Our Leopardstown racing tips cover all 8 races on the card today, Thursday 16th July 2026. The action gets underway at 16:20 and runs through to 20:20, with going reported as GOOD, Good to firm in places.
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Tatum boasts a 66.67% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Robyn Donaghue-Leahy has been in fine form here with 2 wins from 11 rides, A P O’Brien’s yard sends out runners with a 19.72% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.
Tipster Performance at Leopardstown
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Leopardstown over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Sobot | Yorkshire Evening Post | 13 | 8 | 61.54% | 84.62% |
| Mercury | Daily Post | 18 | 8 | 44.44% | 77.78% |
| bettinggods.com | bettinggods.com | 12 | 5 | 41.67% | 75% |
| Mirror Online | Mirror Online | 13 | 5 | 38.46% | 61.54% |
| Fortunatus | Sheffield Star | 14 | 5 | 35.71% | 64.29% |
16:20 – Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden (IRE Incentive Race)
Race Details: 6f | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This doesn’t look the deepest Leopardstown maiden you’ll ever see and, on what we’ve seen so far, Star Of State sets a pretty clear standard. Joseph O’Brien’s colt was runner-up on debut, earned a solid 87 rating and already brings the best piece of public form into the race. Pink Venom is the obvious alternative on experience after improving from seventh to third, while This That is one of the more interesting debutantes for Ger Lyons with Colin Keane booked. There are plenty here arriving completely unexposed, which always adds a layer of danger in juvenile maidens, but the market has a very definite shape to it and rightly so. In truth, this looks more about whether the favourite confirms the promise than a wide-open puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Star Of State – 1/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Form: 2 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 53
He is very hard to get away from. That debut second is comfortably the standout form on offer in this field, and an opening mark of 87 tells its own story in a race where most of these are either unraced or have shown only modest ability. Joseph O’Brien’s juveniles usually come on for a first outing, and if Star Of State takes the expected step forward, the rest may simply be playing for places. The 1/2 on offer is short, obviously, but it reflects the shape of the race rather than any bookmaker generosity. Drawn in 4 and with proven ability already in the bank, he holds the strongest claims by some margin. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Pink Venom – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Rory Mulligan | Trainer: J P Murtagh | Form: 73 | Rating: 79 | Topspeed: 56
If you want to take on the short one from an each-way angle, Pink Venom makes the most appeal. She has the benefit of two runs, improved from her debut seventh to finish third last time, and that experience can count for plenty in these juvenile maidens, especially over a sharp 6f. Her Topspeed figure of 56 is actually the best in the field, which gives her a fair shout of hitting the frame again, and J P Murtagh’s youngsters often progress with racing. At 11/2 she doesn’t need to be a world-beater to make each-way sense in a 12-runner race with three places on offer. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Star Of State is the win play and looks the one they all have to beat on established form. For an each-way punt, Pink Venom appeals as the solid alternative with experience and a bit of progression already on the page. The main danger may be This That, a likely well-meant newcomer from the Lyons-Keane team, but the favourite sets a clear standard.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magma King | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| This That | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| El Domino | 28/1 | 30/1 | 30/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 30/1 (Betfair) |
| Scotty Cameron | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Not You Too | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Someday Somewhere | 20/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Star Of State | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 2/5 | 1/2 (Bet365) |
| Whosinterviewinwho | 25/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Dear Theodosia | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Betfair) |
| Little Diva | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Pink Venom | 11/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Siege Of Tyre | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
16:50 – Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden (IRE Incentive Race)
Race Details: 7f | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This looks a fairly informative 2yo maiden rather than a throwaway sales race, with Sea Of Rain bringing the standout form after three solid efforts and a clear edge on ratings. He sets the standard on 91 and his 4-2-2 profile suggests this longer 7f will suit just fine. Ballyskeagh is the obvious danger after shaping with promise on debut, while Jezzie Bea also enters the reckoning on the back of a useful fourth and gets a handy weight pull. Star Glory and Bold Move both have enough ability to get involved if stepping forward, but plenty of the remainder need to improve sharply. In truth, the market has probably got the shape of it right, though there may still be some each-way value against the favourite.
