As autumn settles over Ireland, Leopardstown’s lush turf is set to welcome racegoers this Saturday, 18 October, for a thrilling lineup of seven competitive races. From promising young fillies to seasoned Group 3 contenders, this Leopardstown horse racing preview captures the essence of Irish racing, blending excitement with strategic insights for punters and enthusiasts alike.
The Irish EBF Fillies Maiden: 14:10 – 1 Mile, €25,000
The day kicks off with the Irish EBF fillies maiden at 14:10, a one-mile test for 10 hopefuls. Almeiyda (C.D. Hayes, D. K. Weld) is expected to bring consistency and stamina, while Amelia Earhart (J. Cleary, A.P. O’Brien) carries potential for a breakthrough performance. Other contenders include Aravalli (N.M. Crosse, Mrs. John Harrington), Ballycotton Bay (R. Coakley, J.S. Bolger), Camelot Queen (D.P. McDonogh, A.P. O’Brien), and Chasing Paradise (J.A. Heffernan, J.P. Murtagh). Each brings a mix of tactical speed and youthful energy, making this a competitive opener.
The Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden: 14:40 – 1 Mile, €25,000
Next up is the C&G maiden over a mile with 12 entrants. O’Brien-trained Antigua (J.M. Cleary) and Ex Animo (R.P. Whelan) are expected to shine, while Darius Dark (N.G. McCullagh, J.P. Murtagh), Eniac (G.M. Ryan, Donnacha Aidan O’Brien), Fits Perfect (D.P. McDonogh, Joseph Patrick O’Brien), and Grand Premiere (C.D. Hayes, Mrs. John Harrington) complete the field, promising a closely fought contest.
Mongey Communications Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3): 15:15 – 1m1f, €60,000
The Eyrefield Stakes draws eight contenders for a 1 mile 1 furlong clash. A Boy Named Susie (C.D. Hayes, Donnacha Aidan O’Brien) and Piazza San Marco (R.P. Whelan, A.P. O’Brien) are expected to dictate the pace, while Christmas Day (M.W. Hassett, Joseph Patrick O’Brien), Nil Bua Gan Dua (D.P. McDonogh, Joseph Patrick O’Brien), and Port of Spain (S.B. Kelly, A.P. O’Brien) add depth and finishing punch. This race is a key test for emerging stars stepping up in class.
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden: 15:50 – 7f30yds, €20,000
The afternoon continues with 14 fillies vying over 7 furlongs and 30 yards. Aquilla Star (D.W. O’Connor, John C. McConnell) and Arizona Star (L.F. Roche, Peter McCreery) could set early speed, while Celestially (P.A. Harnett, Donnacha Aidan O’Brien), Charm of Venice (J. Kearney, A. Oliver), Croi Gra (J.M. Sheridan, Natalia Lupini), and Divine Legend (J.A. Heffernan, J.P. Murtagh) provide a mix of stamina and tactical versatility. Field size will make positioning crucial.
Killavullan Stakes (Group 3): 16:20 – 7f30yds, €60,000
The Killavullan Stakes features five top juveniles over 7 furlongs and 30 yards. Daytona (R.P. Whelan, A.P. O’Brien) and Dorset (J. Cleary, A.P. O’Brien) are early favorites, while Mumhan (J.A. Heffernan, J.S. Bolger), Spangled Sands (D.P. McDonogh, Joseph Patrick O’Brien), and Yaupon de Replay (C.D. Hayes, Joseph Patrick O’Brien) bring a blend of tactical awareness and finishing speed. Expect a tight and highly tactical contest.
Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden: 16:50 – 7f30yds, €20,000
Ten colts and geldings will compete in this 7 furlongs 30 yards maiden. Circle of Life (R.P. Whelan, A.P. O’Brien), Dawson Street (N.G. McCullagh, Charles Weld), Druids Glen (J. Cleary, A.P. O’Brien), Elm Creek (G.M. Ryan, Donnacha Aidan O’Brien), Karrygrant (R. Coakley, J.P. Murtagh), and Never Ever (D.P. McDonogh, Joseph Patrick O’Brien) all bring a mix of early pace and staying potential, promising an exciting race to follow.
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap: 17:20 – 1 Mile, €30,000
The day concludes with a 12-runner nursery handicap over a mile. Time Bender (W. Joyce, William Durkan) and River Ara (J. Cleary, A.P. O’Brien) look set to challenge for the front, while Cherry Hill Girl (A.J. Slattery, Andrew Slattery), Empty Wallet (N. Burns, G.M. Lyons), Hamiyan (C.D. Hayes, D.K. Weld), and Invincible Will (R. Whearty, Gavin Cromwell) add further intrigue. With prize money and season form at stake, this finale promises a thrilling finish for spectators and punters alike.
Leopardstown delivers a captivating blend of maiden races, handicaps, and two high-profile Group 3 contests this Saturday. From emerging talent to proven juveniles, every race offers a story to follow and an opportunity to witness the next generation of Irish racing stars. For full racing preview, stay tunes to Racebuzz.
