Economics v Auguste Rodin is the dish of the day on a nine-race feast at Leopardstown, and this is 'almost' as good as it gets

Probably the best Saturday of the Flat season, as a famous Danish multinational brewer might say. Actually, let's make a new slogan of our own: Definitely the best Saturday of the Flat season. This, my dear friends, is almost as good as it gets. You can blame City Of Troy for the almost.

The artist formerly known as Irish Champions Weekend is now the Irish Champions Festival and day one at Leopardstown is just as sumptuous as it was supposed to be when the brainwave was initially thought up. We have flicked on to episode number 11 now and it ought to be every bit as good, if not better, than the previous ten. Last year was a shade underwhelming, so it should smash that one.

Who knows how many people will bother to get up and actually attend the south Dublin venue, but those who do will be treated to a feast of top-notch Flat action. And, when I say a feast, I mean entrees, starter, sorbet, soup, main course, dessert, teas and coffees, cheeseboard, and then finger food. You won't leave Leopardstown hungry, that's for sure, as we have a mammoth nine-race card commencing at 1.10pm. You'll be stuffed come quarter to six.