UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

Third on debut over course and distance last month, MONTREAL can land a first success. Sent off odds-on favourite for that latter race, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was slowly away before keeping on nicely inside the final furlong. That was almost certainly an above average maiden, as the winner looked very smart and the second had decent form coming into the race. Granted normal improvement, Montreal should take this. A stablemate of the selection, the exceptionally well-bred Claret has to be monitored closely in the market. A half-brother to three black-type horses, he has the pedigree to be very smart. Res Ipsa, a full-brother to Red Letter, is another worth close consideration.
Prediction : 1st Montreal 2nd Claret 3rd Res Ipsa

The Joseph O'Brien-trained CADOGAN looks to have been found a nice opportunity to make a winning reappearance. Runner-up to a subsequent dual Group 1 winner on debut, the form of that race has worked out exceptionally well, with both the third and fourth also proving high class performers. While unable to step up on that effort at this track next time, the son of Farhh may not have appreciated the softer ground. He is worth another chance to build on that initial promise. Wild Sapphire has plenty of experience at this level and, shouldn't be discounted in first-time headgear. Curragh third Slaney Drive should be all the better for that introduction.
Prediction : 1st Cadogan 2nd Wild Sapphire 3rd Slaney Drive

With Ben Coen apparently favouring ALAKAZI over stablemate Chicago Critic, the hint should be taken. A lightly raced three-year-old with further scope for improvement after just four starts, the Johnny Murtagh-trained colt looks the one to beat. A maiden winner over this course and distance in April, he has subsequently acquitted himself well in two runs in Listed company. While this test represents another step up in class, he should be ready. The aforementioned Chicago Critic impressed when winning over course and distance on his penultimate start and may not have been suited to dropping in trip last time. The admirable Mutasarref has to be respected at a track where he seldom runs a bad race.
Prediction : 1st Alakazi 2nd Chicago Critic 3rd Mutasarref

Winner of the corresponding race last year, CRYSTAL BLACK can follow up. Completing a five-timer on that occasion, the Ger Keane-trained gelding had landed the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot on his previous start. Off the track until April, the seven-year-old made a pleasing reappearance when fourth at the Curragh. Sure to be all the better for that outing, he has almost certainly had this race as a target since. Sons And Lovers looks the biggest threat on official ratings. A maiden winner for previous connections, the Joseph O'Brien-trained four-year-old finished a place in front of the selection in the aforementioned Curragh race. Siege Of Troy needs to improve but shouldn't be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Crystal Black 2nd Sons And Lovers 3rd Siege Of Troy

Unlucky in running at Limerick last time, AKEELA can make the breakthrough for new connections. A winner off 5lb higher in the past, the five-year-old is open to improvement on what is only her fourth start for trainer Ian Donoghue. Having been denied a clear run at the Patrickswell track, the daughter of Aclaim stayed on strongly once in the clear. Colin Keane looks a significant booking here on the mare. Runner-up in that aforementioned race, Miqdaad did very well to get so close under Ross Coakley after his stirrup leather broke. The John McConnell-trained gelding has every chance of gaining compensation. Killarney third Liamo is another with leading claims in an open contest.
Prediction : 1st Akeela 2nd Miqdaad 3rd Liamo

It could pay to take a chance on handicap debutant COOLEY'S MIST for the in-form Natalia Lupini yard. A promising sixth on his introduction at this track back in April, the son of Churchill failed to back that up on two subsequent starts. However, from an opening mark of 67, the colt might be worth another chance to confirm the promise of that initial outing. Rockbury Lad needs everything to fall right but, given his hold-up style, stall 18 is no real cause for concern. In Colin Keane, he has the ideal partner to switch him off and arrive late from off a strong pace. Recent Naas scorer Star Mind has to be considered under a penalty.
Prediction : 1st Cooleys Mist 2nd Rockbury Lad 3rd Star Mind

A beaten favourite at Down Royal last month, the Ross O'Sullivan-trained LADY KAI can recover losses. Having been hampered after halfway, the daughter of Sea The Stars stayed on well inside the final furlong to eventually finish third. A proven stayer, who should relish this test, she also has the services of one of the more established riders here in the shape of Josh Williamson. Dual bumper winner Friary Road is another that will lack for nothing in the saddle. Third in two maidens of late, the Ted Walsh-trained gelding has to be a contender on handicap debut under Josh Halford. Recent course and distance winner Curious Bride is another with leading claims.
Prediction : 1st Lady Kai 2nd Friary Road 3rd Curious Bride