Day 1 of the Punchestown Festival is shaping up to be one of the best days of the week and I'm looking forward to seeing who comes out on top. Daddy Long Legs has been a bit of a talking horse this week and he could obviously be a blot on the handicap but he is skinny enough now to take on. I was most impressed with TOTO TOO last time out as he pulled a cosy victory out of the jaws of defeat which suggests he could still have more in the tank. He almost came down 2 out on his first start for Gavin Cromwell but regained an even keel to be produced at the back of the last and ended up winning under a hands and heels ride. I think he could be a lot better than his mark of 133 and he rates a solid each way alternative to the favourite.
I've been waiting to punt BANBRIDGE all Spring but the ground just hasn't come right for him until now. He lines up in the 2m Grade 1 Champion Chase and at 9/2 I think he could be the bet. He will have to prove himself at this level over the distance but I expect them to go hard enough up front to make it a test of stamina late on. Dinoblue is facing her toughest task to date and did get beat at Cheltenham so has to bounce back which makes her opposable in my eyes. The rest are pretty exposed so more than happy to have a good punt on Banbridge.
The 3m Novices Champion Chase is a really interesting race. Monty's Star is the obvious favourite after his fine effort at Cheltenham. His best form has come on a softer surface so he would have to prove himself here on better ground whilst Spillane's Tower has been doing his winning in a weaker grade and over shorter. SANDOR CLEGANE ran well for a long way at Cheltenham but faded late on on ground far too soft for him. He should find this more to his liking which makes him massively over priced at 16/1. Remember he won the Novice hurdle here 12 months ago.
Punchestown 4.15 – Toto Too
Punchestown 5.25 – Banbridge
Punchestown 6.00 – Sandor Clegane