Top Selections
1. Sea Of Rain – 5/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Declan McDonogh | Trainer: J S Bolger | Form: 422 | Rating: 91 | Topspeed: 66
Sea Of Rain is the one they all have to beat. He has already shown a much higher level of form than most of these, and that 91 rating gives him a notable edge in a maiden where several rivals are still trading on promise rather than substance. The way his form has built from fourth to two runner-up efforts says he is knocking hard on the door, and a well-run 7f around Leopardstown looks ideal for a colt with proven race experience. At 5/4 he is no giveaway, but he is the solid option and hard to oppose if running to the same level again. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Ballyskeagh – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Form: 5 | Rating: 77 | Topspeed: 53
Ballyskeagh appeals as the each-way alternative because he shaped better than the bare result on debut and is open to a chunk of improvement. Joseph O’Brien’s youngsters often know a good deal more for a first run, and a 77 rating after only one start suggests there was proper encouragement there. He is not yet at Sea Of Rain’s level on paper, but this is a race where natural progression can quickly close the gap, especially over 7f on decent ground. Available at 5/2, he is short enough for an each-way play, but he still looks the most likely one to chase the favourite home and could do better than that. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Sea Of Rain is the percentage call and makes most appeal as the win bet given his experience and clear ratings advantage. Ballyskeagh is the sensible each-way punt for those looking to play against the market leader at a slightly bigger price, with debut promise on his side. Jezzie Bea is the danger if improving as expected, while Star Glory is another who could step forward.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razmataz | 80/1 | 110/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 125/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Williamsburg | 40/1 | 35/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Hypiradon | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Mirren | 50/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Ballyskeagh | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Grit And Glory | 28/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Old Joanie | 25/1 | 30/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 22/1 | 33/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Star Glory | 7/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Bold Move | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Lily Bear | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 25/1 | 16/1 | 25/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Jezzie Bea | 5/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Gwen | 40/1 | 33/1 | 35/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Sea Of Rain | 5/4 | 1/1 | 11/10 | 1/1 | 6/5 | 5/4 (Bet365) |
17:24 – Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Apprentice Handicap
Race Details: 7f | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This looks a proper Leopardstown apprentice handicap: plenty in with a squeak, but not many arriving with bombproof profiles. Bear Right is the obvious starting point after two solid efforts in defeat and the 3yo gets a handy draw in stall 2, which should help in a race where track position over 7f can matter. Ardadslosttheplot also appeals from the inside gate after a decent return, while Dawn Flame is another younger horse who could still have more to offer in this grade. Faoladh has ability but comes with a bit more baggage after a lesser latest run, and the older exposed brigade like Comfort Line and Rodeeve look more place than win material. Tricky enough, but the younger legs may well dominate.
Top Selections
1. Bear Right – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Keithen Kennedy | Trainer: Mrs John Harrington | Form: -U7343 | Rating: 76 | Topspeed: 61
Bear Right is short enough, but there’s a reason for that. He has been shaping like a 7f handicap is well within range and his recent 4th and 3rd suggest he’s holding his form nicely against similar opposition. An opening mark of 76 looks workable for a 3yo, especially with just 127lb to carry, and the low draw is another plus around here. Keithen Kennedy is on a horse who should travel handily and, unlike several of these, he doesn’t need a leap of faith on current evidence. At 9/4 he isn’t a gift, but he is the likeliest winner. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Ardadslosttheplot – 7/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Rebecca Parsons | Trainer: David Marnane | Form: 6350-3 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 57
Ardadslosttheplot makes plenty of each-way appeal. He returned from a break with a solid third and that run hinted he’s ready to be competitive again, particularly now dropped into this apprentice handicap. Drawn 1, he should get the run of things if breaking cleanly, and as a 3yo taking on plenty of exposed older handicappers he has more scope than most. The bare figures don’t scream certainty, but David Marnane’s runner has the sort of profile that can improve a chunk from first start back. At 7/1, he looks the value alternative to the favourite and very much the each-way play. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Bear Right is the win play because he brings the strongest recent handicap form and has landed a favourable low draw. For an each-way punt, Ardadslosttheplot looks the sensible angle at the prices given his comeback third and potential to step forward. Dawn Flame and Faoladh are the two obvious dangers if building on their better efforts.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faoladh | 15/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Ardeur | 22/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Comfort Line | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| God Knows | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Rodeeve | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Ardadslosttheplot | 11/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Betfair) |
| Dynamic Force | 17/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Bear Right | 9/4 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Prime Sign | 14/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Cordouan | 28/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Mehmar | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Notforalongtime | 22/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Smaoineamh Sile | 40/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Dawn Flame | 7/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rory Paddock | Bear Right |
18:00 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (IRE Incentive Race)
Race Details: 1m | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This looks a useful enough 2yo fillies’ maiden for the time of year, with the bare form of Bellesque and Sarah’s Choice setting the standard and a couple of powerful yards ready to unleash newcomers. Bellesque brings the strongest published combination of rating and topspeed after finishing second, while Sarah’s Choice also hit the frame on debut and clearly has ability, even if that lofty figure needs treating with a little caution in a maiden this early in her career. Aidan O’Brien introduces So Lovely after Exceptionally failed to land a blow first time, and Joseph O’Brien also has Thelymitra alongside the obvious Bellesque. Over this mile, professionalism could count for plenty, so I am inclined to side with racecourse experience over guesswork, but it is not a straightforward heat.
