Ground permitting, following an 8am inspection, we have a fantastic day of racing ahead at Leopardstown, featuring four Grade 1 contests, some seriously tricky handicaps, and a bumper sure to showcase plenty of promising prospects.
After going down by a head with Jagwar at Cheltenham last week, let’s hope we can bounce back with a few selections on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival.
13:15 Leopardstown – DOCTOR STEINBERG (13/10 generally)
With several short-priced favourites across the two days of the DRF, punters face a tricky decision on whether to get involved or leave them alone. To my eye, the opener looks one to play at odds against. Willie Mullins has won four of the last five renewals and looks well placed to extend that excellent record with DOCTOR STEINBERG.
He excels with horses by Doctor Dino and looks to have another smart one in this six-year-old. Doctor Steinberg relished the step up to 2m5½f at Galway, readily seeing off Frankie John, who has since gone on to win, in a typically strong maiden hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.However, it is his most recent success that really underlines his strong claims here. On testing ground, he comfortably beat the talented Thedeviluno by four and three-quarter lengths, a rival who has since bolted up in the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster.
With strong form and the likelihood of further improvement over staying distances, I expect him to prove difficult to beat under Paul Townend. Kazanksy is the clear danger and Frankie John could hit the frame at a big price.
14:25 Leopardstown – STAFFORDSHIRE KNOT (20/1 generally Each Way)
This is a seriously tough handicap and, on heavy ground over a staying trip, I’m not usually keen to side with a top weight. However, with Gordon Elliott having a solid record in this race, STAFFORDSHIRE KNOT has plenty in his favour and looks worth a few quid each way, especially with six places on offer with some firms.
He brings a clear class edge, having gone down narrowly over just shy of this distance in the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park. That run came only a little over a week ago, so you’d hope it hasn’t come too soon. He also relishes soft and heavy ground, has plenty of strong form on this type of surface, and looks a thorough stayer at the trip. The booking of useful 5lb claimer Carl Millar is another positive.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
13:15 Leopardstown – DOCTOR STEINBERG (13/10 generally)
14:25 Leopardstown – STAFFORDSHIRE KNOT (20/1 generally Each Way)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 7:05pm Friday 30th January
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
