QuinnBet Handicap Chase (Listed) — Leopardstown, 2 March 2026

A sixteen-strong field lines up for this Listed chase at Leopardstown over two miles five furlongs on Good to Soft ground. The race draws a competitive blend of established chasers and newer Listed-level recruits, with several runners boasting course experience and proven form at this distance.

The Selection: An Peann Dearg

An Peann Dearg stands out as the most convincing play in this field. The nine-year-old has a standout record on turf in Good to Soft conditions—two wins from two runs—which directly matches today's going. At Leopardstown specifically, he has won twice from four runs, evidence of genuine course aptitude. His form string (3421-10P60-7) shows recent consistency with placings, and crucially, he holds a Class 1 win from four attempts at this level. Paul Nolan's charge is a genuine course specialist with ground-specific form that few rivals can match, and at 17.00, offers genuine value given his credentials.

The Dangers

Monbeg Park presents the main threat. He is a course-and-distance winner—one victory from three runs at Leopardstown and one from four over 2m5f-7f—making him tailor-made for these conditions. His Class 1 record stands at one win from four, and his recency (43 days since last run) is sharp. Jack Foley's nine-year-old comes with a combined RaceMetrics score of 1491 and should be prominent throughout.

Monbeg Park is the one to beat for punters seeking a shorter-priced alternative.

Ballybawn Belter cannot be ignored. His RaceMetrics Rating of 1579 is one of the highest in the field, and he boasts a Class 1 win from four runs. He is a two-time course winner, though Form Expert data shows no distance-specific success over 2m5f-7f (0 from 5). Still, his raw rating and Leopardstown credentials make him a live contender at 15.00, particularly if the pace suits.

At a Price

Invictus Machin merits consideration at 23.00 for patient punters. He holds one win from eight runs at this trip, and although he has been off 192 days, his Form Expert record on Good to Soft going shows three runs without a win. The layoff is a genuine concern, but his rating (H 1486) and price offer a speculative angle if connections believe he has freshened up.

Verdict

Back An Peann Dearg. Perfect turf record on this going, Leopardstown specialist, Class 1 proven, and 17.00 offers value for a horse with genuine edges.