Architect Tips has backed three singles and one popular double for Saturday's Dublin Racing Festival action at Leopardstown.
13:50 Leopardstown
LADY VEGA ALLEN (best price 7/2) was unlucky to be touched off by the reopposing Hello Neighbour in a Grade 2 here in December, but she gets her chance to gain revenge.
She travelled well throughout and, in hindsight, I reckon Sean O’Keeffe would have asked for an effort sooner given how strongly she hit the line. Paul Townend has opted for Saint Lucie, but I’m fancying the former to potentially land the spoils.
14:25 Leopardstown
RUSHMOUNT (best price 33/1) can be expected to take a sizable step forward from his midfield finish here in December, as that was his first run in nine months. He was travelling well until a bad mistake at the second last ultimately knocked the stuffing out of him.
However, he will be fitter this time, and the form of his debut neck-second to Lecky Watson reads well. He then beat a subsequent winner on his next start. With a run under his belt and the potential to rank higher, he’s worth another roll of the dice at large odds.
14:55 Leopardstown
Willie Mullins has an excellent record in this race and can add to that with MAJBOROUGH, who looked a complete natural when scoring with lots in hand on his chase debut.
The Triumph Hurdle winner clocked a good time when winning that race at Fairyhouse in December, and with all the potential in the world to be a top-class horse in this sphere, he can prove too good for today’s field before his anticipated showdown with Sir Gino in March.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS had too many gears for Fact To File when producing a top-class performance in the Savills Chase here over Christmas.
Although his stablemate is a worthy opponent and may be able to bridge the gap, it’s hard to see past the dual Gold Cup winner.
Architect has sided with Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup, which would fit the bill for a Willie Mullins winner on Saturday (30/1 for new customers on Paddy Power), but the same bookmaker is also offering 30/1 for Rachael Blackmore to place in the top 3 in the day's feature race at Leopardstown.
16:05 Leopardstown
My Mate Mozzie is respected under his big weight, but defying a mark of 148 against progressive and unexposed chasers suggests a place is the best he can hope for.
Instead, I’ll take a chance on SHANBALLY KID.
Although he’s failed to figure in four chase starts, an opening mark of 125 in this sphere is very interesting given he finished third in last season’s Coral Cup off a mark of 134.
That is seriously good form, as he had subsequent Grade 2 winner Lucky Place in behind. If he can put his best foot forward, I think he’s going to be tough to beat with plenty in his favour.
