Horse Racing Tips: Timeform's three best bets at Leopardstown on Thursday

Daayeb - 14:00 Leopardstown

Daayeb, a 230,000 guineas purchase as a yearling, has made little impact in three starts in maiden company, but he offered a bit more encouragement at Naas last time, making some late headway. He's bred to be better than this opening mark of 65, while his latest effort also suggests he could be leniently treated, so this unexposed colt looks worth siding with.

Ancient Spirit - 15:00 Leopardstown

Ancient Spirit made an encouraging start for this stable when runner-up in a listed race here last year, and he has built on that positive impression this campaign. He showed a good attitude to narrowly prevail at listed level on his reappearance at Navan in July, and then took a small step forward to follow up in the same grade at the Curragh, looking better than ever as he stayed on well to score. He ran just as well in defeat here last time, finding only a progressive rival too strong, and he looks sure to launch another bold bid.

Dawn Patrol - 15:30 Leopardstown

Dawn Patrol caught the eye in a major way when storming home to finish third in the Irish Derby, making up a lot of ground in the final furlong after getting stopped in his tracks at a vital stage. He had to work harder than expected to complete a simple task in maiden company at Naas last month, but he appeared to be doing no more than was necessary and he is bound to be suited by this step up in trip to a mile and three-quarters. The unexposed Dawn Patrol retains the potential to do better over this kind of trip and should prove difficult to beat.