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St Stephens Day Racing Preview

Leopardstown - First Race: 12.20pm It’s the first of four fantastic days racing at Le...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.14 26 Dec 2012


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St Stephens Day Racing Preview

St Stephens Day Racing Preview

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.14 26 Dec 2012


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Leopardstown - First Race: 12.20pm

  • It’s the first of four fantastic days racing at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day where the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase takes centre stage on a superb seven-race card. The action begins at 12.20pm and the going is soft.
  • Arvika Ligeonniere was explosive when winning the Drinmore at Fairyhouse from the front and all eyes will be on him in the feature contest at 2.55pm as he faces a fascinating duel with Oscars Well. Dylan Ross, Benefficient and Baily Green complete the five-runner field.
  • There is also a magnificent match in the Grade 2 Q8 OILS Juvenile Hurdle (1.20pm) as the Dessie Hughes-trained Our Conor clashes with Blood Cotil. Both are unbeaten over hurdles so something has to give.
  • The opening Bookmakers Bar At Bewleys Hotel Leopardstown Maiden Hurdle (12.20pm) looks a real corker with Ned Buntline, the apple of Noel Meade’s eye, up against Urano and Notable Graduate.

Limerick - First Race: 12.35pm

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  • Mikael D’Haguenet is the class act on show at Limerick on St Stephen’s Day as the former Cheltenham Festival hero will start favourite for the feature Grade 2 Greenmount Park Novice Chase. That’s the highlight of seven races on the first day of the popular Christmas Festival. The first race is due off at 12.35pm and the going is heavy.
  • The switch to fences hasn’t been as smooth as anticipated for Mikael D’Haguenet but he seems to be getting his act together now and he should outclass Argocat and Far Away So Close.
  • The O'Kelly Bros. Demolition & Environmental Contractors Hurdle (12.35pm) gets proceedings off to an exciting start and the Christy Roche-trained Ballynacree may be the one to get the festive funds off to a flier.

Down Royal - First Race: 12.25pm

  • Salsify, who stormed to success in the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham last March, continues his build-up for the festival in the opening race at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day. The going is heavy and the seven-race card commences at 12.25pm.
  • Salsify faces some stiff competition in the Dark Horse Cafe & Wine Bar Hunters Chase (12.25pm) including Tammys Hill, who beat him recently at Wexford, and prolific point-to-pointer Slippers Percy.Noel Meade has enjoyed a fine season to date and he could be in the winner’s enclosure after the Irish Stallions Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase (12.55pm) as Johannisberger looks to be one of the best bets on the card.

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