Paul Townend previews his rides at Leopardstown on Tuesday

It’s the last day of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown where I have four good rides.

I start with Stattler (12.40) who is a horse we like. He didn’t disgrace himself on his run in a maiden in Naas. I think he will have come on a lot for that and with natural progression, like many of ours do from their first run to their second, he can go a couple of places better.

Concertista (13.15) was quite a cosy winner last time but she might have a bit more on her plate here. She has to give weight away all round, which isn’t ideal. We think a lot of her. She was very impressive at Cheltenham last year. 

Hopefully she can defy the weight penalty. I think Leopardstown will be no problem to her and I am looking forward to getting back on board her.

The other horse I can’t wait to get back on is Monkfish (13.50). I couldn’t have been anymore impressed by him on his first time over fences. He seems to be well at home.

We will keep everything crossed that we get a clear round and nothing silly happens. Hopefully he can show himself off again. It’s going to be a lot more competitive than his beginners’ chase but we think a lot of him.

Saldier (14.25) is a great horse on his day. He just has very little miles on the clock. This is a proper Champion Hurdle test of what’s around. Saint Roi will be hoping to make up for the Morgiana and Sharjah loves the track.

I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Saldier yet. We haven’t had a clear run with him for a couple of seasons. He seems well at home. He could be one to put his name in the hat for the Champion Hurdle. We will know more after this.

Paul