PADDY'S 9 CHRISTMAS CRACKERS..

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Dec 21, 2008 | by Paddy Power

DECEMBER 26

Durkan New Homes

Juvenile Hurdle

(Leopardstown)

THARAWAAT

This lad is second favourite for the Triumph Hurdle for a reason. He won by 12L last time out and 23L the time before that; last time at Fairy house heal so had some of his likely rivals behind him so he has nothing to fear.

Durkan New Homes

Novice Chase

(Leopardstown)

FORPADYDEPLASTERER

A brilliantly named horse that the public always gets behind. He's trained by Tommy Cooper (no relation!) andit's really interesting that he's dropping back to two miles. He'll be a decent price andcouldbe a good each-way bet as he loves this time of year - don't forget he won at Leopardstown last Christmas.

King George

(Kempton)

IMPERIAL

COMMANDER

Kauto Star may have won the last two runnings of the race and deserves to be a short-priced favourite, but his preparation hasn't been ideal - falling last time out. Imperial Commander (right) won the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and looks like the step up in trip should suit him just fine.

His form has been well franked and he could turn into a proper Gold Cup prospect.

Christmas Hurdle

(Kempton)

PUNJABI

The best news for Punjabi is that most of the top hurdlers will have run in the past week or so, which means he has a relatively easy task en route to his big bonus. He'll probably be a short price, but he'll win. Banker material.

Feltham Novice Chase

(Kempton)

THE MARKET MAN

He looked one of the most exciting novices of the season last time out when hacking up at Newbury. Nicky Henderson's horses have never been in better form.

DECEMBER 27

Paddy Power Chase

(Leopardstown)

CALLHERWHATULIKE

Trained by Robert Tyner, who has won the race twice before. The horse (above) loves the conditions and ran this day last year in a Grade 1 race, which shows just how much they think of her. She seems to have a nice weight and is available at fancy odds.

Paddy Power Future

Champions Novice

Hurdle (Leopardstown)

COUSIN VINNY

It's an unoriginal tip but this horse is the real deal. He won the Champion bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown last year, a very rare double.

Willie Mullins' horses have just hit top form and last time out he jumped like a buck in his first race over hurdles.

Not only will he win this race, but he'll be one of the Irish bankers at Cheltenham come March.

Paddy Power

Dial A Bet Chase

(Leopardstown)

MANSONY

He's going for a repeat, having won last year, and his preparation has been pretty similar. He ran very well at Punchestowns last time out, finishing fourth behind Noland - that'll leave him spot-on for his defence here.

The trainer, Arthur Moore, loves a Leopardstown winner - don't we all!

Welsh National

(Chepstow)

ABBEYBRANEY

As usual this race is wide open. Abbey braney had some really good form when trained in Ireland last year.

He is with Howard Johnston now and looks really well handicapped and unexposed - and he's a nice price too.