Hi all,
Pleased with the 2pts win on Notachance (9/2) in the Classic Chase at Warwick (Ballyoptic lost fifth by a nose) and Pont Aven landed the each-way money when finishing runner-up in the Dan Moore at Fairyouse, which saved the day. However, the day would have been even better if I had gone with Imperial Alcazar along with Kepagge in the Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier.
On to Sunday and it’s Punchestown that take centre stage. It’s not often that first two races on a card are the two best contests but that’s the case at Punchestown today. First, we have Envoi Allen having to give Asterion Forlonge 11lb in the Grade 3 novices chase (12:50) and then it’s The Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (1:20).
Apart from those races the rest of the card is average although I do have selection in the concluding race.
Punchestown
12:50 – If Envoi Allen is going to be beaten this season it will be today.He must give 11lb to Asterion Forlonge who goes well right-handed and will probably prefer the forecast heavy ground. That said he did blot his copy book when falling five out in a Grade 1 at Limerick over Christmas. I think the favourite will win but the 5/2 available about Asterion Forlonge is tempting.
1pt win – Asterion Forlonge – 5/2 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
1:20 – Likely favourite Master McShee is now a non-runner. Willie Mullins has won six of the last ten renewals of the Moscow Flyer but Gordon Elliott has won the last two. The former saddles three in Ganapathi, Power Of Pause & Echoes In Rain. The first named is the choice of Paul Townend and comfortably won a Cork maiden on his hurdle debut 56-days ago. There should be plenty more improvement to come from the 5-year-old but on bare form he’s a few lbs to find with Power To Pause who is unbeaten on both starts over hurdles.
Elliott relies on Magic Tricks, a half-brother to stablemateAbacadabras. The 5-year-old made an impressive hurdle debut when winning a Navan maiden last month. The ground will be more testing today but he looks a smart prospect and probably should be favourite.
Of the rest Dreal Deal must be respected. He’s more experienced than his rivals, having had ten starts but he’s on an upward curve, having won his last two starts in handicap hurdle company. Soft/heavy ground really suits the 6-year-old who may not have reached his class ceiling just yet.
1pt win – Magic Tricks – 11/4 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
3:50 – The 3m 1fAmateur National concludes the card. Screaming Colours won over C&D two starts back and then finished a respectable 2nd of 12 to improving staying handicap chaser Stones And Roses, back here 17-days ago. He’s bang in form, goes well on heavy going and Patrick Mullins takes the ride. Plenty to like about the 10-year-old’s chance here.
The other I like is Fairly Legal, the mount of Derek O’Connor who has ridden three of the last five winners of the race, who seems to be running into form. He followed up a good run here when staying on into second, behind an improver in the valuable Foxrock Handicap Chase at Navan last month. Yet to win beyond 2m 4f, so stamina for 3m 1f must be taken on trust, but if he stays, he won’t be far away.
1pt win – Screaming Colours – 6/1 @ Ladbrokes
This coming week is likely to be quiet on the selections front. But there will likely be a look ahead to the weekend post out on Wednesday with any ante post selections for the weekend’s big race action.
Cheers
John