St Stephen's Day is always a highlight of the racing year. Even in these unprecedented times, that remains a constant. It's hard to know where to look.
There is a cracking renewal of the King George VI Chase in Kempton. Epatante features on the undercard there.
Limerick will be delighted with the depth and quality of the turnout for their big novice chase.
And the RTÉ cameras are in Leopardstown, with a host of promising horses on show.
We should get some decent competition and hopefully, we can also get the odd winner.
12pm Join tote.ie Maiden Hurdle
Micro Manage should prove a class apart. He was last seen running in the Irish St Leger. He was ultimately disappointing but remains a horse of serious potential. This trip will probably prove a minimum over hurdles.
That shouldn't matter here. An adequate round of jumping will suffice. Hurricane Cliff had ability on the flat. He made a reasonable transition to hurdles when runner up in Cork last month and he can fill the same position here.
Selection: Micro Manage 4/6
12.30 pm Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle
A hot contest for the grade. El Barra was an expensive recruit from the point to point field. He made a most impressive debut for his powerful yard in a Thurles bumper. But this race demands more. The horse is clearly held in high regard and he can burnish his reputation here.
Wide Receiver has run respectably against some smart novices this season. He sets the standard.
Selection: El Barra 11/8
1.05 pm Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle
Zanahiyr has to shoulder a penalty here. He bolted up in Fairyhouse last time out, and should confirm the form with Saint Sam and Druid's Altar. Zanahiyr is also the current Triumph Hurdle favourite. It's hard to argue with that. He will probably cement that position in this race. It's of some interest that Ha D'or is pitched in at this level on debut for the yard.
Selection: Zanahiyr 1/2
1.40 pm Holden Plant Rentals Handicap Hurdle
Hard to get away from handicap blot One Cool Poet. The last time this horse ran over hurdles he was rated 62 on the flat. He now races off 96 in that sphere. He's well able to jump, and fitness is no concern after a couple of solid comeback runs in Dundalk.
This horse is a bit of a character. He doesn't always find that much off the bridle. Characters are one thing, numbers quite another. He may well come home on the bridle. The handicapper has taken a civilised line with the unexposed Defan and he can chase the selection home.
Selection: One Cool Poet 7/2
2.15 pm Racing Post Novice Chase
Felix Desjy was a high class novice hurdler and he looks set to make an even better chaser. The form of his latest win in Punchestown has had a significant boost since. This left handed track should be more to his liking too. Darver Star was third in that Punchestown race and I'd expect an improved effort here. But he does have 10 lengths to find.
Selection: Felix Desjy 7/4
2.50 pm Racing Post App Handicap Chase
At the price it might be worth taking a chance on Capuccimix. This horse has disappointed in a couple of starts this season. He does look more comfortable going left handed though. This track might be the spark he needs. A mark of 134 would make great appeal based on his novice chase form. The four-year-old allowance received by A Wave of The Sea can't be ignored.
Selection: Capuccimix 16/1
3.25 pm Holden Plant Renewals INH Flat Race
Clearly the betting will be revealing here. Those that have run don't set a particularly exacting standard.
Collins cost a few quid as a store horse and he's an interesting contender on debut. Lonesome Boatman has a similarly intriguing profile.
Selection: Collins 4/1
