Horse Racing Tips: Timeform’s Sunday Picks at Leopardstown with a 5/1 play

8mo ago

Timeform’s Leopardstown Racing Tips

12:10 Argento Boy
12:45 Taponthego
13:20 Lot Of Joy
13:55 Big Stage
14:30 State Man
15:05 Sa Fureur
15:40 Koktail Brut

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

Willie Mullins took this last year with top-class Ballyburn, and he can repeat the feat with ARGENTO BOY, who shaped with plenty of encouragement when runner-up on hurdling debut at Punchestown five weeks ago. He was beaten only by another promising type who has since won again that day and the pair pulled clear of the remainder.

The main danger may emerge from The Enabler, who took his form up a notch when second in a big-field maiden at Navan earlier this month, with I Am Lorenzo and Harbour Highway another couple fancied to be involved, too.

12:45 Taponthego

It’s hard to get away from TAPONTHEGO, who looked a good prospect on his debut, and built on that promise as expected when slamming 19 rivals in novice company by nine lengths at Tipperary a month ago.

The handicapper has taken a lenient view of that form, allotting him an opening mark of 123, and, with further improvement forthcoming, he should prove hard to beat. Big Chou also arrives on the up so he needs respecting, along with Fenway Park down in trip.

13:20 Lot Of Joy

This looks open, but LOT OF JOY was better than ever when scoring in listed company at Punchestown last time, given a positive ride and having a fair bit in hand at the line.

This demands more now moving into Grade 3 company, but the return to this longer trip will be no problem, and she can rise to the occasion again, for all that Jetara and July Flower have achieved a bit more than her in form terms as it stand. A case can be made for all of the remainder in a competitive renewal.

13:55 Big Stage

Any number to consider here, but BIG STAGE appeals as the type to do better in well-run handicaps over fences so he’s just about the most persuasive option.

He has shown ability in three starts in this sphere so far, notably when third to the promising Impaire Et Passe at Fairyhouse last month, and an opening mark of 123 may well underestimate him representing a top yard. Jouster, Ballybawn Belter and Doran’s Law are all of interest in a competitive event.

14:30 State Man

This Grade 1 sees the rematch between STATE MAN and Gordon Elliott’s progressive mare Brighterdaysahead. The latter beat State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown recently, but she had the benefit of a run, while State Man left the impression he’d come forward from his seasonal reappearance.

Indeed, Willie Mullins has dominated this race in recent years, winning the last six renewals, the last two with State Man, and he is expected to prove superior to Brighterdaysahead now.

15:05 Sa Fureur

SA FUREUR followed a promising third in a Navan handicap hurdle on his reappearance by defying his higher chase mark back at the same venue three weeks ago. He is 10 lb lower now returned to hurdles and this in-form sort and can go in again back over the smaller obstacles.

Mr Percy has made a promising start to his hurdle career and is a very interesting newcomer to the handicapping scene. Royal Bond winner Tounsivator and the selection’s stablemate Harsh complete the shortlist.

15:40 Koktail Brut

This looks an interesting event, but Point winner KOKTAIL BRUT made an impressive switch to Rules when bolting up in a Fairyhouse bumper at the beginning of this month, belying market weakness and looking potentially smart.

There should be plenty of improvement in him, and he’s fancied to keep his 100 percent record intact for all that. Sortudo also created a big impression on Tramore the first time out. William Butler is also considered.