Saint Roi is expected to reverse Morgiana placings with Abacadabras in the Grade 1 Matheson Hurdle, feature of the final day of Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.
Willie Mullins has enjoyed another tremendous Christmas at the Dublin track. And the J P McManus-owned Saint Roi, although yet to prove himself at this level, might give the champion trainer a seventh win in the race in 10 years.
Progressive since joining Mullins, Saint Roi was an impressive winner of Cheltenham’s County Hurdle last March and returned with a smooth success at Tipperary in October.
Stepping into Grade 1 company, he didn’t enjoy the best of luck in the Morgiana. He was squeezed for room after the second last and only hit top gear late, staying on to get within a neck of Abacadabras with another of today’s rivals Coeur Sublime in fourth.
With Petit Mouchoir in today’s field, a good gallop looks guaranteed, which should help Mark Walsh’s selection.
A strong pace will also help Grade 1-winning novice Abacadabras, narrowly denied by Shishkin in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham and beaten by Aspire Tower (re-opposes) at Down Royal on his seasonal debut before bagging he Morgiana when he idled in front.
In the belief Saint Roi is more progressive and better than the bare Morgiana form – he gets the vote in an intriguing race.
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Leopardstown
12.05 Champagne Beauty
12.40 Stattler
1.15 Concertista
1.50 Monkfish (Nap)
2.25 Saint Roi
3.00 Visionarian
3.35 Hollow Green
Next Best
12.05 Askann
12.40 Lifetime Ambition
1.15 Buildmeupbuttercup
1.50 Latest Exhibition
2.25 Abacadabras
3.00 Premium Package
3.35 Dark Spark
Double: Concertista and Monkfish.
O’Hehir’s Longshot: Something Sweet (12.05)
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Limerick
11.55 No Grey Area’s
12.30 Larquebuse
1.05 Kristian Goingwel
1.40 Galopin Des Champs
2.15 Presenting Bonnie
2.50 Oneknightmoreihope
3.25 Digger Jack
Next Best
11.55 Baltimore Bucko
12.30 Scarlet And Dove
1.05 Rock On Barney
1.40 Grand Roi
2.15 Boomtown Girl
2.50 Fit To Be Tied
3.25 Resurrected Duke
Double: Galopin Des Champs and Larquebuse.
O’Hehir’s Longshot: Pairc Na Ngael (2.50.)
