Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I look back at informative Sunday card at Punchestown. Plus, there’s a future winner for the tracker.
Salvator Mundi: Workmanlike in Moscow Flyer Success
Willie Mullins secured his fourth consecutive Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle victory at Punchestown on Sunday with Salvator Mundi. This Grade 2 has become a reliable launchpad for some of his best novice hurdlers, with past winners including Dysart Dynamo (2022), Impaire Et Passe (2023), and Mystical Power (2024). Before them, stars like Vautour (2014) and Douvan (2015) used this race as a stepping stone to Supreme glory at Cheltenham.
Salvator Mundi, now a general 4/1 for the Supreme, delivered a workmanlike success. His jumping was scrappy at times, and he raced keenly after a long break since May. He briefly looked in trouble approaching two out but displayed a decisive turn of foot to pull clear for a comfortable success.
While I wouldn’t rush to back him at his current odds for the Festival, Sunday’s performance underlined his class. Winning despite his keenness and jumping flaws on testing ground suggests there’s more to come. On better ground in a strongly run race, he’s likely to improve further.
For now, it’s shaping up to be an ordinary Supreme.
Lecky Leads the Way at Punchestown
Willie Mullins secured a big race double at Punchestown as Lecky Watson claimed the Grade 3 Novice Chase (2m 3½f). Leading from the front, he delivered a workmanlike success, proving too strong for Down Memory Lane.
A useful staying novice hurdler last season, Lecky Watson has now won both starts over fences and already better chaser than hurdler. While his jumping still needs polish, his previously headstrong running style seems to have settled over the larger obstacles, suggesting he should stay well beyond 2m 4f. If his jumping sharpens up, he’ll pose a serious threat to stablemate Ballyburn in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
Runner-up Down Memory Lane was still in contention before a costly mistake at the last. Even with a clean jump, he likely wouldn’t have caught the winner but would have finished closer. On better ground, he remains capable of delivering a stronger performance.
Sunday's action was overshadowed by the tragic loss of Don'tstopthemusic, who suffered a fatal fall when looking the most likely winner in the maiden hurdle (2m 1f). It was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise interesting day.
Patience, a key part of my New Year betting resolutions, proved invaluable on Sunday. I thought about laying Salvator Mundi but decided against it. Without a solid alternative and considering he’s likely Willie Mullins’ best novice, holding back felt right.
As I reminded my consistent profits subscribers:
“I know waiting for bets can be frustrating, but patience is key in this game. So far in 2025, we’ve had just two lays—and both were successful.” It’s all too easy in this game to give your winnings back to the bookmakers.
Future Winners
With limited jumps racing last week, there weren’t that caught the eye. However, there was one that did at Ffos Las on Saturday.
Alan De Banks
Alan De Banks shaped well on his handicap debut, finishing 2 ½ lengths second to the well-ridden Up For Parol in the 3m handicap hurdle. Bred to stay, the testing ground may have stretched his stamina this time. On a sounder surface, he’s worth another try at this trip and looks capable of getting his head in front.
Meydan Highlights
With fewer UK races on Friday, I tuned into the action at Meydan instead.
First Conquest produced a strong turn of foot to land the 1m 1f handicap. The Charlie Appleby-trained 4-year-old, now 3-5, is progressing well and looks ready for a step into Group company.
Stablemate Arabian Light, the 4/7 favourite, had a rougher passage and could only manage fourth. The market support suggests he’s well-handicapped and worth keeping onside.
Last year’s winner Ouzo and runner-up Silent Film didn’t get the clearest of runs 2f out, but both remain capable of finding races off their current marks.
In tomorrow’s column I’ll begin my look ahead to a busy weekend of action
Good luck with your Tuesday bets!
John