The Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle has attracted seven runners with Nicky Henderson sending over his Sandown winner Captain Conan. Edward O’Grady’s Cash And Go won nicely at the Christmas Festival and looks a lively contender whilst Willie Mullins Sous Les Cieux can’t be ignored. Another interesting runner is the Jim Culloty trained Lord Windermere who steps up in class but defeated Dylan Ross last time out at Punchestown.
After recording an impressive win at Naas on Saturday, Bog warrior is unlikely to run in the Grade One Dr. P.J Moriarty Novice Steeplechase so it’s likely a field of only four will go to post. Philip Fenton’s Last Instalment was impressive when winning the Topaz Fort Leney Steeplechase at Christmas but he won’t have it as easy in this race as the Willie Mullins trained Lambro looks a massive danger. Lambro was last seen finishing second to Flemenstar at Naas and Flemenstar has since gone on to win the Irish Arkle so the form stands. Call The Police and Shot From The Hip make up the field.
The Handicap Hurdle looks a tricky contest to pick the winner from but an interesting runner is the Sabrina Harty trained Silas Mariner who makes his reappearance following two wins last year on heavy ground. Mick Darcy takes the ride with the Willie Mullins trained Pozyc and Oliver McKiernan’s Whodoyouthink looking the dangers.
The feature Hennessy Gold Cup will see the Willie Mullins trained Quel Esprit going of favourite but Jessica Harrington’s 2011 RSA Chase winner Bostons Angel looks a huge danger having check pieces applied for the first time. China Rock and Magnanimity look like battling it out for the minor places.
On The Fringe will bid for back to back success in the Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Steeplechase but he faces stiff competition from Vic Venturi and John “Shark” Hanlon’s Viking Splash.
Willie Mullins and his son Patrick can continue dominating the bumper scene with Pique Sous in the concluding Kieran O’Connell Injury Jockeys Fund Flat Race. Dermot Weld’s Dancers Dilemma looks the danger.
Leopardstown Selections
1:05 Hisaabaat each way
1:35 Espresso Lady each way
2:10 Lord Windermere each way
2:40 Lambro
3:10 Silas Mariner each way
3:45 Bostons Angel
4:20 Viking Splash each way
4:50 Pique Sous
Happy Punting – Giddy Up
