Winter’s good for Orchard

JP McMANUS sent out his 4,000th winner as an owner last week at Cheltenham and looks set for another big afternoon at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Honeysuckle is the star attraction in the Irish Champion Hurdle but for punters it’s the handicaps that provide the best betting heats.

And the Limerick millionaire might hold the answer to both the Bulmers Secret Orchard Leopardstown Handicap Chase and the Liffey Handicap Hurdle.

WINTER ESCAPE (2.25) is a horse of some talent on a going day.

Off a mark of 132 he looks to have a big chance in the €125,000 contest.

Race

Aidan Howard’s 11-year- old ran a good race here over Christmas and the extra half mile should really suit.

He’ll be a big price as will MAGIC TRICKS (4.10) for McManus in the 2m €125,000 Handicap Hurdle — formally known as the Ladbroke or Pierse Hurdle.

Shane Fitzgerald gets the nod here on the six-yearold trained by Gordon Elliott and his 5lbs claim could be crucial in such a tight race.

He’s rated 140 and has run some solid races finishing runner-up in big handicaps at Down Royal and Fairyhouse before Christmas.

Just four rivals stand between HONEYSUCKLE

(3.00) and a third straight success in the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.

Draw

She’s the biggest draw in jump racing and should attract a big crowd to Leopardstown where she attempts to keep her 13-race unbeaten run going ahead of a defence of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (1.20) gave as a good performance by a novice seen in many years here over Christmas and looks solid in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novices’ Chase.

SIR GERHARD (3.35) is another Mullins hot pot that should score in the final Grade 1 of the weekend — the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle.