3:10 Sandown

Tip 1: Henri The Second - 1pt

Best odds of 7/2 at William Hill while publishing.

HENRI THE SECOND (best priced at 7/2) has shown his best form at Sandown on soft and heavy ground so it was encouraging to see him finish 2nd on good ground here last time. The Paul Nicholls trained nine-year-old beat Henry’s Friend in a Grade 2 Novice Hurdle here earlier in this career before winning by 18 lengths on heavy ground in a handicap hurdle in December 2024.

Henri The Second finished 2nd behind Red Dirt Road in this race last season off a mark of 133 and runs in it this year off a 2lbs lower mark meaning he has an 8lb swing in the weights with that rival. He was only beaten a short head here last time and should go one better back on testing ground.

3:30 Leopardstown

Tip 2 - Galopin Des Champs - 2pt

Best odds of 13/8 at bet365 while publishing.

This looks a fascinating renewal of the Irish Gold Cup but the one to beat is GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (best priced at 13/8) who bids for a fourth win in a row in this contest. The ten-year-old has form figures of 11111113 at this track over fences with his only defeat coming when 3rd behind the reopposing Affordale Fury and I Am Maximus in the Savills Chase.

Galopin Des Champs was beaten on his reappearance in the John Durkan Chase in 2023 and 2024 prior to winning the Savills Chase on his next start however he was forced to make his reappearance in the Savills Chase instead this year. Ridden more conservatively as a result by Paul Townend, he was only beaten 3 ¼ lengths at the finish and he should be able to win this for a record equalling fourth time.

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4:05 Leopardstown

Tip 3 - Ballysax Hank - 0.5pt EW

Best odds of 7/1 while publishing.

The Gavin Cromwell trained BALLYSAX HANK (best priced at 7/1) caught the eye when sent off co-favourite for the Paddy Power Chase at this course at Christmas and he should relish this drop back in trip. That was the first time running over further than 2m5½f in his career and he looked the most likely winner last time before approaching the final fence.

Ballysax Hank runs here off the same mark and looks worth backing dropped back in trip to 2m1f on softer ground.