'We have a lot of time for her' - chase debut for Mullins ace Allegorie De Vassy

Wednesday: Limerick

Philip Dempsey’s Broomfield Hall could stake a bold claim as he seeks a hat-trick after winning on soft ground at Fairyhouse last month.

The Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase (2.40) is the feature race, in which the hat-trick-seeking Brandy Harbour bids to capture a big pot for his trainer Grainne O’Connor. Diarmuid Moloney has a perfect record on the Thurles and Limerick winner, who remains open to continued improvement.

Diarmuid Moloney and Brandy Harbour have proved a formidable partnership to date, with two wins from two.Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

“We’re absolutely delighted with him,” said assistant trainer Paurick O’Connor. “He’s a bit of an unknown really, but he has good point-to-point form. He was competing with horses in Boulta that are around 140-rated now. Once he found a bit of confidence, he hasn’t looked back since. He keeps coming on and he’s working well.”

Hopes were high for Velvet Elvis when he pulled up in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan, and trainer Tom Gibney is determined to put that right.

He said: “Something went a bit awry for him in the Troytown but he seems fine since. The ground at Limerick should suit him.”

Mullins is represented by Shadow Rider and the champion trainer is more hopeful than optimistic.

He said: "Shadow Rider is a horse we haven’t seen much of, and his form figures don’t suggest he’s one to be on having been pulled up on his last two runs. It’s his first handicap and he’s dropping down a lot in grade and I think the ground will suit him so if Luke Dempsey gets him jumping who knows which way it will go?

"Maybe it’s a watching brief with a view as to where he will go next. He has the form at the track, but we’ll have to see how he handles life in handicaps."

Wednesday's previews:

1.10 Leopardstown: Gordon Elliott saddles ten runners in Pertemps qualifier - but who's the pick?

1.45 Leopardstown: Can Bob Olinger earn poignant win for De Bromhead? Key Christmas Hurdle quotes

2.20 Leopardstown: Conflated spearheads Gordon Elliott trio in bid for more Savills Chase glory

2.55 Leopardstown: Talented I Am Maximus out to follow in Galopin Des Champs' footsteps for Mullins

3.10 Leicester: Girl power: Dame Du Soir and Ile De Jersey bid to beat the boys in Silver Fox

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday