Timeform Shortlist: Leopardstown, Thursday December 28

12.15 attheraces.com Maiden Hurdle 2½m35y

Timeform Top Rated:
137p 7. FLAWLESS ESCAPE Gordon Elliott Roger Loughran
131p 6. DAYBREAK BOY Henry de Bromhead Noel Fehily
130+ 11. JETEZ Mrs J. Harrington Robbie Power

Analyst's Verdict:
Flawless Escape has the narrowest of advantages here in a race full of potential and improving sorts.The grey will need to be at his best to hold off the Joseph O'Brien pair of Border Control and Tower Bridge, who both look primed to get involved in the finish.


12.50 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) 3m

Timeform Top Rated:
162p 19. DIDERO VALLIS W. P. Mullins Ms K. Walsh
161 14. A GREAT VIEW Denis W. Cullen M. P. Walsh
160 18. ART OF SECURITY Noel Meade Sean Flanagan

Analyst's Verdict:
Isleofhopendreams looks the one to be on for trainer Willie Mullins who has four engaged here and looks likely to dominate proceedings. Stable companion Voix Du Reve may yet prove to be the selection's biggest danger leaving Mon Lino and perhaps Jarob to fight it out over the minor places.


1.20 Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m

Timeform Top Rated:
176 6. APPLE'S JADE Gordon Elliott J. W. Kennedy
174 3. NICHOLS CANYON W. P. Mullins P. Townend
165 4. SUPASUNDAE Mrs J. Harrington Robbie Power

Analyst's Verdict:
Apple's Jade keeps on improving race on race and is very difficult to oppose with the first try at three miles the only possible question mark. She is expected to pass that test with flying colours and should prove far too good for Nichols Canyon, with a big run from Jezki also on the cards stepped back up in trip.


1.50 Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle 2m

Timeform Top Rated:
141 14. CREEPING IVY A. J. Martin Donagh Meyler
140 11. ALE AMBROSIO Mrs J. Harrington M. P. Walsh
139 6. LIKE AN OPEN BOOK John Michael Burke M. P. Burke (5)

Analyst's Verdict:
Ale Ambrosio stands out here and is improving at the right time to make the most of her handicap mark this afternoon. Creeping Ivy may well have got in lightly from bottom weight and a big run is eagerly anticipated while Low Sun has the most room for improvement, and won't be far away either for Willie Mullins.


2.25 Ballymaloe Foods I.N.H. Flat 2m

Timeform Top Rated:
112 3. VOIX DES TIEP W. P. Mullins Mr P. W. Mullins

Analyst's Verdict:
Voix des Tiep arrives here with the form in the book under rules and will clearly take all the beating if able to repeat or better his course and distance second from February for a stable that excels in these races. Whisperinthebreeze caught the eye when winning his point to point as did Active Force and they can fill the places, though Buck A Trend could also go well at a big price.


3.00 Leopardstown Christmas Chase (Grade 1) 3m

Timeform Top Rated:
187 9. SIZING JOHN Mrs J. Harrington Robbie Power
180 4. DJAKADAM W. P. Mullins D. J. Mullins
179p 11. YORKHILL W. P. Mullins P. Townend

Analyst's Verdict:
Sizing John goes from strength to strength and may yet have even more to offer at the age of seven. Already a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner he cannot be opposed here, though top novice Yorkhill could well improve enough to give him a serious race if he gets the three miles as expected. Djakadam rarely runs a bad race and could yet be the one for the minor placing.


3.35 Midland Legal Solicitors Beginners Chase 2m5f

Timeform Top Rated:
156+ 4. SNOW FALCON Noel Meade Sean Flanagan
149p 1. BACARDYS W. P. Mullins P. Townend
122+ 6. WISHMOOR M. F. Morris Davy Russell

Analyst's Verdict:
Sutton Place was high class over hurdles and is expected to be just as good or better over the larger obstacles. He may well be good enough to win this on his chasing debut though Snow Falcon will be waiting to pounce should he make mistakes, as will Bacardys who ran well enough when third at Nass on his chasing bow.