Justified Faces Stiff Opposition In Durkan Chase The Eamon Sheehy trained Justified heads 8 declarations for the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase (Grade One), the feature race on day one of the four day Leopardstown Festival. Winner of his only two previous races over fences in great style, Justified is likely to start favourite but he faces some top class opposition in what should be a real thriller. The Noel Meade stable was very unlucky not to win this race twelve months ago when Sir Oj fell at the last and they are represented by Wild Passion this time round. Arthur Moore's Mansony ran well when third at Fairyhouse last time out and has to be greatly respected while Paul Nolan's Kill Devil Hill, already a Grade One winner over fences when taking the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse three weeks ago, adds spice to an intriguing contest. Winner of the Cheltenham Festival Bumper last March, the Willie Mullins trained Missed That is also in the line up and comes here on the back of a good win at Navan earlier this month.The Ted Walsh trained Artist's Muse is sure to be a popular fancy for the Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle on the same card. A winner at Fairyhouse just nine days ago this smart sort has to face the likes of three time winner, The Last Stand, and dual winner, King Of Merlia, in what should be another exciting contest on an excellent seven race card which kicks off at 12.25 pm and has a guaranteed Jackpot Pool of ?30,000.
