PUNCHESTOWN TUESDAY

The difference between Cheltenham and here is stark......the championship races at the festival are the pinnacle of the season.....these races here are after thoughts.....a lot of horses past their best.....every race is a puzzle....
Plenty of top horses run here but hardly any are at thee peak of their powers.....even the great sprinter sacre collapsed over the line at this shiitehole.....Moscow flyer got beat here and didn't fall.....kauto star...denman....all ragged......what a dive....

Should be right up your alley so,just get laying.

Its not as good as Cheltenham,no one claimed it was but it is unique,has a great atmosphere and this year has some array of stars.

its not as simple as just laying.....because some horses will be able to overcome the effects of a hard season and others wont.....if they could talk then people would know the ones that are feeling ok.....in most of the races abstention is the best policy......

Agree with the punting point of view to a large extent as found it tough going looking at the decs later in the week.Also agree some could be over the top as well. Still you have Faugheen tomorrow and a very good 3m nov ch,you would have to look forward to in the very least watching them.Wed has a good nov hur and a cracking bumper,Thur have to look forward to the mare in the 3m hur and the nov ch,and as said The fly/jezki clash.
Glad to have it on for the week.

We can pick holes in ANY race meeting if we look deep enough , fans have been bemoaning the Cheltenham festival since it went 4 days , Aintree also gets Cheltenhams left overs least we forget , even those of my generation miss the REAL NATIONAL FENCES etc etc ..

The extraordinary thing about Punchestown is its popularity,it has blitzed its rival festival Fairyhouse to such an extent that it has abandoned its festival.

Fairyhouse used to be the bigger meeting but through brilliant management Punchestown has completely taken over,I suppose you could say bad management on Fairyhouses part as well.

Punchestown has whats known as tradition , in spades , a farmers race , plus a xcountry one , which even Cheltenham copied ...Add in many a good championship race , they know what their customers wants and supply it ...People knocking Punchestown as a racetrack are imo losing sight of what the track itself has to offer , a fine galloping track with sweeping bends , 2 of the most ruthless fences in these isles , the one after the stands is situated on the part of the track where horses have a long run before meeting a fence that is on a steep hill and takes some jumping , I'd say we'll have the most fallers here , then they take a sharp right , and looming large is a fence that has seen more than its fair share of fallers ...The fences down the back are rat a tat tat like they come so quickly ..Yes its a downhill finish , but those fences in the straight take some jumping , just ask Ruby ....To all on here , have a Wonderful week...

Of course the racing is interesting but thats about it ......the bumpers are bound to throw up top horses.....the grade 1's will be won by good horses maybe not very good ones......Punchestown is littered with ordinary Grade I winners over the years.....and Cheltenham isnt....thats the big difference......from a punting perspective.....its a pass.....

i was just passed the last fence as sir des champs long run and first lieutenaet came thundering passed. the jockeys roaring at there mounts , i have to say it was one of my most Memorable  sporting moments i can remember.

On some points I have to agree Paulie , especially on the punting front , where Willie has his usual stranglehold , and yes the foods not great . I'm lucky married a farmers daughters , who's also a great cook ..Have been invited to P.Powers all inclusive by a friend who's one of their punters , so will inform you how the grub was on Friday ..P. S. Friday is my birthday so it BETTER be good....Overall I find Punchestown more relaxing than ANY other festival ..I'm heading over to the U.K. next month , and am dreading all those little Hilters on gates doors etc at these meeting , sometimes I think there are more of them than actual punters..So Punchestown suits me fine...

yes good point about racing over here..you carnt go there not allowed here..jeans not allowed?..Exeter the other week was rare..no security around the paddock or jocks room?..anyone could have entered the parade ring..

See PIPE has 6 entries (so far) this week....

29Apr14 Pun 16GY 5y+ H (90K)(Grd 1) The Liquidator T Scudamore 11-12 141
29Apr14 Pun 16GY 5y+ S (200K)(Grd 1) Ballynagour T Scudamore 11-12 154
30Apr14 Pun 16GY 4-7y NHF (90K)(Grd 1) Seven Nation Army Ms N Carberry 12-0 123
30Apr14 Pun 18GY 5-7y NHF (10K) No Dice 12-0 
01May14 Pun 24G 4y+ HcapHdl (22K) Tullyesker Hill 11-6 124
01May14 Pun 16G 4y+ H (22K) Western Diva

Tom GEORGE has 4......

