‘He deserves more respect’ – Three outsiders for Day 1 of the Dublin Racing Festival

The Dublin Racing Festival is always something to look forward to, with two days of exciting action and plenty of Grade 1 races on offer. Leopardstown‘s winter highlight kicks off on Saturday and it should be competitive. We’ve selected three outsiders at substantial prices which may have been overlooked and should be capable of running much better races than their odds suggest. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.


2.25 Leopardstown

Il Etait Temps (16-1, William Hill) wasn’t far from the top of the tree as a novice hurdler last season and perhaps didn’t get the respect he deserved. He won the Grade 1 novice hurdle over two miles at this meeting last year in good style, beating Inthepocket by almost 10 lengths. Finishing second to Gaelic Warrior when last seen, the drop back to two miles will suit and he’s well capable of surprising a few here.


3.00 Leopardstown

Search For Glory (16-1, Paddy Power) has some excellent form in novice hurdles this season and is particularly interesting on handicap debut here. A Grade 3 winner at Cork in December, he wasn’t beaten far when fourth in Grade 2 company last time out. His opening mark isn’t particularly generous but there could be more to come in this sphere.


4.10 Leopardstown

Grey Diamond (20-1, bet365) was a useful handicapper for Sam Thomas but hasn’t really fired in two starts for Gordon Elliott thus far. The handicapper is beginning to respond however and his rating is now on the slide. Last winning at Haydock in March, that comfortable victory came off a mark of 135. He’s now returning to a competitive mark and it would be no surprise to see him bang in the mix.


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