UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

A dual winner on the Flat, NDAAWI was far from disgraced in a Listed event last time and this could be a good opportunity if taking to this new discipline. Limerick maiden scorer Ethical Diamond merits respect on his hurdling debut for the Willie Mullins team, along with Mordor and Evening's Empire, who sports a first-time hood having hit the crossbar on her hurdling bow 17 days ago.
Prediction : 1st Ndaawi 2nd Ethical Diamond 3rd Mordor

Feu Du Bresil found only his well-supported stablemate too strong on last month's fencing bow, and he should be on the premises with improvement on the cards, but the vote goes to MARINE NATIONALE. Last seen cruising to victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the classy six-year-old ought to excel over the larger obstacles, for all that he does have fitness to prove. Others to note include Firm Footings and Ho My Lord.
Prediction : 1st Marine Nationale 2nd Feu Du Bresil 3rd Firm Footings

After finishing second in this race 12 months ago, CAPTAIN GUINNESS had the unenviable task of chasing home Energumene and Jonbon at Cheltenham and Sandown respectively. He capitalised on a drop in class when making a successful return in the Fortria and can deservedly register a breakthrough Grade 1 triumph now. A Willie Mullins quartet stands in his way, with Paul Townend on the returning Gentleman De Mee, although progressive mare Dinoblue might be the champion trainer's best hope. Dysart Dynamo and Saint Roi were behind the selection at Navan.
Prediction : 1st Captain Guinness 2nd Dinoblue 3rd Gentleman De Mee

Down Memory Lane comfortably went in by three lengths to be successful on his hurdle debut at Down Royal and looks to have plenty of potential. However, marginal preference is for DADDY LONG LEGS, who took care of more experienced rivals at Thurles on his Irish debut and he is likely to improve a great deal from that effort. The four-year-old could be anything and can take this before moving onto better things. Predators Gold was a taking winner at Punchestown and can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Daddy Long Legs 2nd Down Memory Lane 3rd Predators Gold

CONYERS HILL has been in cracking form since his return to the fray, winning two of his last three outings and his latest third in Listed company at Fairyhouse reads very well in the context of this race. The son of Walk In The Park looks to be on an upward curve and he is fancied to go in again here. Nusret filled the runner-up spot in Grade 3 company at Fairyhouse earlier in the month and he looks like an interesting contender stepping back into handicap company, while Fortunedefortunata is another to note after his comfortable success off 9lb lower at Navan.
Prediction : 1st Conyers Hill 2nd Nusret 3rd Fortunedefortunata

Desertmore House and Panda Boy give Martin Brassil a strong hand and it would be no surprise to see both go well here, especially the latter after his close third in this race 12 months ago. That said, a chance can be taken on AMIRITE, who looks to be on a workable mark based on the pick of his form as a novice last season. He put in a promising display on his return at Cheltenham in October, where his saddle slipped, and a first-time tongue-tie may bring about further progression. The shortlist is completed by Busselton, Chemical Energy and Real Steel, who won this 12 months ago.
Prediction : 1st Amirite 2nd Panda Boy 3rd Desertmore House

BLEU DE VASSY, runner-up to a subsequent bumper winner on his sole start in a point-to-point, showed promise when again second in two similar races at Navan recently, and can make it third time lucky for the Gavin Cromwell yard. The son of No Risk At All has little to fear from the trip or ground and, with Harry Swan pitching in with his 5lb claim, everything is in place for another big run. Joystick, a 95,000-euros newcomer to the Willie Mullins team, is feared most on his Rules debut, while Major Barry is another seriously considered.
Prediction : 1st Bleu De Vassy 2nd Joystick 3rd Major Barry