29Apr14 Pun 16GY 5y+ S (200K)(Grd 1) Module B J Geraghty 11-12 163
30Apr14 Pun 16GY 4-7y NHF (90K)(Grd 1) Some Buckle Miss J M Mangan 12-0 
01May14 Pun 16G 4y+ HcapCh (50K)(Grd C) Parsnip Pete 11-0 140
01May14 Pun 16G 5y+ NovCh (110K)(Grd 1) God's Own 11-10 142


CHANNON with 2 good'uns....

29Apr14 Pun 16GY 5y+ H (90K)(Grd 1) Sgt Reckless A P McCoy 11-12 146
29Apr14 Pun 16GY 5y+ S (200K)(Grd 1) Somersby A P McCoy 11-12 164

HENDERSON's 8 entries...

29Apr14 Pun 16GY 4y+ HcapHdl (50K)(Grd B) Cool Macavity B J Geraghty 10-7 123
29Apr14 Pun 16GY 4-5y NHF (100K) Native Display Mr P W Mullins 11-4 
30Apr14 Pun 20GY 4y+ H (22K) Big Hands Harry 11-12 
30Apr14 Pun 20GY 4y+ H (22K) Medieval Chapel 11-6 
30Apr14 Pun 24GY 4y+ H (90K)(Grd 1) Beat That B J Geraghty 11-10 151
30Apr14 Pun 25GY 5y+ S (200K)(Grd 1) Long Run Mr S Waley-Cohen 11-10 162
01May14 Pun 16G 4y+ HcapCh (50K)(Grd C) Tanks For That 10-12 138
01May14 Pun 16G 4-7y NHF (12K) Native Display 10-13

& JOHN JOE's one..

29Apr14 Pun 16GY 4-5y NHF (100K) Ustica Mr K E Power 11-4

Harry FRY has 2 entered

30Apr14 Pun 16GY 4-7y NHF (90K)(Grd 1) Jollyallan Mr D O'Connor 12-0 
30Apr14 Pun 18GY 5-7y NHF (10K) Fletchers Flyer 12-0

With Philip KIRBY one horse....

30Apr14 Pun 16GY 4-7y NHF (90K)(Grd 1) Aniknam Mr S Crawford 11-4 
01May14 Pun 16G 4-7y NHF (12K) Aniknam 11-6

Alan KING 3 too

30Apr14 Pun 20GY 4y+ H (22K) Carraig Mor 11-12 
30Apr14 Pun 25GY 5y+ S (200K)(Grd 1) Medermit Wayne Hutchinson 11-10 149
01May14 Pun 16G 5y+ NovCh (110K)(Grd 1) Balder Succes 11-10 160

along with HOBBS

30Apr14 Pun 20GY 4y+ H (22K) Cheltenian 11-12 
01May14 Pun 33G 5y+ S (30K) Duke Of Lucca 11-12 
01May14 Pun 24G 4y+ H (200K)(Grd 1) Fingal Bay 11-10 153

Our very own Johnny QUINN (from Thurles - with Pearl Castle) along with Nicky, Nick Williams, Ben Case, Kenny (Keith) Dalgleish, Tom Geroge & David PIPE (Un Temps Pour Tout) are also about on Saturday.

Even the Might-he APOB will be there.......(after he takes the 6.55 in Naas this evening).

30Apr14 Pun 18GY 5-7y NHF (10K) King Leon 12-0 
30Apr14 Pun 18GY 5-7y NHF (10K) MacBride 12-0 
01May14 Pun 16G 4-7y NHF (12K) MacBride 11-7 
03May14 Pun 16  4y H (100K)(Grd 1) Plinth



Backin' Nina and Patrick all week !

King could have a double with Balder Succes & Carraig Mor,
Gods Own might be a ew bet if the price allows,
Tullyesker Hill is of interest but Pipe in woeful form at the moment.

FYI

The five days of Punchestown are nearly upon us with some exciting racing guaranteed.
Tony Keenan marks our card for the Grade 1s taking place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday...

