2.25 Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) 3m 19yd
The Willie Mullins-trained Meetingofthewaters could be a blot on the handicap. A huge improver over fences since joining the champion trainer, the gelding reverts to hurdles here off a 36lb lower mark. While there is a possibility that the eight-year-old is a better chaser, he is nonetheless, very hard to get away from on his first run over flights for Mullins.
Paddy Power Chase winner Perceval Legallois rates a definite threat. Raised 11lb for that emphatic success, the Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding can race off a lower hurdles mark now.
SELECTION: MEETINGOFTHEWATERS
Next Best: Perceval Legallois
4.05 Ryanair Handicap Chase (Listed Race) 2m 1f
Recent Dan Moore Chase third Midnight It Is can go two places better. Gavin Cromwell, who remarkably trained the first three home in that Fairyhouse race, has opted to take a valuable 5lb off here. With Conor Stone Walsh in the saddle, the nine-year-old can record the fifth win of his career.
Captains Nephew, who had his excuses when fifth in the aforementioned race, could represent some each-way value. Tiernan Power Roche, one of the leading young National Hunt jockeys coming through, won’t be found wanting on the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding.
SELECTION: MIDNIGHT IT IS
Next Best: Captains Nephew
4.35 Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m
Gordon Elliott has a particularly strong team of bumper horses this term, so his apparent first string He Can’t Dance commands maximum respect. Unbeaten in two career starts to date, the gelding was impressive when easily accounting for his rivals at Navan in December. With Harry Swan favouring the five-year-old over two stablemates, the hint should be taken.
Course and distance winner Green Splendour has to be a threat under Patrick Mullins. Successful on his stable debut over Christmas, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding could be capable of further improvement.
SELECTION: HE CAN’T DANCE
Next Best: Green Splendour
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