UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

Willie Mullins has won four of the last eight runnings of this contest and Fils Spirituel, the Closutton handler's only representative in today's race, is likely to take a big step forward from his Punchestown effort last month, but ARTHURIAN FAME looks the one to beat. The Camelot gelding boasts some rock solid Flat form and made a smooth transition to hurdles when runner-up at Cork in November. With normal improvement expected, he is fancied to go one better. Powerful Ted, Fusain and Jungle Junction add further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Arthurian Fame 2nd Fils Spirituel 3rd Powerful Ted

Martin Brassil landed this race last year with subsequent Neptune Hurdle winner City Island and his Buddy Rich, sporting the same colours, warrants plenty of respect following a narrow defeat at Punchestown, but ENTOUCAS gets the nod. He has done everything but win since joining Joseph O'Brien's team out of France, only losing out by a neck at Navan latest, and the time could be now for this classy gelding. Willie Mullins has a couple of solid chances with Mt Leinster and Concertista, while The Very Man is no forlorn hope.
Prediction : 1st Entoucas 2nd Buddy Rich 3rd Mt Leinster

Leading owner J P McManus appears to have a strong hand here with A Wave Of The Sea and ARAMAX. The former brings solid form to the table and the application of cheekpieces could help with his jumping (rather high and slow at Fairyhouse last time), but it may be significant that Mark Walsh takes the ride on Gordon Elliott's French import and he gets the vote to follow up his impressive Vittel victory in July. Aspire Tower and Clemencia also arrive on the back of easy wins and are respected.
Prediction : 1st Aramax 2nd A Wave Of The Sea 3rd Aspire Tower

DE MAZZARO was giving a solid account when falling at the last in the Greatwood at Cheltenham and the five-year-old makes plenty of appeal as he is able to race off a 7lb lower mark on his return to Ireland. Father Ailbe won in taking style at Limerick on his latest outing and enters the reckoning despite a 10lb rise, while Prosecution, Nibiru and Mrs Milner are others who remain unexposed over timber.
Prediction : 1st De Mazzaro 2nd Father Ailbe 3rd Prosecution

FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES has progressed to the next level over fences after a fine juvenile hurdle campaign which saw him place twice in the highest grade. The four-year-old's jumping has been a joy to watch and the drop back to 2m1f will only benefit his cause after his Drinmore success where he took lengths from the opposition at most fences. His main market rival Laurina made a satisfactory beginning to life over fences at Gowran Park but her jumping will come under a lot more pressure on this occasion and she will need to be at her very best to topple Joseph O'Brien's gelding. Notebook is another to improve over the larger obstacles and is feared most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Fakir DOudairies 2nd Laurina 3rd Notebook

CALLTHEBARMAN was in the process of running a massive race before falling at the last at Down Royal last month and could make amends back under regular pilot Jonathan Moore. The five-year-old has a 5lb rise to contend with, but he has scope for improvement and appears to be at home over this distance. Ellie Mac has finished third in competitive events at Punchestown and Thurles the last twice, while Ice Cold Soul warrants a betting check following a 676-day absence.
Prediction : 1st Callthebarman 2nd Ellie Mac 3rd Ice Cold Soul

RAMILLIES has been a bit of a 'talking' horse since the season began and is fancied to make his debut under Rules a winning one for Willie Mullins, who has won two of the last four renewals of this race. An impressive UK winner between the flags, he was picked up by Harold Kirk for 215,000 pounds, and can justify the vibes surrounding him. Risk Factor has finished second in two bumpers and might find one too good once more, while Hamundarson is related to some speedy types and also makes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ramillies 2nd Risk Factor 3rd Hamundarson