2:30 Leopardstown Tips

Galopin Des Champs has an incredible record over fences, having won all seven of his races. He is bidding to win this race for the third year in a row after winning by 7.5 lengths last year. He was beaten in the Cheltenham Gold Cup by, reopposing, Inothewayurthinkin and has missed his usual prep run. His course record is going to make him very difficult to beat.

Fastorslow has won four chases from 2m 1f to 3m 1f. He was third in a chase over 2m 4f at Punchestown on his latest outing last month. Being upped in trip to 3m should suit, and he could well be able to win this race.

Lightly raced nine-year-old who has improved with age. Three wins from six over fences. He had a smart 6-length Grade 1 novice chase on his final start in the spring, beating a capable yardstick into second, the rest were nowhere. Similar trip and good/yielding ground conditions today. Beaten just a short head seven weeks ago on his return, over an inadequate 2-mile trip, but seems in good shape. The favourite has not raced since April and could be worth taking on.

Affordable Fury arrives on a career-best run after powering home by 5 lengths in a Listed race at Thurles. He idled late but still quickened sharply and is again off a workable mark, now up to 157. He is a progressive chaser thriving over 2 to 3m. His recent winning form has been franked also. Could be a good each-way or win chance here against some of the best.

I'm keen to take on the top two in the market, who may not have today as their cup final. Whilst Fastorslow looks the main danger, I fancy Gerri Colombe to outrun his odds given the stable form. Off for 400+ days, but his record fresh reads 1-1-1-1-3, with the 3rd when seemingly amiss at Down Royal last autumn. Connections have openly suggested he's not a Gold Cup contender, meaning this prize becomes even more attractive. He was 2nd to Galopin in this two years ago, and conditions will suit.

Crangeclare West has won a NH Flat race, two hurdle races and two chases from 2m to 3m. He was eighth in a chase over 2m 4f at Punchestown on his latest outing last month. Being upped in trip to 3m should suit him, and he could well be able to win this race.

Stellar Story is a consistent sort at this level without getting his head in front. Nevertheless, his odds are very attractive for a horse that is capable of hitting the frame at this level, so is an each-way choice.

He is a four-time winning chaser who finished runner-up in the UK Grand National earlier this year. He likely needed the run when held on his reappearance at Punchestown last month over an unsuitable shorter trip, but the 2024 Grand National winner could get back on track today.