The Independent's journalism receives support from our readers. When you click on links to other websites from our pages, we may earn commission from those referrals.
Today's Horse Racing Tips: Best Bets for the Dublin Racing Festival
Horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has thoroughly analysed Monday's card at the Dublin Racing Festival, providing his expert selections for punters looking to start the week with potential winners. The Saturday programme has been rearranged for today, offering racing enthusiasts an exciting Monday alternative to chase away any weekend blues.
Today's Racing Selections
Love Me Tender (13.15, Leopardstown) – 0.5 points each-way @ 8/1 (Ladbrokes)
Gaelic Warrior (15.30, Leopardstown) – 1 point each-way @ 9/2 (Unibet)
Jasko Des Dames (16.05, Leopardstown) – 1 point each-way @ 12/1 (Unibet)
Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Leopardstown, 13.15)
Willie Mullins saddles the ante-post favourite Doctor Steinberg for the opening race of the Dublin Racing Festival, which comes as little surprise given the trainer's formidable reputation. The horse demonstrated strong staying power when winning a Grade 2 event at Navan last time out, seeing off his main rival and maintaining his advantage right to the finish line over the 2m4f distance.
However, he faces significant competition from Gordon Elliott's pair Kazansky, himself a Grade 2 winner, and Santo Sospir, who impressed with a comfortable victory in a Clonmel hurdle last time and should appreciate the ground conditions.
Among other contenders in this Grade 1 contest, Mullins' apparent second string Love Me Tender warrants serious consideration. Although odds on betting platforms have been shortening for this bumper and Grade 3 hurdle winner, he still represents excellent value. He has previously won by a substantial margin over 2m3f, and his third-place finish in a Grade 1 race here over Christmas was respectable given the trip appeared too short for his capabilities. The step up in distance should suit him perfectly, potentially enabling him to secure a place finish or possibly even better.
Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Leopardstown, 15.30)
This race promises to be an absolute thriller, featuring two Cheltenham Gold Cup winners, a multiple Irish Gold Cup winner, a Ryanair winner, an Arkle winner, a Grand National winner, and the recent Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury among the contenders.
Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup and Irish Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs tops the ante-post lists on horse racing betting platforms, which seems justified given his outstanding record. A strong case can be made for him again, despite fading after hitting the front in last month's Savills Chase and ultimately finishing behind Affordale Fury and stablemate I Am Maximus.
At just ten years old, he typically improves after his seasonal reappearance, so we can reasonably expect at least a similar performance here.
Willie Mullins clearly aims to dominate this prize, with eight of the fifteen declared runners coming from his yard, including both Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File. While both horses have their merits, Fact To File's optimal distance appears to be around 2m4f at this level.
At the current prices, 11/2 represents excellent value for Gaelic Warrior, who performed creditably when defeated in the King George VI Chase last time, demonstrates remarkable toughness, and at eight years old is entering his prime racing years. The main concern would be his tendency to race too freely early on, but he possesses considerable ability. He sits just 3lb below the favourite on official ratings and looks capable of finishing in the first three for an each-way profit. Should Galopin Des Champs perform slightly below his best, Gaelic Warrior might even defeat his stablemate in what promises to be a fascinating contest.
Barberstown Castle Handicap Chase (Leopardstown, 16.05)
Having finished fifth at generous odds in last season's Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival, the 8/1 available for Henry De Bromhead-trained Jasko Des Dames offers genuine value in this 2m1f contest.
He arguably boasts the strongest form credentials in this field and comes into the race refreshed after tiring up the Cheltenham hill when last seen in October. Previous victories on soft ground indicate he won't be troubled by the conditions, and his Festival experience last year suggests he can handle the competitive nature of this type of contest.
With just eight chase starts to his name, he remains relatively unexposed and appears capable of securing a place finish, with winning possibilities if he can build upon previous performances – something well within his capabilities.
Responsible Gambling Guidance
If you plan to place bets on today's racing, it is essential to gamble responsibly. Bettors must take proactive steps to maintain control over their time and budget when using gambling platforms, whether accessing betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino applications, or any other gambling medium.
Even the most knowledgeable racing enthusiasts can experience losing bets, so always establish a budget beforehand and never attempt to recover losses through further betting.
Particular caution should be exercised regarding free bets or casino bonuses, which are frequently promoted on gambling platforms but require careful consideration. Maintain control by utilising responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion options, and time-out features.
Should you experience any gambling-related concerns, several organisations provide free support and advice, including the NHS Help service, GamCare, and Gamblers Anonymous.
While The Independent may earn commission from some links within this article, this never influences our editorial content. Such revenue contributes to funding journalism across our publication.
We strive to provide every online gambler and Independent reader with a safe, fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's leading online gambling companies.
Remember that gambling can become addictive – always play responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites offer various tools to help you stay in control, including deposit limits and time-outs. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, advice and support are immediately available from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
All offers and odds mentioned in this article were correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change. Terms and conditions apply to all promotional offers.
