullins in a recent gallop and he will take all of the beating if able to reproduce anything close to his best as he is 10 lb clear of his nearest rivals, the field composed of Unaccompanied, Oscars Well, Thousand Stars and Kalann.
Sunday's race looks likely to be his only race before the defence of his Cheltenham Champion Hurdle crown in March.

The final graded race of the afternoon at Leopardstown is a Grade 2 novice hurdle set to take place at 15:05, featuring both Boston Bob and Make Your Mark, who will both be looking to enhance their credentials for the Neptune Investment Hurdle at Cheltenham. Sea Of Thunder is just about the most interesting of the remaining runners given his unfortunate departure at the last fence when seemingly having the race at his mercy last time.
............

Timeform look back at a weekend featuring a success for Somersby in the VC Chase alongside a number of other impressive performances at Ascot, whilst Donald McCain was amongst the winners at Haydock......

This weekend sees a host of fascinating racing, with the Grade 1 VC Chase being the feature on Ascot's eight-race card whilst Haydock, Lingfield and Wincanton also stage some intriguing action......

Timeform take a look back at a weekend that may have been light on superstars, but nevertheless offered plenty of clues toward the Cheltenham Festival in March....

Amazon Sports Center

Weekend Preview Podcast: Group 1 action at Haydock and Leopardstown

Timeform Radio Preview Podcast / Timeform / 03 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Roger Varian: Joins us to discuss his runners this weekend

The Timeform Radio team look ahead to this weekend's best racing in Britain and Ireland...

The guests on this week's show include trainers Roger Varian and William Muir, while Timeform's Flat Editor Jamie Lynch offers his views on the weekend's acton at Haydock.

It's also a big day at Leopardstown, and we are joined by Irish expert Donn McClean as well as Timeform's Billy Nash to discuss the Group 1 action on the other side of the Irish Sea.

Click HERE to listen to the weekend preview podcast.

This week's Timeform radio preview podcast looks at the Betfair Celebration Mile at Goodwood and much, much more....

Paul Jacobs hosts the Timeform Radio weekend preview podcast, featuring MIchael Bell, Mick Channon and Jim Goldie on their Ebor runners and much, much more......

David Cleary heads to the Midlands to follow the Friday action over ther jumps......

Betfair website

Timeform Irish 1-2-3 Tips: Starr to shine at Leopardstown‏

Tipping / Billy Nash / 03 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

So You Think is the red-hot favourite for the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown today

"Napa Starr seems to be getting better with age and is sure to give a good account in the leopardstown.com handicap at 16:40."

So You Think is undoubtedly the star turn at Leopardstown today but we have decided to have a stab at solving the three handicaps on the supporting card...

Napa Starr seems to be getting better with age and is sure to give a good account in the leopardstown.com handicap at 16:40. Charles Byrnes's gelding looks more straightforward nowadays than he did at times in the past and ran a cracker when a fast-finishing third to Castle Bar Sling in the Cambridgeshire at the Curragh last weekend. He is 3 lb higher now but will be suited by the slightly longer trip and he has a good record at this track.

David Marnane has had a relatively quiet season by his standards but one of the high points of his year has been the emergence of Jamesie. The son of Kodiac managed only a maiden win from nine starts last year but has gone from strength to strength this year, winning handicaps at Tipperary and Fairyhouse prior to finishing a close second to Rock Critic at Galway last time. The handicapper doesn't appear to have caught up with him just yet and this race should be run to suit.

Luca Cumani doesn't run many horses in Ireland, particularly in handicaps, so the fact that he sends Mohedian Lady to contest the Autumn Fillies handicap at 19:20 is perhaps a tip in itself. However, she appeals as one that could well be overbet and one I think can go well at a bigger price is Rising Wind. Lady O'Reilly's filly has only a maiden win at Listowel to her name but has been campaigned almost exclusively at listed level since, and was set plenty to do when third to Priomhbhean at Gowran on her only previous try in a handicap. Rising Wind wasn't suited by the way things panned out at the Curragh last time and is still relatively unexposed at this sort of trip. She handles soft ground and looks capable of running into a place, at least, in a race where the emphasis should be on stamina.

Back Napa Starr in the 16:40 at Leopardstown
Back Jamesie in the 18:10 at Leopardstown
Win and Place Back Rising Wind in the 19:20 at Leopardstown

Three recommendations from the Timeform Free Form Site for a superb Saturday......

Three bets for Saturday's racing in the US......

Timeform run the rule over the six-furlong Haydock Sprint Cup......

Betfair website

Timeform Irish 1-2-3 Tips: Kastania to follow up at Leopardstown

Irish 1-2-3 / Billy Nash / 21 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

The action takes place at Leopardstown (above) and Limerick this evening.

