Tips and analysis for a Group 3 evening at Leopardstown

Flat racing fanatics are well catered for this week with the Group 1 Irish Oaks taking place on Saturday and this evening’s Group 3 Meld Stakes is not only a nice taster for what’s ahead but it presents the perfect opportunity to top up your purse for this weekend's Irish Classic.

With bet365 you can claim €30 in free bets when you bet just €10.

Expert analyst Donal Murphy presents his tips for an exciting evening of racing below.

7:25 Leopardstown Aer Lingus College Football Classic Meld Stakes (Group 3)

BOLD DISCOVERY might be able to upstage likely favourite Trustyourinstinct. The latter is two from two but faces his stiffest task to date and may come up short against the classy, battle-hardened selection.

After disappointing in two May starts, the Jessica Harrington-trained bay was subsequently treated for allergies and showed his true colours when claiming a Listed contest on his most recent outing. He should be well able for this step-up in trip to nine-furlongs and it'll be disappointing if he is not involved towards the business end.

A half-brother to the brilliant 2021 dual Oaks winner Snowfall, Alfred Munnings was a well-beaten third on his return to action at the Curragh.

He is entitled to come on plenty for that effort though, as it was his first in over a year. Self Belief has been ultimately disappointing so far this season and will need to bounce back to his best if he is to feature.

Empress Of Beauty went down by just a head in Listed company at Naas last month and should give a good account of herself, while Pale Iris appears out of her depth.

6:50 Leopardstown Dublin To Bahrain Handicap

A case can be made for all eight runners. CORDOUAN was successful on his debut for Adrian McGuinness at Laytown in September and while he hasn't managed to win since, he has been pretty consistent.

A close-up fourth in the valuable Nasrullah Handicap over the course and distance last Thursday, it'll come as no surprise if he manages to go a few places better now.

While his form is quite erratic, Chavajod is given second preference. Successful here in May, he disappointed on his next start before filling the runner-up spot on his most recent outing at Roscommon.

If putting his best foot forward, he is capable of making an impact. Noel Meade has his horses in flying form at present and so Tea Olive warrants respect, while course and distance winner No Niki No and Ladies Derby runner-up Higher Kingdom are other leading hopes.

7:55 Leopardstown Clayton Hotel Leopardstown Maiden

The first foal out of brilliant four-time Group 1 winner Alpha Centauri, SATURN is the standout name. While friendless on debut at the Curragh on Derby weekend, the grey colt went down fighting and was beaten by just half-a-length.

He is sure to come on plenty for that experience and looks the one to beat. Kadeen has two solid efforts to his name but was two-and-three-quarters of a length behind the selection at the Curragh and it's difficult to see him reversing the form now.

Tommy Thug made some late gains when eighth behind the aforementioned pair on debut and it'll be interesting to see if he can build on that effort. The 80 rated Teorie is sure to have plenty of supporters, while others that warrant respect are Velvet And Vine and newcomer Rioja Alta.

8:30 Leopardstown Mongey Communications Handicap

A competitive contest to round off proceedings, where it might be worth taking a chance on BAILE LOCHA RIACH.

A 200,000 pound yearling purchase, he has been disappointing, however his most recent effort at Down Royal was his best to date, and he might be able to build on that performance. Despite still showing signs of greenness, he kept on in the closing stages to finish fifth and fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time now, it should help his cause.

Named after the hometown of his owner Michael Burke, a trip to Galway could also be on the cards for this Siyouni chestnut.

Pinot Gris made the breakthrough at Down Royal, with the selection back in fifth, and it'll come as little surprise if he manages to follow-up.

It'll be interesting to see how Loughisle Lady fares, making her debut for Ciaran Murphy while also returning from a lengthy absence. Union Flag, Darraby, Grey Fable and On The Money are others to keep on side.

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