ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Leopardstown on Sunday, February 1
Sunday, February 1 hosts the second day of the Dublin Racing Festival.
After jetting around the globe, Sports News Blitz’s Kieran McHugh landed in Ireland.
And our pundit is keen to unearth some clues for the Cheltenham Festival.
Kieran McHugh’s racing tips
February 1 is ‘National Dark Chocolate’ day. Sadly, after near bankrupting myself on Dubai chocolate, I can not even afford a Freddo.
I decided to cure such January blues with a visit to the Emerald Isle for the much anticipated DRF.
Having already named a few horses that could potentially feature, I am hoping for some success.
I am already starting off with a victory as the turn of the month marks the end of ‘Dry January,’ something which I shall never do again.
Whether that is a bad reflection on me, I am not sure, but I shall be glad to gulp down a nice, dark Guinness.
Let us just hope I shall not be drowning my sorrows later.
13:30 (Leopardstown)- Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1)
There is not much I can say to try and jazz this up.
It would be a major shock if Final Demand was beaten. He has been the dominant force over three miles and there is not much opposition against him today.
Kaid d’Authie was impressive last time and if Final Demand has stamina concerns or is a no-show, he can take advantage.
Suggested bet: FINAL DEMAND (WIN)
13:40 (Leopardstown)- Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
A pretty competitive race, for which I already had my eye on two horses in the field.
Davy Crockett has been off the track since September and this is a tough ask off that break.
However, he is regally bred and has done nothing wrong in his career so far.
Talk The Talk was the other horse. He is unlucky not to be a Grade One winner already, when falling last time out.
He looked set to put the race to bed and if he replicates that performance, then he will be competitive in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Suggested bet: TALK THE TALK (WIN)
14:10 (Leopardstown)- Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1)
Queen Mother Champion Chase clues are on offer in this race.
Majborough might enjoy the testing conditions but he needs to sort his jumping out. Marine Nationale could be opposable because of the heavy ground.
Which leads me back to Solness. He won this race last year, after winning in December and he could do the same again this year.
He loves Leopardstown and he could also strip fitter today than he was on his reappearance in December.
Suggested bet: SOLNESS (WIN)
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14:45 (Leopardstown)- O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
A typical pinsticker’s handicap.
JP McManus is responsible for seven runners and Sa Majeste could be the most interesting.
McManus’ newly announced, soon-to-be retained rider Harry Cobden is onboard and he was third in the Kim Muir at last year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Before that, he had beaten Affordale Fury, who has since gone on to beat Galopin Des Champs and co in the Savills Chase.
Willie Mullins also has Uncle Pat in this race, who will probably improve for the step back up in trip.
In his previous race, he was sixth and that turned out to be a pretty good race. He arrives here with a featherweight and could be one to keep an eye out for.
Suggested bets: SA MAJESTE (WIN), UNCLE PAT (E/W)
15:20 (Leopardstown)- Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
We end with the feature race of the day, whoever wins this might well head to the top of the Champion Hurdle betting for Cheltenham.
Lossiemouth is the star attraction but I’m opting to oppose her.
Poniros was part of my aforementioned list and he is interesting coming off a break.
This would be a big ask but he has good novice form and could have a say in this division yet.
I will be interested to see how El Fabiolo gets on and Brighterdaysahead is always a threat on her day.
My vote goes to Anzadam. He has form to find with Lossiemouth but he pulled Patrick Mullins’ arms out that day.
If he can settle, or Cobden lets him go, then he could give a more truthful account of his running.
Suggested bets: ANDAZAM (WNI), PONIROS (E/W)
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