Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I'm looking at Saturday's Grade 1 contests at Leopardstown.
The Grade 1 Savills Chase (2:35) at Leopardstown headlines Saturday's action. Dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs and his stablemate Fact To File renew their rivalry in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Earlier, the staying hurdlers face off in the Savills Hurdle (2:00), with both races live on ITV.
At Limerick, the feature is the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase (1:40).
Across the Irish Sea, the action is more subdued after a hectic few days. However, Newbury takes the spotlight with the Challow Novices' Hurdle (2:55), one of the most exciting novice hurdle races of the season so far. ITV will broadcast four races from Newbury and two from Leicester.
Friday Recap: Sir Gino Sparkles in Wayward Lad Triumph
Friday’s standout was undoubtedly Sir Gino, who delivered a scintillating performance in Kempton’s Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase. The 4-year-old made an almost flawless chase debut, with only a novicey jump at the first to critique. From three out, he displayed gears that Ballyburn simply couldn’t match. You can watch his impressive win here.
It’s hard to recall a more impressive chase debut, and Sir Gino is now the one to beat in the Arkle Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. I’ve already backed Majborough for the race and remain hopeful, but Sir Gino looks genuinely special.
Ballyburn, however, is no Arkle contender. Cheltenham and softer ground will suit him better, but he’s bred for three miles. He emerges as a leading Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase candidate instead. That said, this looked like questionable placing by Willie Mullins. A step up in trip would surely have suited Ballyburn far better.
Come Racing? Don’t Make Me Laugh
Welsh Grand National Day at Chepstow was a complete farce, ruined by fog and should have been abandoned.
Racing is meant to be a spectator sport. But let’s not kid ourselves—it’s all about betting turnover. What other sport would carry on when paying spectators can’t see a thing?
A total slap in the face for those who shelled out for tickets and got nothing in return.
Thankfully Sir Gino lifted spirits.
Frustration with Near Misses
A tough day punting with several near-misses. I had the second and third in the Welsh Grand National and mentioned in the race preview that winner Val Dancer had each way claims. Midnight Our Fred finished runner-up in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown. Thankfully I was on each way at 20/1 which softened the blow slightly. To cap it off, I missed backing one of ‘future winners’ Beachcomber at Kempton. Hopefully followers of the Tuesday feature didn’t ignore him.
Saturday Big Race Previews – Leopardstown
2:00 – Savills Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 7 ½ f
Home By The Lee is the one to beat after his win in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan last month. A former winner of this race in 2022. He’s got the stamina and ability on a going day. However, he’ll need to jump better than he did when well beaten in last year’s renewal.
Bob Olinger, second to a race fit Home By The Lee at Navan, poses the biggest threat. While talented, today’s extended trip will test his stamina, leaving him vulnerable late on.
2:35 – Savills Chase (Grade 1) – 3m ½ f
Dual Gold Cup winner and last year’s Savills Chase victor, Galopin Des Champs, is the class act in the field and the likely winner if returning to his best. Stablemate Fact To File, the rising star, poses the biggest threat after beating Galopin Des Champs into third in the John Durkan Chase. That race likely served as a warm-up for Galopin, with this contest being his main target. Yard form over Christmas a slight concern.
The other seven runners face an uphill task, but Inothewayurthinkin is worth noting. He ended last season impressively with victories in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree. While three miles might be on the short side for him and his jumping remains a concern, he should improve on his John Durkan effort and sneak into the places. Yard had a double on Friday including the big handicap chase at Leopardstown.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John