Our Irish racing expert has three fancies on Sunday, including one in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. Watch how Johnny's selections fare live on Racing TV.
Willie Mullins was smiling a great deal on Saturday having saddled four winners, including three in the Grade One races, on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival.
However, I am confident he will struggle to win the big one on Sunday, despite the serial Irish champion trainer having two massive players among the five contenders.
There are four Grade Ones on Sunday, and the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup is the only race that is unlikely to have an odds-on favourite but, for all of that, every race is utterly captivating in its own right.
Even the concluding bumper is a cracker. Don’t forget to check out the On The Wire podcast (below) for a range of selections on Sunday.
1.40 Leopardstown: Quilixios at a general 11-8
The testing hurdles track will suit this horse greatly and Davy Russell says it is hard enough to split him, and Zanahiyr who is favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
I find it impossible to pick a hole in the selection and he should make all here.
Last year’s winner looks value here at 4-1. It was unlike him to unseat his rider in the Savills Chase at Christmas when he wasn’t much bigger in the betting in a far bigger field.
I have it between last year’s winner, and Minella Indo, who also failed to complete here in December, but Delta Work is a much bigger price and looks worth siding with.
4.10 Leopardstown: Farclas at 17-2 with Bet Victor
A rock-solid contender here off a rating of 143.
Classy over hurdles, he advertised his claims with a fine run here over Christmas, and dropping back in trip can help a horse who apparently was well-fancied before being rerouted from a Thyestes that a stablemate won.