Hi all,
A bit of treat for us today, weather permitting, with Sunday’s rescheduled Punchestown meeting hopefully passing a morning inspection.
Punchestown
4:00 – BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase – 3m 4 ½ f
Twenty have been declared to run for this year’s renewal. Here’s what I wrote about the race on Saturday. My two selections in the race stay the same.
General Principle, trained by Gordon Elliott, has been in dreadful form since finishing third in this race 12 months ago off 11lb higher. The 2018 Irish Grand National winner, off 8lb higher, has tumbled down the weights after some poor runs but is a very well handicapped horse if reproducing last year’s run. Gets the first-time visor today which may spark the 11-year-old back to form.
Minella Till Down, a stablemate of General Principle, is much better fancied than his stablemate. He was a decisive winner at Cork 36-days ago. The first-time blinkers clearly had the desired effect on the 8-year-old. Steps up markedly in trip here from 2m 4f and is 14lb higher now. The rise in the ratings isn’t as big a concern as stamina for today’s 3m 4 ½ f. If he stays, he will take plenty of beating.
Rocky’s Silver made it 4 wins from 8 runs over fences and 2 wins from 2 runs at Punchestown when winning the Amateur National 28-days ago. Up 7lb for that win but a 5lb claimer has been booked which negates much of that weight rise. The 7-year-old races like today’s step up in trip will suit and he can go close at track that suits. Hopefully the rain will arrive to ease the ground which would enhance his chance.
Cheb De Kerviniou, finished 8 lengths behind Rocky’s Silver in third here last time. He gets a 7lb pull with the winner, not considering that horses jockey’s claim, so shouldn’t be far away here. The 10-year-old has only had two starts for Gordon Elliott since switching from France. Rachel Blackmore has been booked for the ride so a big run can be expected.
Forza Milan, was useful staying handicap hurdler when trained by Jonjo O’Neill. The 8-year-old has run well on both his last two starts in beginners/novice chase company when runner-up to Castlebawn West and latterly to Carefully Selected at Naas 14-days ago. Seems to be well fancied in the betting for his handicap chase debut off what looks a workable mark.
Verdict: If he stays, Minella Till Dawn must be feared. Forza Milan looks nicely weighted for his handicap chase debut. Rocky’s Silver is nicely progressive, should be suited by today’s step up in trip and the rain has come at the right time for him. General Principle hasn’t been in much form since finishing third in this race 12 months ago, but he’s dropped down to a tempting mark.
1pt win – Rocky’s Silver – 7/1 @ Bet365
1pt each way – General Principle – 25/1 @ Bet365 (paying 4 places ¼ odds)
Cheers
John