We are slap bang in the middle of the Punchestown festival at the minute and still three cracking days to go.
We have the big one, the Rabobank Champion Hurdle, on Friday (5.30pm) and what a race we have to look forward to with a high-class field going to post for this Grade One hurdle
Trainer Philip Fenton has confirmed that Dunguib is to run in the race where he is set to lock horns with the likes of Quevega, Solwhit and Punjabi. So is the novice up to the task?
We think so, and the biggest danger could come from Champion Hurdle flop Solwhit who won this last year. The early week Sean Graham market has Dunguib, Quevega and Solwhit all leading the market at 10/3 – what a tight race we have on Friday evening.
Sean Graham Bet: Dunguib 10/3, Quevega 10/3, Solwhit 10/3, Hurricane Fly 9/2, Punjabi 5, Voler La Vedette 10, Medermit 14, Ronaldo des Mottes 20, Thousand Stars 28, Muirhead 33, Won In The Dark 33, De Valera 100.
We have the Grade One World Series Hurdle (today, Thursday) and another competitive field going to post for this one and Mourad looks the one they all have to beat. The Willie Mullins-trained horse has been trained all year long for this race and hosed up at Fairyhouse last time out.
Jessie’s Dream, now trained by Gordon Elliott, is an interesting runner. He has had a disappointing year chasing, and reverts back to hurdles where he was unbeaten. That could be a wise move as he bolted up at the Punchestown festival last year and the 25/1 on offer looks cracking each-way value.
Sean Graham Bet: Quevega 4, Karabak 9/2, Mourad 9/2, Powerstation 8, Souffleur 9, Berties Dream 12, Cousin Vinny 12, Noble Prince 12, Oscar Dan Dan 12, Bensalem 14, Ninetieth Minute 16, Thousand Stars 16, War Of Attrition 16, Kayf Aramis 20, Lie Forrit 20, Jessies Dream 25, Bouggler 33, Prince Erik 33, Whatuthink 33, Aitmatov 50 – others 50s or more.
Also today is the Grade One Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (6.40) and Captain Cee Bee will hope he can redeem his reputation in this one after that Cheltenham run when he broke a blood vessel – if he gets a clean round of jumping this is the one to beat.
Osana has had two festivals in four weeks and that could take its toll so we have opted for Sports Line to give the favourite most to do in this one as he attempts to put his bad Cheltenham run behind him as well.
SATURDAY ACTION
On the last day at Punchestown we have the four-year-olds’ Champion Hurdle and we are taking Alvian to bounce back in this race after his bad run in the Triumph.
On to Saturday’s racing and we have the end-of-season Bet365 Gold Cup marathon at the mixed Sandown card and the money has come for the Paul Nicholls-trained Just Amazing who is now as low as 8/1.
You may remember that last year we tipped up a 25/1 winner in this race when Monkerhostin did the business and he is not without a chance on Saturday – the top weight gets a 20/1 quote to repeat the feat, which may well be worth a tickle.
ERIC’S CHARM fell at the first in the National but if he jumps round on Saturday then he has an outstanding chance and is priced at 16/1 for this gruelling three mile five furlong trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment