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St. Stephen’s Day is always a highlight of the racing year. Even in these unprecedented times, that remains a constant. It is difficult to know where to look.
There is a spectacular renovation of the Hunt for King George VI at Kempton. Epatante appears on the billboard there.
Limerick will be delighted with the depth and quality of participation in his great rookie chase.
And the RTÉ cameras are in Leopardstown, with a host of promising horses on display.
We should have a decent competition and hopefully we can get some winners too.
12pm Join tote.ie Maiden Hurdle
Micro Manage should be a class of its own. He was last seen running at the Irish St Leger. It was disappointing in the end, but he is still a horse with great potential. This trip will likely result in minimal obstacles.
That shouldn’t matter here. A proper round of jumps will suffice. Hurricane Cliff had skill on the floor. He made a reasonable transition to obstacles when he was runner-up in Cork last month and can fill the same position here.
Selection: Micro Manage 4/6
12.30 pm Thorntons Recycling Inaugural Obstacle
A hot contest for the grade. The Barra was an expensive recruit from the point of view of the field. It made an impressive debut for its mighty patio with a Thurles bumper. But this race demands more. Clearly the horse is held in high regard and can polish its reputation here.
Wide Receiver has run respectable against some smart rookies this season. He sets the standard.
Selection: The Bar 11/8
1.05 pm Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle
Zanahiyr has to take a penalty here. He shot out at Fairyhouse last time, and should confirm the form with Saint Sam and Druid’s Altar. Zanahiyr is also the current Triumph Hurdle favorite. It’s hard to argue with that. Probably cement that position in this career. It is of some interest that Ha D’or is thrown at this level in its backyard debut.
Selection: Zanahiyr 1/2
1.40pm Holden Plant Rentals Handicap Obstacle
Hard to escape disability blot One Cool Poet. The last time this horse went over obstacles, it had a score of 62 on the floor. Now run 96 in that sphere. He’s very capable of jumping and fitness is not a concern after a couple of solid races back at Dundalk.
This horse has some character. You don’t always find as much of the flange. Characters are one thing and numbers are quite another. He might as well go home with the reins. The handicapper has adopted a civilized line with the unexposed Defan and can chase the team home.
Selection: A great poet 7/2
2.15 pm Pursuit of rookies at the racing stand
Felix Desjy was a high-class novice hurdler and seems set to be an even better hunter. The form of his latest victory at Punchestown has had significant momentum since then. This left-handed court should also be more to your liking. Darver Star was third in that Punchestown race and I would expect a better effort here. But you have 10 lengths to find.
Selection: Felix Desjy 7/4
2.50 pm Racing Post app handicap chase
For the price, it might be worth the risk with Capuccimix. This horse has disappointed in a couple of starts this season. However, he looks more comfortable being left-handed. This track could be the spark you need. A mark of 134 would be a huge draw based on your rookie chasing manner. The four-year assignment A Wave of The Sea received cannot be ignored.
Selection: Capuccimix 16/1
3.25pm Holden INH Flat Race Plant Renovation
Clearly, the stakes will be revealing here. Those who have raced do not set a particularly demanding standard.
Collins cost a few pounds as a shop horse and is an interesting contender on his debut. Lonesome Boatman has an equally intriguing profile.
Selection: Collins 4/1
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