/ Timeform / 12 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Gordon Elliot trains Shadow Catcher who is one of our Smartplays
"The second and third home that day have won subsequently so the form looks strong, and Shadow Catcher has all the makings of a sure-fire improver"
A cracking card at Leopardstown sees four Grade 1 races and a competitive cast of supporting races, and Timeform's Irish team have come up with two win SmartPlays and a lay......
The opening event (due off 13:05) is an interesting renewal of the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle. Willie Mullins warrants respect with Ut de Sivola and Gorgeous Sixty, the former in particular, but Gordon Elliott's Shadow Catcher (read the trainer's thoughts on the horse HERE) is the one who makes most appeal. A three-time winner on the Flat for Michael Dods in Britain in 2011, he was the subject of sustained support when making a winning debut in this sphere at Punchestown on New Year's Eve, and he did well to win at all given how long he took to settle. The second and third home that day have won subsequently so the form looks strong, and he has all the makings of a sure-fire improver.
As with so many horses down the year's, a move to Willie Mullins is proving a springboard for improvement with Catleen (13:35). An unlucky second on her first start for the yard she duly went one better at Limerick last month, cruising up to challenge the long-time leader in the straight and only doing the bare minimum once in front. A 9 lb rise significantly underplays the amount she had in hand and it would be disappointing if she failed to follow up.
The Hennessy Gold Cup looks far from a vintage renewal at this stage, but that still doesn't explain the price of Quel Esprit (15:45). He has been impressive in winning small-field events at Naas and Thurles last season, and is unexposed at three miles, but his jumping let him down badly in Grade 1 company last term, falling at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown, and he is by no means a standout on form, China Rock, Bostons Angel and even Follow The Plan having similar claims on that score.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Shadow Catcher in the 13:05
Back Catleen in the 13:35
Lay Quel Esprit in the 15:45
Two backs and one lay and today they all come from Southwell. Over to you, Follow The Money crew....
It's all about Leopardstown for David Cleary today and though the best bet of the day lies elsewhere, there are two seriously over-priced runners in the feature race. Read on......
Will Nick's selection be the one calling the shots this afternoon or will it it be overruled?...
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