UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

Back in maiden company, SMEXY looks the one to beat. A respectable third of five in the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes over the course and distance last month, she had two previous winners behind. There was just half a length between Josh's Joy and Venosa when they finished third and fourth on debut, and both are likely to step forward from that initial experience. Aidan O'Brien trains the latter and is also represented by newcomer Bloom, with this well-bred bay a sister to recent Cork victor Two For Joy. Out of Group 1 winner Albigna, Thenandnow has two solid efforts to her name and warrants the utmost respect too.
Prediction : 1st Smexy 2nd Joshs Joy 3rd Bloom

Nicely treated by the race conditions, SAXON GRACE should give a good account of herself. Meeting with trouble in running when a close fourth on debut at Sligo, she is likely to step forward from that initial effort. Chapel Lane also caught the eye when third on his first start at Navan. Finishing to good effect at the Proudstown Park venue, he should appreciate this step up in trip. Well supported from 25/1 to 10/1 when a respectable seventh of 16 at Gowran, it'll be interesting to see how Wipeawayyourtears fares.
Prediction : 1st Saxon Grace 2nd Chapel Lane 3rd Wipeawayyourtears

ALTIMARA might be able to defy the handicapper off a revised mark of 67. Successful over the course and distance a fortnight ago, she appeared to win with a bit in hand and it'll be disappointing if she's not involved towards the business end. Clever And Classy faded in the closing stages after attempting to make all at Naas on her most recent start. Still finishing a solid fifth, she looks capable of making her presence felt. Placed many times but still a maiden after 13 outings, Lady Pagasa certainly wouldn't be winning out of turn.
Prediction : 1st Altimara 2nd Clever And Classy 3rd Lady Pagasa

With Dylan Browne McMonagle suspended, Declan McDonogh takes over on DEFIANTLY. Missing the break on debut before coming home strongly to finish a never-nearer third, he showed the benefit of that experience when making the breakthrough on his second start at Killarney. A real stayer, he should appreciate this step up in trip and first-time cheekpieces might also bring about some improvement. Bidding to complete a hat-trick at the venue, Happy Pharoah is sure to have plenty of supporters. Vorfreude is of definite interest too.
Prediction : 1st Defiantly 2nd Happy Pharoah 3rd Vorfreude

A dual course winner, GIUSEPPE CASSIOLI should give a good account of himself in this competitive affair. The highest-rated runner in the line-up and knocking on the door in recent starts, he'll be ridden by apprentice Jimmy Dalton, who claims a valuable 10lb. Making all in a 21-runner contest over the course and distance a fortnight ago, Sinbad My Dad will be fancied by many to follow up. A close third at the Curragh last Saturday, Green Icon is of definite interest with Tadhg O'Shea aboard, while others for the shortlist include Keilah, Unterburg and Amemri.
Prediction : 1st Giuseppe Cassioli 2nd Sinbad My Dad 3rd Green Icon

SPODO KOMODO has two solid efforts to his name and might be able to put his experience to good use. Fourth at Dundalk and the Curragh, he had subsequent winners behind on both occasions. Disappointing over 1m2f here in May, Lady Mcc was beaten just half a length into second on debut at Dundalk in April and a reproduction of that performance would see her go close. Joseph O'Brien's Obscenity is the most interesting of the newcomers. A half-brother to dual Group 2 winner Darnation, he won't have to be a star to go close. Battle Borne and Falls Of Acharn are others capable of making an impact.
Prediction : 1st Spodo Komodo 2nd Lady Mcc 3rd Obscenity

Another competitive affair to round off proceedings, and it'll be interesting to see how Summer Snow fares off a career high mark of 86. Winning three of her last four and successful over the course and distance in May, she is clearly in the form of her life at present. For a selection, NEO SMART gets the nod. A fine third in a valuable contest at the Curragh on Derby weekend, she is now tried in first-time cheekpieces and they could have the desired effect. Outclassed in Listed company at Navan in June, Banner Beauty is of interest on her handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Neo Smart 2nd Summer Snow 3rd Banner Beauty