UK Horse Racing Tips: Leopardstown

LAZARE DE STAR was bought for 190,000 euros after finishing second in a point-to-point in the spring and made a fine start under Rules in a big-field maiden hurdle at Navan. The Masked Marvel gelding chased home French import Saint Baco, who looks an exciting prospect for Willie Mullins, and was well clear of the remainder. Jack Kennedy's mount can go one better over this longer trip. Mullins relies on point-to-point runner-up Mighty Park, who is a close relation of the talented but quirky Might Bite. Bumper winner Midnight Jet and Therhythmofthenite both showed promise on their hurdling debuts and are in the mix as well.
Prediction : 1st Lazare De Star 2nd Mighty Park 3rd Therhythmofthenite

Michael Kenneally got a good tune out of THE NAGGER REIDY when the Kayf Tara gelding was second in a Listed handicap at Naas last time and the talented conditional is in the plate again. Sonny Carey's runner is up another 4lb for that good run, but may be progressive enough to land this big-field contest. Coyote Spirit has shown promise in maidens and looks interesting on his handicap debut, with headgear applied for the first time. Last year's winner Giant Haystacks comes here in reasonable form and is fitted with first-time cheekpieces. Aruntothequeen was a smart performer in bumpers and might be able to step up on her previous hurdling from on this nicer ground.
Prediction : 1st The Nagger Reidy 2nd Coyote Spirit 3rd Aruntothequeen

Fourth in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree, KOKTAIL DIVIN has made a good start to his chasing career and can land this for Henry de Bromhead.The five-year-old finished well clear of Patter Merchant when chasing home Romeo Coolio at Down Royal and then finished second in a Grade 2 at Punchestown, with the winner of that contest now rated 146. He travelled best over 3m last time and may be suited by this shorter trip. Patter Merchant was narrowly beaten at Fairyhouse, with Kiss Will back in third on his chasing debut, and the latter may be able to reverse that form with the benefit of a run under his belt.
Prediction : 1st Koktail Divin 2nd Kiss Will 3rd Patter Merchant

BALLYBURN made a fine return to hurdling when just failing to reel in Teahupoo in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, which the latter was winning for the third time. Willie Mullins' seven-year-old has a slight question mark against him regarding his stamina for 2m7f but if settling better for Paul Townend, he can gain his revenge on this occasion. Teahupoo will enjoy stepping back up in distance, but wants even softer ground to be seen at his best. Bob Olinger got the better of Teahupoo in the Stayers' Hurdle in March and the 10-year-old goes well fresh, so he has to enter calculations. A dual winner of this, Home By The Lee may find a few too strong this time.
Prediction : 1st Ballyburn 2nd Teahupoo 3rd Bob Olinger

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS bids for his hat-trick in this race. The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is unbeaten over fences at Leopardstown and was very impressive here 12 months ago. He didn't show his best in the Gold Cup last season, but bounced back with an authoritative display in Punchestown. He's still only nine and certainly seemed to retain all his ability last season. Inothewayurthinkin obviously beat the selection at Cheltenham and has to be respected. He needs to improve from his comeback run at Punchestown, but is likely to do so. Old rival Fastorslow also has the benefit of a run, finishing a moderate third in the John Durkan. He's another likely big player.
Prediction : 1st Galopin Des Champs 2nd Inothewayurthinkin 3rd Fastorslow

YEAH MAN competes off a mark 25lb lower than his chase rating and he finished an admirable second in last month's Troytown. Although he may appreciate some more rain, Eoin Staples' valuable 7lb claim should leave this seasoned campaigner with a great chance. Jordans exceeded expectations last season, winning a Grade 3 and finishing runner-up twice in Grade 1 company. He is 18lb lower over timber and is given every chance. Son Of Anarchy and Eclipse Chaser should be vying to make the frame.
Prediction : 1st Yeah Man 2nd Jordans 3rd Son Of Anarchy

With Gordon Elliott winning the last two runnings of this contest, preference is for LEMMY CAUTION. The son of Tunis made an impressive debut between the flags before being sold for 250,000 pounds. The grey had a big reputation coming to the track and seemingly lacked gears on his first start under Rules at Navan, but he is taken to have improved from that, with tactics hopefully being adapted here to suit his strengths. City Of Cork offered some encouragement on his debut over hurdles and now tries a bumper. He made plenty of ground on the outside of the field around Navan and should be feared. Bentraghhill made 150,000 euros after finishing third in a point-to-point and must be considered.
Prediction : 1st Lemmy Caution 2nd City Of Cork 3rd Bentraghhill