Stars in action during and after racing at Leopardstown It could be well worthwhile getting along to Leopardstown this Sunday, not only for the racing itself, but also for the clues that invariably abound when Cheltenham hopefuls gallop after racing at this meeting. The most valuable contest on the seven-race card is the two-mile-five-furlong Mick Holly Memorial Handicap Chase, which boasts several eye-catching entries. The Jim Dreaper-trained Jim was beaten just a head by Hi Cloy in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown last season, and finished third to Watson Lake in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park two weeks ago. A return to the winner's enclosure could be imminent. It won't be easy for the 10-year-old, however, as he is set to concede weight to the Tom Taaffe-trained Slim Pickings, a faller at the last fence in the Thyestes Chase at the end of January, the Eoghan O'Grady-trained On The Net, an impressive winner at Limerick over Christmas on his penultimate appearance, and Michael Cullen's mare American Jennie, who finished fourth behind Point Barrow in last year's Irish Grand National. The Bioverda EBF Novice Chase looks like an interesting contest, with last-time-out winners Washington Lad, Gaspar and Khetaam all holding entries. Khetaam, fifth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, also holds an entry in the Jewson Chase at the this year's Festival on March 15th. Dual bumper winner Bronx Girl faces stiff competition in the Bioverda Hurdle from the likes of Bad Day Bad Day and Heron's Flight, while the Edward O'Grady-trained Judge Roy Bean, as short as 14-1 for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, will take all the beating if he lines up in the finale, the Drumderry Aggregate INH Flat Race.
