Leopardstown best bets (1500): Nine Graces can turn tables on Gaoth Chuil
Leopardstown forced to go behind closed doors for Christmas Festival
This big-field handicap looks something of a pinsticker’s paradise, but Tipstrr racing pundit Steve Jones has managed to narrow the 24 runners down to a couple of nicely-priced each-way prospects.
15:00 Leopardstown: Race and Stay at Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (3 miles ½ furlong)
The most attractive bets at the early prices are two reopposing rivals, Nine Graces and Gaoth Chuil, who were last seen in the 11-runner 0-145 contest held here just after Christmas.
Taking place over 23.5 furlongs on testing ground, it was won by Gaoth Chuil, who was producing a new career-best performance to make it two wins from his last two visits to this venue.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Nine Graces finishes in the first 5 places, get a £5 Free Bet
Nine Graces finished two places but just three quarters of a length behind Gaoth Chuil in what was a close three-way finish, with the 145-rated Farouk D’alene (rated well above today’s level) splitting the pair.
Having been held-up well off the pace, Nine Graces was finishing strongest of the front trio, making up plenty of ground in the closing stages, suggesting that this extra furlong should help, as will the fact that Barry Connell’s mare is 3lbs better off with the winner this time.
Suggested best bet: Nine Graces in the 15:00 at Leopardstown
Nine Graces was in fine form throughout last year, recording figures of 311533 from her six outings, including 1153 from her four runs over 22– 24 furlongs.
In a similar way to Gaoth Chuil, she is still unexposed over three miles, but she is unbeaten from two runs over 22 furlongs and her latest near-miss at this venue was only her second try over three miles.
Her rider will no doubt ensure that she is a bit closer to the pace rounding the home turn this time, and the mare looks a good bet over the extra furlong, having now put in two very strong performances from her two runs since returning from her last break in early December, beating 25 of the total of 29 rivals she faced in those two highly competitive handicaps on testing ground.
- Tips and analysis provided by Steve Jones who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr
Next Best bet: Gaoth Chuil in the 15:00 at Leopardstown
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