Good morning sports fans! It has been far too long. After a long withdrawal period from Galway I have just emerged from treatment and have managed to pull myself together and get excited for what is set to an absolutely cracking day of action at Leopardstown today. The card is top notch.

There have been plenty of big racing news stories since we last spoke. Notably Peter Chapple-Hyam acting the bollox with a disciplinary BHA commission and, in India, Martin Dwyer’s 8 month ban issued by the Royal West India Turf Club has been reviewed and reduced to 55 days. However, perhaps more interestingly, two Irish juvenile colts have emerged as major classic contenders for next year. Great White Eagle, the property of the Coolmore machine, was very impressive in the Curragh last weekend and the “Lads” are quite keen on his potential to train on. His counterpart, Free Eagle, trained by Weld, owned by Moyglare and the son of High Chapparal is odds on to win the Breeder’s Cup trial today and is a very interesting colt indeed.

Another interesting piece of information is that I’m still unemployed, so it really is quite important that we find a few winners today! Let’s have a gander at the card.

15:45 – 2YO Fillies’ Maiden – I’m finding it quite difficult to make a call here. I was in the Curragh last weekend to see Shell House finish an intriguing second and steps back a furlong for this. However I made a mental note after watching My Titania run into second at Leopardstown behind Vallado who has since come out and won €65K for coming first at the Curragh at the end of last month. My Titania steps up a furlong here and should have learned a lot from here first racecourse experience. Oxx is obviously having a tough year but this filly jumps out at 5/2, even though the exchanges suggest that punters confidence is leaning more towards Coolmore’s filly.

16:15 – 2YO Colt’s & Gelding’s Maiden – No great opinion here. Masai is the well punted favourite and is one of the major market movers this morning. I will not be having a bet I’d imagine.

16:45 – Ladbrokes Handicap – This is an absolute humdinger of a handicap if there ever was one. I’ve gone for the fairly consistent Won Diamond here. He didn’t run to form at Royal Ascot but he was third in that handicap on Irish guineas day that I keep talking about as an absolutely brilliant form reference for top Irish handicappers. He has a right chance…hopefully the handicapper hasn’t got the better of him yet. Mona Brown is a model of inconsistency but if the ground is cutting then she has an each way squeak with a nice weight for those of you that way inclined. I like Mick Halford’s horse though.

17:15 – ICON Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes – Sit back and judge how good Free Eagle is yourself. No bet….too short for me to afford a bet!!

17:45 – Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes – An interesting renewal of the Matron. Fiesolana has to give 5 pounds to some of the principles here on the weight for age allowance but is my selection.

18:15 – KPMG Enterprise Stakes – Step back up in trip should suit 7/4 fav The United States. He is my selection for this group 3 contest.

18:50 – Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes – The main event. With the arrival of rain, the money has also arrived for Al Kazeem. During the week I was quite strong on The Fugue pending fast ground but alas, Mother Nature has potentially foiled her chance. I simply cannot allow myself to back Kingsbarns on his seasonal debut. Al Kazeem is potentially over raced. Another that has had a busy campaign but has potentially handled it better is Declaration of War and is my selection…kind of by default but mostly on merit!

19:25 – Pentigo Handicap – One of those great races that draws a few National Hunt horses out of the wood work to have a crack on the flat. I’ve gone for the Jessica Harrington trained Weather Watch in the hands of the in form Connor King. He rides like a seasoned pro, but has the added bonus of still having his 5lb claim which won’t last much longer at the rate he is going. Harrington’s charge is the highest rated horsed in the race, with an official rating of 97, carrying 9-2 (9-7 on card less the claim). He has talent and deserves attention. The only question lies with the ground. Notable Graduate has an each way squeak at a big price.

So thats that. Here’s hoping we have a few winners in there somewhere!

The very best of luck with your selections!

Slán tamaillín,

T