Leopardstown Christmas Meeting: A Close Look at the Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle
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The Irish EBF Mares Hurdle at 1:20 PM is set to be a captivating race,with Jetara,last year’s winner,aiming to bounce back after an uncharacteristically poor showing. Despite finishing behind Home By The Lee and Bob Olinger in her last outing, she remains a strong contender. Pundits anticipate a resurgence, particularly considering she was backed as the 2/1 favorite in that previous race. World Of Fortunes has also garnered strong support, with a progressive repertoire that earns her a place among the frontrunners.
Meanwhile, the opening Grant Fit Out Maiden Hurdle at 12:10 PM is shaping up to be Argento Boy’s race to lose. Having finished a promising second at Punchestown in his initial outing of the season, he is expected to benefit from that experience. Additionally, the winner of that Punchestown race has gone on to confirm the form as, further bolstering Argento Boy’s chances.
Minella Post: A Dark Horse?
Although possibly overlooked by some, Minella Post emerges as a compelling each-way bet. With solid bumper form, including twice placing, he demonstrated significant enhancement in his first hurdle race earlier this month at Punchestown. “Sent off 50/1, he belied those odds to finish a good fifth, doing best of those ridden off the pace around the inner track, and shaping as if a longer trip and a more galloping track would suit better, both of which he gets today,” according to one expert. “The race produced a good Timeform timefigure and the form looks solid; the winner had been third in the Champion Bumper,the second had run to a good level on hurdles debut while the third won at Limerick yesterday,and Minella Post might well have been second best on the day with how he finished off.”
Minella Post’s trainer appears to be following a patient approach,and while this race might still be a touch early in his development,the potential for a strong showing is undeniable.”His trainer seems to be bringing him along gradually and while this might still be a little early in his development, he is worth a small each-way interest.”
## Leopardstown’s New Hurdle: A Handicap battle for the Ages
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Racing. Today we delve into what promises to be a thrilling highlight at the leopardstown Christmas Festival: the Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle, taking place on December 28th at 3:05 PM.Joining us to break down this competitive field is racing expert Alex Reed. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me! It’s great to be here.
**Host:** this race is brand new to the festival, replacing the Grade 1 Novice Chase. How meaningful is this change for punters?
**guest:** It’s a big shakeup, certainly adding an exciting dynamic.Handicap hurdles are always unpredictable, and this one is especially open with a strong and varied field. We’re used to seeing top-rated novices clashing in the Grade 1, but this Handicap will reveal some real hidden gems.
**Host:** Speaking of gems, who are some horses you have your eye on?
**Alex Reed:** Several horses stand out. Sa Fureur, such as, is intriguing with his favorable weight allowance based on his chasing form [[1](https://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/jockey/rachael-blackmore/000000013312/)].He won a Listed handicap chase recently, but consistency remains a question mark.
**Host:** What about Mr. Percy?
**Alex Reed:** He’s got the potential, there’s there’s no doubt whatsoever. He might have been closer to bleu De Vassy last time out with a bit more luck.His handicap mark is fair, but this large field and the jump racing demands might pose a challenge for his hurdling prowess.
**Host:** Any outsider picks or horses with intriguing form lines you’d like to highlight?
**Alex Reed:** The form of the Brown lad race at Naas in November is key [[1](https://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/jockey/rachael-blackmore/000000013312/)].the top five finishers pulled clear, and the fourth-placed horse subsequently won a Pertemps qualifier at Leopardstown. The Busy Fool, the winner of the Brown Lad, deserves respect, as does Sir Allen who finished third. He’s a promising juvenile hurdler who appears suited to this distance.
**Host:** Fantastic insights! It sounds like the Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle is a race not to be missed. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure. Good luck to everyone following the action at Leopardstown.
