Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I complete my look back at the weekend’s big race action. Today’s focus is on Sunday at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Dublin Racing Festival – Day 2 Recap
Just like Saturday, Leopardstown served up four Grade 1s on an eight-race card. The big question was whether Willie Mullins could sweep all four, as he did 12 months ago. Once again, one race slipped through his grasp.
Here’s my look back at the standout winners.
Ballyburn Battles Back
In the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novice Chase (2m 5½f), Champ Kiely set the early pace with Ballyburn and Croke Park tracking. Two out, Ballyburn hit the front, but Croke Park’s strong jump at the last gave him a narrow lead. Ballyburn, though, dug deep on the run-in, pulling clear for a comfortable win.
The further they went, the stronger Ballyburn looked. The extended trip of the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham should bring more improvement, though his jumping still needs sharpening. The 2/1 available about Ballyburn for the Brown Advisory doesn’t appeal though.
Croke Park, the better jumper on the day, lacked the winners finishing kick over this trip. He’s proven over three miles, so connections might fancy their chances of turning the tables at Cheltenham.
Kopek Des Bordes: Supreme Bound?
Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (2m) winner Kopek Des Bordes was simply different class. While this might not have been the strongest renewal, his performance was ruthless – jumping slickly and cruising home with his ears pricked. You can watch his performance here.
Kopek Des Bordes looks like a monster in the making. He’s now the hot favourite for the Supreme, and on this evidence, it’s hard to see anything beating him. The only slight concern is his highly strung behaviour pre-race in the paddock. Cheltenham’s atmosphere will be another big test for him.
Solness Defies the Doubters
In the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (2m 1f), El Fabiolo’s fall at the second left the race wide open. Solness seized the chance, going hard, building a big lead and daring his rivals to catch him. Marine Nationale tried, closing in at the last, but Solness wasn’t for passing and found plenty on the run-in.
Punters keep underestimating Solness, but he thrives on good ground—just like stablemate Banbridge. He’ll likely head to the Champion Chase, and it’d be unwise to dismiss him again if the ground is in his favour.
Gaelic Warrior, sent off 6/4 favourite, never got going and could only plug on for a distant third. He probably needs softer ground and further than two miles. The first-time tongue tie hints at possible breathing issues. He’s now won just one of his last five and is becoming a real bookies’ friend.
State Man Strikes Again
The Irish Champion Hurdle promised fireworks with State Man taking on Lossiemouth. They quickly turned it into a match race with the pair pulling clear of their three rivals. But the contest ended abruptly when Lossiemouth took a heavy fall four out—thankfully, she was okay.
That left State Man to coast home for his third win in the race. It told us little we didn’t already know. State Man bounced back from his shock defeat here last time. He travelled much better than he had the last day but still doesn’t look capable of toppling Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle.
As for Lossiemouth, she was travelling well before her fall. If she recovers fully, she could still head to Cheltenham—possibly taking on Constitution Hill. But it’s far from the ideal prep.
Dublin Drama: Future Stars Shine Amid Highs and Lows
I thoroughly enjoyed the Dublin Racing Festival (DRF). It’s such a brilliant meeting, packed with quality racing and top-class performances, where future stars emerge.
Sadly, Lossiemouth’s fall robbed us of the showdown we wanted in the Irish Champion Hurdle. That aside, Ballyburn bounced back, though he’ll need sharper jumping to win the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. Solness looked every inch a Champion Chase contender, especially if he gets ‘goodish’ ground.
But for me, Sunday’s standout performance came from Kopek Des Bordes, who should take all the beating in the Supreme. He’s a horse going places and will be many punters Cheltenham banker.
There had been speculation about the strength of Willie Mullins’ novice hurdlers, but the Dublin Racing Festival provided a clear answer. Final Demand on Saturday and Kopek Des Bordes on Sunday both looked like future Cheltenham winners, emerging from the weekend with standout performances.
De Bromhead’s Dry Spell Raises Questions Ahead of Cheltenham
Henry de Bromhead is now 30 runners and 14 days without a winner. His eight runners at the Dublin Racing Festival (DRF) never really finished off their races, which is unusual for a yard of his calibre.
De Bromhead is a master at getting his horses to peak in March, and that could well happen again. However, this barren run feels different. His horses aren’t just losing—they’re underperforming. You must wonder if there’s an underlying issue, perhaps even a virus in the yard.
While it’s too soon to jump to conclusions, the signs are concerning. If the form doesn’t pick up soon, it’ll be hard to approach Cheltenham with any confidence in his string.
On the face of it Gordon Elliott also had a poor DRF – 26 runners, a few places but no winners. In Elliott’s defence he seems to be adopting a different strategy this year; saving his best horses for Cheltenham.
From Disaster to Delight: A Weekend of Betting Ups and Downs
Punting-wise, it was a tale of two days. Saturday was a bit of a disaster, but Sunday turned it around. My Edinburgh National picks, Magna Sam (early price advised 10/1) and Bodhisattva (each-way at 20/1), finished first and second in Musselburgh’s feature. At the DRF, Riaan (each-way advised at 33/1) grabbed fourth in the 2m 5½f handicap chase to land some place money.
One more winner on Sunday, and I’d have finished the weekend in front. It just shows how quickly things can turn in this game. The weekend could’ve been better—but it could’ve been much worse.
In Wednesday’s column I’ll be previewing Saturday big betting race Newbury’s William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John