SHAMROCK AT LEOPARDSTOWN: For the start of the star-studded Irish Champions Weekend. It really doesn’t get much better than this.
It’s Christmas come early for flat racing fans at Leopardstown and the Curragh this weekend. Group race after Group race and I can’t wait for the action to begin.
Firstly news of the going and weather as tweeted directly from the course:
GOING: GOOD to FIRM on both tracks. FORECAST: Dry, warm and settled today. 2 tracks in operation, first 4 races INNER, last 4 races OUTER.
There are five (yes, just the five) Group races on Saturday !!!
4:05 John Deere Juvenile Turf Stakes (Group 3) (2yo, Class 1, 1m, 7 runners)
Aidan O’Brien has monopolised this race, including with Australia last year, and he turned out OK! This year the chosen one appears to be John F Kennedy who will start long odds on following his easy Curragh maiden win. He stretched clear inside the final furlong and looked impressive that day and clearly looks destined for much bigger success. If you wanted to play devils advocate with that form you can argue the horses he beat have all been subsequently beaten but it was the manner of the victory combined with his connections and potential that place him where he is in the market. I agree with DAQMAN – he really does look a banker today.
5:15 KPMG Enterprise Stakes (Group 3) (3yo+, Class 1, 1m 2f, 10 runners)
We’re back to Australia (a very common theme running through the card today). Dermot Weld’s Free Eagle is having his first run since being beaten by Australia here in a Group 3 a year ago. He started odds-on for that after an impressive debut also at Leopardstown. The lack of a recent run is a concern though and at current prices I am quite happy to press the lay button.
5:45 Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1) (3yo+, Class 1, 1m, 10 runners)
La Collina sprang a 25/1 surprise in this last year but generally the market leaders do well. Tapestry caused one of the shocks of the season when beating the Epsom Oaks winner Taghrooda at York and there appeared to be no obvious excuses for the 2/9 favourite. I see no reason why Tapestry shouldn’t follow-up here.
6:15 Clipper Boomerang Mile (Group 2) (3yo+, Class 1, 1m, 8 runners)
Gordon Lord Byron won this a year ago but has a penalty to carry for his Group win in Australia (the country this time, not the horse). However, this may come too soon after his excellent run in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last weekend and there is little downside to a place lay on BETDAQ.
6:50 QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) (3yo+, Class 1, 1m 2f, 7 runners)
Back to Australia again and this time the star himself. The dual Derby winner is held in the highest regard by Aidan O’Brien and proved the drop back in trip was no problem when winning the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Looks another AOB banker on the high class card.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Tapestry (5.45 Leopardstown)
NEXT BEST: John F Kennedy (4.05 Leopardstown)
LAY: Free Eagle (5.15 Leopardstown)
PLACE LAY: Gordon Lord Byron (6.15 Leopardstown)
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