Leopardstown Christmas Festival Day 4 tips: Alpha holds all the aces

Although he has work to do on the book to turn the tables with the winner, the selection will relish the step up in trip and is strongly fancied to gain his revenge and get back to winning ways.

Petit Mouchoir primed Ryanair Hurdle mission

Petit Mouchoir has shaped well in both starts this season and looks decent value to turn over Nichols Canyon and land the Grade 1 Ryanair Hurdle (14.30).

The five-year-old had some very useful form to his name last season when in the care of Willie Mullins, opening his account over hurdles at the first time of asking when scoring easily at Thurles, before running a blinder when stepped up into Grade 1 company and finishing a 1 1/2 length third to Long Dog at this meeting.

He has since joined Henry De Bromhead and looked the likely winner of the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last time out, when travelling powerfully at the head of affairs and coming to grief three from home.

To find out the full reasons why he is worth a bet to turn over the red-hot favourite check out our full in-depth preview of the race.

Exactoris appeals on handicap debut

Exactoris was a big eye-catcher last time out and looks worth a wager at the the odds on offer in the 2m 4f Top Oil E.B.F. Novice Handicap Hurdle (15.05).

Trained by Joseph O’Brien, the five-year-old stayed on strongly from well off the pace to be nearest at the finish and a 3 1/2 length fourth to Bel Ami De Sivola at Fairyhouse.

It was a highly encouraging comeback run after 128 days on the sidelines and Exactoris has been allotted an opening handicap mark of 123 on the back of it.

That could well be on the lenient side given that he has some smart form to his name in bumpers and the J P McManus owned gelding looks a potential improver now going down the handicap route.

Connections has also booked promising young rider J J Slevins to do the steering and, if taking his 7lb claim into account, Exactoris looks weighted to take all the beating.

Leopardstown tips for Thursday, December 29

12.20: I Knew Well
12.50: Coeur Joyeux
13.20: Slowmotion
13.55: Alpha Des Obeaux (NAP)
14.30: Petit Mouchoir
15.05: Exactoris (NB)
15.35: Burren Life

Related

You’ll find more top horse racing betting tips on our dedicated page.