Friday saw Dances With Stars finish 2nd. The 9/4 favourite was at the rear of midfield early but he didn't have a clear run in 5th from a furlong out. He made headway between horses inside the final furlong keeping on well but he couldn't get to the winner No Trouble who won by 1/2 a length.
The Dublin Racing Festival begins at Leopardstown on Saturday with two standout Group one’s, the first is the 2.10 when 6 start the Patrick Ward & Co Solicitors Irish Arkle Novice Chase. Trainer Gordon Elliott has never won this race but his runner here Riviere D’etel could change that. She made it 3 from 3 over fences in a Grade 3 at Navan in December. She ran into an impressive Ferny Hollow in a Grade 1 over course and distance last time but is the way to go in this one. Blue Lord was a good novice hurdler last season and has a perfect 2 from 2 record over fences after winning at Naas last month. Further improvement is likely making him the pick of the Willie Mullins trio. Another one of his Saint Sam completes the shortlist, he was a good hurdler finishing runner-up in last year's Fred Winter. He has already proved himself a much better chaser when making a winning start at Fairyhouse last month. He is sure to progress and challenge here.
The other big race is at 3.15 when 8 begin the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. Kemboy is a top-class chaser who won this race last season. He was a good third to Galvin in the Savills Chase here over Christmas and should make a bold bid to defend his crown. Minella Indo beat A Plus Tard to take the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March and was an excellent 3rd behind Frodon at Down Royal on his return in October. He clearly wasn't right when he was pulled up 3 out in the King George and is worth another chance here to show he still has the Gold Cup form. Frodon is the only English raider who after winning at Down Royal was a below form 4th in the King George when attempting to win the race for a second year. He definitely has the ability to win here and it would be no surprise if he did. Delta Work,Janidil and Asterion Forlonge are the others to look out for in this highly competitive race.
Big race predictions: 2.10: 6: Riviere D’etel 3.15: 7: Kemboy.
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