Declan Rix and Sam Boswell join presenter Kate Tracey ahead of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown this weekend.
Of the eight Grade 1s scheduled, three had special interest in the Irish Gold Cup, which saw Galopin Des Champs emulate Florida Pearl win four Irish Gold Cups, giving Willie Mullins his 15th win in the race.
His teammate Gaelic Warrior is also heading towards the top of the market alongside Ryanair Chase winners Fact To File and Affordale Fury.
Declan Riggs…
“Galopin Des Champs’ win in this race last year was outrageous and the atmosphere going home was as good as I’ve ever heard on the racecourse. He shaped his run like he needed it last time. He had every right to do so as he missed the start of the season through injury. But I’m willing to take him for a bigger price.
“lecky watson To me, it’s one hell of a bargain. He won the Brown Advisory award at last year’s Cheltenham Festival and although the renewal was poor, he continued to be a bare bones figure. He has not been spotted at John Durkan and most recently took part in the final jump at Christmas. He looked like he needed a race like Willie Mullins’ horse and at 50/1 he was so big he could sneak into places.”
Host Kate Tracy…
“I’m not really interested in the story aspect. If Galopin Des Champs were to win the Irish Gold Cup four times the atmosphere would be unreal and Jerry Hannon might be on fire. But his price is on the low side and I’d side with his stablemate. Grangeclere West.
Galopin Des Champs challenges to win fourth Irish Gold Cup
“His record over fences at Leopardstown was very good on the track and people seem to have forgotten about him. He is showing signs of his age catching up with him but he is much more reliable than many of the riders ahead of him on the market. I like him very much.”
Sam Boswell…
“Now, I’m going to side with the underexposed person in this lineup, but I like the way they’re campaigning for her and being bold. I mean, spindleberryThere has been a lot to talk about in the Mares division this season. The market wasn’t taking any chances with her price. For the win at Doncaster she tried to get from the front and dominate. She didn’t seem to like it, but won nonetheless.
“The owners want to go here and she has nothing to lose in a full re-signing. We’re going to learn a lot and she’s going to be successful or win, so hopefully we can steer her in the right direction.”
Watch all the weekend winners on our At The Races YouTube channel…
