UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

NAVASSA ISLAND will appreciate this much easier assignment having run in the Albany Stakes last month. The Michael O'Callaghan-trained filly was sent off at just 5/1 for that Group 3 contest, on the back of a hugely promising debut at Naas. In all probability, the daughter of Territories didn't show her true ability at the Royal meeting, especially given that her narrow Naas conqueror won that particular contest. The O'Callaghan representative can win here before stepping back up in class. Glamora caught the eye staying on late on debut over course and distance in May but failed to build on that run last time. A tendency to break slowly hasn't helped the daughter of Zoffany. With Style, a full-sister to a Listed winner, is the most interesting of the newcomers.
Prediction : 1st Navassa Island 2nd Glamora 3rd With Style

SATURN SEVEN may be able to follow up her Limerick win on handicap debut last month. The Ken Condon-trained filly travelled easily before quickening nicely over a furlong out. Although ultimately just lasting home by half a length, she idled in front and was value for more than the winning margin. A 5lb rise gives the daughter of Sioux Nation every chance of adding to that success. Encosta had a valid excuse for a disappointing reappearance at Naas but showed a great deal more when runner-up at this track last time. The Noel Meade-trained filly had some smart form as a juvenile last season and remains largely unexposed. Artemis Jones, who won her maiden nicely at Limerick in June, has to be considered despite a lack of handicap experience.
Prediction : 1st Saturn Seven 2nd Encosta 3rd Artemis Jones

HELPMEOUT, a dual C&D winner last season, can register her first success of the current campaign. Willie McCreery's four-year-old only weakened close home in a similar race last time and should strip fitter with the benefit of that run. Mulgrave has yet to win on turf, but has five victories to his name on the Polytrack at Dundalk. The John McConnell-trained gelding is a hard puller who needs to get cover but Donagh O'Connor does very well on the son of Mehmas. The quicker they go here, the better his chance of recording a first turf win. Thefullbackline didn't enjoy the clearest of passages at the Curragh recently so is one to consider now that he is fitted with first-time cheekpieces.
Prediction : 1st Helpmeout 2nd Mulgrave 3rd Thefullbackline

ROCKBURY LAD can get off the mark at the 14th time of asking. Michael O'Callaghan's four-year-old had no luck with the draw on a number of occasions last season and suffered a similar fate on his most recent run at this track. Forced to race wide off the home turn, the Showcasing gelding ran on strongly to be nearest at the finish. Stepping back up to a mile is a definite plus, as is the low draw in stall seven. Rampage, who has gone close on his last two visits here, is a consistent sort but won't find it easy from his wide berth. If James Ryan is able to negotiate a clear passage in the straight, the McCourt runner should be involved. The lightly-raced Boomerang Bill, who shaped well on his recent stable debut, has more scope for improvement than most.
Prediction : 1st Rockbury Lad 2nd Rampage 3rd Boomerang Bill

LORD VADER is an intriguing contender from the foot of the weights here. The Emmet Mullins-trained four-year-old stayed on nicely from the rear when fourth over a mile at Limerick on his second start for current connections. He then caught the eye when nearest at the finish under a relatively inexperienced amateur rider at the Curragh on Derby weekend. Leigh Roche takes over in the saddle now, with the horse running over what may well be his optimum trip. Coeur d'Or was a very impressive winner on his last start at this venue, suggesting that he may well be up to Pattern class. A subsequent 10lb hike isn't as much of a concern as his wide draw. Londoner disappointed at Royal Ascot but had some very smart form prior to that. Killian Hennessy is proving great value for his 5lb claim.
Prediction : 1st Lord Vader 2nd Coeur dOr 3rd Londoner

LIBRARY, who seems to have improved since being fitted with blinkers, may be able to add to her recent Naas Listed win. The Aidan O'Brien-trained filly showed real heart and determination once challenged in the straight and wasn't for passing. On breeding, she should appreciate this step up in trip, while she looks just the type to prevail should the race turn into a battle. Stablemate Red Riding Hood will find this easier having raced in better company of late. She remains unexposed after just the six career starts so has to be a live contender. Understated struggled at Royal Ascot last month but is very lightly raced. The Ralph Beckett-trained daughter of Nathaniel still has time to deliver on the promise she showed at Goodwood.
Prediction : 1st Library 2nd Red Riding Hood 3rd Understated

Despite being rated lower than a couple of these over hurdles, TAX FOR MAX is very much the horse to beat on official Flat ratings. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding boasts a triple-digit mark, something few of these rivals could ever aspire to. A winner over fences at Wexford last month, the six-year-old arrives here in rude health. Jesse Evans is a very smart hurdler but has yet to reach those same heights on the level. It may be that the Noel Meade-trained gelding just needs a set of hurdles in front of him. Gatsby Grey could be the most interesting contender, given that he is a decent National Hunt horse who is totally unexposed in this sphere. Trainer Oliver McKiernan does well in these races, so the seven-year-old deserves maximum respect.
Prediction : 1st Tax For Max 2nd Jesse Evans 3rd Gatsby Grey