Danny heads to Leopardstown for some high profile rides on the 26th & 27th December and he's given his thoughts on their chances...
Friday 27th December
12.35 Leopardstown, Beginners Chase
LISNAGER FORTUNE had some good form over hurdles last season, including when only being beaten a head by Readin Tommy Wrong at Cork, who then went on to win a Grade 1. Lisnager Fortune won nicely at Punchestown next time. He has the size and scope to make a good chaser, but he’s the only one in this field without a run over fences and he’s up against a few experienced rivals today. It will be interesting to see if he adapts but if he jumps well early, we will be bang in the mix.
1.10 Leopardstown, Paddy's Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1)
GENTLEMAN DE MEE runs in the Grade 1 2m1f chase, and if he brings his A-game he can mix it with the best 2 milers, but this is a very hot race. Gaelic Warrior and Found A Fifty are probably at the top of the table. Found A Fifty has had a couple of runs, so it’s probably advantage to him at the moment. It’s going to be a good race and hopefully, Gentleman De Mee can get into that attacking style of jumping down the back straight which has seen him win at the Dublin Festival in years gone by.
1.45 Leopardstown, Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
SEA OF SANDS runs in the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle and was an eye-catcher at Fairyhouse in the Royal Bond. On that form, he only has to make up a few lengths on Romeo Coolio, which hopefully he has the potential to do. The other main danger in the race is Bleu De Vassy, who’s been impressive in what he’s done so far, but Sea of Sands is definitely in there and if he finds that bit of improvement, he’s bang in the mix.
2.20 Leopardstown, Spinal Injuries Ireland Handicap Hurdle
GAUCHER runs in a handicap hurdle for the first time today. He was only beaten by 9 ½ in the Royal Bond last time out. If he adapts to running in a handicap. A strongly run race could really suit him as he’s off a nice handicap mark and hopefully there’s not too much rain and he’d have a big chance.
3.00 Leopardstown, Paddy Power Chase (Extended Handicap Chase) (Listed Race)
MACDERMOTT runs in the Paddy Power Chase and he was very good to me last year. He won nicely at the Irish National Festival at Faityhouse and then went on to win the Scottish Grand National. With that recent run under his belt, that will really sharpen him up and I think he’s got potentially more to offer off his current handicap mark.
In his latest Diary entry, Danny answers the 12 Questions of Christmas covering a range of topics, including his best chance on Boxing Day. Watch Below.
🤳 Danny's Christmas Diary 📕
🎄 @dan2231 answers the 1⃣2⃣ questions of Christmas, including:
👑 What it's like to win the King George
🎯 Which Jockey most looks like a Darts player
🎅 Racing on Christmas day
⚔️ Lossiemouth or Constitution Hill?#DannysDiary | 🔞 GambleAware— Tote (@ToteRacing) December 23, 2024
