Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you’ll find my thoughts on the two Grade 1’s at the Punchestown Festival.
Punchestown Festival – Day 3
It’s Day 3 of the Punchestown Festival, and the big-race action keeps coming.
Today the spotlight is on the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle (6.00), where Teahupoo clashes with recent Aintree winner Hiddenvalley Lake. With eleven runners lining up, it looks a cracking contest.
Teahupoo, last year’s Cheltenham hero, comes here off a second in this year’s Stayers. Ideally he wants softer ground, but he remains the one to beat.
Hiddenvalley Lake hit a career high at Aintree and looks a strong danger. He’s a serious each-way player at current odds.
Rocky’s Diamond keeps improving and ran a blinder in the Cheltenham Stayers. He’ll need more but has place claims.
Crambo fell last time but had earlier beaten Hiddenvalley Lake. Cheekpieces go on, and he’s unbeaten on six start going right-handed. At his best, he’s a serious player.
Jetara ran well when third to Hiddenvalley Lake at Aintree. She’s a Punchestown winner and another serious each-way player to consider.
Before that, Majborough heads the betting in the Grade 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (5.25). He’ll be looking to bounce back after a narrow Arkle defeat, but as we saw on Tuesday, hot favourites can fall short.
Majborough made late jumping mistakes in the Arkle but rallied to finish third. He should have won that day. If he jumps better here, he’s the one to beat. Brookie, second in the Maghull at Aintree, appeals most for forecast players. Rubaud looks next best.
The supporting card features plenty of variety, including three big-field handicaps, the quirky La Touche Cup Cross Country Chase (3.40), a Listed Mares’ Novices' Hurdle (4.50), and a closing bumper (6.35). It’s a good day’s racing, although some of the lower-grade races again show why Cheltenham should avoid adding extra days.
Thursday Selection:
Punchestown
6:00 – Crambo
If you want the rest of my Punchestown selections and for the next month which includes May’s Chester Meeting and York’s Dante Festival. You can get them for a bargain £7 here.
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John