UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

ORCHIDACEAE comfortably beat a big field in the Curragh and appeals on this step up in trip. She made all before gliding home and there should be more to come from her. There was plenty of money for Booklight before that aforementioned race and she can improve upon her fourth place. Deo Vero has switched to Donnacha O'Brien after shedding her maiden tag in Roscommon for David Geary, so is an obvious threat. Joseph O'Brien's Green Triangle was just half a length behind Deo Vero in second, so has to come into the reckoning. Monotone has more than decent form on testing ground but now encounters quick going, while Live Like The Boss is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Orchidaceae 2nd Booklight 3rd Deo Vero

This is a drop in class for EASTERN WIND, who loves this track. Two of her three career victories have come in Leopardstown (under jockey James Ryan) and if she is going to bounce back to winning ways, it should be here. Quick ground holds no fears for Oriental Dancer, who could put her best foot forward on her Irish turf debut. Chestnutter won this race last year and although she hasn't been at her best this season, Jamie Powell's 3lb claim has her on a competitive mark so a big run wouldn't be surprising. Notforalongtime's best performances have been on an all-weather surface, but perhaps fast ground will see a better display on turf.
Prediction : 1st Eastern Wind 2nd Oriental Dancer 3rd Chestnutter

TRUE STATESMAN didn't go unbacked when a close fourth in a much higher grade at this track a fortnight ago. He has to be of interest off the same mark of 72, especially as he used to compete off significantly higher ratings in Britain. Expound could be nicely treated with Amy Jo Hayes taking 7lb off his back. His eighth in a massive-field maiden at the Curragh in April stands up to scrutiny as an absolute plethora of winners have come out of that race. In effect, he races off a mark of 68, which is appealing. Rio Largo kept on for fourth on quick ground over C&D this month, which gives him a chance.
Prediction : 1st True Statesman 2nd Expound 3rd Rio Largo

An incredibly tight handicap, with all the horses rated either 87 or 88. SARA VALENTINA was a ready winner of her maiden over a shorter trip on testing ground at Limerick. She should be effective on better ground over 1m and the sole filly in the field is taken to beat the geldings. Paddy Twomey's Cill Mocheallog has to be respected after battling his way to victory on heavy ground at Gowran Park. Again, better ground ought to suit him. Keithen Kennedy's 7lb claim could come into play on Action Plan, who is the most experienced horse in the race, while Chicago Fireball relished this trip in Gowran Park.
Prediction : 1st Sara Valentina 2nd Cill Mocheallog 3rd Action Plan

CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE has been performing creditably in better class races since making the breakthrough in Navan last month. Placed efforts at this venue and in Roscommon bode well for her prospects in this basement-grade handicap. Mayo For Sam brought up plenty of bets when grabbing her first victory over further in Navan. An 8lb rise shouldn't prevent her from being heavily involved as she was well in charge that day. Nibras Rainbow was in a consistent vein of form during a spell at Dundalk and is interesting returning to turf off a break, while Shining Aitch is capable of landing a cheque for Tom McCourt.
Prediction : 1st Cleopatras Needle 2nd Mayo For Sam 3rd Nibras Rainbow

DOCTOR GRACE could add a turf success to her couple of Polytrack victories. This Buratino filly posted two very solid recent efforts when beaten a neck into second at Cork and when a fair fourth at Navan. The last time Billy Lee partnered her, the duo were victorious at Dundalk in February 2023. Comfort Line was collared in the closing stages of a C&D handicap last week and finished third, so that run entitles him to be right on the premises. Tiffany Mae is one to watch in the market as she tries this trip for the first time, while Smaoineamh Sile is returning from a lengthy break but did win this race two years ago.
Prediction : 1st Doctor Grace 2nd Comfort Line 3rd Tiffany Mae

EPHESUS has done enough in his first two outings to suggest a win isn't far away. He began with a third place over a shorter trip in Dundalk and took the runner-up berth when tried over an extended 1m4f in Chester. He holds a Group 2 entry for next month. Teofimo was just pipped by a head over a similar trip in Fairyhouse. That was a marked improvement on his unplaced debut run here, so he is dangerous. Blackpool, a stablemate of Ephesus, gets blinkers on his first attempt at this trip. His third in Navan wasn't devoid of ability at all. Rosso was a somewhat remote fourth on debut at the Curragh and should improve.
Prediction : 1st Ephesus 2nd Teofimo 3rd Blackpool

Willie Mullins holds a very strong hand as he saddles both WILLIAMSTOWNDANCER and Pink In The Park. The former is a Grade 3 novice hurdle winner who also showed gears in bumper company. She ought to be a major player on her return to action. Pink In The Park hasn't been at her best in high quality NH company this year, but a spin here could reinvigorate her. Somptueux is more than adept on better ground and has John Gleeson's assistance for the first time. Votre Homme was runner-up in last season's Ulster Cesarewitch at Down Royal, which shows what he can do over a staying trip.
Prediction : 1st Williamstowndancer 2nd Pink In The Park 3rd Somptueux