There was a slight change in the way things panned out this
afternoon, with the Big 2 becoming the Big 1 !
Willie Mullins won 6 of the 7 races on the Punchestown card
– which is impressive going – even if he did field multiple runners in most of
the races.
Clearly a lot of his horses are in top form – though
choosing which ones to side with remains tricky, with a number of his more
fancied runners obliging today (unlike yesterday).
Tomorrows card looks no easier to crack than those on the
first 2 days, so the suggestion is to keep stakes to a minimum !
4:15
There are quite a few of interest, in this 24 runner
handicap…
Two of the Henry de Bromhead runners: Tisamystery and Three Stars, head the list.
Both of them have strong 2m handicap form – with the former,
in particular, a big price at 20/1 this evening.
Tycoon Prince and Mr Fiftyone are 2 others of interest –
though they are more speculative.
Mr Fiftyone is probably the more appealing of the pair –
particularly as he’s had a recent pipe opener at Dundalk.
Lake Takapuna is the final one worthy of a mention - simply
because his price of 50/1 is too big for a horse who has a definite chance of
placing…
4:50
It would be a mighty effort for Bless the Wings to take
this, a week and a half after finishing third in the Grand National. I’d have
to take him on, at a price of 5/2.
Choosing between the JP McManus runners isn’t easy, so my
inclination would be to take chance on Ballyboker Bridge.
He’s got good course form and is capable of outrunning his
16/1 price.
5:30
Willie Mullins is responsible for 7 of the 12 runners in
this – which isn’t a particularly healthy situation…
Victory for either Penhill or Bacardys wouldn’t be a big
surprise – but the market is wise to them.
It’s amazing that Faugheen can be backed at 8/1 (presumably
because Paul Townend appears to have deserted him) – and he has to be worth a
small risk at that kind of price.
Similarly, Identity Thief at 6/1 is a fair bet, particularly
now that he’s demonstrated he stays the 3 mile trip.
6:05
Glenloe and a Great View give JP Mcmanus a strong hand in
this – and victory for either would be no great surprise…
At a bigger price (33/1), Burren Life is quite interesting,
in his first time blinkers: as is Moonshine Bay, for Jessie Harrington.
Both horses have been contesting graded novice events on bad
winter ground, so may be capable of improvement, now that they are racing on a
better surface.
6:40
It’s impossible to look beyond Footpad in this.
He’s been hugely impressive this season - and granted a
clear round, he should win.
With only 7 runners, the race hasn’t got an EW shape - which
is a shame.
I’d be happy to oppose Petite Mouchoir – as he looked liked
he’d had enough, when losing at Aintree, last time.
Asthuria could be an interesting option in the ‘without the
fav’ market.
She could easily be 7 or 8/1 – and may be a touch of value
at that kind of price.
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