SEAN - Leopardstown 3.30 Mares Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 13 run - Soft > Heavy

 

A competitive heat in which Malina Girl is a 6/4 favourite and will be tough to beat, your discretion if you want a win saver at that price, it's too short for me in the conditions.

 

Pipers Boreen is penalised 8lbs for a win last time after an impressive runner up effort on New Years Day and the penalty will make things tougher. Circus Act just about gets this trip but may be vulnerable to stronger stayers, especially with more rain forecast. Ballycashin is a Tracker horse and drops in trip which should suit but it does seem a horse that so far just doesn't seem to go through with a finishing effort. Whether that's physical or mental is not yet clear. 

 

With those concerns about Ballycashin, I think the strongest contender is BESTALINE a steady improver for Gordon Elliott, who should improve again at this trip and early odds look decent each way value. At bigger odds, both GAME AND GLORY who is in the TRACKER and whose 5 lengths 3rd to Gaoth Chuil not too long back now looks very good form and  OPTIONAL MIX who despite top weight is slowly coming down the handicap to a sensible mark after trashing it's mark with 2 wins in succession look decent e/w pokes.

 

Tips (1) Bestaline / (2s) Optional Mix / (3s) Game And Glory