16:40 Leopardstown

Saturday 3 February 2018

All13:1013:4514:2014:5515:3016:0516:40

Goffs Future Stars (C & G) I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2)

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 4m 0.60s

Minella Encore³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Katie Walsh| T: W P Mullins| CD

7/1

Looks an embryonic chaser who has impressed in both his bumpers. Has to concede weight here to rivals who may possess more natural speed, but an exciting prospect none the less.

Form: F1-11

Rapid Escape⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Ms L O'Neill| T: G Elliott| D

3/1

Highly regarded sort who has landed all three bumpers at short odds. A line through The Holy One suggests there is little between him and Blackbow

Form: 15-111

Empire Burleque³⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr D G Lavery| T: G Elliott| D

20/1

Overcame greenness and being asked to set a steady pace to score on debut 12 months ago. That marked him as a special individual, but highly tried on return to action.

Form: 11-

Village Mystic⁷⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr B O'Neill| T: N Meade| CD

20/1

Off the track since landing a bumper for Willie Mullins here two years ago and that form has been devalued since.

Form: 11/

Blackbow³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| CD

11/4

Justified a glowing home reputation when scoring here on Boxing Day. Had to dig deep that day, but that battling attitude may prove an asset in what could be a close encounter.

Form: 1-1

Brace Yourself³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Ms N Carberry| T: N Meade| D

7/2

Outclassed his rivals when easing to a 24L success on bumper debut at Down Royal. Acquired for £165,000 after one run in a point-to-point and he may be another useful son of Mahler for Noel Meade to go to war with.

Form: 21

Dunvegan³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr C Fahy| T: P A Fahy| D

20/1

Only had to run to previous form to consolidate his superiority over his rivals at Fairyhouse. Much more needed now.

Form: 221

Rhinestone^t⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr D O'Connor| T: J P O'Brien| D

4/1

Failed to live up to his star billing on debut when subject of reports suggesting he was Listed class at Balydoyle. Lessons learned that day saw him canter home next time. Handles mud, but his action suggests better ground will produce even more.

Form: 21

The Shunter²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr S F O'Keeffe| T: J O Clifford

66/1

Has helped force the pace when reaching the frame in bumpers at Punchestown and Fairyhouse. Takes a huge leap in class and his chances are not obvious.

Form: 3S3

Forecasts

Blackbow (11/4), Rapid Escape (3/1), Brace Yourself (7/2), Rhinestone (4/1), Minella Encore (7/1), Dunvegan (20/1), Village Mystic (20/1), Empire Burleque (20/1), The Shunter (66/1)

It is hardly surprising to see the Elliott and Mullins camps fielding strong teams in this. The Longwood team have Rapid Escape spearheading their raid and it would surprise few if he should maintain his unbeaten record. He has struck up a good partnership with today's rider and is closely matched on form with Wille Mullins' main hope Blackbow. Brace Yourself was highly impressive when scoring in lower grade as was RHINESTONE. The latter is a son of High Chapparal who was the subject of highly positive reports ahead of his debut in a three-runner event. That race turned into a mess tactically, but no mistakes were made next time when easily disposing of a well-supported rival. He may possess more natural speed than most in this so that makes him a serious contender and excellent value in the ante-post market.