DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL: SHAMROCK looks ahead to day one of the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival.
Firstly, well done Leopardstown. You’ve over-delivered.
All the usual nae-sayers were out when the meeting was re-branded. ‘Too close to Cheltenham’ they squealed but they have been silenced in style. This is really a stupendous meeting in its own right.
There are three Grade 1 races on the Saturday card and the standout races for me are the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at 2.20pm and the day one feature the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at 3.30pm.
Footpad should continue his tremendous progress over fences. There is little to choose between him and Petit Mouchoir on Irish Champion Hurdle form from last season but the winner that day, Petit Mouchoir, met with a training setback before Christmas and that could make all the difference as he returns to the track after a 108 day break.
That tilts the scales in favour of Footpad for me, he was a very impressive winner here of the Racing Post Novice Chase on St Stephen’s Day which was also a Grade 1.
In the Irish Champion Hurdle the big question mark is clearly Faugheen. Even if he is not quite back to his very best he still wins this on official ratings.
But it worries me that his flop last time remains a mystery. I like to have firm reasons and it would take a brave man to back him at odds-on after that and he has to be a lay for me here.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Footpad (2.20 Leopardstown)
LAY: Faugheen (3.30 Leopardstown)
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