Wednesday Lucky 15 Tips: Breathtaking action expected from Leopardstown

Wednesday, Dec 27th – and there’s no let-up in the quality of racing. Gems abound both in the UK and in Ireland, as we digest a simply sensational Boxing Day.

We tipped up a 10/1 shot to place, which he duly did, and what about that thrilling King George? Gavin Sheehan is fast becoming a go-to, big-race jock for the massive occasion – what a ride he gave to the fast-finishing Hewick, who we did at least give an honourable mention to beforehand.

The horse is versatile and hugely talented, but surely not many expected that.

Loads to anticipate today then – (Wetherby sadly now abandoned), Chepstow, Kempton and Wolverhampton; plus Irish action from Leopardstown and Limerick. Mouth-watering ..

This is an example of how to put together a Lucky 15 – if you can improve upon my selections (of course you can), then go for it!

Prices can of course fluctuate between publishing our pieces and race-time. As a guide, a £0.50p win Lucky 15 on today’s selections, at the prices, and assuming all four were successful, would return around £114 for your total £7.50 stake.

Popular legend confirms that Fred, ‘The Bonus King,’ invented the ‘Lucky’ series of bets and their bonuses. Want the lowdown – all the ins and outs? My colleague Adam has set out all you need to know with this handy guide – take a look by clicking here.

Leopardstown 12.05 – Ethical Diamond @ 7/4 

No bigger-priced longshots for me today – I’ve selected four horses that I feel have wonderful chances in some frankly superb races. The first of them is a Willie Mullins youngster in a maiden hurdle race that the trainer has won 4 times in the last 7 years.

Ethical Diamond arrives from the flat as a summer maiden scorer at Limerick under the brilliant Billy Lee. Seems they’ve had the winter game in mind for some time as that was that, and on Nov 1st the 3-yr-old gelding joined the master trainer at Closutton. I’m guessing he’s been showing plenty at home and I can’t wait to see him this afternoon.

Messrs J O’Brien  and G Elliott among others field very dangerous-looking opponents but I’m happy to side with Willie. What a way to start the day.

Leopardstown 13.10 – Captain Guinness @ 6/4

I loved the way this one won at Navan last time – a proper 2-mile chaser who travels, quickens, and stays. Ran the mighty Jonbon respectably close at Sandown last spring, and this 8-yr-old gelding was second in this last year. He’s in better nick for me this time around, and is a credit to his handler Henry De Bromhead.

The ever-fabulous Rachael Blackmore again takes the ride, and a deserved Grade One success beckons, fingers crossed. JP McManus fields three, all trained by Willie Mullins, who also provides the fifth and final entrant.

Leopardstown 13.45 – Daddy Long Legs @ 6/4

Another absolute cracker. A Grade One for novice hurdlers, and a Mullins/Townend/Mrs J Donnelly 4-yr-old French-bred gelding.

One middle-distance spin in France (not quite getting there on ground with cut), and then a hurdling debut for Willie at Thurles in November on yielding (could well be deeper today), dotting up by 13l.

Gordon Elliott fields a JP-owned rival in Down Memory Lane, ridden by Derek O’Connor, the brilliant amateur. I fear this one greatly but wouldn’t swop. These are serious horses we’re extremely likely to see contesting races at the Festivals next year (won’t be long now). An absolute treat is in store.

Wolverhampton 17.30 – Warminster @ 3/1

To finish off, an all-weather affair on Wolverhampton’s Tapeta surface. The selection Warminster is a 3-yr-old gelding in the yard of Scottish-based Katie Scott, who acquired the horse from Robert Cowell in October.

18 days ago he ran a blinder at Newcastle, same grade/trip, just failing by three-parts-of-a-length. The winner has since all but defied a penalty and it was over 2l back to the third. Sprinting is often a game of inches and for me that rates, at this modest level, a very fine effort.

Winner waiting to happen. Let’s hope that wait ends at Dunstall Park soon after five-thirty, and nicely drawn in the four box, too.

Lucky 15 tips, from Betfred Insights.