Racing
Punchestown Place 6 preview | 29th April
14.35 – Donohue Solutions Cross Country Chase – 3m1f
PLAN OF ATTACK fell in the Cross Country at Cheltenham but he ran well in all of his starts over the banks at Cheltenham beforehand and should be suited to the fences around here. He must go close with a clear round. HURRICANE DARWIN won this corresponding race in 2022 and this C&D winner warmed up for this with a good third behind Any Second Now when last spotted. He should go well in his bid to defend his crown, while BLAST OF KOEMAN consistently runs this course well and ran well here two starts ago when fourth. The drop in trip will be more favourable.
Selections: PLAN OF ATTACK, HURRICANE DARWIN, BLAST OF KOEMAN
15.10 – Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase – 3m7f
ENJOY D’ALLEN wasn’t disgraced when 12th in the Grand National last time and is 4Ib lower than when a close-up third in a Paddy Power Chase. That is strong form, as is his third in an Irish Grand National from a 1Ib higher mark. He has a good rider on his back, who claims a further 5Ib, so he’s of definite interest. DARRENS HOPE jumped poorly at Aintree last time but she did win on her last visit here in a Grade 2 and could well appreciate this extreme test of stamina. Don’t rule her out at a price or THE DABBLER, who was second in this last year from a 2Ib higher mark.
Selections: ENJOY D’ALLEN, DARRENS HOPE, THE DABBLER
15.50 – Coolmore N.H. Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle – 2m3f
I cannot wait to witness this race as it should be one of the races of the day if all of the mares can run to form. I am sticking with LOVE ENVOI, who gets her chance to land a Grade 1 and has an excellent chance to do so, as she finished in front of most of these last time. She encountered a great battle with Honeysuckle at Cheltenham last month when only passed in the final 100 yards and Danny Mullins will take the ride, who should get a fine tune out of her on the front end. Echoes In Rain is feared but she’ll do well to get past Harry Fry’s high-class and consistent mare.
Selections: LOVE ENVOI
16.25 – Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase – 3m
JERANDME was still going well when he fell at Leopardstown last-time-out and Noel Meade’s charge remains unexposed with more to come over fences. He is well-treated on the pick of his form and should be thereabouts, granted a clear round. DARVER STAR won three of his six starts last season and this multiple Grade 1-placed 11-year-old is lurking on a deadly mark. His class could see him shine. I rate this dual course winner’s chances highly with lots in his favour.
Selections: JERANDME, DARVER STAR
17.00 – Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle – 2m
Triumph Hurdle winner LOSSIEMOUTH should be extremely hard to beat. She was seriously impressive at Cheltenham last month and her only defeat remains when she suffered trouble in running on her penultimate start. She is the one to beat and is fancied to end her season with another Grade 1 success. Her stablemate Zarak The Brave is feared most though and could represent some value, who has been saved for the race.
Selections: LOSSIEMOUTH
17.30 – Fitzwilliam Sports Handicap Hurdle – 2m3f
THE VERY MAN ran well when third three weeks ago at Cork and won his last start here on the Flat. He is only 1Ib above his last winning mark, so he could go well at a price. THE SHUNTER was only third at Kelso last time but is reverted to hurdles from a handy mark and was third in a competitive handicap hurdle race here in 2021 from a 3Ib higher mark. He has place possibilities, as does TAX FOR MAX, who ran well when second here four days ago from this mark and is well-treated under Daryl Jacob.
Selections: THE VERY MAN, THE SHUNTER, TAX FOR MAX
