The traditional four-day Christmas meeting in Leopardstown kicks off on St Stephen's Day. There is a fair bit of rain predicted. The current forecast suggests racing may take place in a dry window.
Hopefully the righteous will get lucky. It's hard to see spirits being dampened either way. The rain seems likely to result in soft going on both the hurdle and chase courses.
12.10pm Tote Maiden Hurdle
Arthurian Fame was a progressive, talented performer on the flat this year. His hurdling debut in Cork showed plenty of potential. He will need to jump more fluently here. That seems probable with experience. His owners would relish a winner at their local track. Expect the horse to be primed. Fusain chased home a highly promising sort last time out. He's most feared.
Selection: Arthurian Fame 5/2
12.40 pm Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle
Entoucas hasn't registered a victory since joining his current yard. That's mainly because he keeps running into talented sorts. That experience should prove valuable here. The rain will place an emphasis on stamina. That should help too. Concertista must be respected but her seasonal comeback needs forgiving.
Selection: Entoucas 7/2
1.10 pm Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle
Clemencia posted a massive career best in Cork last time out. He will need another step up here. That may be more probable than the odds suggest. It's hard to believe there will be a better jumper in the line up. The more rain that falls the better. Aspire Tower looks to have plenty of scope for the National Hunt game. If his jockey can get him to relax early, he must go close to justifying favouritism.
Selection: Clemencia 8/1
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1.45pm Holden Novice Handicap Hurdle
De Mazzaro still looks well handicapped off a mark eight pounds higher than his win on penultimate start. The second that day has advertised the form since. His latest effort, in a hot Cheltenham handicap, looked another step forward. Back in calmer waters here, he looks to hold rock solid credentials. Ena Baie didn't enjoy much luck on her last visit to Irish shores. Her patient trainer has waited plenty of time for redemption. That hint is hard to ignore.
Selection: De Mazzaro 6/1
2.20pm Racing Post Novice Chase
A potential Arkle rehearsal here with Fakir D'oudairies and Laurina currently vying for favouritism in both races. Strong cases can be made for either. I'm going to play for the upset. The bold jumping Notebook has looked a different horse since going chasing. This race demands further progression. I think he can find it. The market seems overly dismissive. Fakir would be most feared of the big two.
Selection: Notebook 9/1
2.55pm Racing Post Handicap Chase
Grand Partner can continue his Leopardstown love affair. He won't mind any rain and gets to compete off a lower mark than when third in this race last year. His low key seasonal comeback was surely a tune up for this race. The unexposed At The Acorn heads a long list of potential dangers.
Selection: Grand Partner 14/1
3.30pm Racing TV Flat Race
Those that have run under rules don't set a particularly exacting standard. Ramillies, a point to point recruit, is the Willie Mullins representative. He's bound to prove popular. If the betting public listen to Gordon Elliot, Hamundarson will carry plenty of cash too. Elliot has spoken most favourably about him. In Gordon we trust.
Selection: Hamundarson 9/4
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