Savills Chase 2023 tips, runners and prediction for today at Leopardstown
Runners guide and betting tips for today’s Savills Chase at Leopardstown
Ireland’s version of the King George, the Savills Chase (14:25 at Leopardstown on Thursday) delineates the ultimate Cheltenham Gold Cup prep on the west side of the Irish Sea.
Saying that, no horse in the last 10 years has won both races in the same season, so victory or defeat on Thursday does not prove final for a horse’s prospects at the Festival in March.
This year looks like a vintage renewal as the Cheltenham and Punchestown Gold Cup winners, the Ryanair Chase winner, the Brown Advisory 2nd and the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner all attempt to wrest away the crown from last year’s winner Conflated.
Here is a guide to the top five runners for the 2023 Savills Chase, starting with clear favourite Galopin Des Champs (7/4 on Unibet) - ridden by Paul Townend for Willie Mullins.
2023 Savills Chase Runners
Galopin Des Champs
Despite winning the Irish Gold Cup as well as the Cheltenham Gold Cup last season, Willie Mullins’ charge lines up in the Savills Chase, looking to write some wrongs. Defeats in his last two races have both come at the hands of Ultima chase 2nd Fastorslow, and a third defeat on Thursday’s could provide a sense of finality to the debate.
Galopin des Champs remains race favourite as he still holds a 10lb higher rating and Mullins will be boosted by the news Fastorslow has been declared a non-runner. Indeed, there seem to be viable excuses for both runs, with his performance at Punchestown accredited to fatigue after his Gold Cup win, and his defeat in the John Durkan not only his seasonal debut over a shorter trip but also excused on account of his jumping.
It will no doubt be frustrating news for trainer Martin Brassil about Fastorslow's news this morning. Race IQ’s jumping envelope data shows that Fastorslow gained 9.86 lengths from his slick jumping throughout, whereas Galopin Des Champs lost 5.94 lengths in his race.
Gerri Colombe
Another seven-year-old, and another young pretender who lines up against the reigning Gold Cup winner, the reigning Ryanair winner, and the reigning Savills Chase winner. However, like all young pretenders, he has reason to believe he can make his mark at the top table.
After correcting his narrow defeat in the Brown Advisory, he was successful in his seasonal debut at Down Royal in the Grade 1 Champion Chase. Despite looking momentarily outpaced, he stayed on strongly to beat both Envoi Allen and Conflated and Leopardstown complexion will only further suit Gordon Elliot’s star, who requires some time to move through the gears.
As mentioned, Leopardstown only has two fences in the last 5 ½ furlongs meaning horses have less time slowing down, and more time in full galloping speed, placing a greater emphasis on stamina. Soft ground suits him well, and he can win this before doing the same in the Gold Cup.
Conflated
It seems confusing that a horse who has won both the Savills and the Irish Gold Cup in his last two visits to Leopardstown is a double figure price.
However, his performances last year have suggested that this son of Yeats, who is turning 10, is past his peak. Despite finishing a single length 2nd in the 2022 Aintree Bowl, he was pulled up this year, and he was also beaten at Down Royal despite having the benefit of a run.
These results have left connections considering a Cross Country route, and he seems vulnerable to the new generation coming through. Nevertheless, he wasn’t beaten far last time, and his course form is there for all to see. It would not be surprising if he was to finish in the frame, but it would be surprising if he was to win.
Envoi Allen
Although he’s won over 3 miles, it remains to be seen whether Henry de Bromhead’s stable star truly wants the trip. His win was in a five-runner rendition of Down Royal’s Champion Chase, and he was well beaten in last year’s King George as well as in the Punchestown Gold cup behind Fastorslow.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, Leopardstown’s emphasis on stamina will only further reveal any stamina deficiencies, and this race is too strong to be concerned about that.
Savills Chase Tips
If Galopin Des Champs can sort out his sloppy jumping, he can reverse form with Fastorslow. However, Gordon Elliott’s Gerri Colombe (5/2 on Unibet) can beat both of them with this race looking tailor made for the son of Saddler Maker. Conflated can run a big race being the likely pace angle.
Savills Chase Prediction
Jamie Radford’s prediction for the top three at Leopardstown.
Gerri Colombe
Galopin Des Champs
Conflated
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