Five burning questions ahead of the 2019 Dublin Racing Festival

Will Le Richebourg go favourite for the Arkle?

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Le Richebourg looks a pretty solid favourite for the Irish Arkle. The six-year-old has excelled over 2m 1f this term and claimed a maiden Grade 1 win in some style over course and distance on Boxing Day. Win here and he could go clear for the Arkle at Cheltenham.

Lalor, Dynamite Dollars and Kalashnikov have all beaten each other in England. So a comprehensive win from Le Richebourg would lay down a significant marker. Knockanuss and Mengli Khan are rated his main dangers here, although Henry De Bromhead goes for a hat-trick in the race with Paloma Blue.

Who will stake Gold Cup claims in the Irish equivalent?

With the 2019 Cheltenham Gold Cup looking decidedly open – save a taking run from Presenting Percy last week – all eyes will be on the Irish Gold Cup for more pointers. Only three horses have won both contests in the same year, but it can still be an important prep-run ahead of the big one.

Road to Respect – last year’s Gold Cup fourth – is favourite for Noel Meade, although Al Boum Photo and Bellshill are all vying to give Mullins his 10th win in the race. Monalee is one who could appreciate the good ground, while Edwulf will be aiming for another big shock for the second year in a row.

Can Britain finally usurp Ireland in the Flogas?

Ready for a ding-dong battle between Britain and Ireland in the Flogas Novice Chase? Because that’s just what we’re going to get when four-time seeking Delta Work takes on four-timer seeking La Bague Au Roi over 2m 5f.

Both raiders have looked mightily impressive so far, although Elliott’s charge who has landed two Grade 1s to Warren Greatrex’s one. It’s difficult to call on form. So maybe a look at the historical trends could help. No British-trained horse has ever won the Flogas in its 29-year history. Good luck, Warren.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing