TRIPLE GRADE 1 ACTION STARTS PUNCHESTOWN: The 2017 Punchestown Festival gets underway this afternoon at 3.40pm and SHAMROCK has bets in each of the three Grade 1 races on day one.
Punchestown 2017 in underway this afternoon with a seven race card starting at 3.40pm.
The latest going is good to yielding and there are three Grade 1 races on Tuesday’s card.
4:20 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m 100y, 7 runners)
One of the most interesting races of the week – simply down to the question whether Labaik will consent to race or not? The talented Gordon Elliott trained runner has a mind of his own and virtually refused for three races in row. However, when he’s in the mood he is some machine as he showed at the Cheltenham Festival when beating Melon in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Melon had only the one start prior to that race and there must be a good chance of him turning that form around today – especially as the faster ground might suit him better. Obviously, if there is anymore fracas from Labaik at the start his task will be made considerably easier.
5:30 BS Champion Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 2m, 8 runners)
A cracking renewal headed by the hot favourite Un De Sceaux who jumped, in the main, well to land the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and was value for quite a bit more than the official length and a half margin. His chasing has come under scrutiny before (a faller at Thurles on debut and later at Leopardstown) but he looked like his act came together well at Cheltenham and he should be just as effective over the shorter trip today.
A place bet appeals more on BETDAQ in this eight runner contest. I can back Sir Valentino at better odds to place that Un De Sceaux is to win. He has ground to make up with Fox Norton when the pair were an excellent second and third in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham but that form is in many ways the strongest on offer given it came over the same trip as today.
6:40 Growise Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+, Class 1, 3m 120y, 7 runners)
Disko looks a little short in the market for my money and is a day one lay.
He disappointed at this same meeting last season when unplaced in the Champion Novice Hurdle.
He is enjoying a good season but only has 2lb in hand on his nearest rival in a race that I feel looks a little more open than might appear at first glance.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Melon (4.20 Punchestown)
PLACE: Sir Valentino (5.30 Punchestown)
LAY: Disko (6.40 Punchestown)
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