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Michael O'Leary with Don Poli. Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Preview

All eyes on Don Poli for the Lexus Chase on day three of Leopardstown

Monday is Ladies’ Day at the Christmas festival.

WE’VE ALREADY REACHED day three of the Leopardstown Christmas festival and there’s another seven races for punters to enjoy on Monday, with the highlight being the Lexus Chase.

The penultimate race on Monday’s card is the big one and all eyes will be on Willie Mullins’ Don Poli. Just six will go to post in the Grade One feature (3.05pm) and it’s hard to look beyond the six-year-old after four wins in five starts.

However, Sir Des Champs at 5/1 might attract racegoers’ attention with Ruby Walsh, who rode two winners on Sunday, on board. It will take something special to beat Don Poli over three miles but Sir Des Champs has the credentials to upset the bookies.

In the day’s other Grade One feature, Arctic Fire will be the front-runner for the Squared Financial Christmas hurdle but Alpha Des Obeaux (2/1) might tickle your fancy.

He hasn’t been in good form of late but over three miles, and a soft course, may have the endurance to outlast the rest.

Over 17,000 spectators attended on Sunday and with €5,000 to be won in the Most Stylish Lady competition on Monday, it’s set to be another entertaining day of racing.

Leopardstown race card, Monday

  • 12.10pm – At The Races Maiden Hurdle
  • 12.45pm – Pertemps Network Handicap
  • 13.20pm – Ballymaloe Foods Beginners Chase
  • 13.55pm – Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle
  • 14.30pm – Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle
  • 15.05pm – Lexus Chase
  • 15.35pm – Midland Legal Solicitors Flat Race

– First published 20.30, 27 December

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