Five Antepost Fancies Over The Festive Period In Ireland

We’re less than two weeks away from Christmas but it’s not about the turkey and all the trimmings, oh no – Christmas is about racing. Over in Ireland, we’ll be treated to four days of quality action at Leopardstown and Limerick while Down Royal welcome racegoers for their traditional card on 26th December.

Entries are in for the Grade 1 races – and a few of the big handicaps – and bookmakers are beginning to form their antepost markets for the festive period. Here, I look through a few of the standout prices ahead of what should hopefully be an informative few days of National Hunt racing.

MARINE NATIONALE – Paddys Rewards Club Chase

Marine Nationale missed his intended engagement at Navan due to soft ground but he goes well fresh and that wouldn’t worry me here. Barry Connell has never been afraid to hold back when speaking about this horse and whispers are that he is working very well as he bids to claim a fifth Grade 1 success.

He is the defending Queen Mother Champion Chase winner and it would take a brave man to back against him at Leopardstown, particularly if he gets his ground. There are question marks over most of his rivals while Quilixios, who was the main danger before his fall at the final fence at Cheltenham, will miss Christmas after a setback.

Sean Flanagan said he “felt like he was driving a Ferrari” following Marine Nationale’s success at the 2025 Punchestown Festival and he sets the standard in the two-mile chase division. At his current price of 5/2, he represents value given his credentials and untrustworthy nature of others in the market.

Antepost suggestion: Back Marine Nationale to win (5/2)

TEAHUPOO – Christmas Hurdle

While a couple of my previous selections would prefer nicer ground, the more rain the better for the Gordon Elliott-trained Teahupoo. Connections have stated that he’ll be aimed at Leopardstown if ground conditions suit and he’ll be a major player in the race if he lines up at Christmas.

The price discrepancy between Teahupoo and Ballyburn is too big. If both turn up, the former is never a 7/2 shot against a 5/6 chance. It’s easy to see why bookmakers have latched onto the Mullins horse but Teahupoo has been overlooked on multiple times in his career and he still turns up and runs his race. You could set your watch by him.

There’s a chance that Ballyburn may well be the new force in the staying division but he has yet to prove his stamina at that trip over hurdles. With the 7/2 about Teahupoo, it’s a high risk, high reward play given he will need soft ground to run but he’d be favourite in my opinion if he gets his conditions.

Antepost suggestion: Back Teahupoo to win (7/2)