UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

Irish National Stakes entrant SHACKLETON can make a winning racecourse debut for trainer Aidan O'Brien. The Camelot colt is bred to appreciate this trip and while he could have done with a kinder draw, Ryan Moore should be able to slot him in before delivering a challenge in the straight. Fifth on his debut at the Curragh in June, Drivers Seat should be all the better for that initial experience. A previous run is a considerable advantage in a race such as this, so the Joseph O'Brien-trained colt rates a serious threat. With David Egan in the saddle, the Adrian Murray-trained Hill Road looks the pick of his trainer's duo. The colt holds a couple of nice entries so is clearly pleasing connections at home.
Prediction : 1st Shackleton 2nd Drivers Seat 3rd Hill Road

Only just touched off by a subsequent winner at Dundalk last month, RAYDAMANN can open his account here. The Sea The Stars gelding, who had shown promise when third on his reappearance at the Curragh in May, stepped up on that run when going down narrowly at the County Louth track. Given that the Johnny Murtagh-trained three-year-old seems to appreciate decent ground, his connections will be hoping the rain stays away. The form of the Fairyhouse maiden in which Ocean Manifest finished runner-up on his debut has worked out extremely well with both the third and fifth winning subsequently. My Vonnie caught the eye on her debut at Down Royal but ran a bit below par at Gowran next time. If back on song, the daughter of Make Believe holds place claims at least.
Prediction : 1st Raydamann 2nd Ocean Manifest 3rd My Vonnie

Having contested the 1000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks on her last two starts, YLANG YLANG should appreciate this ease in grade. A Group 1 winner at Newmarket on her final start as a juvenile, the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly had been a leading fancy for both Classics over the winter. Although failing to get competitive in either race, the daughter of Frankel can make the most of this nice opportunity. A three-time winner at this track, the Ger Lyons-trained Mutasarref has to be respected. The six-year-old looks to face a stiff assignment giving weight away to some decent performers but his affinity for this venue shouldn't be underestimated. Lord Massusus has been in better form than ever this season at the age of four, so Joseph Murphy's gelding also enters calculations.
Prediction : 1st Ylang Ylang 2nd Mutasarref 3rd Lord Massusus

Royal Ascot winner CRYSTAL BLACK appears to have been found an ideal opportunity to strike on his first start in Group company. Victorious on all three starts this season, the six-year-old is well treated at these weights. However, a slight concern is the fact that the Ger Keane-trained gelding has done most of his winning in big fields. A tactical race might not be ideal for the son of Teofilo but if they go hard enough, he may get away with it. The Euphrates is almost certain to make the running under Ryan Moore. A winner at Gowran Park last time, the three-year-old found plenty when challenged inside the final furlong. He could prove a hard horse to pass in the straight. Crypto Force has yet to recapture his best after an absence but remains a colt of some potential.
Prediction : 1st Crystal Black 2nd The Euphrates 3rd Crypto Force

Dropping back to 7f should suit recent C&D third EASTERN WIND. The Tom McCourt-trained mare, who has twice been beaten over a mile since that promising effort, will be much more at home over this distance. While a wide draw is far from ideal for a prominent racer, the five-year-old should be able to overcome that obstacle under James Ryan. Unlucky in running when fourth at Dundalk last time, Hurricane Helen would be a serious contender if able to get across from stall 18. A hold-up performer, the grey will need plenty of luck in running but could be one to come with a late run down the wide outside under Gary Carroll. Naas third Purring Along is another worthy of consideration in a wide-open affair.
Prediction : 1st Eastern Wind 2nd Hurricane Helen 3rd Purring Along

With a senior jockey taking over in the saddle, the Bill Farrell-trained ROTOLO has to be of interest. While there is a definite possibility that the five-year-old is a tricky mare who runs better for her regular apprentice pilot, it could well be that she improves for the stronger handling. It could be significant that James Ryan partners Explorers Way rather than regular mount Rampage here. Ryan returns to the saddle having been on board when the five-year-old won at Down Royal on his penultimate outing. Handicap debutant Sayfa Fad will need to step up on three ordinary maiden runs but it is interesting that champion jockey Colin Keane has been booked for the three-year-old filly.
Prediction : 1st Rotolo 2nd Explorers Way 3rd Sayfa Fad

Back at a more favourable distance on a track where she has won previously, MORNING APPROACH holds leading claims under Billy Lee. Runner-up at Tipperary last time, the Willie McCreery-trained mare should be much better suited to the longer trip here. Nicely drawn in stall 3, the six-year-old should be able to hold a prominent position from the outset. Fourth over C&D on his penultimate start, Chopsticks should get involved if getting the run of the race. Arguably better over further, the gelding should be finishing strongly if getting the gaps. Vivacious Lady is difficult to assess having run moderately on two of her three starts to date. However, a reproduction of her run in between those ordinary efforts would make her of definite interest on handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Morning Approach 2nd Chopsticks 3rd Vivacious Lady

Fourth on her most recent outing over course and distance last month, INFLUENTIAL LADY should be capable of making her presence felt. A strong stayer, the 10-year-old will need luck in running given her hold up style. With the possibility of a strong pace, the James Barcoe-trained mare should have something to aim at in the straight. Similar comments apply to Limerick winner Curious Bride. Perhaps best making her challenge away from rivals, the seven-year-old can be delivered with a late run down the wide outside. Top-weight Nibiru is always a threat in races of this nature. The veteran has plenty of experience under both codes so should give his rider a good spin around.
Prediction : 1st Influential Lady 2nd Curious Bride 3rd Nibiru