2m1f Racing Post Handicap Chase (4yo+)
THE FOLKES TIARA returns for the third year in a row in this race. She won last year off a 7lbs lower mark, but put in close to a career best on her seasonal reappearance last time out. That has led to a 5lb raise in her handicap mark to 131, but the services of a 7lb claimer take her back to her winning weight from 12 months ago. The Folkes Tiara is a course specialist that loves racing on this type of ground and she is one to keep onside again.
Plenty of others are handicapped to go well here, but a chance is taken on BROOMFIELD BIJOU dropping back down in trip here on her first handicap starts in open company. Broomfield Bijou won a decent beginners chase over two miles in Wexford in the summer before putting in two good performances in novice chasing company including when running in to a progressive sort on her penultimate start.
Broomfield Bijou didn’t seem to relish the step up in trip last time out when not getting a clear run. When she’s in the mood, her jumping can be very quick and accurate so the return to a more suitable trip of 2m 1f on nice ground could see her to good effect as she remains relatively unexposed with just five chase starts to date. Odds of 20/1 seem pretty generous and I’d imagine she could be closer to 10/1 at the off.
1pt win The Folkes Tiara @11/2, 14:55 Leopardstown, Thursday
1pt win Broomfield Bijou @20/1, 14:55 Leopardstown, Thursday