Two for me at Leopardstown
2.10 Grey Monk
Decent wee maiden here, Thunder And Roses will probably be favourite as he just about sets the standard but he has had a couple of hard races recently and has had a few chances now, clearly capable of winning a maiden but I dont think he is anything special and he looks beatable here. Operating is another with form well up to winning a maiden, ran his best race to date when close 3rd behind Anonis and The Paparazzi Kid on Boxing Day, but Anonis kicked every hurdle that day and the Paparazzi Kid is a bit of monkey so it probably flatters him, cant get the image of Rory Omoore beating him 25 lengths out of my head and I think he will be underpriced again here. Not much to say about Upazo other than I cant be having him, disappointing favourite on all 3 runs this season and he will have to show something else to even get involved in this. That brings me to Grey Monk, 8 length winner of a point from the impressive bumper winner Ceasar Milan, ran a really promising race behind Ned Buntline on hurdles debut but got turned over in weaker race when strongly fancied last time. Im willing to give him another chance as I think the ground was just too soft for him at Fairyhouse and with the better ground here and the step up in trip I think we will see a different horse. Im hoping he might be overlooked a bit in the market tomorrow but we will see, im convinced he is the best horse in the race in terms of future potential over fences and im confident of a big run.
3.40 Rupert Lamb 9/4
Straightforward, progressive chaser, he has the beating of The Real Article on their last run and although Dylan Ross is classy on his day, he has to be produced perfectly and I cant have him going past Rupert Lamb. Savello appears to have a bit to find on form, Cootamundra could be the danger if this race isnt coming too soon for him, but hes another who I just dont see going past. 9/4 looks a fair price. Decent bet.