With the postponement of Tipperary, Leopardstown has today to itself, something that those who found the scheduled clash between two IHA-owned tracks rather odd in the first place will appreciate.
There is little question that the fare on offer at Tipperary would have been more appealing but on the basis that a winner is a winner wherever it is, Morning Breeze is proposed as a value bet in the Laidlaw Maiden.
The Pat Flynn-trained daughter of Bigstone has had two runs and looks a type to improve with experience.
Her debut fourth to Alexis was an eyecatching effort and she showed she had come on from that to take second to Yeoman's Point at Gowran Park. She was beaten by just a head on that occasion but still gave the impression of a lot of greenness in the closing stages.
Morning Breeze is still receiving her racing education but those two runs should stand her in good stead against some dangerous looking newcomers today.
Dermot Weld introduces Major Force while the Aidan O'Brien and Kevin Prendergast yards also have nicely bred debutantes to keep an eye on. Nevertheless, the biggest danger to Morning Breeze could turn out to be John Oxx's Ansar who came with a big reputation to the Curragh last month but never showed with a chance behind Tchaikovsky. He should do better this time but maybe that will not be enough.
The most valuable event on the card is the £15,000 Premier Nursery and the Prendergast-trained Taisho is proposed as the one to be on.
A Gowran winner last month, this filly was expected to run a good race in the Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas and didn't disappoint, running prominently throughout and finishing third to yesterday's Horris Hill third Cobourg Lodge and Wish List. The luckless but consistent Taisce and the Dundalk winner Wild Heaven look the main dangers.
The course specialist Graduated hasn't run since early July but Jim Bolger is sure to have him ready for the Crofton Race and at his best, Graduated looks a reasonable alternative to the frustrating Heed My Warning.
Graduated actually won the JRA Handicap last year but this time round, the nine furlong contest can go to another previous course winner in Euphoric. Joe Canty's horse traditionally comes into his own at the back end of the season, is weighted close to Golden Fact on Listowel form and in Shane Kelly, Euphoric has a good jockey riding at the peak of confidence.
Dee-One-O-One reverts back to 10 furlongs in the Merrion Maiden which should give her a good chance of turning over Shah Of Persia while Smart Project can beat the Aidan O'Brien newcomer Give It Holly in the bumper.