Top Selections
1. Bellesque – 15/8 with Bet365
Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Form: 2 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 72
Bellesque sets a solid standard on what we know. That debut second already puts her right at the head of this field, and the figures back it up too, with an 84 rating and 72 topspeed making her the one they all have to aim at. Joseph O’Brien’s fillies usually know their job after one run, and this step into another Leopardstown maiden over a mile looks an obvious move. She should be sharper for the experience, and in a race where several rivals are either unraced or need to leave a modest debut behind, the available 15/8 looks fair rather than cramped. She is the percentage call.
Bet: WIN
2. So Lovely – 11/2 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Wayne Lordan | Trainer: A P O’Brien | Form: | Rating: | Topspeed:
If you want to take on the obvious one for an each-way angle, So Lovely makes plenty of appeal. Aidan O’Brien does not send too many fillies into Leopardstown maidens over a mile without expecting a proper showing, and Wayne Lordan is an eye-catching booking in a race where stable intent matters. She lacks the benefit of a public run, so there is an element of faith involved, but this is not the deepest maiden and the pedigree page is presumably expected to do some heavy lifting at home. At 11/2, she looks the most interesting alternative to the exposed principals and could easily be the one improving past them.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Bellesque is the straightforward win play given she brings the best established form into the race and should improve for her debut second. For an each-way punt, So Lovely makes more appeal than the bigger-priced outsiders because of stable strength and likely upside. Sarah’s Choice is the obvious danger on form, while any serious market move for Thelymitra would also be worth noting.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellesque | 15/8 | 11/8 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 15/8 (Bet365) |
| Cedrela | 33/1 | 33/1 | 35/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 35/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Exceptionally | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| So Lovely | 9/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 11/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Spectrolyte | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Thelymitra | 25/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
18:35 – Dublin To Bahrain Handicap
Race Details: 1m | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This is a compact little mile handicap but it looks deeper than the numbers suggest. The three-year-olds could have a real say, with How’sthebai and Invincible Will both bringing progressive profiles into a race where older rivals such as Aviatrice and Loughrea are already fairly exposed at this level. Loughrea arrives on the back of a win and has the inside draw, while Aviatrice has the joint-highest mark and enough class to be involved if bouncing back from a merely respectable third last time. Still, the weights make this interesting, and in a seven-runner race tactical pace and track position may prove decisive. It is not an easy puzzle, but the younger legs look the angle.
Top Selections
1. Invincible Will – 13/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Kearney | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Form: -28182 | Rating: 94 | Topspeed: 86
He makes plenty of appeal in a race where the weight-for-age angle could be crucial. Invincible Will is a 3yo already operating to a mark of 94, and that recent form line of 28182 says he is holding his level well without going over the top. His Topspeed figure of 86 is the best in the field, which matters around Leopardstown over a mile, and stall 2 should allow him to sit handy if they do not go much of a gallop. Cromwell’s horses are usually well drilled in these handicaps and 13/2 looks a fair price for one who still has upside. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Loughrea – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Andrew Slattery | Trainer: Andrew Slattery | Form: 5-21 | Rating: 92 | Topspeed: 85
Loughrea is the solid each-way alternative, especially with only seven runners and three places on offer. He arrives here off the back of a win, has a handy draw in stall 1, and his Topspeed of 85 says that effort was backed up by the clock rather than simply race position. Off a mark of 92 he does not look thrown in, but he does look reliable, and in a tactical contest that counts for plenty. Andrew Slattery knows exactly what is under the bonnet here and another prominent ride looks likely. At 4/1, he is not screaming value for win purposes, but he makes plenty of sense as the percentage play. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Invincible Will is the win angle at the prices, with his profile suggesting there is still a bit more to come. Loughrea is the safer each-way punt given his recent win, inside draw and dependable level of form. The obvious dangers are How’sthebai, who is another unexposed 3yo, and Aviatrice, who has the class to get involved if returning to her best.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviatrice | 11/4 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 3/1 | 7/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Loughrea | 4/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Exquisite Acclaim | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Quatre Bras | 11/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Invincible Will | 13/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Tachos | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Ian Gaughran | Loughrea |
19:10 – BOYLE Sports Meld Stakes (Group 3)
Race Details: 1m 1f | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This is a compact but interesting Meld Stakes, with the 3yo pair Geryon and Isaac Newton looking set to dominate the market against older, more exposed rivals. Geryon brings the class edge on figures and gets plenty of weight from the older horses, while Isaac Newton is another with the profile of one still going the right way despite a lesser effort last time. Snellen is solid and battle-hardened at this level, but he does give weight away and may once again find one better. Adelaide River has the rating to get involved if bouncing back, though his recent form hardly screams confidence. It is not a deep Group 3, but tactically it could get quite messy in a six-runner race, so positioning and turn of foot will matter.
