Hi all,

The less said about yesterday the better. Not so much the racing which was good and more on that in Monday’s column. No, it’s my punting which is to put it bluntly woeful at present.  Mind you its best to get the poor form out of the way before Cheltenham starts.

Onto Sunday’s action. The feature race across Britain & Ireland is at Punchestown with the QuinnBet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (2:10) the highlight of an eight race card.

Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at three races on the Punchestown card.

Punchestown

2:10 – QuinnBet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade B) – 3m 4f

Death Duty held off Champagne Platinum to win this last year. The former pulled up in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase last time. But prior to that he had shown when 3^rd of 18 in the Troytown that he can still be competitive at this sort level. Off the same mark as 12 months ago and Michael O'Sullivan takes off a handy 5lb. Champagne Platinum has not reached that level of form on subsequent starts and needs to bounce back to form.

Coko Beach was fourth in last year’s race and occupied the same position in the valuable Thyestes Handicap Chase 24-days ago.  He jumped well last time which will always give him a chance in race like this but I have still to be convinced that he stays this far.

There was plenty to like about Diol Ker’s short head 2^nd of 28 in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown. He’s likely to stay today’s longer trip and should go well again but he’s risen 4lb since last time.

Angels Dawn is the ante post favourite after her improved success at Down Royal 26-days ago. A 6lb rise in the weight and a deeper race here makes life tougher. However, she’s only had four starts over fences and today’s trip could unlock the improvement needed to defy her new mark.

Whatsnotoknow is a seven race maiden over fences, but he’s got bits of form that suggest he isn’t weighted out of this. Stamina to prove but the trainers horses are running well.

Stones And Roses is one I have had on my radar for a race like this. Granted only fifth in last year’s race but would have finished closer but for being hampered by a faller two out. Now 4lb lower and not dismissed.

2:40 – Apple's Jade Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed Race) – 2m 5f

Harmonya Maker made it 2-3 over hurdles when comfortably beating four rivals at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day. The step up to 2m 5f should suit and she won’t be far away.

Eabha Grace got off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles when running out an easy winner over C&D last month. Capable of better and the one to beat. Stablemate Hauturiere got off the mark at the fifth attempt over hurdles at Fairyhouse last month. More progress to come for the step up to 2m 5f and she won’t mind if there’s more rain either.

Rioga Choice unseated her rider at the fifth in a valuable mares’ only handicap hurdle at Leopardstown last time. Provided her confidence hasn’t been affected by that mishap she’s likely capable of better than she’s show so far and has each way claims.

3:45 – David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Handicap Hurdle – 2m 7 ½ f

Arguably the most competitive race on the card with seventeen set to meet the starter. Verdant Place posted a career best when winning here over 2m 4 ½ f last month. He’s up 6lb but the 5-year-old is progressive and can probably defy his new mark if staying today’s longer distance.

Bluebell Diva also posted a career best when gaining a second hurdle success at Gowran Park 24-days ago. Up 8lb and the ground won’t be as testing as it was last time but she’s not out of it.

Martha Divine is another who’s best form has come on heavy ground. She bounced back to form when 6 length 2^nd of 12 to the rapidly improving Corbett’s Cross at Fairyhouse last month. Competitively weighted if reproducing her last time out effort here.

Coventry has disappointed on his last two starts but he was only beaten 2 ¼ length by Grozni in a C&D handicap in October and races off the same mark here. Better ground would probably suit the 6-year-old but he’s a contender.

A Great View is a three time course winner including a C&D success in a better race at last year’s Punchestown Festival. The 12-year-old hasn’t been at his best on three starts this season. However, he’s back down to his last winning mark. Aidan Kelly takes off a handy 7lb and if the forecast strong pace materialises, I’m anticipating a big run.

Sunday selection:

Punchestown

3:45 – A Great View – 14/1 @ Coral.

Good luck with your Sunday bets.

John