Racing: Sunday previews Leopardstown: Even if Best Mate and Beef Or Salmon weren't going at it in the Ericsson, the rest of Leopardstown tomorrow would qualify as top-class and Florida Coast can prove a class runner himself with victory in the Woodies Christmas Hurdle.
This one has found himself in the shade of his illustrious stable companions Solerina and Limestone Lad in recent years but still has a special place in the hearts of the Bowe family.
Michael Bowe, who does most of the training for the remarkable family operation in Co Kilkenny, has said in the past he finds it almost impossible to get Florida Coast fit. But for a horse that likes himself, he can still do it on the racecourse.
A second to Solerina in the Hatton's Grace was true Grade One form and Florida Coast gets a valuable 7lb from the topweight Sacundai who disappointed badly in that Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse.
That weight could be crucial in the conditions and Bowe admitted yesterday: "He is in good order and the rain has been a real blessing for him."
The other Grade One pot of the day is the William Neville Chase which has been thrown open with the defection of Nil Desperandum due to a leg problem.
That one's Drinmore form is crucial to this with Satco Express having finished fourth and Pizarro pulled up in that contest.
Separate to that is Emotional Moment's Thurles success and Colnel Rayburn's Navan form but on a testing surface and going that stride slower, Satco Express looks a value bet to grind them all into the ground.
The Durkan Hurdle is hardly the sort of race that would normally see a hurdling newcomer fancied but Demophilos is not your normal jumping newcomer.
The former Amanda Perrett-trained horse was runner up to Milan in the 2001 St Leger and has had the one run in Ireland for Dessie Hughes at Galway in October.
The mare Adarma has to give Demophilos a couple of pounds and even though he has never raced on anything worse than good, the newcomer is one to keep on the right side of.
Donie Hassett trains in Quin, Co Clare and can make the short journey to Limerick today a successful one with Doora Volunteer in the €20,000 handicap chase. Tomorrow the feature is the Grade Three novice hurdle named after Dorans Pride. No team will be trying harder to win than Michael Hourigan and Tom Doran who have Johnjoe's Express in contention. However, the sentimental scenario could be stopped by the Willie Mullins trained Clounties Hill.
