UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

Trainer Harry Derham has already landed one valuable handicap pot in Ireland this season, and he looks to have another ideal opportunity with the highly progressive QUEENS GAMBLE. Not beaten far in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury in November, the seven-year-old remains unexposed in this sphere and the booking of Rachael Blackmore catches the eye. A comfortable winner at Clonmel last time out, Straight Home must be a key player for leading connections, while Qualimita could be well treated off a mark of 117 on handicap debut. The improving Cottesloe Sunshine is another to note, as well as Savante, who still looked to be going okay when brought down two out here over 2m4f in December.
Prediction : 1st Queens Gamble 2nd Straight Home 3rd Qualimita

A contest dominated at the top of the betting by trainer Willie Mullins, with three-time Grade 1-winner Ballyburn bound to be popular as the choice of Paul Townend. The seven-year-old has failed to convince over fences thus far, though, and despite finishing second to a possible superstar in the shape of Sir Gino at Kempton, his jumping will need improving upon. Preference, instead is for IMPAIRE ET PASSE, who was well on top at the finish when landing the Faugheen Novice at Limerick over Christmas. The son of Diamond Boy has won his last four under both codes and going back left-handed should not inconvenience with J J Slevin taking over in the saddle. Champ Kiely showed no ill effects for a 615-day absence when impressing on his chase debut at Fairyhouse last month and he must also enter calculations.
Prediction : 1st Impaire Et Passe 2nd Ballyburn 3rd Champ Kiely

KOPEK DES BORDES struck in his sole bumper start before making just as strong of an impression when beating a subsequent winner on his hurdles bow over C&D on Boxing Day. Willie Mullins' five-year-old is likely to have any amount of improvement to come and can take the step forward required to take this valuable prize. Bleu De Vassy was far from disgraced when finishing second in a Grade 1 over track and trip in December and arguably brings the best known form into this contest. Of the remainder, Kaid D'authie makes the most appeal.
Prediction : 1st Kopek Des Bordes 2nd Bleu De Vassy 3rd Kaid Dauthie

Three-time Grade 1 winner GAELIC WARRIOR was beaten by Solness at this level over C&D in December, but that was his first run of the season and his rival had an uncontested lead throughout. Therefore, the seven-year-old is likely to be spot on for this event and it would be no surprise to see him overturn that form to score before a tilt at the Queen Mother. El Fabiolo was denied by four lengths into second behind Jonbon in a Grade 1 at Sandown when last seen in April and has all the ability required to put in a serious challenge. Quilixios beat Marine Nationale in a Grade 3 at Naas in November and is another to watch out for.
Prediction : 1st Gaelic Warrior 2nd El Fabiolo 3rd Quilixios

Sequestered readily took care of his nearest rival by 10 lengths over an extended 3m at this venue in December and, provided this slight drop in trip doesn't pose him many problems, he could have a say off a 12lb higher rating. However, the vote goes to SEARCH FOR GLORY, who was denied by a short head into second in a Grade 2 event before putting in another good effort when third at the top level at Limerick last time. Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old makes his first start in a handicap and can defy his opening mark of 144 on only his fourth chase start. James Du Berlais is likely to have his supporters and has every chance based on his second in the Topham at Aintree in April last year.
Prediction : 1st Search For Glory 2nd Sequestered 3rd James Du Berlais

It is noteworthy that Paul Townend has chosen to ride State Man in his bid for a hat-trick in this contest, but his two defeats so far this season suggest that he could be vulnerable once again. With that in mind, preference is for LOSSIEMOUTH, who wasn't at her very best when second to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last time. That was still an encouraging effort in the circumstances and she may have more to offer here. The rest all look to be up against it, but Winter Fog is the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Lossiemouth 2nd State Man 3rd Winter Fog

BRAVE TROOP has won both starts since joining this yard in impressive fashion and, while much more is required here, it would be no surprise to see the six-year-old defy a 14lb rise. Storm Heart was a useful juvenile last season, finishing second in the Grade 1 at this meeting 12 months ago, and a mark of 140 should be workable for him. Relieved Of Duties is another noteworthy handicap debutant following an encouraging effort in the Moscow Flyer, while Mclaurey and James's Gate are others who make the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Brave Troop 2nd Storm Heart 3rd Relieved Of Duties

Amen Kate readily dispatched Carrigmoornaspruce when they met at Listowel in September and the latter has boosted that form by winning twice subsequently. Both have to be respected here but marginal preference is for FUTURE PROSPECT, who looked to be potentially top-class when scoring on her Rules debut at Fairyhouse in December. Willie Mullins' mare beat some useful rivals easily that day and should be capable of making her mark at this level. Bambino Fever, a stablemate of the selection, and Churchfield Sunset are the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Future Prospect 2nd Amen Kate 3rd Carrigmoornaspruce