After the rip roaring success that was Irish Champions Weekend 2014, stakeholders must have been scratching their heads as to how they might kick on in 12 months time! Lots of blood sweat and tears from too many people to mention in the intervening period had, and to a certain extent, still has 2015 teed up to hit the heights.

Up until Thursday evening the Leopardstown card was burgeoning with potential and the Irish Champions Stakes was on course to be arguably the best race run in the world this year. However, in typical fashion, the weather Gods had a different plan. Rain was forecast and duly arrived at Leopardstown around 3pm yesterday. They’ve had 27mm of rain overnight with the outside track now Yielding, Good in places. The inside track is now Yielding, Soft in places. A big enough kick in the stones for fans but even more so for the organisers as it puts the clash of the titans in doubt. Non-runners could take the gloss off the day.

How and ever, Irish Racing as a collective must now put on a brave face and a big smile as we welcome plenty of infrequent racegoers, foreign connections and a bigger television audience than usual over the next few days. The show must go on.

If you’re at nothing today, I couldn’t recommend highly enough that you grab a few mates, get the glad rags on and head up to Leopardstown. It will be an action packed day with a great crowd. The weather forecast is fine so don’t be worrying about that fake tan. First race 3:30pm and there’s racing tomorrow at The Curragh tomorrow too if you’re down that neck of the woods! Worth mentioning that students go free so there is no excuse! Head over to the Irish Champions Weekend website for more details.

Righto, I’ll run through the card. One quick pointer that there will be a few non runners however they are not through yet so each way terms may change. Keep your wits about you!

15:30 BALLYLINCH STUD E.B.F. FILLIES MAIDEN – The well touted Coolmore returns to the track after an eye catching 3rd on debut. She’s 4/6 to get the job done here dropping back to 7F. I’ve missed the boat and at that price I have to take her on. At 15/2 Orangey Red is as good as any to go with. Decent debut on quicker ground than she’ll meet today over an extended 7f at Limerick. At the price I’ll side with Moyglare’s Lawman filly in the hope that she’ll improve. Reverse forecast could be the play.

16:05 WILLIS CHAMPIONS JUVENILE STAKES (GROUP 3) – Sanus Per Aquam was favourite for the Guineas only a few weeks ago before the bubble was burst in the Tyrios Stakes by Deauville. The Ballydoyle connections should have a fair idea of 2yo pecking order now and looking at the price of Johannes Vermeer and Shogun, the money has yet to arrive. I’ll be siding with the fav at 2’s quite happily.

16:40 IRISH STALLION FARMS E.B.F. ‘PETINGO’ HANDICAP – There are few sights that warm the cockles of my heart more than a Tony Martin horse at the bottom of the handicap. Pyromaniac is a decent flat performer and had a spin over hurdles at Galway recently but didn’t quite fire. 10/1 e/w.

17:15 KPMG ENTERPRISE STAKES (GROUP 3) – I’ve got a bad dose of Lemming Syndrome when it comes to Answered and I think I feel it coming on again. Whilst Fascinating Rock sets the standard getting close to Al Kazeem in the Tatts Gold Cup, Answered is no slouch and back up to 1m 4f just gets the nod from me.

17:45 QIPCO IRISH CHAMPION STAKES (GROUP 1) – If they all show up this will be the best race I’ve ever seen in the flesh. It’s worth heading to Leopardstown for this alone. There are some cracking articles out there on the narrative behind this race and I would urge you to do a quick Google and read up. I’ve backed Free Eagle but the ground may have gone against him. I might back Cirrus des Aigles at the track if I get a price but will be enjoying the spectacle regardless….I know….what a loser.

18:20 COOLMORE FASTNET ROCK MATRON STAKES (GROUP 1) – A clash at the top of the betting here. I’m all over Amazing Maria to get the job done for the maestro David O’Meara. He has found the key to unlock this filly and at 3/1 gets my money to complete her four timer. Legatissimo will be tough to beat but has had a tough old campaign.

18:50 CLIPPER LOGISTICS BOOMERANG STAKES (GROUP 2) – Cougar Mountain could be a dark horse here. He was completely out of his depth at York but this is more to his liking and on ratings he should be bang there. Back to a mile he catches the eye. Wasn’t too far away from the classy Solow at Ascot. Could be the one. Could be.

19:20 IRISH STALLION FARMS E.B.F. ‘SOVEREIGN PATH’ HANDICAP – I’ve been looking at a lot of the English handicap form for my Paddy Power Blog stuff each week and I think Witherensea has been banging on the door for a big one the last few runs. Nice weight and a nice each way price, could be in the shake up and carries my cash.

So that’s it folks. Apologies for the brevity, I’ve got to run.

See you at the track.

Slán tamaillín,

T