Punchestown Gold Cup 2012

The National Hunt season culminates this afternoon on both sides of the Irish Sea. A disappointing punting experience for this corner, hopefully today will bring a bit of luck. Punchestown has been discommoded by the unseasonable weather but it does bring the main event, the Punchestown Gold cup, to our screens on a Saturday afternoon. Quel Esprit is entitled to go off favourite and expect him to maintain his stable's predominance. However, it is interesting to note that Magnaminity, is the sole representative from Gigginstown's batallion of staying chasers and at the prices he might be worth a small wager.

Over at Sandown the main feature is the Bet 365 Gold Cup. Always like to have a bet in this race but struggling to find one in this year's uninspiring field. Le Beau Bai , if the ground does dry out too much, looks the safest option.


enjoy...

Easter Crossover

Turf disciplines match up today at Sandown with the now traditional mixed meeting. The UK National Hunt season concludes with the warm weather ensuring quick going and consequently rather weakish fields. The feature, the Bet 365 Gold Cup, looks wide open and I am happy to stick with Poker de Sivola (unlucky last week) who may benefit from the almost certain fast pace (plethora of front runners). Of the remainder, Aimigayle looks favoured by the going. The other jump contests do not overly appeal but keen to see Tatatiano (surprisingly odd against) on his return from injury.

The summer ground ought to be welcomed by the flat fraternity but the fields also appear quite limited, albeit hopefully informative. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the reappearance of Dick Turpin, one of Richard Hannon's star milers from last season, particularly with the progressive Cityscape providing a stern test. Afsare entered many notebooks last term and he returns in an interesting contest, taking on a Ballydoyle inmate Viscount Nelson (Eclipse sighter??). The draw is always crucial in handicaps at Sandown and track specialist Dunno (drawn low) is worth a small bet in a tight race.

On this side of the Irish Sea, Inxile continues his tour at Cork and tomorrow sees the start of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse including the Irish Grand National (further thoughts on Mon) and a cracking renewal of the Power's Gold Cup. However, the ground in my front garden is rock hard (20 mins from track) and it might pay to tread cautiously.

good luck...

Season's End

The NH season culminates today with the Bet 365 Gold Cup at Sandown. It is certainly not the race it was, but nevertheless highly competitive. It is perhaps prudent to avoid the top of the market and seek some value among the veteran campaigners. Tamarinbleu, Alderburn and Lacdoudal all look interesting but going to stick with another, Lothian Falcon, who did not get far at Ayr last week while appearing to travel well. A point of note, is that he has headed the Racing Post's Marketwatch most bets struck list all week without contracting significantly in the market. I had a good day here last season and will be curious to see if Alsadaa and Twist Magic repeat their wins on similar going.

Punchestown has hogged the headlines all week, with high quality and competitive fields. As per last year, star of the show was the Willie Mullins' yard. Hurricane Fly (under a very cool Paul Townend) was the highlight and hopefully he will stay sound and we get to see more of him. It's seems a pity that such good fields compete for excellent prize money at this stage of the season!

The meeting ends today with rather lesser fare, although noteworthy to see that Choc Thornton has remained for one ride, Gilded Age in the 4yo Hurdle while eschewing the fancied Oh Crick at Sandown.

While the curtain draws on one sphere, things are beginning to heat up in another. I am very interested to see how Border Patrol runs in the Sandown Mile, with a view to his tilt at the Lockinge. On this going, he should not be good enough to beat Paco Boy but worth keeping a close eye on.

good luck....