Dublin Racing Festival Preview
Letter #71
No longer is it just the Irish heading across the channel in their droves to Cheltenham in March. Dublin is going to be rocking this weekend as Leopardstown prepares for what has fast become an annual invasion of British racing fans looking for a value for money alternative to Cheltenham in March. I’m looking forward to heading over myself to sample the festival for the first time.
The weekend itself will burst many big reputations and always has a dramatic effect on Cheltenham antipost markets.
I’ve highlighted some horses below to follow over the two days.
Saturday
1.20 Loughglynn
Solid bumper performer who is 2 from 2 over hurdles so far. He showed a good attitude the last day in a grade 2 over 2 mile 7. He was a little keen in that contest so dropping back slightly in trip in a better race should suit him. To me he should be the favourite ahead of predators Gold who has been impressive too buts whose form looks a little weaker. If there is to be a surprise I think the mare Jetara could supply it. She has plenty of gears and should improve over this distance.
1.50 Intellotto
Son of Lope De Vega who was a solid performer on the flat. Showed a lovely attitude on his only hurdle start to pull 4 clear of an ok field. On that form he really shouldn’t be a 14/1 shot in this. Willie throws plenty of darts at this race also and while Storm Heart looks interesting he is far to short for me on what he has done so far. The 2 mares might struggle in this company and Salvator Mundi has a stiff enough task after a long break. Intellotto looks a solid each way option at the price.
3.00 Music Of Tara
These listed handicaps I always look for mares that have a progressive profile as they can represent great opportunities for mares to gain blacktype. Music of Tara was the mare in the field I landed on. Her dam was a listed winner over the trip of 3 miles and now stepping up to this trip for the 1st time I expect Music of Tara to go close. She shapes like she will relish the distance and if she does then her mark of 122 could prove to be very lenient indeed. Current odds of 12/1 look generous and again she could represent good each way value.
Sunday
12.40 Foxy Girl
A race named after Paddy Mullins and interestingly enough it hasn’t been won by Willie in the past ten renewals. Foxy Girl Went off favourite for a similar race in December but got murdered as she came with her run after travelling strongly towards the rear of the field. She is short enough for this at around 3/1 but there is a strong suspicion she could be on a decent mark and she is worth supporting to deliver on this occasion.
3.20 Heart Wood
Lightly raced chaser from the Henry de Bromhead stable. I thought he shaped with plenty of promise on his latest start when chasing home Grangeclare West. He could be potentially well treated off a mark of 136 now he is stepping up in trip slightly here. Solid each way chance.
3.50 The Model Kingdom
Again another competitive listed handicap hurdle. I’ve gone for another mare who ran a cracker when 2nd to Magic Tricks 3 runs back and now on slightly better ground she should be ready to close here with conditions more in her favour.
2024 Brownsbarn Events
Cheltenham Preview Night - March - Date / Time / Venue - TBC
July Cup Picnic - Newmarket (July Course)- Saturday 13th July - Time - TBC
Breeders Cup Party - November 2nd - Time / Venue - TBC
Tattersalls December Sale, End of Year Gathering - November 30th- Tattersalls, Newmarket - Time - TBC
All the Best,
Charlie
Co - Owner
Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds