Caroline’s Dublin Racing Festival Racecard for Monday 2nd February 2026
Caroline’s Dublin Racing Festival Racecard for Monday 2nd February 2026
Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 1.15
Doctor Steinberg
Well, always a tricky one to get things going here at Leopardstown, but I do think Doctor Steinberg is a good favourite. Now then, Jaysella was telling me this week that I need my head examining if I’m not on Doctor Steinberg, but I think the wee lass is just having me on, given the fictional character references! I’m not sure I need a shrink yet, but do get in touch if you disagree! However, I do think over this trip stamina is going to be an issue with all the rain on the hurdles track, so that puts a question mark over the mud-loving Saint Sospir, so it could be stablemate Kazansky that forces Doctor Steinberg into a battle. For all that, Kazansky was all out to win at Limerick the last day, and could go close, but Doctor Steinberg gets my vote.
Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 1.50
Mange Tout
A really fascinating rematch between Mange Tout and Narciso Has for this Grade One Juvenile Hurdle. Now, I’ll be betting that Narciso Has is much sharper than when this pair were one-two in the Fairyhouse Juvenile race at Fairyhouse in November, and Narciso Has did win a Grade 2 the last day here, but this is very different going, which could just tip the scales to Mange Tout, who gets a 7lb pull in the weights. There’ll be no such concerns for Willie Mullins’ second string, the French import Selma De Vary, who won with a bit to spare at Auteuil before being snapped up to run in the Ricci silks, so my guess is it’s all about who handles better the conditions for this Grade One. Mange Tout, just, edges it for me with Jack Kennedy riding a bit of a wave just now to make the difference.
Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (Listed) 2.25
Staffordshire Knot
I’ll take the chance that Gordon Elliott’s Staffordshire Knot can cope with the top weight to win this Handicap. He ran a super race to come second to Joseph O’Brien’s Home By The Lee in the Galmoy Hurdle the last day, and this looks less competitive than that Grade 2, though luck in running is obviously the order of the day in these big field handicaps. But Staffordshire Knot is full of class at this level, so I’ll take my each-way chance on him with Carl Millar’s 5lb claim making this a valid chance. Fingers crossed!
Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2.55
Romeo Coolio
It is very hard to see any other result than Romeo Coolio winning this, so no guesses where I’m going here. But, don’t write off Kargese yet, as I did discuss with Jaysella this week in the Podcast, as though Willie Mullins’ mare has taken a while to get used to things over fences, she’s no also ran and can make her presence felt if Romeo Coolio isn’t at his best on this deep ground. All said, Romeo Coolio is very classy, having always looked like a chaser in the making, and certainly hasn’t disappointed in his novice campaign, three from three this season, so I can see why the price is such that it is. A tactical race with only the three, but it’s Romeo Coolio’s to lose in my book.
Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) 3.30
Galopin Des Champs (nap)
Galopin Des Champs it is for me, to make it a fourth win in as many years in this race. I’m telling yuzz, this is his race, his time of year, and I cannot believe the price that I got this week. I’m of the opinion that this is the biggest mispricing I have seen for a Willie Mullins superstar that I have seen for many a year. And why? Well, this is a very hot race, because we’ve got Gaelic Warrior, who to my mind has finally come of age over fences, though three miles plus at this level on this ground is an unproven dough, while Fact To File is hugely talented but didn’t to me see out three miles at Kempton on better ground the last day, which must ask a question, but the mare Spindleberry doesn’t seem to know how to lose since being sent chasing, and must join my list. And that is just the Willie Mullins entries! Noel Meade’s Affordale Fury beat Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase here the last day, but Galopin Des Champs does usually need a first run, which was the case then and I will highlight that stat. So, Galopin Des Champs to make it eight from nine over fences at Leopardstown – a remarkable record, with Gaelic Warrior and Spindleberry in the mix if seeing out the trip.
Barberstown Castle Handicap Chase (Listed) 4.05
Jacob’s Ladder (nb)
Another Gigginstown pick for me for the Barberstown, and that Jacob’s Ladder. Already looking far better over fences than hurdles, this two mile one trip is right within his range, so with no concerns over this deep ground, and Jack Kennedy aboard, I’ll be expecting a big showing for the Cullentra yard that is on for a great weekend. Jacob’s Ladder won his Beginner’s Chase at Fairyhouse with a bit in hand over favourite Karoline Banbou, and from there came second to the smart Kappa Jy Pyke in a Grade 3, so I do think there’s strong enough form in that to be landing this Handicap Chase from near the top of the weights. Jacob’s Ladder to confirm my suspicion that he should be back in Graded company, when he takes the Barberstown.
Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2) 4.40
Charismatic Kid
Both Charismatic Kid and It’s Only A Game were impressive winners when we last saw them, but it’s Charismatic Kid that I think will act on this ground better. Of course, it again will be who handles the conditions after a week dominated by rain, but Charismatic Kid did seem to go well enough to win from the front at Navan the last day, and with Gordon Elliott having his yard in such good form, I’m of the opinion that the winner’s coming from there, with Broadway Ted and Generous Risk both holding each-way claims at the least. But it’s Charismatic Kid who made all on soft ground at Navan, and this looks a strong line of form for me.
