Preview leopardstown 9th Jan

It's MCR Hurdle day at Leopardstown and the 2011 renewal is typically competitive, with Noel Meade holding a couple of aces in the shape of Prima Vista and Asigh Pearl.

The latter picked up a 6lb penalty when beating the reopposing Fosters Cross at Fairyhouse, but her stablemate rightly heads the market despite having 15lb extra following a comprehensive defeat of another MCR contender in Tijuana Dancer at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

Dermot Weld's jumpers are in cracking form and his New Phase, a winner at Cork when last seen, is another deserving a place on most shortlists.

The most exciting prospect on show is Jessies Dream, who continues his fencing education in the Tote Pick Six Killiney Novice Chase.

Gordon Elliott's charge has to concede weight all round in this Grade Two event as a result of his Drinmore win, but he is a class act and should hold too many guns for Leopardstown third Western Charmer.

There's a big pot up for grabs in the Tote Pick Six Every Sunday Leopardstown Handicap Chase and top-weights have a decent record in the race so Rare Bob, in first-time blinkers, is worth more than a cursory glance.

The action gets under way at 12.20 with the Tote Pick Six 20,000 Guarantee Maiden Hurdle, where former smart Flat performers Loch Long and The Bull Hayes have the edge in jumping experience over Willie Mullins' interesting recruit Rattan.

Mullins has opted to to start Tawaagg over fences in the www.thetote.com Beginners Chase, although he will need to be at the top of his game to contend with Gates Of Rome, who has performed with credit behind Realt Dubh the last twice.

The champion trainer relies on Sivota in a red-hot Pertemps Handicap Hurdle, while Weld won the www.leopardstown.com (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race with Hidden Universe 12 months ago and his newcomer Waaheb is sure to give a bold sight this time.