Bellshill proved adaptability with speed test victory at Leopardstown

The Dublin Racing Festival has added a new dynamic to the jumps season and it will be interesting to see if a major meeting positioned six weeks before Cheltenham changes habits in the way horses are prepared for the festival.

It would be surprising if it were to have a dramatic effect as many of the big races at Leopardstown were already established Grade 1s in their own right.

This year’s meeting may not prove the best case study as quick ground stymied field sizes, but in the case of Bellshill it arguably makes him more interesting as a Gold Cup prospect.