16:55
Carrickmines Handicap Chase (Grade B)
2m 5f 97y
Going: Yielding (Good to Yielding in places)
Surface: Turf
Draw Advantage: NoneBIRCHDALE won the valuable Leopardstown Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival last year and put in another solid effort when bidding for a repeat victory last month, finishing fourth behind The Goffer. Aidan Kelly again claims 7lb while owner JP McManus also holds claims with Ilikedwayurthinkin who was well-backed when unseating rider before halfway last time and is now fitted with blinkers. Panda Boy has shown a liking for this venue winning a Pertemps Qualifier over hurdles and ran a cracker on just his fourth outing over fences when beaten less than a length in the ultra competitive Paddy Power Chase at Christmas. This step back in trip is a slight concern. Jerandme hasn't raced over fences since second to Discordantly in this event 12 months ago but should be spot on after a recent outing on the Flat.
BIRCHDALE won the valuable Leopardstown Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival last year and put in another solid effort when bidding for a repeat victory last month, finishing fourth behind The Goffer. Aidan Kelly again claims 7lb while owner JP McManus also holds claims with Ilikedwayurthinkin who was well-backed when unseating rider before halfway last time and is now fitted with blinkers. Panda Boy has shown a liking for this venue winning a Pertemps Qualifier over hurdles and ran a cracker on just his fourth outing over fences when beaten less than a length in the ultra competitive Paddy Power Chase at Christmas. This step back in trip is a slight concern. Jerandme hasn't raced over fences since second to Discordantly in this event 12 months ago but should be spot on after a recent outing on the Flat.