Newsboy's Expert Picks for Dublin Racing Festival Day Two and Monday's UK Meetings
Racing expert Newsboy has delivered his highly anticipated selections for the second day of the rescheduled Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, alongside comprehensive tips for Monday's other fixtures across the UK. The spotlight falls firmly on the featured Group 1 Irish Gold Cup, where a legendary performer is poised to make history.
Galopin Des Champs Targets Unprecedented Fourth Irish Gold Cup
All eyes will be on Galopin Des Champs in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at 3.30, as the Willie Mullins-trained superstar aims to become the first horse ever to secure four consecutive victories in the prestigious race. The eleven-time Grade 1 winner made a pleasing return to action over Christmas in the Savills Chase, finishing a respectable third behind Affordale Fury and I Am Maximus after a 242-day layoff since his brilliant Punchestown Gold Cup triumph.
That comeback run is expected to have brought him forward significantly, and with the benefit of that outing under his belt, Galopin Des Champs is strongly fancied to reverse the form with the front two and inscribe his name into the record books. Jockey Paul Townend will be looking to repeat last year's winning celebration.
Mullins and Elliott Horses to Feature Prominently
Newsboy anticipates a strong showing from the powerful Closutton stable, selecting Doctor Steinberg to initiate a potential Grade 1 treble in the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at 1.15. The middle leg is tipped to be delivered by Narciso Has in the Gannon's City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle at 1.50.
In the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase at 2.55, the shock absence of Mullins' Kopek Des Bordes leaves the Gordon Elliott-saddled Romeo Coolio as the emphatic horse to beat. Elliott also saddles Staffordshire Knot, who is considered capable of rewarding each-way support despite carrying top weight in the Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle at 2.25.
Further Festival Fancies and Monday's Other Selections
For the Barberstown Castle Handicap Chase at 4.05, Newsboy sides with Addragoole from the Gavin Cromwell yard, preferring him over the betting favourite Jacob's Ladder. The final race of the Dublin Racing Festival, the Grade 2 Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast I.N.H. Flat Race at 4.40, could go to the promising five-year-old It's Only A Game, a Punchestown scorer who offers a nominative sense of perspective.
Beyond the festival, Newsboy provides a full slate of selections for Monday's other UK race meetings:
- Kempton Park: Onefournine, Il Va De Soi, Step Ahead, Swinging London, Arclight, Snapdance, Pitch And Toss.
- Southwell: Roger Rarebit, Flash In The Park, Wilstar, Mr Jukebox, Parish Star, Motazzen, La Higuera.
- Wolverhampton: Bluenose Belle, Leonetto, Colors Of Freedom, Francesi (NB), Magic Runner, Francesco Baracca (NAP), Electrocution. The suggested double is Francesco Baracca and Francesi.
These expert insights provide a detailed guide for racing enthusiasts looking to navigate the day's action, from the historic pursuit at Leopardstown to the competitive contests on the all-weather tracks.
