The Irish racing broadcaster offers two selections on day two at Leopardstown, including one in the big handicap chase.
The Paddy Power Chase is the big handicap on day two at Leopardstown and MIDNIGHT OUR FRED / appeals as one who should go well at a decent price in the €200,000 three-miler.
A consistent performer for Waterford-based trainer John Flavin, this lightly-raced seven year-old gained a deserved second career success when scoring on his return from a break at Gowran Park in October. Flavin was talking in terms of another visit to Cheltenham, where he has run well in defeat on several occasions previously, in the immediate aftermath but has ultimately decided to keep his charge on ice for a shot at this big prize. 5lb claimer Alex Harvey, who has already bagged a valuable handicap this winter on Shoot First at Haydock, is a positive booking and this sound jumper can give his supporters another good run.
The other one I am interested in at Leopardstown is the talented BIRDIE OR BUST / in the beginners chase at 12:35. It’s For Me heads the market here, but while he was a talented bumper performer two seasons ago he has plenty to prove now on his chase debut after a long absence and Henry de Bromhead’s mare looks the solid each-way alternative.
A smart novice hurdler last season, placed in the Grade 1 Dawn Run Mares race at the Cheltenham Festival, she shaped really well on her introduction over the larger obstacles at last month’s Navan racing festival. Any improvement on that fourth to Down Memory Lane (she was just 1 1/4 lengths off the reopposing Galway Hurdle hero Nurburgring) should make her a formidable rival now for a yard that enjoyed a fine day yesterday.
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