If taking on short-priced Willie Mullins runners in Grade 1 races is your thing, then the Punchestown Festival isn't a meeting you look forward to.
The trainer's period of dominance began with his second training title in 2007/8 but this fixture has become a particular focus in the last four years; since 2010, Mullins is nine from 13 with his runners priced shorted than 2.5 in Grade 1 races at this meeting with a small level-stakes profit.

A record like that makes many of the races this week, the events featuring the likes of Faugheen, Vautour, Hurricane Fly (likely to be a short price without being favourite), Annie Power and Quevega, stayaways in the main with the more open Grade 1 races having a better betting shape.

Tuesday's feature, the Champion Chase, is a sub-standard renewal with only two horses rated higher than 160 engaged but is all the more interesting for it; such below-par graded races often provide the opportunity for a bet. The second and third from the Cheltenham equivalent, Somersby and Module, are obvious starting points but there were effectively no placed horses behind an imperious Sire De Grugy and the form looks weak. In any case, Somersby struggles to win and Module doesn't travel like a horse that can win a Grade 1 chase over this trip and has missed a target since.

The best-fresh Ballynagour is now being asked to peak for the third time in seven weeks which has to be a concern, Sizing Europe is a shadow of himself while neither of the Willie Mullins pair Twinlight and Turban look good enough and would prefer softer ground.
Hidden Cyclone is thus a good favourite at 5.8. He's a solid 160 horse in a race where solid types are in short supply and has held his form all season. Despite dropping back in trip, the two miles looks no issue as he went like he'd relish it in the Ryanair and it looks a strong pointer that he has avoided Aintree for this.

His danger is Baily Green and he is worth a saver. He has travelling well before falling at Cheltenham and got a poor ride last time, his jockey overly forceful over the stiff 20f at Navan and beaten as a result; he was much the best horse on the day and his current wellbeing could be masked by that run.

Ruby Walsh thought long before choosing Boston Bob in the Gold Cup on Wednesday but I fear he may have picked incorrectly. The figures suggest Boston Bob is better over two and a half miles than three but there's an element of circumstance about that as he might well have won a RSA last year but for falling at the last. Of greater concern is the worth of his form; the Melling Chase was a poor renewal and Rolling Aces has since let down the form while his jumping remains patchy.

On His Own is a more solid proposition. The Gold Cup form may be dubious but he probably should have won and is better right-handed in any case. As a ten-year-old, he looks exposed but he was campaigned around the Grand National in recent years and didn't get the chance to show his full hand. He should go well.

His biggest danger could be another horse that ran in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Lyreen Legend. He's without a win since his chase debut but he was an eye-catcher last time, looking booked for the frame before ploughing the second last, and there's a chance he's best on decent ground.

Argocat is an outsider of note. His Aintree run may have been a fluke, easily 10lbs better than anything he'd shown before, but he's a still a 6yo and open to improvement and seems to get the trip well. He doesn't always travel in his races so could be one to hit in-running.

Those intent on taking on a Willie Mullins hotpot could do worse than look at the World Series Hurdle on Thursday. Quevega will be hard to beat, likely fitter now than at Cheltenham, but there were hints of decline there as she made hard work of beating Glens Melody. At Fishers Cross is definitely worth opposing; he regressed from Cheltenham to Liverpool where the jumping problems that have plagued his second hurdling season resurfaced and Rebecca Curtis faces a challenge to get him back to his best.

The interesting runner here is Fingal Bay. He travelled like a good horse in the Pertemps, form that has worked out well in staying races, and has the ability to win at this level judging by that effort. That's not even allowing for his scope to improve and his trainer Phillip Hobbs has a notably good record at this meeting; from 31 lifetime runners at the track, he has had seven winners with a level-stakes profit of 29 points and has managed at least one winner at this meeting in five of the last six years. He's worth supporting win and place.


Recommended Bets
Back Hidden Cyclone and Baily Green in the Champion Chase
Back On His Own, Lyreen Legend and Argocat (in-running) in the Gold Cup
Back Fingal Bay (win and place) in the World Series Hurdle

Tony Keenan (Betfair)

Few too many days and Grade 1s at Punchestown. It would be a much better meeting with 3 days and 1/2 the Gr1's. Get rid of all the intermediate distances which are adequetely catered for at Aintree, Ayr, and Fairyhouse and just have Grade 1s at 2 miles and 3 miles. Alternatively, move all the 2 mile races to 2 and a half. One or the other needs to be done because some of these horses are just not worthy of the Grade 1 winning status and money they are running for. Too many good horses avoiding each other.

