Leopardstown Holiday Fixtures Are Heating Up
- By A.J. Ryder on December 19, 2011 19:14 GMT
There's a lot to like about the upcoming dates at Leopardstown as some of Ireland's best jumpers look set to do battle over timber in a variety of different contests. The latest news emerging from the Jessica Harrington yard is that last year's RSA Chase winner Bostons Angel will run with blinkers on during his prep for the 2011 Lexus Chase.
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His seasonal debut at Down Royal didn't go entirely according to plan for the talented gelded son of Winged Love as he unseated his rider and then went on to finish a tame third to Golan Way in his next effort at Sandown.
Sent off as the 2/1 joint-favourite on the day, he loped along at the back and did not look fluent – kicking on towards the end but having no chance with the winners.
The Lexus Chase had been the usual debut spot for the selectively-campaigned Denman who was retired a few weeks ago training for this contest. The recent movement in the betting market has confirmed that Quito De La Roque will likely go off as the favourite and you can understand why – having now won five contests in a row – all at Grade 1 and 2 level.
Punters will find Quito De La Roque priced out at 6/4.
The Istabraq Festive Hurdle will likely be run on December 29th and this one presents at fascinating fixture between the talented Oscars Well and last year's Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly. The Willy Mullins-trained seven-year-old will be likely sent out with Ruby Walsh once again and this one will be his first run since scoring at Punchestown in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle.
Grade 1 winner Bog Warrior will be taking to the turf at Leopardstown in the Racing Post Novice Chase and he'll be looking to build on the incredible 31-length victory he notched over a field of six at Fairyhouse just a few weeks ago. His second start of the year, he looks especially solid for this one and will likely attract a pile of attention.
Bog Warrior is already trading at a 10/1 price for the 2012 RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
