AP can land Paddy Power Chase on Cause Of Causes

Leopardstown stages a top quality card on Friday with The Paddy Power Handicap Chase at 2.55 being the main betting event. Tony McCoy looks a significant booking for the Gordon Elliott-trained Cause Of Causes.

The five-year-old won the competitive Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot last season and followed up at Navan before losing his way. He has been slow to get his act together over the larger obstacles but ran a very encouraging second to Sraid Padraig at Fairyhouse in November.

The champion jockey has picked Cause Of Causes over three other JP McManus-owned runners and looks well weighted with just 10st 11lb. Dangerous rivals include the top weight Home Farm and the hat-trick seeking Questions Answered.

The Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at 1.50 should go to the Mullins and Walsh team with Moyle Park. The unbeaten five-year-old looks like Cheltenham festival material after trotting up by six lengths on his most recent start.

The Tullow Tank and The Game Changer should make this a serious test but it would be a major surprise if the favourite is beaten. Mullins and Walsh also have strong claims in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at 1.20 with Arvika Ligeonniere.

The French-bred gelding was disappointing at Cheltenham last season but has won his last three starts with the minimum of fuss. The veteran Sizing Europe is holding his form well whilst Kid Cassidy has a chance on the evidence of his victory over Sire De Grugy last time out.

Charlie Swan’s Tangled Web could end Arnaud’s winning sequence in the Handicap Hurdle at 2.20. The five-year-old sneaks in with just 10st 1lb to carry and can take advantage of a 23lbs concession from the top weight.

Selections: 12.20 Ivan Grozny, 12.50 Champagne James, 1.20 Arvika Ligeonniere, 1.50 Moyle Park, 2.20 Tangled Web, 2.55 Cause Of Causes, 3.30 Bosman Rule