RACING expert Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) has taken a look at the best plays from Saturday's action.
1:25 Leopardstown | Racing TV
A tremendous weekend of racing in Ireland this week with Grade 1's galore and the Dublin Chase is a top class race that will provide Cheltenham clues galore.
There looks to be plenty of pace in the line up here so it should be run at a good pace. Min is a horse I love, however he seems to want a little further now and others may have too much
A Plus Tard was one of the most impressive winners at the Cheltenham Festival last year and put up another huge performance beating Chacun Pour Soi last time out but he may struggle to confirm that form here against a now race fit rival.
Chacun Pour Soi (15/8 BetVictor) shot to prominence last season with a hugely impressive victory over Defi Du Seuil and after the race Robbie Power said he was a monster. He travelled beautifully on his return however he didn't quite get home, but with improvement highly likely I expect him to rebuild his reputation here.
3:10 Leopardstown | Racing TV
The Irish Champion Hurdle is the highlight of the day and this looks a superb renewal. The market is dominated by three horses who have serious Cheltenham aspirations, however there is one at a bigger price who seems overlooked here.
This race revolves around Honeysuckle. She has so far not put a hoof wrong in her career and last time made light work of a good field in her first Grade 1 outside of her own sex. This is a further step up, at the minimum distance, going left handed for the first time and though she should win I'm looking elsewhere.
Supasudae (20/1 Bet365) is a former winner of this race, and this versatile hurdler is remarkably consistent. He is being aimed at the Cheltenham equivalent but he is likely to be match fit here. He is the benchmark for his rivals to reach and I would be surprised if he didn't make the places here, and he is a cracking each-way bet at fancy odds.
3:45 Leopardstown | Racing TV
The Ladbrokes Hurdle Is a two mile handicap with a field of 22, which is not my normal go to for a Saturday bet. However, this weekend is different. There is one here I expect to be far better than their mark of 137 and despite a disappointing run last time could be well in here.
Unexcepted (9/2 Boylesports)won in great style for Willie Mullins on stable debut but was flat last time out against Easywork, who is now we'll fancied for Cheltenham glory. He travelled well through the race and found little late on, but it's dropping back half a mile here and the big field, strong pace and more appropriate trip could see this half brother to Great Field out himself right in the picture for the Cheltenham Festival.
Best Bets
1:25 Leopardstown – Chacun Pour Soi (15/8 BetVictor)
3:10 Leopardstown – Supasudae (20/1 each-way Bet365)
3:45 Leopardstown – Unexcepted (9/2 Boylesports)
