PUNCHESTOWN OPENING DAY: SHAMROCK previews all seven races on the opening day of Punchestown 2015 which gets underway at 3.40 this afternoon.
The nap, Anthem Alexander was a non runner last night.
And now for the small matter of the Punchestown Festival. I can’t wait for the action to get going at 3.40 this afternoon.
The latest going news from the course is good to yielding.
There are seven races on the opening day.
3:40 Kildare Hunt Club Fr Sean Breen Memorial Chase (5yo+, 3m, 11 runners)
Wish Ye Didnt presents something of a quandary for backers. On the form book there’s no way she should be a 1.81 shot and I can understand colleague DAQMAN’s thinking in looking for place value as an alternative strategy.
Wish Ye Didnt still hasn’t won a race in seven starts (would have gone close but for unseating at the last at Clonmel) but is a warm favourite simply because of the connections. Enda Bolger has monopolised this race – winning four of the last five and this lightly raced sort could easily be good enough to add to the record against modest opposition. Rather than take the odds on, Blackwood Rover makes more appeal in the BETDAQ place market at around 2.6.
4:20 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m, 6 runners)
The first Grade 1 of the meeting looks a formality for Douvan to extend his winning sequence. He won the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle over course and distance before romping home to success in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and will surely be the anchor selection of so many punters multiples today? Sizing John is the second favourite but there is no obvious reason to see how he can find the seven lengths he was beaten by Douvan at Cheltenham.
4:55 Killashee Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) (4yo+, 2m, 28 runners)
The first of several races this week that I’ve filed in the IMPOSSIBLE tray ! I thought Cliff House is one that could be ahead of the handicapper despite a 7lb hike in the weights for his win at Limerick last time out. He has a touch of class and wasn’t beaten far when seventh on the flat in the November Handicap. I’m making him my day one sporting NAP – win and place.
5:30 BoyleSports Champion Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m, 9 runners)
Sizing Europe brought the house down when reclaiming his prize in this last year but is a non runner having been declared in error. Champagne Fever missed Cheltenham and for my money was a little disappointing when only fourth in the Melling Chase at Aintree. He’s had quite a busy season and I’m not certain that Ruby Walsh has chosen the right one here. Stable companions Felix Yonger and Twinlight both arrive in good form, and arguably BETTER form than their stable companion. Twinlight for me on the place market.
6:05 Goffs Land Rover Bumper (4-5yo, 2m, 23 runners)
Willie Mullins has won the last two runnings including a 12/1 shot last year. St Stephens Green is his representative this year – he has plenty of pace in his pedigree. Watching race for me.
6:40 Growise Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 3m 1f, 5 runners)
Don Poli is the final odds-on shot of the day and should win for the Gigginstown House Stud who have three of the five runners. He was really impressive when winning the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and is already a leading contender for next season’s Gold Cup.
7:15 JLT Flat Race (4yo, 2m, 21 runners)
Coeur Joyeux debut second at Leopardstown sets a fair form standard but with so many debutants again is a bumper to watch.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
3.40 PLACE Blackwood Rover
4.20 WIN Douvan
4.55 WIN and PLACE Cliff House (NAP)
5.30 PLACE Twinlight
6.05 NO BET
6.40 WIN: Don Poli (NEXT BEST)
7.15 NO BET
NEW !!!
You can now follow BETDAQ updates on Google+
For further details – CLICK HERE
£20 FREE BET
Did you know that as well as checking the realtime prices on BETDAQ below – you can also log into your account and place your bets directly into BETDAQ from BETDAQ TIPS.
