Dublin Racing Festival tips: why this horse can win at Leopardstown this weekend

Our team of experts aim to give you an early steer for the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival, which takes centre stage at Leopardstown this weekend. Read on to find out who they fancy . . .

El Fabiolo

Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase (2.30 Saturday)

By Graeme Rodway, deputy betting editor

The only horse bar Constitution Hill to seriously test Jonbon when second in Grade 1 company at Aintree last year and made a superb start to his chasing career when thrashing Colonel Mustard by 19 lengths at Fairyhouse.

The sky is the limit for him over fences and there should be plenty of further improvement to come from such a lightly raced horse.

He has more potential than stablemate and favourite Appreciate It and can stamp his Cheltenham ticket by winning here.

El Fabiolo23:29 Leopardstown

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Jky: Tnr:

Freedom To Dream

Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (3.40 Saturday)

By Harry Wilson, tipster

Returns to hurdles after looking far from a natural over fences and looks to be on a workable mark now tackling handicaps again.

He finished second to subsequent Supreme Novices' winner Appreciate It in a bumper before scoring on his hurdling debut, where he had four future winners behind him. That was over 2m5½f and stamina looked a strength.

He finished a four-length fourth in the Martin Pipe in March off a 4lb lower mark, staying on well from the back, so the step up to this three-mile trip – he finished second in a 2m7f Grade 2 – could see him get back to winning ways.

Freedom To Dream23:29 Leopardstown

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Jky: Tnr:

Ballyshannon Rose

Bulmers Leopardstown Handicap Chase (2.40 Sunday)

By James Hill, tipster

She's yet to win this term, but this mare's been running well of late. Following a fine second to Dolcita in a Listed event at Clonmel, she ran better than her finishing position suggests in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

She was virtually wiped out at the third fence that day yet still managed to get herself into contention turning for home and was bang there at the last. She just didn't see out the three miles in the end, beaten five lengths, and will be happier back at 2m5f here.

Ballyshannon Rose23:29 Leopardstown

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Jky: Tnr:

Lily Du Berlais

Coolmore N.H. Sires "Santiago" Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race (4.40 Sunday)

By David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor

Won the Grade 2 mares' bumper last year and can repeat the feat.

She has been seen only once since that success but produced an even better RPR when flying home to take second behind Jetara in a Listed mares' bumper at Navan. The winner has since chased home High Definition and Ashroe Diamond over hurdles and I have no doubt whatsoever Lily Du Berlais is more talented than her.

This looks a weaker race than the one she won last year and I fully expect lightning to strike twice. I'll be bitterly disappointed if she's beaten.

Lily Du Berlais23:29 Leopardstown

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Jky: Tnr:

Dublin Racing Festival: best bookmaker offers

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