Saturday’s rearranged Dublin Racing Festival fixture goes ahead on Monday with another four grade ones – we preview them below.
The going remains soft on the chase course and heavy on the hurdle track for February 2nd’s instalment.
While mostly dry overnight, rain is forecast for raceday and conditions are likely to remain testing.
77 horses are declared across a seven-race card, with the first due off at 13:15.
dublin racing festval monday preview – february 2, 2026
13:15 nathaniel lacy & partners solicitors novice hurdle
The short-priced favourite Doctor Steinberg won a grade two on heavy ground before Christmas and there is a lot to like on his hat-trick bid.
He’s tried and tested at the distance and justifies favouritism in this field of nine.
Santo Sospir won readily on heavy ground at Clonmel and also chases the hat-trick here.
He’s upped markedly in trip but looks to have plenty in the tank and should relish two-miles six-furlongs.
Kazansky and Tackletommywoowoo are also on hat-tricks – with the latter facing much tougher opposition now.
While Love Me Tender completed the three-timer but was below best last time out.
SELECTION – Santo sospir 9/2
13:50 GANNON’S CITY RECOVERY & RECYCLING SERVICES JUVENILE HURDLE
Seven go to post here, with Narciso Has currently the 4/6-favourite.
A two-mile success here on Boxing Day was impressive, making all to land a grade two in style.
Mange Tout has won all three starts – including beating Narciso Has at Fairyhouse in November.
The latter has improved for that run and it should be another great battle between the two.
Selma De Vary won well on heavy ground at Auteuil and makes a stable debut for Willie Mullins in this.
The remainder of the field will need to produce their very best to challenge the market leaders here.
SELECTION – Mange tout 5/2
14:55 GOFFS IRISH ARKLE NOVICE CHASE
Just the three runners go to post for The Irish Arkle.
Romeo Coolio is the odds-on favourite, having won all three starts over fences, including two grade ones.
Kargese is afforded the 7lb mares’ allowance and this may prove crucial on testing ground.
This race looks set to be a clash of the titans in what’ll likely be a match race.
Downmexicoway has a fair bit to find one these two.
SELECTION – KARGESE 13/8
15:30 PADDY POWER IRISH GOLD CUP CHASE
13 runners contest the three-mile Irish Gold Cup, including Galopin Des Champs.
With three Irish Gold Cups and two Cheltenham Gold Cups, he’s undoubtedly the one they’ve all got to beat.
Gaelic Warrior ran a cracker in a blanket finish at Kempton on Boxing Day.
If he can settle into stride he’ll be a real opponent for Galopin Des Champs.
Spindleberry is five-from-five over fences and will benefit from a 7lb female allowance.
She cannot be discounted agains the big boys here.
In a race full of class, the likes of Fact To File, I Am Maximus, Inothewayurthinkin all hold claims on their best achievements for JP McManus.
Affordable Fury also cannot be discounted.
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