EXPECT FROM ESPRIT

Another top quality Sunday of racing, courtesy of Leopardstown, sees plenty of top class races being run. Many horses are putting their Cheltenham credentials on the line, meaning it is likely that Festival aspirations, for some, are going to be left in tatters.

The race that will be looked at first is the 4:20, the Hunter Chase. The quality is outstanding for the type of race, in fact it could be argued that this is one of the best Hunter Chase's ever ran outside of Cheltenham and Aintree. On The Fringe is the favourite for the race. His race record is impressive, although he hasn't faced opposition like he does today before. The same applies for Tammys Hill and Warne, only having raced against the same horses time after time. The two potential curve balls in the race are Pandorama and QUEL ESPRIT. Both were formerly high class, winning Group 1's in their pomp. Both have ran in Point-to-Point's this season, with Pandorama coming second and Quel Esprit winning easily. If Quel Esprit can retain some of his class, he could have enough to win this nicely.

The Irish Hennessy is also ran today. A race formerly won by Quel Esprit himself, it looks a decent renewal. Recent runnings of this race have been dominated by 7 and 8 year olds, suggesting that some of the older horses may find it tough. As for the three horses that fit that trend, Lyreen Legend seems to be a bit of a crossbar horse, although he will appreciate the heavy ground. Lord Windermere looked a decent prospect when winning the RSA Chase at Cheltenham last year but so far this season his performances have not progressed from that. Furthermore, in 3 races against each other, TEXAS JACK has won all three. With the ice-cool Paul Carberry on board and form on the ground, I am dumbfounded that he is available at 16/1. Simply, if he stays, he'll go very close.

My final selection is VIGIL. I did fancy this horse before his price collapsed. He ran a very good first race despite looking inexperienced towards the finish. He is smartly bred, being by Dansili out of a mare who came second to future St.Leger winner Scorpion on debut. It looks a decent bumper, but I think my selection may be smart.

Other selections- (winners in green)

IVAN GROZNY-PLINTH  (Plinth is better price considering he beat Ivan Grozny)

THE TULLOW TANK- VAUTOUR (for today at least...)

DON COSSACK- BALLYCASEY- CARLINGFORD LOUGH (fits the bill of an RSA winner)


6 Nations- France to pummel Italy

Congratulations to Jenny Jones for winning Great Britain's first Winter Olympic medal on snow (hard to believe really) by achieving bronze in the Slopestyle. Hopefully that will be the first of many.

Happy Sunday Punting!