classic trials at Leopardstown

some good racing at 4 meetings today, with the Irish flat Meeting at Leopardstown taking pride of place with its Guineas Trials. The card opens with 4 races for 3yo´s and it is quite possible that the two maiden races will be equally informative. We have no idea of the Aga Khan will be present in person, but he could be in for a good day he has fancied runners in all 4 races, with Kaleefa at 15.10 CET and Balansiya at 16.45, both trained by Dermot Weld, and Marakoush at 15.40 and Ebanoran at 16.10 trained by John Oxx. Balansiya could be the best bet on the card, as she was most impressive when winning her only start last season, but she has to see off a strong challenge from Aidan O´Brien, who saddles 3 fillies here, all bred in the purple.
The main event at the Irish N.H. meeting at Limerick is the Grade Two novice chase at 17.35, where 5 of the 6 runners hold strong claims. Willie Mullins, as usual, has the favourite Touch the Eden (Paul Townend), but he is held on New Year form by Rogue Angel (Mouse Morris/ Brian O´Connell). Our fancy is the relatively inexperienced Domination (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell), who was possibly lucky to win his only chase so far - here, but over shorter- but has plenty of good form over hurdles and on the flat to his credit.
In the U.K. there is flat racing at Doncaster and jumping at Ascot, with some very competitive handicaps.They all look very tricky, biut we hope that David Barron can land a double in the first two races at Doncaster with German-bred Fieldgunner Kirkup (Graham Gibbons) at 14.40 and Shesastar (Luke Dempsey) at 15.15. We also like top-weight Secret Witness (Ron Harris/ Liam Jones) at 16.20, while there could be a royal victory in the 3yo maiden at 15.45 with Ravenous (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), owned by Charles and Camilla.
Quite a few runners at Ascot last ran at Cheltenham, and as that meeting was less than 3 weeks ago, we feel that the form should be treated with caution. One time German Derby hope Milord (Kim Bailey/ Sam Twiston-Davies) runs in the opening maiden hurdle at 15.00. His British form so far is miserable, but we shall give him another chance to redeem himself in what looks quite a hot race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ceisteach - Meandering - Got To Dream
2. Race: Marakoush - Adjusted - Tigris River
3. Race: Indian Maharaja - Shining Emerald - Ebanoran
4. Race: Balansiya - Bracelet - Avenue Gabriel
5. Race: Sailors Warn - Battleroftheboyne - Hes Our Music
6. Race: Manhattan Swing - Indian Icon - Waydownsouth
7. Race: Teocht - Marchese Marconi - Hurricane Ridge