Racing
Punchestown Win 6 Preview | 30th April
14.30 Specialist Group Novice Hurdle
COLCANNON got off the mark over timber in good style at Fairyhouse last time out and given his smart bumper form, particularly at this course, he could take a bit of beating. I will include GAMEBALL though, who is eased in grade after a good fourth in a Grade 2 event and had previously scored over track and trip.
Tips: COLCANNON & GAMEBALL
15.05 Close Brothers Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed)
Paul Townend has seemingly picked FUTURE PROSPECT. She is eased considerably in class after a fourth-placed finish in a Grade 1 event last time out and should go well. ADRIENNE filled the same spot as the former in a hot Grade 2 event when last seen and is the other one to note. I’m expecting one of these to win.
Tips: FUTURE PROSPECT & ADRIENNE
15.40 Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross Country Chase
VANILLIER looks capable of outclassing his rivals in this contest. He’s won twice over this course and ran a good race when third in the big one at Cheltenham last time out. The former Grand National runner-up can see off the reopposing THE GOFFER. The latter is added just in case the unexpected happens to the favourite.
Tips: VANILLIER & THE GOFFER
16.15 Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
KARL DES TOURELLES was again a big eye-catcher when a never-nearer sixth in the Martin Pipe last time out. I thought he did well to finish as close as he did considering everything went wrong for him, but in the hope he has a clear run this time, I’m confident he has the tools to execute a winning game plan. Others to consider are MARGARET’S LEGACY and CHAMPAGNE CHIC.
Tips: KARL DES TOURELLES, MARGARET’S LEGACY & CHAMPAGNE CHIC
16.50 Frontline Security Handicap Chase (Listed)
Plenty to consider. SKY LORD has competed against some tough opposition on both previous course starts and is interesting on just his second handicap start in this sphere. INDIANA JONES has C&D winning form and ran well in Topham when last seen, while JALILA MORIVIERE and impressive stable debut winner in this code, RAFFLES DOLCE VITA, are others to consider.
Tips: SKY LORD, INDIANA JONES, JALILA MORIVIERE & RAFFLES DOLCE VITA
17.25 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)
KOPEK DES BORDES has a fantastic chance to go one place better than at Cheltenham, especially with Kargese not declared. Having just his third start in this sphere, there will be so much more to come and he is the one to beat. If there’s an upset though, IRISH PANTHER is the one that will capitalise. He would have placed in the Champion Chase without a couple of late mistakes.
Tips: KOPEK DES BORDES & IRISH PANTHER