"Kastania's initial mark of 77 looks fair (Timeform rating 83) and John Oxx has an excellent record with similar types."

There are two meetings in Ireland this evening and we have come up with three more bets...

The opening maiden hurdle at Limerick (17:45) won't take much winning and it is probably best left to Half Full who looked well worth another try at this trip when a staying-on third to Eightybarackstreet at Clonmel last time. Half Full is still open to some improvement after just 5 runs and Dessie Hughes has his team in good order at present with each of his last five runners making the frame.

Niall McCullagh is enjoying his best year for some time and can add to his tally courtesy of Kastania in the one-mile-six-furlong handicap at Leopardstown. This daughter of Irish St Leger winner Kastoria is progressing with racing and was value for a bit more than the winning margin at Fairyhouse last time, taking a long time to hit top gear that day but going away at the finish in the manner of one who will do better again at this sort of trip. Kastania's initial mark of 77 looks fair (Timeform rating 83) and John Oxx has an excellent record with similar types.

Hangar Five has been knocking on the door in similar contests for a while now but looks set to finally open his account in the apprentice handicap at 20:35. Pat Flynn's charge had three next-time-out winners immediately behind when second to His Excellency here on his penultimate start and was nicely clear of the remainder when filling the same spot behind the progressive filly Goldplated at Limerick last time. Hangar Five has gone up another 3 lb since last seen but remains on a fair mark and a jockey of the calibre of Gary Carroll is a major asset in this type of race.

Recommendations

Back Half Full @ [3.2] in the 17:45 at Limerick
Back Kastania @ [3.8] in the 20:00 at Leopardstown
Back Hangar Five @ [4.6] in the 20:35 at Leopardstown

Download a Free Race Card every day in July at timeform.com. Click HERE to register or see the menu.

Naas plays host to an interesting card tonight, which features the listed Sweet Mimosa Stakes, and we've got three more win bets lined up......

Three win selections for this evening's meeting at Ballinrobe......

Tonight's Irish action is a a mixed card from Ballinrobe and we've come up with three win bets......

Betfair website

Timeform Irish 1-2-3 Tips: Ted Dolly to follow up at Leopardstown

Tipping / Billy Nash / 16 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

John Murtagh takes the ride on Ted Dolly at Leopardstown

"Ted Dolly finally got the win his consistency deserved at Cork last Sunday and he is difficult to oppose with just a mandatory 5 lb penalty to carry."

There is a good quality Flat card at Leopardstown this evening and we have got three more bets...

Frank Dunne doesn't have many in training nowadays but he looks to have a really nice prospect on his hands in the shape of One Spirit who will be hard to beat in the fillies maiden at 18:35. A very well-bred daughter of Invincible Spirit, One Spirit shaped like a certain future winner when chasing home Laughing at Navan on debut and Laughing won a listed race at this track last week. One Spirit is open to improvement and has a fitness edge over her main rivals Narjawa and Opa Loca.

Aidan O'Brien has had something of an up and down week at Royal Ascot thus far but he looks to have a good chance of landing the big race at Leopardstown this evening, the Glencairn Stakes, with Wild Wind. Although she has only one win to her name, Wild Wind has developed into a smart performer this year, going down narrowly to Banimpire at Gowran prior to finishing an excellent third to Golden Lilac in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas) at Longchamp last time. Colm O'Donoghue's mount clearly didn't give her running in the Irish 1000 Guineas last time, but was at least spared a hard race that day and has clearly the best form on offer here.

Ted Dolly finally got the win his consistency deserved at Cork last Sunday and he is difficult to oppose with just a mandatory 5 lb penalty to carry. He had finished only fourth at Limerick the night before but benefitted from the step up in trip/more positive ride and the return to a mile is very much in his favour. Joanna Morgan's horses have really started to hit form of late and, despite being a seven-year-old, Ted Dolly is still relatively unexposed.

Back One Spirit Leopardstown 18:35
Back Wild Wind Leopardstown 19:35
Back Ted Dolly Leopardstown 20:35

It took a while, for reasons subsequently explained, but here it is at last, Thursday's placepot selections for Royal Ascot......

Two lays and a play for Thursday from Timeform's US team......

Three bets for Wednesday from Timeform's US team......

Betfair website

Irish Weekend Review: Oxx and Murtagh double up at Leopardstown

Ireland / Patrick Jupp / 28 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

The main Irish action this weekend took place at Leopardstown

"The one to take out of the race is the third-placed History Note. She made a big impression on her sole start in 2010, winning a Curragh maiden, and did really well to finish as close as she did on her return, enduring a troubled passage and passing the post with running left in her."

There were a couple of jumps meetings in Ireland this weekend but they were both just ordinary cards, so for the second week running we're going to focus our review on the Flat, where at Leopardstown it was Guineas' Trials day...

