Dublin Racing Festival Day 1: Four ante-post tips including a 14/1 shot in the opener

Liam Bramall

Published: January 28, 2025

Horse racing is in Liam's blood and his biggest passion is jumps racing. He can often be found at his favourite tracks; Chepstow and Cheltenham in the Autumn when the National Hunt action kicks off. In his own words: "I'm often referred to as a walking form book, a trait which comes in handy from time to time. My proudest tipping success to date was landing a whopping 682-1 accumulator at Epsom."

The Dublin Racing Festival always provides plenty of excellent action for National Hunt fans to enjoy. With no fewer than eight Grade 1 races across the two-day event, there’s lots to look forward to. We’ve picked out four ante-post selections for Day 1, which includes a 14/1 tip in the opening race. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Non-Runner, No Bet At Cheltenham Festival 2025

Applies to bets placed after 9am 17/01 on specified NRNB markets only. Eligibility restrictions & further T&Cs apply.

Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle

Bleu De Vassy (14/1, William Hill) could end up being Gordon Elliott’s main challenger, having previously indicated that The Yellow Clay will be going straight to Cheltenham. Stablemate Romeo Coolio had too much speed for him here over Christmas and a step up in trip wouldn’t go amiss. Clearly a talented horse, he won a Grade 3 easily back in November and could be worth siding with here.

Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle

Sainte Lucie left a really good impression when winning a maiden hurdle at Punchestown last month. She was plenty keen enough in the early stages of the race but still had enough in the tank to pull 11 lengths clear. Willie Mullins’ filly can improve on that and should have a massive chance, provided she settles a little better.

Sainte Lucie

Analysis

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Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase

Inthepocket wasn’t far from the top of the tree as a novice hurdler and missed most of a season through injury after that. He returned with an impressive success at Wexford in October and he got the better of Grade 1 winner Farren Glory, who went on to win next time. Henry de Bromhead’s gelding is better than what he showed at Naas last time and deserves another chance.

Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup

Monty’s Star looks well set to run into a place, provided the race doesn’t cut up too badly. He ran a cracker to finish second behind Fact To File in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham in March and stamina is definitely his forte. This big stamp of a horse will have needed the run at Tramore on seasonal debut and better is expected if he lines up here.

Monty's Star

Analysis

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Non-Runner, No Bet At Cheltenham Festival 2025

Applies to bets placed after 9am 17/01 on specified NRNB markets only. Eligibility restrictions & further T&Cs apply.