Its day 3 of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival and we run six and my thoughts on them are below.

Leopardstown Saturday

12.15

Earl Of Desmond (Robert Power)

He is a big chasing type and he will probably take a run. I love him as an individual and he will be a better horse with another year under his belt. I think he’d prefer slightly better ground, but I am keen to get him back started and he is schooling well so hopefully he’ll run a decent race.

Sonnenkoning (Daragh O’Keeffe)

He has had just the one run in a point to point and he didn’t appear to get home that day, so I think the drop back to two and half miles will suit him. The soft ground will be fine for him and he should run a nice race.

The Gabby Cabby (Paddy Kennedy)

He ran a nice race the last day at Naas and he was a little unlucky that day, as they took out half the hurdles due to the low sun and he loves jumping. He will appreciate conditions and he I think he’ll run a big race.

2.35

Rapid Response (Robert Power)

She hasn’t run since last season and she has had a wind op since. She should handle conditions but she is a big mare who will improve for the run. I see her as a future chaser, but this looks a suitable race to start her back in and we’ll see how she gets on.

Thegoaheadman (Paddy Kennedy)

He isn’t the most consistent, but he has enough ability to get involved in a race like this. It really is down to him and he is working very well at home and off that weight, I think he’s capable of running a good race in what looks a competitive handicap.

3.10

Jett (Robert Power)

He is a hard horse to place, but he’ll appreciate going three miles on nice ground, so we’ll let him take his chance. He has a lot to do on ratings, but he ran well the last day behind Douvan at Clonmel and I think he has come on again since. This looks a mini Gold Cup and it will be a big ask for him, and I’d be delighted if he managed to pick up some prize money.