RACE PREVIEW & TIPS (SATURDAY)

13:20 Leopardstown As always it’s been a fantastic week of top-class action from Leopardstown so far this week but the Rich Ricci silks haven’t been as dominant as years gone by. With Getabird losing earlier in the week and Faugheen’s unfortunate fall yesterday it’s up to Limini to help lift the spirits of the once formidable Mullins and Ricci duo. A third in the 2017 Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham is fantastic form and by far the best on offer in this much less competitive contest. Apples Jade was her nemesis once again earlier in the month but a drop in grade against this level of opposition shouldn’t pose much of a problem and we’re likely to see the infamous pink silks return to the winners enclosure once more. With only eight set to go to Post there’s not too much competition and the most likely threats actually hail from the same yard as our selection. Trainer Willie Mullins has a trio of runners with Elimay and Good Thyne Tara the only ones worth noting but they’d have to take a gargantuan improvement on what they’ve displayed so far to knock Limini off her perch. LIMINI (WIN) – NAP