The final day of Leopardstown's Christmas festival.
Conditions have turned very testing, particularly on the hurdles track. Some legitimate Champion Hurdle contenders go head to head in the Matheson Hurdle. We also get to see the current favourite for the RSA Novice Chase.
12.05 pm Adare Manor Handicap Chase
Midnight Maestro has the back class to make his current mark look lenient. He ran well for a long way last time out in Fairyhouse. Expect him to strip fitter here. La Tektor should be capable off his current mark. This left handed track is a nagging concern.
Selection: Midnight Maestro 10/1
12.40 pm Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle
Stattler may not be entirely straightforward, The form of his third on hurdling debut has had a significant boost mind you. He will relish this stamina test. His yard have been in irrepressible form over the festive season. Barbary Master is another who will handle the ground. This step up in trip rates another positive.
Selection: Stattler 7/4
1.15 pm Advent Insurance Mares Hurdle
Concertista must concede weight all round, and this ground probably isn't ideal. That being said, she's looked to be living up to her considerable physical gifts on her last two starts. It's not completely fanciful to envisage her as a credible Champion Hurdle contender. Buildmeupbuttercup is a tricky ride. She should run well though.
Selection: Concertista 1/1
1.50 pm Neville Hotels Novice Chase
Even allowing for his Cheltenham heroics, Monkfish has always appealed as a long term chasing prospect. He was foot perfect on his debut over fences in Fairyhouse. He can justify short odds here. Latest Exhibition was a touch disappointing last time out. The return to this track may see an improved effort.
Selection: Monkfish 1/2
Read more: Abacadabras and Saint Roi set to clash in Matheson Hurdle
2.25 pm Matheson Hurdle
The Morgiana Hurdle ultimately offered more questions than answers. We should get a truly run race here. That will definitely help the free going Saint Roi. It won't harm Abacadabras mind you. He was in front soon enough in Punchestown. He looks a fair price to confirm the form. Saldier is a fragile sort. He'd rate a danger to all on his best form.
Selection: Abacadabras 3/1
3.00 Irish Stallion Farms Handicap Hurdle
Gabbys Cross arrives here on a hat trick. The form of his penultimate start is working out really well. I expect his most recent win to prove decent form too. The handicapper looks to have taken a chance with his mark. Legacy thor took a big step forward last time out. He's feared most.
Selection: Gabbys Cross 7/2
3.35 pm Irish Injured Jockeys INH Flat Race
Hollow Games cost plenty out of the point to point field. He looked good when winning on bumper debut. He can follow up here at the expense of Eurotiep.
Selection: Hollow Games 8/13
Watch live coverage of Leopardstown's Christmas Festival on Monday on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 1pm.
