UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

Irish Derby entrant AUTUMN WINTER can get his three-year-old career off to a winning start. The twice-raced son of Galileo stepped up on his debut effort when runner-up in a big field Curragh maiden on his second run. This looks a good opportunity to get his head in front for the first time. Versatile showed ability on his sole outing as a juvenile when finishing fourth in his maiden at the Curragh. The Jessica Harrington-trained colt should be all the better for that initial experience so has to rate as one of the main threats. Fine Print, who finished mid-division in two runs for Ger Lyons last season, now starts out for John McConnell. Although his future may lie in handicaps, he does have the advantage of previous experience to call upon.
Prediction : 1st Autumn Winter 2nd Versatile 3rd Fine Print

Having finished runner-up at Naas last month on her first start for Dermot Weld, HARBOUR GEM can shed her maiden status on just her second outing for the yard. Placed on both runs for Barry Fitzgerald last term, the daughter of Zoffany shouldn't be long in gaining a first success. The Jim Bolger-trained Nativity Square (also engaged to run at the Curragh on Saturday) is only a pound behind Harbour Gem on official ratings. The Vocalised filly faced a stiff task when only fourth in a winners' race last time but will be much more at home in these calmer waters. Wingspan, out of a dual Group 1-winning mare, has to be respected on her racecourse debut. Although she holds no fancy entries at this point, she could be one that comes to life on the track.
Prediction : 1st Harbour Gem 2nd Nativity Square 3rd Wingspan

Leopardstown Group 3 winner ATLANTIC COAST can make a winning return at a track he clearly appreciates. Successful on his racecourse debut at the Curragh last August, the colt subsequently ran a big race when third in Group 2 company at this venue. Madrid Handicap winner Take Me To Church steps up markedly in grade but shouldn't be underestimated given ground conditions. Not only has the Jack Davison-trained colt proven himself when the mud is flying, he also has the benefit of a recent run. With Ryan Moore in the saddle, Battle Cry appears the pick of the three Aidan O'Brien contenders in this race. A York maiden winner in August, the colt subsequently ran well in two outings in Listed company. He needs to improve but has plenty of scope so is certainly capable of doing so.
Prediction : 1st Atlantic Coast 2nd Take Me To Church 3rd Battle Cry

Although Ryan Moore has sided with course and distance winner Buttons, the vastly more experienced CHERRY BLOSSOM should take beating. The No Nay Never filly should appreciate this much easier task having contested Group 1 races on her final two outings as a juvenile. Jockey bookings certainly suggest that she may need this first start since November but her prospects look strong all the same. The aforementioned Buttons must be pleasing connections at home so is high on the shortlist in this ultra competitive heat. Kitty Rose, a Listed winner at this venue last September, subsequently ran well in a Group 3 at the Curragh. Having won on her juvenile debut at Naas last term, the Natalia Lupini-trained filly is obviously a forward type.
Prediction : 1st Cherry Blossom 2nd Buttons 3rd Kitty Rose

ILLINOIS looks the pick of the Ballydoyle trio with Ryan Moore in the saddle. Rated 109 after a juvenile campaign which saw him follow up his maiden win at the Curragh with a creditable third in Group 1 company at Saint-Cloud. Given the strength in depth that Aidan O'Brien has in this division, it is surely significant that the Galileo colt makes his return in a race the yard have dominated over the years. Ocean Of Dreams couldn't have done it any easier when winning his maiden over this course last October. Stepping up in trip should bring about further improvement in the once-raced son of Fastnet Rock. The Paddy Twomey-trained Deepone has to concede 5lb to his rivals here but is a classy sort capable of running a big race.
Prediction : 1st Illinois 2nd Ocean Of Dreams 3rd Deepone

Aidan O'Brien is a trainer to fear when running lightly raced three-year-olds in handicaps. With that in mind, Irish Derby entrant CHANTILLY catches the eye here off a mark of 89. The Galileo colt reached the frame in three maidens last term but always gave the impression he would be a better horse given time. It would be no surprise to see him rated much higher come the end of the season. Top-weight Tamrat made an impressive winning debut at the Curragh last before disappointing at Listowel subsequently. That latter run was almost certainly not his true form so he remains capable of better. Masoun could be the potential dark horse having had just the three starts in maidens. He has since been gelded and now steps up in distance on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Chantilly 2nd Tamrat 3rd Masoun

With Dylan Browne McMonagle back in the saddle, TURBULENCE catches the eye towards the foot of the weights. The former champion apprentice was also on board when the Ross O'Sullivan-trained seven-year-old finished runner-up at Naas last season. Having run a big race when fourth of 19 on his reappearance at this venue first time up in 2023, the gelding is clearly at his best in the early months. Rhythm King will absolutely relish these ground conditions as the Mark Fahey-trained four-year-old loves to get his toe in. He will be finishing better than most. Sirjack Thomas (also engaged to run at the Curragh on Saturday) is race-fit and the Ado McGuinness-trained grey is another that should make his presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Turbulence 2nd Rhythm King 3rd Sirjack Thomas

STARTING MONDAY has a bit to prove now having disappointed on a couple of occasions last season but it is difficult to ignore his claims off a mark of 62. The Gillian Scott-trained seven-year-old relishes testing conditions and has run well fresh on a couple of occasions in the past. If anywhere near his best, the Ravens Pass gelding will prove a hard horse to get by in the straight. Spring Collection showed next to nothing in four starts at Dundalk but the filly looked a totally different proposition switched to turf last time. Staying on strongly to finish runner-up at Naas, the daughter of Postponed should appreciate the mile. See Me Through is a lightly raced colt capable of improving on a very promising handicap debut last time.
Prediction : 1st Starting Monday 2nd Spring Collection 3rd See Me Through