Drama is certain as big names clash at the Dublin Racing Festival - but will we see a convincing Champion Hurdle favourite?

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It's time for the might of Ireland to reveal itself. This weekend brings the Dublin Racing Festival, our annual pre-spring reminder of how much top-class jump racing talent resides in Carlow, Meath and Waterford. 

As ever, there's a dual aspect to the action at Leopardstown. These races are ends in themselves and, for some connections, any victory there would be the highlight of their time in the sport; but many onlookers are also hoping for final clues ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, just six weeks away.

In particular, a bit of clarity at the top of the Champion Hurdle market would be most welcome. So the Irish Champion Hurdle will be even more of an occasion than normal on Sunday. 

Drama seems assured. Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead take each other on again, having been split by just a length at Christmas. Poniros could make his reappearance, the 100-1 Triumph winner having not been seen since Royal Ascot defeat.

Willie Mullins, who is perfectly capable of winning Grade 1s with back-up runners, may not rely solely on Lossiemouth. El Fabiolo, Anzadam and Ballyburn could also turn up, all of them seeking some kind of redemption for past disappointments.

Haiti Couleurs: being aimed at the Irish Gold CupCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Saturday's highlight will be the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, a mystery with a potential cast list of 20 at the time of writing. Galopin Des Champs seeks a fourth consecutive success but has ground to make up on Affordale Fury from the Savills Chase. 

What will we see from Inothewayurthinkin this time? His cause would seem hopeless, judged by two runs this season, but we remember how he reached his peak last spring. Gavin Cromwell returned to winning form at Gowran last week, so there must be renewed hope for the best horse in his yard.

Haiti Couleurs makes a brave journey over from Wales, while Fact To File, Spindleberry and I Am Maximus all have a chance to stick their oars in.

Key mission for Marine

Bits of even money are available about Marine Nationale in the Dublin Chase, in which he is expected to turn around Christmas form with Solness. Owner-trainer Barry Connell dismissed Jonbon's recent Ascot win as "a Mickey Mouse race", so will be keen to see an impressive performance from his own star, knowing others will have plenty to say if Marine Nationale can't get it done this time. Majborough and Dinoblue will seek to test him.

Marine Nationale: big date in Dublin ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann

Leopardstown's two days will also give plenty of insights into the pecking order among novices. If it keeps raining in the Dublin area (and forecasts predict that it will) then we may see a clash between Kopek Des Bordes and Romeo Coolio in the Irish Arkle. Kargese and Irish Panther could add spice to that mix.

Final Demand puts his unbeaten record on the line on Sunday, when his stablemate Kitzbuhel could provide serious opposition. Among the hurdlers, Talk The Talk (a last-flight faller when victory seemed certain at Christmas) could prove himself to be an emerging star. 

Scilly Isles deserves scrutiny

Britain will stage a Grade 1 contest on Saturday, although the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown typically struggles for much attention when set against the mass of quality action in Ireland. Still, it can be a high-quality contest, recent winners including L'Homme Presse and Gerri Colombe.

Mambonumberfive: entered in the Scilly IslesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Impressive Wayward Lad Novices' Chase scorer Mambonumberfive could run for Ben Pauling and another potential contender is Sixmilebridge, a Cheltenham winner in December for Fergal O'Brien.

Some chunky prize-money will lure southern trainers to send runners to Musselburgh on Saturday and Sunday for races with names that echo those at the Cheltenham Festival. Thistle Ask was a winner at last year's meeting and could return this time as topweight for the bet365 Scottish Champion Chase, with Tommy's Oscar and Teddy Blue also entered.

Derby talk at Lingfield

Flat fans can look forward to Saturday's Winter Derby Trial, returning to Lingfield for the first time since Fancy Man won it there three years ago. Bangkok was a previous winner, on his way to Group 2 success and a stallion's career. 

Aisling Oscar: hunting more all-weather richesCredit: John Grossick Racing

The remarkable Aisling Oscar might be out on the all-weather again this week. Having won seven times in a row since late November, Adrian Keatley's five-year-old is entered at Southwell on Friday.

Wendigo Ayr show

A big name is expected at Ayr on Thursday, as Wendigo is a potential runner in a 3m novice chase there, with Gavin Sheehan already booked for the ride. Jamie Snowden's six-year-old was a close third in the Kauto Star on Boxing Day and is a 16-1 shot for the Brown Advisory at the festival.

Mister Coffey goes back to basics

Is this the day for Mister Coffey at last? Now 11 years old, he has never managed to win over fences, despite running to a high level on many occasions. Four years ago, he was heavily supported to win the Kim Muir and was beaten only by Chambard. A year later, he led over the second-last in the Grand National but didn't quite get home.

Mister Coffey (right): back with the beginnersCredit: John Grossick Racing

After being a runner-up for the tenth time in his career at Cheltenham in November, his sights could be lowered this week to a beginners' chase at Exeter on Wednesday. In no sense is he a beginner – but will he find a way to keep his losing run going?

Farewell Frankie

Frankie Dettori: one last hurrah in Brazil?Credit: Edward Whitaker

Finally, one of the great careers in all of sport will reach a distant climax when Frankie Dettori takes his final rides at Gavea in Brazil on Sunday. The effervescent Italian lit up British Flat racing from his arrival at Luca Cumani's yard in the mid-80s to his valedictory Champion Stakes win on King Of Steel in 2023. After a successful couple of years riding in the US, the 55-year-old has chosen to sign off with a tour of South American racing. Can he round it off with one final winner? Tune in to find out.

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