The Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown is one of the most exciting events in the jump racing calendar, and often provides good insights for the Cheltenham Festival.
With eight Grade 1 races across the weekend, it is going to be yet another spectacular event in the heart of Ireland. To help get you in the mood, check out some of the best bets below, all of them featuring the latest horse racing odds from NetBet Sport.
Written by Jake Wilkes
*All odds are subject to change
SATURDAY – 3:30 | Galopin Des Champs – 6/4
I am siding with the legend that is Galopin Des Champs for a fourth successive Irish Gold Cup, and I think his current odds are particularly generous.
Despite now being 10 years old; he loves Leopardstown, produced a solid comeback run last time out and has beaten many of the field on numerous occasions.
Of his rivals, Gaelic Warrior’s record around Leopardstown is below-par, Fact To File never convinces that three miles is his best trip and Inothewayurthinkin has been badly out of form since his Cheltenham Gold Cup win.
Okay, Affordale Fury did beat Galopin last time out, but I would be highly confident that the reigning champion will reverse that form.
SUNDAY – 1:40 | King Rasko Grey – (TBC)
Willie Mullins has won the last seven renewals of this Grade 1 Novice Hurdle with the likes of Appreciate It, Sir Gerhard and, most recently, Kopek Des Bordes. Highlighting the talent he sends to this race, King Rasko Grey can continue this impressive streak, after the run in his recent maiden hurdle win boosted the form significantly.
Talk The Talk and Ballyfad were both good last time out too, albeit the former came down at the final flight. They rate as worthy and dangerous opposition in what looks a fascinating race on paper.
SUNDAY – 2:10 | Majborough – 5/4
Perhaps my best bet of the weekend comes in the Dublin Chase. I think Majborough will take a lot of beating, despite being behind both Marine Nationale and Solness last time out.
The forecast of slower ground will favour Majborough and should blunt the turn of foot from his chief rivals, allowing stamina to play a greater role.
A more pro-active ride, similar to his performance in the Irish Arkle last year, on this card may benefit the six-year-old, who still has potential over fences – even if his jumping leaves plenty to be desired.
SUNDAY – 3:20 | Brighterdaysahead – 6/4
Finally, the Irish Champion Hurdle sees a fascinating rematch between Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead, and I am backing the latter to reverse the result from their December Hurdle clash.
It’s bold taking on a horse of Lossiemouth’s reputation, but I feel she may be better over a little bit further, and if Brighterdaysahead rides within a length of her, she may kick clear – as she did to State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle.
Lossiemouth benefitted from having a run last time too, so there can be optimism that Gordon Elliott’s mare can improve past her, now she is race fit.
Anzadam is interesting if he settles a little better, as he is talented, but his inexperience has been evident this season and may hold him back again here.
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