We hardly have time to catch our breath after yesterday's 11/8, 13/2, 1/2, and 9/1 winners, but we have another cracking day of horse racing ahead of us, with Lossiemouth vs State Man heading the bill on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival.
To the shock of many, Paul Townend has chosen to stay loyal to State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle. But as Roy Keane said, "If you want loyalty, get a dog." So his decision may come back to bite Paul Townend.
Before we get onto the Clash of the Titans, there are some fascinating clashes to get through.
The mares start proceedings at 12:40, but the novice chase of the weekend is arguably at 1:10 when Ballyburn goes head-to-head with Impaire Et Passe.
Ballyburn needs to bounce back from a disappointing run at Kempton, where he was well beaten behind Sir Gino in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices Chase. Still, the step-up in trip and testing conditions will likely be more to his liking today, but he may have to settle for a supporting role.
He hasn't been the most convincing in his two runs this season, whereas Impaire Et Passe has been nothing but impressive in his two wins.
With the testing conditions likely, he can take full advantage and get the better of his stablemate, Ballyburn.
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Can State Man Bounce Back?
State Man is on a retrieval mission today after Brighterdaysahead well and truly put him in his place in the Nevills Hotel Hurdle at Christmas.
That was nowhere near his true running, and you can expect a much better performance today, but he will need to be back to his brilliant best to give Lossiemouth seven pounds and a beating.
With Lossiemouth, there has always been the opinion that she has the makings of a champion hurdler, and after her two-length second to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle, you will be hard-pressed not to think otherwise.
Not much went to plan at Kempton with Lossiemouth as she was been niggled along from the drop of the flag, but back at Leopardstown, she will take all the beat under the guidance of Danny Mullins.
But the question is, will she be able to put in a performance to worry the fear into seven barrows?
The Warrior is ready for war
The enigma that is Gaelic Warrior looks to get his season back on track after what was a less than convincing ride by Patrick Mullins in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, where he only managed to take second place behind the reposing Solness.
With the rain that fell overnight, conditions will be much more to the liking of Gaelic Warrior, and he can take the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase before taking on Jonbon in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The supporting races bring some fascinating clashes, so let's glance at what we have to look forward to.
Dublin Racing Festival - The best of the rest
After a profitable day on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival, we are ready to attack day two.
Kopeck Des Bordes possesses a serious engine, but his jumping has been questioned after his win at Christmas.
But despite trying to kick every hurdle out of the ground, the son of No Risk At All still managed to dismiss Kawaboomga, who has since gone on to frank the form.
With Paul Townend getting the leg up for the first time, expect a much-improved performance.
Our tips for Day 2-
- 12:40 Savante 10/1 (e/w)
- 1:10 Impaire Et Passe 3/1
- 1:40 Kopek Des Bordes 1/1
- 2:10 Gaelic Warrior 1/1
- 2:45 Pinkerton 7/1 (e/w)
- 3:20 Lossiemouth 8/11
- 3:50 James's Gate 8/1 (e/w)
- 4:25 Amen Kate 4/1
