Day three of the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, and the hits just keep on coming. The Savills Chase, with a scarcely believable number of runners and some top class horses on show, is the highlight. The Christmas Hurdle sees some legitimate contenders for the Stayers' Hurdle crown lock horns.
12.05 Tote.ie Maiden Hurdle
Indigo Breeze ran into a smart sort on his hurdles bow at Fairyhouse. He looked all over the winner that day. That experience will not be lost on him here. The step up in trip promises to suit. Time will probably tell that Gaillard Du Mesnil also faced a stiff task on his hurdling debut.
Selection: Indigo Breeze 3-1
12.40 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
The Bosses Oscar looks to have plenty of upside. He has run well on his starts in handicap grade. He was unlucky at the Cheltenham Festival, and a couple of sloppy jumps didn't help last time out at Navan. If jumping better here, this unexposed sort should go very close. Morosini looks to be building towards a peak effort and has scope at this trip.
Selection: The Bosses Oscar 11-2
1.15 Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle
Fury Road and Sire Du Berlais are horses going places. Both are greatly respected, but at the prices The Storyteller looks worth chancing each-way. His form ties in closely with Sire Du Berlais and his latest win over fences in Down Royal suggests he has improved. This versatile sort shouldn't have any issues with the return to smaller obstacles.
Selection: The Storyteller 9-1
1.50 Irish Daily Star Handicap Hurdle
A tricky puzzle. Despite the big field, not many obviously well handicapped horses on show. Rapid Response could be an exception. She has undoubtedly improved for going chasing. The fences may not be the only reason though. She is rated 19 pounds lower over hurdles and could make that tell here. Arctic Light probably has a day in him off a lowly mark.
Selection: Rapid Response 11-2
2.25 Savills Chase
Minella Indo looks a worthy favourite. He was unlucky in last season's RSA Novices' Chase at Cheltenham. He has looked a more relaxed horse in two chase starts this term. His tactical versatility should prove useful in a race with few obvious front runners. Gordon Elliot still has time to realise Presenting Percy's potential, but defending champion Delta Work is feared most.
Selection: Minella Indo 11-4
3.00 Ballymaloe Foods Beginners Chase
The Big Getaway was bitterly disappointing on chase debut in Navan. It's possible to make excuses though. A peck on landing after the first, and a stumble approaching the second, may have unsettled him. He ran to a very high level over hurdles and his physique screams chaser. Sempo was another to suffer a mishap on his chasing bow. He remains a horse of some potential.
Selection: The Big Getaway 8-11
3.35 Midland Legal Solicitors INH Flat Race
With Ramillies having a bit to prove and Hamundarson proving to be moderate, this may present an opportunity for one of the lesser stables to shine. Unbreakable Bond cost plenty after finishing second in a point to point. He's sure to be well primed by connections who target this meeting.
Selection: Unbreakable Bond 15-2
Watch live coverage of Leopardstown's Christmas Festival on Monday on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 1pm.
