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Punchestown

Grey

Grey

Senior Jockey
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
9,619
Location
Dublin
Peerless Punchestown, as the catchy slogan (not) used to have it, is upon us. It marks the end of one season and the start of another, and caters for both types of horses.

Today is one of the lower key days attendance wise, but the quality seems fine to me. There are a couple of Mullins shorties that can be taken on (I know, a very foolhardy thing to be saying but say it I will). Fact To File is a shade of odds on to beat the Champion Chase winner at a trip probably short of his best, and surely the latter offers better value. Kopek Des Bordes was deeply impressive at the DRF and won the Supreme without too much fuss. But Salvator Mundi is not far away on form figures, especially if you care to use Romeo Coolio as a yardstick and might be coming here as a horse gaining in confidence.

I also like Lecky Watson in the novice chase. He went into Cheltenham with the second highest RPR in that race and won smoothly despite being a complete outsider. He's drifting again this morning, but I'll be keeping the faith (there's a nice article about his owners, Lar Byrne and family, penned by our esteemed forumite An Capall, in today's Racing Post).

Best of luck to all over the next few days.
 
Quiet meeting but I'll be betting a few:

Stellar Story ew in the novice chase - I don't like the front of the market here (Lecky Watson excepted) so I feel the selection is a bit of ew value.

Banbridge in the Gold Cup. He wasn't beaten through lack of stamina at Cheltenham, willing to give him another chance.

Crambo in the Stayers. Got 20s apost which was at least double what he should be. Punchy should suit him.
 
There are some cracking races, but some of the lesser races show why Cheltenham should never consider adding any additional days.

I may be a bit mad, but I was drawn to the impossible looking Handicap at 3.05. Mike Smith sends an interesting 50/1 shot to be ridden by his 7lb claimer son. Based on his Perth run last July, he is not a forlorn hope. Mike Smith has only had one runner in Ireland in the last 5 years, and that ran quite well to be 4th in a £10k hurdle race at the Galway festival.

Philip Rothwell runs 3 and I can’t even work out which of them is his best hope, though they all have chances. Away to Milan was 66/1 originally but has been nibbled at to 33/1 and is my tentative pick.
 
Mr Whatoxo said:
There are some cracking races, but some of the lesser races show why Cheltenham should never consider adding any additional days.

I may be a bit mad, but I was drawn to the impossible looking Handicap at 3.05. Mike Smith sends an interesting 50/1 shot to be ridden by his 7lb claimer son. Based on his Perth run last July, he is not a forlorn hope. Mike Smith has only had one runner in Ireland in the last 5 years, and that ran quite well to be 4th in a £10k hurdle race at the Galway festival.

Philip Rothwell runs 3 and I can’t even work out which of them is his best hope, though they all have chances. Away to Milan was 66/1 originally but has been nibbled at to 33/1 and is my tentative pick.
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Bravo Sir
 
Mr Whatoxo said:
I may be a bit mad, but I was drawn to the impossible looking Handicap at 3.05. Mike Smith sends an interesting 50/1 shot to be ridden by his 7lb claimer son. Based on his Perth run last July, he is not a forlorn hope. Mike Smith has only had one runner in Ireland in the last 5 years, and that ran quite well to be 4th in a £10k hurdle race at the Galway festival
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Excellent spot I hope you backed it
 
Thanks. I did have an interest in it, so that was a nice little payday.

Also backed the 3 Rothwell horses, the best of which was 4th (on at 20/1) - so broke even on those.
 
Mr Whatoxo said:
Thanks. I did have an interest in it, so that was a nice little payday.

Also backed the 3 Rothwell horses, the best of which was 4th (on at 20/1) - so broke even on those.
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No disrespect to him, in fact it's probably more of a reflection of me, but I don't recall ever backing a Mike Smith winner in these parts let alone at the Punchestown Festival.

That's some spot that, Oxo, take a bow. 🤣
 
Well I was correct in my analysis about Kopek des Bordes not being the second coming after I saw him win at Cheltenham but that was too bad to be true. I didn't think he was moving particularly well in the latter stages and wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't got a problem brewing.
 
A poor effort from Ballyburn again. Especially with the two other market leaders departing early on
 
Mr Whatoxo said:
There are some cracking races, but some of the lesser races show why Cheltenham should never consider adding any additional days.

I may be a bit mad, but I was drawn to the impossible looking Handicap at 3.05. Mike Smith sends an interesting 50/1 shot to be ridden by his 7lb claimer son. Based on his Perth run last July, he is not a forlorn hope. Mike Smith has only had one runner in Ireland in the last 5 years, and that ran quite well to be 4th in a £10k hurdle race at the Galway festival.

Philip Rothwell runs 3 and I can’t even work out which of them is his best hope, though they all have chances. Away to Milan was 66/1 originally but has been nibbled at to 33/1 and is my tentative pick.
Click to expand...
I think you got the 50/1 winner ?
 
Mr Whatoxo said:
There are some cracking races, but some of the lesser races show why Cheltenham should never consider adding any additional days.

I may be a bit mad, but I was drawn to the impossible looking Handicap at 3.05. Mike Smith sends an interesting 50/1 shot to be ridden by his 7lb claimer son. Based on his Perth run last July, he is not a forlorn hope. Mike Smith has only had one runner in Ireland in the last 5 years, and that ran quite well to be 4th in a £10k hurdle race at the Galway festival.

Philip Rothwell runs 3 and I can’t even work out which of them is his best hope, though they all have chances. Away to Milan was 66/1 originally but has been nibbled at to 33/1 and is my tentative pick.
Click to expand...
Exceptional spot Mr W.... 👏
 
Smooth Scotch 2.30 Punchestown, was running well in this last year when he came down 2 out. He was 80/1 that day when he hadn’t run for over 2 years. More modest 22/1 shot today (28/1 was available earlier). Up 3 pounds on last year, but has posted some decent efforts this season.
 
Ardross said:
What a great run by dear old Captain Guinness .
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Wasn’t he running a mighty race at Cheltenham a few years ago before either falling or being brought down? One of those horses that will never get the recognition they deserve ie any good race ran is deemed to be a bit of a fluke and not because he’s tried his heart out.
 
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