Who To Follow At Leopardstown On Saturday - 12/09/20

The first Group One on the card is for the Fillies over a mile, with the Matron Stakes been won by some superstars in the past.

The three year old is set to take on Fancy Blue who has been a shining light for Donnacha O'Brien but we fancy his father to get the better of him in this race with the race being over a mile and that suiting Peaceful much better.

The daughter of Galileo was a smart juvenile winning at Thurles on her second start and then finishing a narrow second at Newmarket behind Born With Pride in a Listed event.

She has come on leaps and bounds now a year older and on her first start landed the Irish 1000 Guineas, seeing off Fancy Blue in the Process.

She was stepped up to 1 mile 2 furlongs for the French Oaks was outstayed by her nemesis but going back to a mile and having a short break should give her everything she needs to win the contest.

Donnacha O'Brien will be having be enjoying his first Irish Champions Weekend as a trainer and not as a jockey and since the youngster turned to the other side of the sport he has been remarkable.

Landing Group Ones in England, France and Ireland he is seeking more glory this weekend and on Saturday he has some live chances.

He has had five runners over the last two weeks, gaining one winner which sees him currently pose a strike rate of 20% and with that Leopardstown has been a good stomping ground so far for the trainer with him running at a 21.43% strike rate.

Emperor of The Sun seems to be his best chance of the day in the Premier Handicap having ran nicely behind Galileo Chrome in Listed company last time out.

It might be an obvious choice but Ryan Moore having his first ride of the season in Ireland is something that can't be overlooked, especially with Aidan O'Brien having a strong team on the Saturday.

Moore has been riding well in England this season gaining over 50 winners and also running at a strike rate of 18.18% for the last two weeks.

Moore has some strong rides on Saturday with the likes of Japan, Tiger Moth and Fancy Blue to name just a few and he is certainly worth following as he thrives on days like this.

In the last 12 months Moore has ridden seven times at Leopardstown, landing three winners and a place which gives him a strike rate at the track of 42.86.