### Racing
**NARCISO HAS – Juvenile Hurdle (Leopardstown)**
The Triumph Hurdle’s outlook should become clearer this Saturday as current frontrunner **NARCISO HAS** competes against Mange Tout, fourth in the odds for the March main event. Willie Mullins’ horse was defeated by Gordon Elliott’s charge on stable/seasonal debut at Fairyhouse in November but should be in better form after a smooth Grade 2 win over the same track and trip last month. With much more potential, this JP McManus-owned horse is poised to avenge his previous loss and head to Cheltenham with strong claims. He’s definitely one to watch this weekend.
**SPINDLEBERRY – Irish Gold Cup (Leopardstown)**
The Irish Gold Cup promises to be another thrilling renewal, but one horse worth monitoring is the unbeaten chaser **SPINDLEBERRY**. While much attention will focus on Galopin Des Champs, this stablemate mare has won all five of her chase starts and continues to improve. She has shown winning form under challenging conditions and is justified in competing at this level. While she’s likely aiming for the Mares’ Chase in March, this step up in distance is a low-risk opportunity, and if she performs well, her connections might consider the Cheltenham Gold Cup (she has an entry). Regardless, I’m eager to see her performance in Saturday’s main race. Don’t be surprised if she does well.
**KARGESE – Irish Arkle (Leopardstown)**
Romeo Coolio and Kopek Des Bordes may meet again in this key novice contest, but don’t overlook **KARGESE**. She was a high-quality hurdler, and although she experienced a significant loss on her chase debut, she was flawless at this venue last time out, winning by 14 lengths. Her record here now stands at two wins and a second place, and it’s likely she will either be well-positioned by others or set her own pace. Her 7lb allowance will be a significant benefit, so I can see her providing a strong challenge to the top two in the market. She’s certainly in with a chance.
**SIXMILEBRIDGE – Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (Sandown)**
Turning to Sandown, in the major race on the card, I strongly favor **SIXMILEBRIDGE**, especially if the conditions are soft or worse. He is unbeaten in two chase starts and defeated a top-tier hurdler on his chase debut before returning as a 16-length winner at Cheltenham. The seven-year-old has won six of his nine outings and claimed victory in his only previous course start, which was on debut. I believe this race suits him perfectly, making him a confident choice to challenge the favorite. Add him to your weekend notes.
**SOLNESS – Dublin Chase (Leopardstown)**
On Sunday, more top-class racing will come from Ireland, and it’ll be intriguing to see who emerges victorious in this event. **SOLNESS** is exceptional around this venue and has already defeated Marine Nationale over C&D three times, including in this race a year ago. Joseph O’Brien’s course specialist bested him here again last month, and I think he’s a good value once more this weekend. This race is effectively his Champion Chase, and I’m eager to see if he can achieve the Leopardstown big-race double for two consecutive years.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com