Joseph O'Brien is set to take a strong team to Leopardstown at the start of February in what looks to be an excellent renewal of the Dublin racing festival.
The stand out from O'Brien's jumping yard looks to be Le Richebourg and the young trainer has reported that the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase winner is in sparkling form at home ahead of the two day festival.
The six year old owned by J P Mcmanus will look to add another Grade 1 to his collection in February when he will be put in the Frank Ward Solicitors Irish Arkle, where the race is set to be full of competent Graded horses.
(Credit Racing Post) The Irish trainer said: He’s in good form and with a bit of luck hopefully we’ll get there in one piece on the day.
“He did it well over Christmas, but he’s going to face much stiffer opposition for the rest of the season. We’re looking forward to getting him out again.”
A host of British raiders will be sent over to compete in many of the Graded contests at the festival and there looks to be a potential 11 horses compared to just the eight last year all looking for Grade 1 glory.
Le Richebourg could do battle with two English trained horses in Gary Moore's Knocknanuss and Nicky Richards Reivers Lad.
Another bright spark from the dual trainers yard looks to be exciting hurdler Sir Erec again for owner J P McManus and he is set to go to the festival next month.
This horse made his hurdling debut at the Dublin track last month and rallied late on to snatch the victory and showed he is a horse that wants to win races.
He will be placed into the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle as he takes a further step towards his long term target of the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham which he is a current 10/1 shot.
(Credit Racing Post) O’Brien added: “Sir Erec is a possible for the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle. Again, he’s plenty to do between now and then, but he’s another one you’d be looking forward to.”