Night of a Thousand Stars ….

The four day festival at Leopardstown draws to a conclusion this Thursday after what has been a hectic week’s racing by any standards. Highlights for me would have to be Russell’s superb ride on His Excellency on day one, Big Zeb’s tenacious display on the second day and Last Instalment’s contemptuous treatment of his rivals in the grade one novices chase on Wednesday.

Feature race on the final day is the grade one Festival Hurdle due to post at 1.55. In the absence of Hurricane Fly the mantle of favouritism will probably lie with the Willie Mullins super sub,Thousand Stars ,a horse that has simply been mopping up while the champion hurdler has been on the sidelines. A big win at Auteuil was followed up with an impressive all the way success in the Morgiana at Punchestown on his latest start where he left another of today’s runners,Oscars Well, a fair bit behind. Another big run is expected in this event and whatever beats him will surely take the prize today.

Pick of the Harrington runners should be the afore mentioned Oscars Well who looked mighty unlucky in the two mile five at the Cheltenham festival when blundering away what looked like a winning opportunity at the last flight of hurdles. Luska Lad represents John Joseph Hanlon or ‘The Shark’ as he is better known. This horse performed the rare feat of winning four bumpers last year although recent runs suggest he will need to improve considerably if he is to trouble the main protagonist’s here. Paul Flynn runs his impressive Galway Hurdle winner Moon Dice. The drying conditions will suit him well ,however were this race a handicap, he would be receiving 18 pounds from Thousand Stars . A tall order indeed!

The Real Article ran up a nice sequence during the Autumn before finding Volar La Vedette too good up north at Down Royal on his latest start.  Back over two miles today and with the stable nicely in form he represents a useful alternative to the likely favourite.  The only filly in the line up ,Unaccompanied, is also of interest.  She’s a really decent sort who found only one too good in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last March. On her most recent start you just had to be taken with the  manner of her victory at Naas where she left Sailors Warn (no back number) well behind over two miles. Being a four year old filly she is also set to receive ten pounds from the remainder of the field which puts her into the race with every chance today.

Elsewhere on the card the beginner’s chase at 12.55 has attracted a really useful looking field. Hidden Cyclone,Shot From The Hip and Celtic Folklore are all due to line up in what has all the makings of a really busy race in the betting ring. The mares hurdle at 1.25 could see the front running Magen’s Star attempt to make all while the maiden hurdle at 3.05  looks between  Star Neuville and Vesper Bell .

Top racing from Leopardstown this Thursday and don’t forget to avail of our top service here at Star Spreads,simply call us at 1800 624 624 ,you won’t be disappointed!

Donal