Leopardstown Saturday Preview: Paddy Power Chase and Grade 1s

Hi all,

Chepstow hosts arguably the strongest of Saturday’s action this side of the Irish Sea. The Coral Welsh Grand National (2.50) is the clear highlight, but there should also be Triumph Hurdle clues in the Grade 2 Finale Juvenile Hurdle (1.40).

There’s a second day of racing at Kempton. It’s not as strong as Friday’s card, but the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (2.30) still offers £56,950 to the winner. The other Grade 2 on the six-race card is the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (1.55).

Grade 1 action switches to Leopardstown with the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase (1.12) and the Future Champions Novice Hurdle (1.47). However, the most valuable race on the card is the Paddy Power Chase, a competitive 3m½f handicap with €110,000 going to the winner.

ITV Racing are covering nine races live, five from Kempton and four from Chepstow.

Inside today’s main piece, I’m heading across the Irish Sea to focus on three races at Leopardstown.

Leopardstown

1.12 – Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1) – 2m1f

Marine Nationale, a four-time Grade 1 winner, ended last season in tremendous form. He landed the Champion Chase at Cheltenham and followed up at Punchestown. He’s the form pick on drying ground if he doesn’t need the run.

Majborough, a triple Grade 1 winner, was let down by his jumping when beaten just 1½ lengths in the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at Cork. He’d probably be unbeaten over fences but for his errors. He has plenty of class but needs to jump more fluently.

Solness, a dual Grade 1 winner here including this race last year, must be respected. He beat Marine Nationale over course and distance in February and is well suited by a sound surface. He’s dangerous if allowed to dictate as he did 12 months ago.

1.47 – Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m

Koktail Bruit took a step forward when winning the Grade 2 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse. He’s now two from two over hurdles and is progressing nicely for a yard that has won the last two running’s of this race. Stablemate Skylight Hustle looked a smart prospect when winning a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle last month. He’s open to plenty of improvement and gets the nod from Jack Kennedy.

Willie Mullins has won six of the last ten renewals, so Love Me Tender demands respect. He’s two from two over hurdles, unbeaten under rules on goodish ground, and very much one to consider. Yard among the winners on Boxing Day.

Talk The Talk showed a sharp turn of foot when winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse last time. He’s also two from two over hurdles and shouldn’t be far away. He could be the dark horse of the race.

3.00 – Paddy Power Chase (Listed Handicap) – 3m½f

Weveallbeencaught ran to form when second in the Munster National at Limerick. He returns from a 69-day break, will enjoy the drying ground, and his yard won this race in 2022.

Backmeorsackme posted a career-best RPR when second to Three Card Brag at Cheltenham. He remains a maiden under rules and this is a tough race to get off the mark makes, but he’s well treated.

Midnight Our Fred was a seven-length runner-up in last year’s race and remains consistent on good ground. He ran well over hurdles at Cork last month, should be spot on fitness-wise, and first-time cheekpieces are applied.

Will The Wise caught the eye when fourth in the Troytown Handicap Chse at Navan. He shaped as though he wanted further the last day. Going the right way and looks unexposed as a staying chaser.

Kinturk Kalanisi pulled up in the Irish Grand National and may not have stayed. He was travelling well when unseating two out at Naas previously. He’s on a workable mark but may need the run and prefers more cut.

Buachaillbocht, the second reserve, made an encouraging return when third over hurdles at Navan. He’d also prefer softer ground but he could be well treated if getting into the race.

There’s more Grade 1 racing at Leopardstown and Limerick so there’s likely to be a Sunday column.

Good luck with your Saturday bets.

John