8:30 Leopardstown Tips

Has shown improvement since being sent handicapping and was a winner last time out. Raised 7 lbs over a longer trip but should be there or thereabouts.

Dermot Weld does well with his youngsters and this 3yo filly made a pleasing comeback after 6 months off the track to grab 4th at Gowran Park, now handicapping shes been given an opening mark of just 72 which is well within her compass

At 5/1 I'll take a win bet on Nicky Larson. A good few winners came out of that race who were down the field that day, so maybe Nicky Larson could go close here.

This 3-year-old entry looks a solid each-way bet at reasonable odds, as the unsettled weather and unyielding ground play to his advantages. Now back to a 1m distance, he is ready to show considerable improvement over his recent fourth-place showing at Sligo.

Only win from 12 starts came in the penultimate outing, but he was unable to build on that when finishing 11th of 12 last time. Each-way chance of recapturing that form.

Wicklow Gap is still a maiden. He returned after a six-month break to Roscommon, placing 4th of 14 over seven furlongs. This was a marked improvement over his previous runs. His running that day suggested that he was crying out for an extra furlong, so could do well despite an outside draw.

Not sure today is the day for JP's Express, but he is an interesting sort and this is his second handicap start. He has work to do from a tough draw in stall 17, but a positive is the step up from six furlongs to a much more suitable 1-mile trip. At least he has dropped 7 pounds from an initially harsh opening handicap mark. Jamie Powell rides for Michael Mulvany. Interesting ownership.