Top Selections
1. Geryon – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Colin Keane | Trainer: G M Lyons | Form: 2-4424 | Rating: 114 | Topspeed: 92
Geryon makes plenty of appeal here. He is already up to a mark of 114, carries just 126lb as a 3yo, and that weight concession could be the decisive edge in a race where the older horses do not look bombproof. His recent form has been knocking on the door rather than kicking it down, but there is no disgrace in that and his Topspeed figure of 92 is the best in the field. With Colin Keane taking over for a yard that does well with this type, he looks the one with the most upside. At 9/4, he is not a giveaway, but he is still the percentage call. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Snellen – 9/2 with Betfair
Jockey: Gary Carroll | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Form: 216-35 | Rating: 116 | Topspeed: 87
Snellen is the each-way angle in a race where reliability counts for plenty. He is the joint-highest rated runner on 116 and, unlike a couple of these, usually turns up and runs his race. His form this season has been perfectly respectable, and while he was only fifth last time, this is a smaller field and not an especially savage Group 3 by historical standards. Gavin Cromwell’s runner has enough tactical speed to hold a position, and Gary Carroll should have him in the right place when it matters. Available at 9/2, he looks the value alternative if the younger pair fluff their lines. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Geryon is the main play and looks the likeliest winner on the combination of weight, rating and scope for a bit more improvement. Snellen is the sensible each-way punt at the prices, especially if you want a proven older horse to hit the frame. Isaac Newton is the obvious danger, while Adelaide River would only come into it if rediscovering his better form.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide River | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Cowardofthecounty | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Snellen | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Betfair) |
| Syzygy | 11/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Geryon | 9/4 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Isaac Newton | 11/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Dean Kilbryde | Isaac Newton |
19:45 – Mervue Equine Handicap
Race Details: 1m 2f | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This looks a competitive enough nine-runner handicap without being especially deep, and the market has probably latched on to the right horse in Daler after a tidy sequence of figures. He arrives on the back of a win and a narrow defeat, and Colin Keane aboard only strengthens the case. Marmeladova is the obvious threat on recent consistency and has the classier rating in the field, while Faro Island is interesting if forgiven a lesser run last time. Neo Smart has the best topspeed figure on offer and is not one to dismiss in this grade, but his profile is a bit less straightforward. Overall, this feels like a race where current momentum and tactical positioning around Leopardstown will matter more than hidden surprises.
