TRIPLE GROUP THREE: There are three Group 3 races on the Leopardstown card this afternoon including key trials for the Irish 1000 Guineas and the Derby.
Three Group 3 races on the Leopardstown card this afternoon.
2:25 Amethyst Stakes (Group 3) (3yo+, Class 1, 1m, 8 runners)
This race has been dominated by those at the top of the market in recent years but it looks a much more wide open renewal in 2016. I’m wondering whether the sole three-year-old, Alphonsus, might run a big race. He is lightly raced and shaped well behind Washington DC at Dundalk in a Listed contest last time out. Washington DC didn’t exactly boost the form at Ascot last month but Alphonsus still appeals as a win and place prospect with the dead eight runners.
3:00 Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial (Fillies Group 3) (3yo, Class 1, 1m, 6 runners)
Dermot Weld and Aidan O’Brien keep alternating with the winners of this but both may struggle to land a blow with their representatives this year. It’s quite hard to get away from the chances of Now Or Never on the formbook and Fallon is in the saddle. She finished second over course and distance last time out to Jet Setting and although that was on heavy ground she seems equally as adept on a faster surface. Misty Millie stormed home by 14 lengths in a Navan maiden and could be overpriced but the ground is more of a question mark with her.
3:35 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3) (3yo, Class 1, 1m 2f, 8 runners)
Aidan O’Brien saddles four out of the eight runners and it might be his Idaho who proves strongest in quite an open renewal. Idaho chased home Harland in the Ballysax Stakes here – a race that was run on heavy ground. It might well be though that he is a significantly better horse on the firmer surface. It was good ground when he made an impressive winning debut at the Curragh. Dermot Weld’s Tirmizi made a winning debut here in October and should relish the extra trip.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Idaho (3,35 Leopardstown)
NEXT BEST: Now Or Never (3.00 Leopardstown)
WIN AND PLACE: Alphonsus (2.25 Leopardstown)
£25 IN FREE BETS
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