Green team all set for big weekend at Leopardstown

Sceau Royal may be a rare British runner at this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival but his colours will have a strong showing across the two days, writes Richard Williams.

Owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede are in terrific form, with five winners from their last nine runners up to last Sunday. Four of those wins came in Ireland, where their twotone green colours now have a formidable presence after their decision to send many of their best horses to Willie Mullins.

So what can these two heavy-hitters from the world of finance plunder at Leopardstown this weekend?

On Saturday the Mullinstrained El Fabiolo could get the partnership off to a flyer in the Irish Arkle Chase. He’s about 4-1 and a strong fancy of Jerry M, the RFO’s Irish correspondent (see page 17). Largy Hill, also trained by Mullins, could wrap up the day for them by landing the bumper.

James Du Berlais, who trades at about 7-2, has a good chance in the Grade 1 novice chase on Sunday and Blue Lord is set to line up at odds-on in the Dublin

Chase, with Sceau Royal an each-way shout at 10-1.

Munir and Souede also have an embarrassment of riches in the Grade 1 novice hurdle with Impaire Et Passe (5-1), Dark Raven (10-1) and Hunters Yarn (14-1) in contention. The last-named looks value given the way he trotted up at Naas last time.

With Tax For Max a plausible 10-1 shot in the handicap hurdle and Lily Du Berlais 5-1 for the closing mares’ bumper, the green team could enjoy a thoroughly rewarding weekend.