Weekend Pointers

After an absorbing and interesting weekend's racing at Cheltenham and Punchestown, all roads now lead to the Cotswolds in March. The top performer of the past few days undoubtedly was Dunguib, whose facile victory over more experienced rivals was only surpassed by the high level of his collateral form lines. Wins by Quel Esprit, The Buscuit Club and Quadrillon augment recent good shows from Luska Lad, Some Present, Sweeps Hill, Rites of Passage and Morning Supreme. The 09 Festival Bumper is definitely worth careful scrutiny and suggests that Irish trained novices will carry all before them in the coming seasons. Greatly looking forward to the next installment in 2 weeks at Fairyhouse

Sizing Europe was sublime in victory on less than favourable ground, cruising round and jumping for fun. He looks to have a great chance in the Arkle providing he remains injury free and despite Tantaniano running well at Cheltenham, he is a great value at 7/1 ante post. While one star shone another was eclipsed when Hurricane Fly failed to pick up at the business end. He travelled well but apparently found little. While Solwhit is a top class hurdler and excuses can made on account of the sticky ground, connections and supporters alike must be a tad disappointed with the outcome.

Across the sea, Masterminded came a cropper at Cheltenham failing to concede weight to Well Chief. However he looked far from comfortable going left handed jumping out to the right on a quite a few occasions. It was a long way from his scintillating victory in 08 and perhaps something was amiss. Hopefully he will be back to his best for the Tingle Creek.

While essentially it was a reconnaissance mission over the past few days, on the punting front, I was disappointed with Chapoturgeon's untimely exit. It looked a sloppy error when he was travelling well although it is debatable if he would have foiled Tranquil Sea's triumph. However one to keep an eye on next time along with Poquelin.

cheers....