2:25 Leopardstown Tips

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Sallal will be all the rage after third last time was massively boosted by the winner Cicero's Gift's shock Group 1 win yesterday at Ascot and rightly so, but for me Fingerpaint has shown enough so far to think he will be decent. Caught my on debut then ran well at Group 3 level last time when plugging on behind Princess Child after getting hampered when making a move. Extra trip and emphasis on stamina should suit and has plenty of scope. Interesting connections have pitched him into decent company again given inexperience and I think if getting a clear run can trouble these as should like the extra yardage. Princess Child has since run well at Group 2 level at the Arc meeting and whilst that is obviously not as good as what Cicero's Gift had done to Sallal's form it is more believable! This one has been in my tracker and I think could be very good so will keep the faith as noted needed a step up in trip next time.

Queen Of Thunder has proven speed and should race close to the pace over a mile. Ran well in a Group 1 last time, beaten 5 lengths, showing me that she handles good and yielding ground. Likely to settle prominently and keep on strongly in the finish. Well treated for a win chance and lots of potential to pick off rivals late here.

He's a proven course specialist with multiple stakes wins here, including last year's Knockaire, and arrives in top form after a career-best 2nd in the Group 2 Solonaway over this mile. He now drops down to Listed level and gets the coveted inside draw (stall 1) around Leopardstown's turning mile. Going should suit and looks the one to beat.

Norwalk Havoc won his first two races last year, both on heavy ground, and won again here when taking this race on heavy ground last October. He has only had 3 runs this year, but back on heavy ground, was runner-up in a Listed race at Listowel last month. The more rain, the better for him, and he looks like a good each-way bet here.

Soft Winds is a 4-year-old filly by Night Of Thunder, trained by J P O’Brien, with Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard. She has 18 runs with 2 wins (11%) and 6 places (33%), holding her form well with three consecutive thirds, including a close effort in Listed company at Naas. Effective at 1m on yielding and good ground, also proven at this level. Travels well and finishes strongly, so she can go close again if the pace is honest. Each-way chance on current mark, which looks workable.

Rock Of Cashel is the only one lining up here as Aiden O'Brien did have another two in the field but pulled them. Wayne Lordon has the ride on the Wootton Bassett-sired colt, who will need to show more than he has in the last couple of runs.