Classic trials at Leopardstown

3 of today´s 4 meetings in the U.K. and Ireland are over jumps, but it is the other card that interests us most - Leopardstown with its trials for the Irish (and other) classics.

Main feature is the Ballysax Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.50 CET, a race that has been won in the past by such giants as Galileo, High Chaparral and Fame and Glory, all of whom went on to Derby success and all trained by Aidan O´Brien. Today he runs John F. Kennedy, already favourite for Epsom and to be ridden by Ryan Moore, who has flown back from Australia for the occasion and is expected to be the main jockey for Ballydoyle this season. He has only 2 opponents today and will be at long odds-on - but is by no means certain to win. O´Brien has made a slow start to the season, while his main rival - and our favourite trainer in Ireland - Dermot Weld is in fantastic form, with 4 winners yesterday and operating at a 50% strike rate so far this year. Weld saddles the Aga Khan´s Zafinali, who is also pretty decent. In theory JFK should win, but the Weld colt might be a better bet at the likely odds.

However this race goes, Weld and O´Brien clash in several other races today and overall we certainly expect Weld to finish the day on top. He should take the listed 2000 Guineas Trial at 15.40 with Zawrak and also has a good chance in the 1000 Guineas Trial at 16.15 with Stormfly, who has already started off with a win this year. This race looks quite open, but Weld´s stable form is certainly a factor to be considered.

All Weld´s runners will of course by partnered by his stable jockey, and Irish champion, Pat Smullen, and the duo also have good possibilities at 15.10 with Zannda, at 17.20 with Zafayan, who has been placed 4 times over hurdles since he last ran on the flat, and at 17.55 with Sierra Sun.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Zannda - Wedding Vow - Athassel Abbey
2. Race: Zawraq - Jamaica - Parish Boy
3. Race: Calypso Beat - Legatissimo - Stroll Patrol
4. Race: John F Kennedy - Zafilani - Success Days
5. Race: Zafayan - Tooreen Legend - Fog Of War
6. Race: Aussie Valentine - Third Dimension - Vitally Important
7. Race: Lean And Keen - Unsinkable - Oor Jock