The first of the two Group 3's on the card was the 2000 Guineas trial, but the race lost much of it's interest when the well-touted Cocozza was withdrawn after getting upset in the stalls. This left the way clear for Dunboyne Express to record a workmanlike victory, only needing to be kept up to his work to beat Exodus by a length and three quarters, doing little more than proving his well-being in the process. There will be tougher challenges ahead, the Irish 2000 Guineas reportedly on his agenda, and though he isn't a likely winner of such a race, he would deserve his place in the line up given his smart two-year-old form.

An hour later came the turn of the fillies and this contest proved more informative, even though it was a race where it paid to be prominent. Empowering came out on top to land a gamble, making just about all under a well-judged ride to beat stablemate Wild Wind by a length and three quarters, but the one to take out of the race is the third-placed History Note. She made a big impression on her sole start in 2010, winning a Curragh maiden, and did really well to finish as close as she did on her return, enduring a troubled passage and passing the post with running left in her.

The card was book-ended by maidens that are well worth a closer look. The opener went the way of the John Oxx newcomer Mesariya who beat another promising debutant Siren's Song by just over a length. Mesariya holds an entry in the Oaks and while that looks optimistic at this stage she should be up to holding her own at a higher level, taking time to hit top stride but going away at the finish in the manner of one who'll be at least as effective at a mile and a half. The short-priced favourite for the contest was Wonder of Wonders and she should be given another chance. She shaped with abundant promise on her only run last year but found things conspiring against her on this occasion, repeatedly denied a clear run in the straight and not knocked about as a result, eventually finishing seventh.

Best Hello sprang a surprise in the closing contest (Betfair SP of [162]) and there seemed no fluke about it, finding plenty for pressure to beat the short-priced favourite Apache by a length and a half. Apache did shape like the best horse in the race for a long way, though, and was probably just undone by a combination of greenness and a trip that will prove on the short side for him, travelling strongly for a long way but taking a while to hit full stride. It would come as no surprise to see him fast-tracked to pattern company for his next start, possibly one of the Derby trials.

As is always the case at this track, the handicaps that completed the card were competitive events and should throw up plenty of future winners. Gimli's Rock seems sure to pick up a race off his current mark in the coming weeks as he has a cracking attitude and went down only narrowly in the mile-and-a-quarter event, seeming to have fought off all comers until nailed right on the line by Celtic Dane. Two others further back in that race worth keeping on side are Park Ranger and Leah Claire, the former hasn't had much racing around this trip and is still on the up judged on how he travelled through the race, whilst Leah Claire made up a lot of ground in the straight having been poorly placed and will relish a return to a mile and a half.

In the penultimate race Haziyna completed a double for Oxx and Murtagh and was just about the easiest winner of the day. She shouldn't be underestimated next time, even though she'll get hit hard by the assessor, but the one further back who may fly under the radar is Reasons Unknown. He left behind the form he showed at inadequate trips as a two-year-old, finishing third despite being set more to do than the others to fill the frame, and looks a sure-fire winner off a mark in the 60's.

Two meetings from the Emerald Isle this Sunday, one on the Flat from Leopardstown and one over jumps from Downpatrick, and we've got three more win bets lined up......

Three selections for Saturday's jumps meeting at Navan....

Tonight sees the first meeting of the year under the lights at Dundalk and we've got three win bets for you......

Betfair website

Timeform Weekend Review: Festival pointers at Leopardstown

Weekend Preview/Review / Timeform / 14 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Jessica Harrington: Had a Grade 1 double at Leopardstown on Saturday

"Perhaps the most striking performance came from...Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle"

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card...

The most valuable race run this weekend was the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown on Saturday, and it was won by the Willie Mullins-trained Kempes, who travelled and jumped well to beat the ill-fated Glencove Marina by four and a half lengths. Kempes is not yet fully exposed as a staying chaser, and will head to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup (currently an [18.0] shot), but he will need to improve plenty again to get in the mix for a place, and his form as things stand is about 20 lb short of what Imperial Commander ran to when winning the race last year.

There were three further Grade 1 races on the card at Leopardstown on Saturday and there were potential Cheltenham pointers in each one of them. Perhaps the most striking performance came from Jessica Harrington's Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle over two and a quarter miles. Oscars Well is now the [7.2] second favourite for the Baring Bingham at the Festival, but his form as things stand is the best on offer in the division, and looks well up to scratch for what is normally required at Cheltenham.

Oscars Well was the second leg of a Grade 1 double on the card for Jessica Harrington, whose Bostons Angel took the Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase. Bostons Angel isn't far off the best staying novices on form now, though he's likely to find a couple too good in the RSA Chase, for which he can be backed at [25.0].

