Smart mare looks set to lay down Limerick marker

The Christmas festivals reach their conclusions at Leopardstown and Limerick this afternoon, and it may just be a case of the class being at Leopardstown with the betting opportunities at Limerick.

The Limerick Racecourse Vets Mares Beginners Chase (12.35) features the intriguing Irish debut of the Willie Mullins-trained Benie Des Dieux, but she will have to be significantly above average to beat Keppols Queen.

A year ago to the day, this Jessica Harrington-trained mare was winning the Grade 3 mares hurdle at Leopardstown and, while it hasn't quite clicked for her over fences to date, there have been excuses.