13:50 Leopardstown
Gordon Elliott won this race with Samcro last year and saddles the early favourite Vision D’Honneur who was a ready winner at Punchestown last month, travelling noticeably smoother than rivals and easing to the lead before the final hurdle, before staying on well under a hands and heels ride. That was a marked improvement on first hurdles run so with further progress expected it would be no surprise to see a big run here. That said, it was hard not to be impressed with Klassical Dream on debut for Willie Mullins, who travelled strongly and in the main jumped economically when winning over course and distance over the Christmas period, beating the re-opposing Entoucas and the aforementioned Vision D’Honneur in to second and fourth respectively. He lost a bit of momentum when he bunny-hopped the last hurdle but quickly asserted again and will have learnt a lot from that race.
Both Mullins and Elliott runners have Supreme entries and they look the most likely to battle it out at the finish, with preference for Klassical Dream who looks a smart prospect and should be capable of confirming the form with Vision D’Honneur.
Klassical Dream (WIN) – NAP
12:40 Leopardstown
Court Maid has proved herself to be a versatile hurdler, winning her last three on ground ranging from good through to soft-to-heavy and over trips from two mile to three miles. She has another 6lbs to carry today but in each race so far has asserted well and looked to have more in the locker if needed. Furthermore, her trainer has a decent record at the course and she is again partnered with David Mullins who was in the saddle for each of the aforementioned victories so I am expecting another big performance here today.
Henry De Bromhead saddles two and it is one of these, Sinoria, who I feel is most likely to put it up to our selection. She returned a thirteen length winner at Down Royal when last seen, travelling very strongly and pulling away nicely to win as a favourite should. An opening mark of 128 looks manageable, although the drop back in trip would have to be a concern as stamina looks her forte so I fear things may happen a little too fast for her and she may have to settle for minor honours.
Court Maid (WIN)
Southwell:
13:00 – Arriba De Toda (WIN)
13:35 – First Excel (WIN)
14:10 – Divine Call (WIN)
14:45 – Ornate (WIN)
15:20 – Seasearch (WIN)
15:50 – Port Soif (WIN)
Leopardstown:
12:40 – Court Maid (WIN) *NB
13:15 – Tiger Tap Tap (WIN)
13:50 – Klassical Dream (WIN) NAP
14:25 – Flawless Escape (E/W)
15:35 – Al Boum Photo (WIN)
16:10 – Vieux Morvan (E/W)
16:40 – Rebel Og (WIN)
