Yesterday I spent some time doing a bit of research on the PUNCHESTOWN meeting and managed to back 3 winners on Day 1; plus was very unlucky when Ruby Walsh got headed on the line on a 10/1 shot that finished 2nd beaten by a NOSE!!
So I thought I would post some of the industry media opinions and what I concluded after reading and listening to what seems like 1001 different articles, jockey & trainer interviews etc. etc. about all the action on Day 2.
2.30
Here Comes Sally
The day kicks off with a really tough 2m-4f-handicap hurdle, a chance can be made for several here but Here Comes Sally gets my vote. A winner here three starts back on heavy ground, she is holding her form well and whilst I have slight reservations about today's ground, she could just manage to go close, having run well on yielding ground at Fairyhouse when fourth to Western Gale when last seen. - attheraces
3.05
Silverhand
Silverhand could be the answer in the Evening Herald Hurdle. He ran some way below his best in the Triumph at Cheltenham but his previous form would give him a leading chance. He did very well to overcome trouble in running to make a winning jumping debut here in October and looked quite a smart juvenile hurdler when chasing home Beau Michael in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse in February.
- sportinglife
Temlett
The 4yo hurdle has an even tougher look about it. Temlett was a horse I thought was going to be a big player this Year. A very smart flat performer he has had a somewhat mixed time of things over hurdles. I think a lot of that can be attributed to the ground, and now he has better conditions he could just surprise a few doubters today. His ninth to Celestial Halo in The Triumph Hurdle was a good effort in the circumstances and it is far too soon to write him off, I expect a good show. - attheraces
3.40
The Hurl
Siegemaster and Shakervilz are two obvious contenders for the three mile novice hurdle but The Hurl could be worth a speculative investment. He has it all to do against several of these and is still a maiden after three starts over hurdles. Nonetheless it is significant that his trainer is allowing him to take his chance here.
The step up to this trip on this ground will certainly be in his favour and he has shaped like a horse with a decent future on several occasions this season.
- sportinglife
4.15
Mossbank
The Michael Hourigan-trained Mossbank gets the vote to cement to position as the best staying chaser in Ireland by winning the featured Guinness Gold Cup.
The eight-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season to date and comes here off two cracking runs in defeat. On ground that was slower than ideal he chased home Denman in December's Lexus Chase and at Cheltenham he found only Our Vic too strong in the Ryanair Chase.
That last-named pair have since done their bit for the selection's form by going on to win the Gold Cup and Totesport Bowl respectively.
Mossbank has already won twice over three miles but the extended 3m 1f trip is a slight concern for the eight-year-old. However, it is worth bearing mind that all his previous victories have come going right handed and the prevailing good ground will bring out the very best in the Kadeed gelding.
- sportinglife
Kicking King
I am siding with the great Kicking King and hoping he is coming back to somewhere near his best form. Twice a winner of The King George at Kempton and indeed the Gold Cup itself he is a very high-class horse. Following a most pleasing return to action he failed to deliver when next seen out, again at Gowran Park, sparking fears that he was a light of former Years. It transpired however that he was suffering from a minor back ailment and his trainer is convinced he has him back to near his best now. That being the case, he must have a live chance today infact if even 80% as good he would win this race. I hope he does but I am playing safe with an each way selection.
- attheraces
4.50
Notable D'Estruval
Arthur Moore's Notable D'Estruval is worth another chance in a competitive looking Ulster Bank Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old's last two efforts leave something to be desired but he was some way below his best on both occasions. Previously he made a most encouraging handicap debut in the Leopardstown Chase where he took third behind Mister Top Notch and King Johns Castle. He is open to plenty of improvement after just four runs over fences and can deal with the challenge of Carrigeen Kalmia who was a fine second to Royal County Star in this race last year.
- sportinglife
Royal Heritage
Royal Heritage has finally been given some respite by the handicapper and looks interesting in the 2m-4f-handicap chase at 4.50 for Willie Mullins. He has been a tad disappointing, but if repeating his second to the ill fated The Budgee at Leopardstown in late January he would not be that far away. Also interesting is the fact that he has been mixing it over hurdles as well, perhaps with an eye to a race like this.
- attheraces
5.25
Cousin Vinny
No horse has ever completed the Cheltenham Bumper/Paddy Power Champion INH Flat Race double but Cousin Vinny could be the one to break that trend.
He at least has the advantage of having had just two races this season and he produced a terrific effort at Cheltenham last month to see off compatriots Corskeagh Royale and Zaarito.
That performance came on the back of a debut success at this track and as a son of Bob Back he should have little difficulty coping with the ground. After just two starts there should still be better to come from him and he can confirm Prestbury Park form with Corskeagh Royale.
- sportinglife
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