Ireland today

Limerick and Leopardstown both stage the final day of their 4-day Christmas meeting today after suffering weather problems yesterday. Leopardstown had to cancel the last 3 races because of fog (not expected this afternoon), while Limerick had to abandon their steeplechases as the chase course was unfit; it is unclear at the moment if they can race on the chase course this afternoon.

Leopardstown has easily the better card today. Quite apart from the rescheduled Lexus Chase at 14.25 CET, the Grade One Christmas Festival Hurdle at 15.00 should offer some solid clues, with 3 live Cheltenham hopefuls in the line-up- Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell), Muirhead (Noel Meade/ Davy Condon) and Sublimity (Robbie Hennessy/ Philip Carberry). This is not really a race to bet on, but our fancy is Sublimity. The listed mares hurdle at 13.20 could also be informative, but in theory Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Paul Townend) can hardly lose this: last time out she beat Go Native by 13 lengths at Down Royal, and that one has taken two top Grade One races since.

A couple of German-breds on the undercard take the eye: Directa KIng /Dermot Weld/ Townend) runs in the maiden hurdle at 12.50, while Sweet Wake (Noel Meade/ Condon) goes for the 2 mile hurdle at 13.55. The latter was disappointing last time, but the stable is now in top form and he could be an interesting each-way bet.
At Limerick we expect Killultagh Queen to keep up Willie Mullins´ good run with nephew Emmet in the saddle in the mares maiden hurdle at 14.15, while Grainge Alainn (Willie Burke/ Shay Barry) is dropping in grade and can take the handicap hurdle at 15.20.