Newmarket-based trainer Roger Varian has only had two runners in Ireland so far this year and neither have been at Leopardstown. That could be about to change on Thursday as he’s set to send his first runner of the year over. It also looks significant that connections have managed to obtain the services of Ireland’s champion jockey Colin Keane. The horse in question is due to run in the feature race of the day and it’s a valuable Group 3 prize. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Divine Jewel has had just one start so far this season and she finished third in a Listed race at York last month. It’s reasonable to assume that she’s likely to improve for the run as it was her first start for 238 days. Varian’s filly is still lightly raced and it’s possible that we haven’t seen the best of her yet.
She was only just denied in a French Listed race over 1m6f in September, finishing second by a short head. Disappointing on heavy ground in a Group 3 at Saint-Cloud next time, she can perhaps be forgiven for that effort. This filly’s last win came in handicap company off a mark of 75 but her current rating of 102 makes her one of the highest rated horses in the race.
Roger Varian has one winner from his six runners at Leopardstown during his career so far and he’ll be hoping Divine Jewel can better that strike-rate. You certainly couldn’t ask for a better jockey than the excellent Colin Keane and he’ll give her every chance of gaining a valuable victory here.
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