Leopardstown afternoon racing tips: Best bets for Friday, December 29
State Man ridden by Paul Townend jumps the last on his way to win the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle race
It's the final day of the Leopardstown's Christmas Festival on Friday, December 29 and the Planet Sport tipsters have some cracking selections to help you bash the bookies.
There's two two Grade Ones at Leopardstown including the Matheson Hurdle (1420) and the Neville Hotels Novice Chase (1345).
But first let's start with some details on our selected horses at Newcastle, and there's a full list of our tips at the bottom of the page.
Don't forget to check out the full racecard, results and live odds in Planet Sport's racing live centre.
12:00 (Leopardstown) Sweet Will
Sweet Will returned to form when back in second on debut for this yard earlier in the month. Likely contender if repeating that effort.
Broken Ice is without a win this year but finished second when beaten last time and can be competitive.
Steppenwolf is unplaced in six runs over fences but could be suited by this step up in trip.
Archies Charm was below his best when fifth last month but has minor claims.
13:45 (Leopardstown) Corbetts Cross
The first Grade One contest of the day should be the more competitive affair of the two, but Corbetts Cross is expected to relish stepping up to three miles for the first time over fences in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.
Favori De Champdou was an impressive 14 length winner of the G2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase in November and sets the standard with that effort.
Flooring Porter was third behind Favori De Champou last time and may have to settle for minor honours.
Grangeclare West made a winning start over fences in November but has stamina questions at this distance.
14:20 (Leopardstown) State Man
State Man is hard to oppose when defending his Matheson Hurdle crown at Leopardstown after securing a smooth success in Punchestown’s Morgiana Hurdle on his seasonal reappearance.
Impaire Et Passe progressed rapidly as a novice last season with G1 victories at both Cheltenham and Punchestown. Only second on his return but can be given another chance.
Echoes In Rain finished second behind State Man on her latest start and it will be difficult for her to reverse the form.
Fils D'Oudairies looks to be outclassed in this grade.
15:25 (Leopardstown) Jalon D'Oudairies
Jalon D’oudairies justified favouritism when scoring by five lengths on rules debut earlier this month. Looks a smart prospect and is a leading contender.
Luckinthecity also made a winning start as favourite when successful in September, so should be involved.
Glowing Account was disappointing when beaten into second in October but can be given another chance.
Leopardstown selections in full:
LEOPARDSTOWN: 12.00 Sweet Will, 12.35 Ballyburn, 1.10 Risk Belle, 1.45 Corbetts Cross, 2.20 State Man, 2.55 Champagne Admiral, 3.25 Jalon D’oudairies.