Top Selections
1. Daler – 7/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Colin Keane | Trainer: G M Lyons | Form: 4-8712 | Rating: 83 | Topspeed: 76
Daler is the percentage call. He has clearly turned a corner judged on his last two runs, getting his head in front before backing that up with a solid second, and that sort of recent handicap form tends to stand up well in races like this. The Lyons-Keane combination is never ignored at Leopardstown, and he still looks like a 4yo with a bit more to give at 1m2f. He is not thrown in off 83, but he doesn’t need to be if he gets the same smooth run into the race. At 7/4 he is short enough, but still the one they all have to beat. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Faro Island – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Trainer: A Oliver | Form: 10-417 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 79
Faro Island makes more each-way appeal than most in here. He won earlier in the campaign and his topspeed mark of 79 says he has the engine for a race of this nature, while his latest seventh is not the sort of run I’d be panicking over in a handicap where things can quickly get messy. Drawn 4, he should have every chance to find a handy slot, and this mark still looks workable for a 4yo who may not have finished progressing yet. With a few of these looking exposed enough, 9/2 is fair for a horse who can definitely hit the frame and possibly do better. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Daler is the solid win play and the likeliest winner if reproducing his last two efforts. For a bit more value, Faro Island is the each-way punt in a race where several rivals look vulnerable despite decent enough marks. Marmeladova is the obvious danger on consistency, while Neo Smart has the figures to get involved if putting everything together.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| En Or | 18/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Daler | 7/4 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 (Bet365) |
| Unterberg | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Marmeladova | 7/2 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Neo Smart | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Sinbad My Dad | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Faro Island | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Out On Friday | 33/1 | 30/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Blackjack Hills | 12/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
20:20 – BOYLE Sports Home Of The Early Payout Handicap
Race Details: 1m 5f | | Going: GOOD, Good to firm in places | | flat
This small-field handicap looks competitive without being especially deep, and it may not take much improvement to win it. Killyclogher Rose arrives on the back of a win and is the obvious one to beat now stepping into a race of this nature with momentum behind her. Tatum has a bit to prove after two lesser efforts this term but his earlier profile gives him a say, while Cooley’s Mist has been knocking on the door and comes here with a feather weight. Ob La Di and Derry Lad are exposed enough at this level and need to find more than they have shown lately. In a six-runner affair where tactics will matter, I’d rather side with the progressive filly than the older, more exposed handicappers.
Top Selections
1. Killyclogher Rose – 2/1 with Bet365
Jockey: W J Lee | Trainer: A Oliver | Form: 63-51 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 74
She looks the most solid option in the line-up after getting off the mark last time and doing it in the style of a filly who is still finding her level. The form figures are heading the right way, and a mark of 84 still gives her room if that latest success has brought her forward again. W J Lee is an eye-catching booking in a race where positioning will be crucial, and stall 5 should allow her to stay out of trouble. At 2/1 she is no giveaway, but in a race lacking depth she is the one with the most persuasive progressive angle. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Cooley’s Mist
Jockey: Chris Hayes | Trainer: H Rogers | Form: 47-833 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 76
If you want the each-way angle in a race offering only two places, Cooley’s Mist makes more appeal than some of the shorter-priced rivals. He has been admirably consistent on recent starts, finishing third on his last two outings, and that Topspeed figure of 76 is right up to the best on offer here. Carrying just 121, he won’t have much on his back, and Chris Hayes is the kind of rider you want in a tactical Leopardstown handicap. He does need to show a bit more killer instinct, but in this company his consistency gives him definite place claims and a fair shout of better. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Killyclogher Rose is the win play because she brings the strongest recent form and still looks on the upgrade. Cooley’s Mist is the each-way punt in a race where his consistency and low weight should put him right in the mix. Tatum is the obvious danger if returning to last year’s level, while Ob La Di could outrun his price from the inside draw.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ob La Di | 5/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Cala Bonita | 9/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Killyclogher Rose | 2/1 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Derry Lad | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Tatum | 7/2 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| The Irish Sun | Killyclogher Rose |
| Brian Flanagan | Tatum |
Leopardstown Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatum | 3 | 2 | 66.67% | 66.67% |
| Unterberg | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Smaoineamh Sile | 14 | 4 | 28.57% | 42.86% |
| Snellen | 4 | 1 | 25% | 100% |
| Tachos | 7 | 1 | 14.29% | 42.86% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robyn Donaghue-Leahy | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 27.27% |
| Patrick McGettigan | 29 | 5 | 17.24% | 37.93% |
| Joseph Harnett | 6 | 1 | 16.67% | 50% |
| Colin Keane | 450 | 71 | 15.78% | 39.56% |
| Keithen Kennedy | 47 | 6 | 12.77% | 44.68% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Leopardstown:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A P O’Brien | 1567 | 309 | 19.72% | 45.05% |
| D K Weld | 972 | 173 | 17.8% | 38.68% |
| David J Geary | 6 | 1 | 16.67% | 16.67% |
| J S Bolger | 1150 | 151 | 13.13% | 32.35% |
| Joseph Patrick O’Brien | 667 | 87 | 13.04% | 36.43% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Leopardstown racing tips for Thursday 16th July 2026. We’ve covered all 8 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
What time does racing start at Leopardstown today?
The first race at Leopardstown on Thursday 16th July 2026 goes off at 16:20, with 8 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Leopardstown today?
The going at Leopardstown is reported as GOOD, Good to firm in places.
How many races are at Leopardstown today?
There are 8 races on the card at Leopardstown today, running from 16:20 through to 20:20.
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