Leopardstown preview: Coral.ie Leopardstown Handicap Chase (15.00)

David Metcalf | January 16, 2016

Empire Of Dirt looks decent value to land a deserved big race success in the Coral.ie Leopardstown Handicap Chase (15.00).

The Colm Murphy trained gelding was a usful hurdler who showed steadily progressive form over fences last season.

After finishing in the frame on two occasions, including when third to the highly-regarded Wounded Warrior, Empire Of Dirt showed a good attitude to get off the mark over the larger obstacles when beating Champagne James in a 2m 4f contest on soft ground at Naas.

The nine-year-old raced close up, and after being produced to challenge at the last dug deep on the run-in to win going away by a length.

It was a gutsy and taking performance, and one which suggested Empire Of Dirt would have more to offer this season.

Empire of Dirt could reign supreme

That view was confirmed on seasonal reappearance in the valuable Troyton Chase at Navan where Empire Of Dirt was travelling strongly in a share of the lead when coming to grief at the third last.

The son of Westerner hadn’t been asked for any serious effort, and to my eyes would have gone very close to landing the spoils had he stood on his feet.

Empire Of Dirt backed that up with a solid second at Punchestown, before disappointing last time out when pulled-up in a valuable contest at this venue.