As well as the top class racing at Cheltenham and Doncaster, there is some excellent sport over in Ireland at Leopardstown this weekend. Hurricane Fly is expected to be back in action on Sunday when he will be expected to consolidate his position at the head of the Champion Hurdle market.
Willie Mullins reported a slight scare in midweek with some minor bruising but all seems well for the defending champion. He will clash with Jezki and Our Conor once again and it will be interesting to see if the younger horse can improve on his last effort. He looked a smart winner of the Triumph Hurdle but little has come out of the race of any consequence.
Saturday’s Boylesports Hurdle looks almost impossible to solve but we shall have a go! We had an each-way bet on Flaxen Flare in the Ladbroke and he slogged on into third place. Gordon Elliott’s gelding won the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham last season and is probably just too high in the handicap at the moment.
The favourite is Quick Jack who was heavily backed when beating Deep Trouble at Cheltenham in November. He has only gone up 6lbs but he looks a bit short in the betting for me at around 3-1 in a 24-runner handicap. A case can be made for Sea Light and Blood Cotil. Sea Light has won three on the bounce but has gone up 11lbs for his latest win.
Blood Cotil should have landed the odds at Cork last time but fell after previously finishing second to Diakali in France. Willie Mullins and Paul Townend teamed up to win the Thyestes Chase this week and they look set to feature here. Gilgamboa has only had three races and is up 8lbs for his latest win. Experience counts for a lot in a rough and tumble race like this and that puts me off Gilgamboa and the disappointing Snake Eyes.
Sullane Chief won with any amount in hand last time but the handicapper has come down hard with a big hike in the weights. Conor Walsh takes off 7lbs and he could still run well with only 10st 3lb on his back.
The form that I like best for this race is the Leopardstown Christmas Rated Hurdle won by Dysios from Leah Claire. The runner-up is a tough little mare who was placed twice in Listed company on the flat. She ran well at Leopardstown but was just done for toe by Dysios in the run from the last. She is 2lbs better off for two lengths and it is hard to split them. They are both on offer at good each-way prices so they will do for me.
Leah Claire at 20-1 Coral
Dysios at 25-1 Boylesports
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
