TEMPLEGATE picks out his four best bets for the scintillating Boxing Day racing in Leopardstown.
Huge Arkle fancy Romeo Coolio is one of those strutting his stuff as the Irish track kicks off its Christmas festival.
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1.10 Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle
BARBIZON was useful on the Flat but looked a star in the making when winning on his hurdles debut at Navan last month.
He tanked along and his rider barely had to move to run four lengths clear of his rivals.
He could have won by half the track and can take a giant stride forward for Gordon Elliott.
1.45 Novice Handicap Hurdle
IT’S nice to see the Jessica Harrington yard with a nice jumper and they have a decent prospect on their hands in POWERFUL.
He showed some promise in non-handicaps with a photo-finish second at Kilbeggan before hitting the frame again at Navan in September.
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The step forward came when he scored at Punchestown last time on handicap debut.
He could be picked as the winner early in the straight and was just nudged into the lead near the line.
A 7lb hike in the weights won’t be enough to stop his progress.
2.20 Grade 1 Novice Chase
ROMEO COOLIO looked right out of the top drawer when cruising to victory in the Grade 1 Drinmore at Fairyhouse last month.
He jumped like an old hand on just his second spin over fences and looks every bit as good as his impressive hurdling form.
He’s no price but it will be disappointing if he can’t get the job done again.
If you’re looking for a forecast, July Flower was impressive when taking a Cheltenham Grade 2 last time and can follow him home.
2.55 Handicap Chase
MILAN FORTH ran out of petrol over 2m6f at Thurles on comeback after travelling strongly until the closing stages.
He will come on for that first run in six months and dropping back by more than half a mile looks a wise move.
We should see a much better performance here.
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