Punchestown  – Day 1

By Declan Rix

3.40 – Sean Breen Memorial Chase

This year’s race looks to be a different proposition to the one that Wedger Pardy won last year. Coming into the race last year Ted Walsh’s charge had a run under his belt and was encountering soft ground, he has only run twice since, his last run was in June. The ground looks set to be much faster for this year’s festival and with that in mind 5/2 looks a bit on the short side and we should perhaps look elsewhere. However in saying that Katie Walsh’s mount has priceless course and distance experience over these banks and will certainly be fit enough to do himself justice. Enda Bolger is the man to follow in these races so Outlaw Pete must have a big chance. I’m surprised he is such a short price though, I don’t think he warrants odds of 3/1. The one to be with could be Pennybar who has some very decent course form. He has a bit to find with Wedger Pardy on last year’s running but didn’t seem to get much luck in last year’s race. If he can stay closer to the pace today he will finish a lot closer to him and is a great each-way bet at 20/1. Horses with no experience of the banks that I like are Shuil Coillte and Gothic Love but both will do well to turn over those at the head of the market.  It’s hard to get away from Wedger Pardy, I think he’ll win the race but at 5/2 is no value and I advise an each-way punt on Pennybar who will finish closer to last year’s winner this time round.

1st: Wedger Pardy

2nd: Outlaw Pete

3rd: Pennybar

4th: Gothic Love

4. 20 – Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle

I was against most horses that ran at Cheltenham and then went on to run at Aintree and I feel a similar stance must be taken with General Miller. At a price of 13/8 he must be taken on and there looks to be solid each way value down the field. It’s only been 11 days since Nicky Henderson’s horse ran at Aintree and although I didn’t think he had that tough of a race I’m still willing to take him on. Blackstairmountain is another horse I’d be wary of as he had a very tough race 16 days ago but I think this better ground will suit him much better. The two I like in the race and who will be fresher than most are Loosen My Load and Grey Solider. I think Loosen My Load will get much closer to the Mullins horse today and represents better value. The horse I advise an each-way bet on is Grey Solider who will love the drying conditions. He was one of a few horses to get Rite Of Passage off the bridle and I think he has been underestimated for this race. At 14-1 he is a nice each-way proposition. The winner is hard to find in this race as it is difficult know how these horses have come out of their last runs.

1st: Loosen My Load

2nd: General Miller

3rd: Grey Solider

4.55 – The Three Handicap Hurdle

With 25 runners going to post it’s going to be very tough to get the winner in this race. However I do like a number of horses in the race most notably Tarkari, Blueberry Boy, Kandari, First Trim and Alpine Eagle. Tarkari has some of the best form in the race but has had plenty of racing lately. This quicker ground may bring out some improvement. Blueberry Boy is a multiple course and distance winner and has a very attractive hurdle mark as he has performed very well over fences. Kandari is a horse I like and looks to have been laid out for this race. He got no luck in running behind Tarkari in the Leopardstown hurdle but still ran a cracker as he was very wide the whole way round. This quicker ground should also bring out some improvement. First Trim is quite a speedy sort and it’s amazing that he stays this far as he is a proper sprinter. This quick ground will really suit him as well. Alpine Eagle also ran a nice race behind Tarkari on his last start and should also enjoy these quicker conditions. It’s a tough one but at the prices I’m going to put up Kandari as the selection despite the form of the stable being a slight worry.

1st: Kandari

2nd: Alpine Eagle

3rd: First Trim

4th: Blueberry Boy

5.30 – The Land Rover Bumper

Another mine field for punters with the majority of horses unraced. It should pay to stick with the top trainers. The three I like are Double Double, Earls Quarter and Scoter Fontaine with preference just for Double Double who showed serious speed on debut. With the ground currently riding quick, he may be able to burn these off if settling into the race.

1st: Double Double

2nd: Scoter Fontaine

3rd: Earls Quarter

6.05 – Boylesports.com Champion Chase

With question marks to answer about a lot of these, this is going to be tough. Sizing Europe has to be respected even though he is still a novice, but there is nothing novicey about his jumping. Twist Magic isn’t for me, I think he peaked too early in the season and his confidence maybe shot now. Furthermore the only time McCoy rode him it did not end well so I’m willing to pass him over at that price (11/4). I think the biggest danger is Kalahari King who has been a bit unlucky this year. This flatter track will suit better and he will go close. A horse I won’t be able to resist a bet on is Cornas. He ran a cracker in the Grand Annual on ground softer than ideal and today’s quicker conditions will suit. He has a bit to find on ratings with these but in last year’s Arkle he was running a huge race before stumbling two out and losing ground. He never quite recovered and then found the hill too much of a task. At 50/1 he is way over priced.

1st: Sizing Europe

2nd: Kalahari King

3rd: Cornas

6.40 – Growise Champion Novice Chase

Only eight runners go to post but plenty of drama expected with Zaarito in the line-up. Colm Murphy’s charge must be one of the most frustrating but talented horses in training and I will be willing to give him one more chance. Today’s quicker ground should help him jump better and if he does he will win this. The Midnight Club is a horse I like and looks to be a spring horse. He has steadily improved all year and the step up in trip again should suit. Kempes should also go well with the champion jockey booked.

1st: Zaarito

2nd: The Midnight Club

3rd: Kempes

7.15 – Equitrek Finlay Ford (Pro/Am) Flat Race

Jet Master!

By Declan Rix