The other Grade 1 hurdle at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, in which Dermot Weld's filly Unaccompanied fully confirmed the promise of her hurdling debut to beat Sailors Warn by three lengths. She is now the [8.0] second favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, and bearing in mind her fillies' allowance, will line up on the day with a major chance, particularly as further progress is on the cards.

In the absence of Newbury, the most interesting race in Britain on Saturday was arguably the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick. The most interesting contender there was leading Arkle contender Finian's Rainbow, who extended his unbeaten record over fences to three. In the event, the race wasn't particularly competitive and Finian's Rainbow's jumping wasn't as slick as it had been in two previous starts at Newbury, but he still clearly has plenty of potential and will head to the Arkle with a major chance. He currently disputes favouritism in the ante-post market for the race at [5.7], along with Ghizao and Medermit.

Finian's Rainbow's connections were also responsible for the most interesting horse seen out in Britain on Sunday in the shape of novice hurdler Spirit Son, who barely came off the bridle to beat a previous winner by 21 lengths. Only Cue Card is ahead of him in the ante-post market for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Spirit Son available to back at [8.0] for that race.

They also raced at Navan on Sunday, where there were three Grade 2 events on the card. The most interesting of them, at least so far as Cheltenham is concerned, was arguably the three-mile Ten Up Novice Chase, which was won by the Colm Murphy-trained Quito de la Roque. He will be a leading contender for the National Hunt Chase at the Festival (the one to beat if conditions were testing) and is a [10.0] shot for that race, though his form entitles him to take his chance in the RSA Chase if connections so wish ([25.0] to back).

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card......

Timeform look ahead to the weekend's best racing......

Timeform look back at Saturday's jumping......

Betfair website

Timeform Weekend Review: Festival pointers at Leopardstown

Weekend Preview/Review / Timeform / 14 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Jessica Harrington: Had a Grade 1 double at Leopardstown on Saturday

"Perhaps the most striking performance came from...Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle"

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card...

The most valuable race run this weekend was the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown on Saturday, and it was won by the Willie Mullins-trained Kempes, who travelled and jumped well to beat the ill-fated Glencove Marina by four and a half lengths. Kempes is not yet fully exposed as a staying chaser, and will head to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup (currently an [18.0] shot), but he will need to improve plenty again to get in the mix for a place, and his form as things stand is about 20 lb short of what Imperial Commander ran to when winning the race last year.

There were three further Grade 1 races on the card at Leopardstown on Saturday and there were potential Cheltenham pointers in each one of them. Perhaps the most striking performance came from Jessica Harrington's Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle over two and a quarter miles. Oscars Well is now the [7.2] second favourite for the Baring Bingham at the Festival, but his form as things stand is the best on offer in the division, and looks well up to scratch for what is normally required at Cheltenham.

Oscars Well was the second leg of a Grade 1 double on the card for Jessica Harrington, whose Bostons Angel took the Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase. Bostons Angel isn't far off the best staying novices on form now, though he's likely to find a couple too good in the RSA Chase, for which he can be backed at [25.0].

The other Grade 1 hurdle at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, in which Dermot Weld's filly Unaccompanied fully confirmed the promise of her hurdling debut to beat Sailors Warn by three lengths. She is now the [8.0] second favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, and bearing in mind her fillies' allowance, will line up on the day with a major chance, particularly as further progress is on the cards.

In the absence of Newbury, the most interesting race in Britain on Saturday was arguably the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick. The most interesting contender there was leading Arkle contender Finian's Rainbow, who extended his unbeaten record over fences to three. In the event, the race wasn't particularly competitive and Finian's Rainbow's jumping wasn't as slick as it had been in two previous starts at Newbury, but he still clearly has plenty of potential and will head to the Arkle with a major chance. He currently disputes favouritism in the ante-post market for the race at [5.7], along with Ghizao and Medermit.

Finian's Rainbow's connections were also responsible for the most interesting horse seen out in Britain on Sunday in the shape of novice hurdler Spirit Son, who barely came off the bridle to beat a previous winner by 21 lengths. Only Cue Card is ahead of him in the ante-post market for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Spirit Son available to back at [8.0] for that race.

They also raced at Navan on Sunday, where there were three Grade 2 events on the card. The most interesting of them, at least so far as Cheltenham is concerned, was arguably the three-mile Ten Up Novice Chase, which was won by the Colm Murphy-trained Quito de la Roque. He will be a leading contender for the National Hunt Chase at the Festival (the one to beat if conditions were testing) and is a [10.0] shot for that race, though his form entitles him to take his chance in the RSA Chase if connections so wish ([25.0] to back).

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card......

Timeform look ahead to the weekend's best racing......

Timeform look back at Saturday's jumping......

Betfair website