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High-quality rate to sink our teeth into. Kempton’s loss is Leopardstown’s gain. The recent travel ban means we can see the winner of last season’s Arkle take on the horse that would be the king of the two-mile chase division. There is also a beginner hurdle that could bring order to the Supreme Novice market.
12.05 Paddy Power Maiden Hurdles Age 3
Ilmig has been the cause of my head scratching a lot. He showed a lot of skill in two starts on the floor. I eagerly anticipated his obstacle course at Punchestown. His jump was accurate that day, but his final effort was somewhat disappointing. He also gave up meekly, after jumping well again, on his next outing. This horse has all the skills necessary to go far as a junior hurdler. Hopefully I can start putting things together here. Dark Voyager is another with questions to answer. It is highly feared anyway.
Selection: Knowledge 5-1
12.35 Paddy Power Beginner Chase
Klassical Dream is by far the most talented horse on display here. Unfortunately, he is also extremely stubborn. It will take all of Paul Townend’s skills to navigate the obstacles while fighting with the horse. Things are further complicated by the lack of an obvious leader. A risky betting proposition with low odds. This journey is difficult for Defi Bleu. It may well take on pacemaker tasks. He did a deft round of jumps on his debut in the chase at Navan. It seems like a solid game both ways.
Selection: Blue Challenge 7-1
1.10 Pursuit of Paddy’s Rewards Club
It’s hard to get away from Chacun Pour Soi. He’s probably the best two-mile hunter in training and has the potential to score even higher. A recent tune-up in Cork should have you ready for this task. Put The Kettle on has used his allowance to climb a hat-trick in gradual chases. She probably falls short here, but not before offering stiff resistance to her pursuers.
Selection: Each to oneself 8-15
1.45 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle
A fascinating career tactically. There is no obvious favorite. Appreciate Wouldn’t want to waste time. Ballyadam used his speed to take advantage of such a tepid pace setting when he won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse. Back in third place was N’golo. His stamina was not put into play that day. Given that Appreciate It and N’golo are stablemates who would benefit from a truly on-the-go race, I hope the latter is allowed to keep going. If that’s the case, it could prove difficult to approve and qualify a sports bet at a double-digit price.
Selection: Score 11-1
2.20 Paddy Power Hurdles Handicap
Horses potentially very well disabled as far as the eye can see. Winner Takes Itall, Eclair De Beaufeu, and Sea Ducor are some of the most obvious. Last year’s winner, The Moyglass Flyer, is another. I’m pretty sure this light racing guy has a rock in his hand. The caveats are that Mark Walsh prefers another horse, and this is the Flyer’s first race in a year. How you fare in relation to your best stablemate could be revealing.
Selection: The Moyglass 7-1 brochure
2.55 Paddy Power Chase
Home By The Lee also draws the disabled horse with a mark of 139. His jumping has progressively improved in three starts over hurdles. The ruggedness of this great course will put that aspect of your game to the test, but you won’t find an Envoi Allen here. The step up on the journey will surely suit. Dunvegan is also not exposed on fences and on this trip. It is very feared.
Selection: Home By The Lee 10-1
3.30 Paddy Power INH flat stroke
Reality Check probably ran into a good one on its excellent Fairyhouse debut. The two forwards moved quite apart. You can make amends here. Killer mode can complete the forecast.
Selection: Reality check 8-13
See live coverage of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival on Sunday on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player starting at 1pm
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