This is indeed an afterthought to many, but it is still a very exciting event nonetheless. I think it is too late in the year and has more relevance as a jolly up for lads looking for a Galway prequel.

Leopardstown at Christmas is the Premier Irish jumps meet at the best jumping track in the UK or Ireland. The chase track there has proper fences and there is never anywhere to hide or any excuses. That Christmas meeting is far far superior to the equivalent action over in England at the same time as an overall event. The King George and the Christmas Hurdle are great races, but Leopardstown is far superior over the piece. I'd rather watch the maiden hurdle on Stephen's Day there than some of the Grade 1's I will see next week.

Punchestown is good, but Leopardstown at Christmas is THE meet

I tell you what watch for anything fry runs in a bumper..if jellyalen runs..he,ll be in the mix...backed it lto..

You going over Tony?

It is a great trip, might head up for the saturday, but I think it is the weakest day with the juvenile hurdle headlining. Went the years Kauto Star and Denman ran and had a ball, but I hate seeing great horses beat at this time of year.

im surprised that Henderson has pm on his in the bumper tomorrow..nico de boinville is a far better rider..and still claims 3?

Local knowledge I'd say Tony as Punchestown is a sharp enough track to ride. Races are run in a completely different way in Ireland than in the Uk as you know yourself, even the likes of McCoy can be caught out when he comes over.

I'd have Patrick as a much better rider than DeBoinville tbh, especially in this sphere. Mullins does very little wrong these days, he has so much experience. Strange Willie is pitching in an unraced fella. Maybe he is tricky and the lad on him does all the work with him at home. Scorpion's have a reputation for being headers.

15.40 Kildare Hunt Club Fr Sean Breen Memorial Chase

As ever this great fixture begins with a low-grade hunters event and once again Enda Bolger is very well represented. Nina Carberry rides Be Positive while Derek O'Connor is on board Phar And Away so neither will lack expertise in the saddle. Robbie McNamara's presence on board Remarkable Man will ensure support while Kanesh and Finea are consistent between the flags and can go well. LORD HAWKFIELD finished runner-up to Zest For Life a year ago and looks as though he's been primed for a repeat so is taken to go one better.

16.20 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

FAUGHEEN was one of the most impressive winners at Cheltenham though his victory was achieved over 2m5f and he's never run at this trip over hurdles. While that wasn't the strongest of races at the Festival he could hardly have done it any better and will take all the beating. Sgt Reckless couldn't match the pace of Vautour at Cheltenham nor Josses Hill at Aintree but this is his trip and looks certain to get competitive. The selection's stablemate Valseur Lido was behind Sgt Reckless at Cheltenham but did better at Fairyhouse where he comfortably saw off the challenge of Real Steel with the very disappointing Wicklow Brave well beaten. Western Boy and The Liquidator are both held on Cheltenham form.

16.55 bragbet.com Handicap Hurdle (Grade B)

The shortest price winner of this in the last ten years has been 10/1. A P McCoy rides Gallant Tipp, who couldn't handle Grade 2 company at Fairyhouse while City Slicker has also been well beaten at that level in his last two races. Lucky Bridle hasn't been done any favours in the handicap after beating Shield at Thurles but GLEN BEG ran very well behind Court Minstrel at Aintree and is handed the vote. She would be a strong selection if there is any more rain which would greatly enhance her chances. Cool Macavity's credentials don't looks strong enough but Diplomat had a recent run on the Flat and his stable can do little wrong at present.

17.30 ****.com Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Twinlight put two shocking performances behind him when chasing home stablemate Arvika Ligeonniere at Fairyhouse when Turban fell at the first. Ruby Walsh has opted to ride him and he should get into the frame though SOMERSBY has to be the form pick. Mick Channon's charge only runs at the very highest level and has finished behind Sire De Grugy in his last three starts though the fact that he's unseated his rider twice recently is a bit of a concern. Hidden Cyclone is another high-class performer who chased home the classy Dynaste in the Ryanair though that's over 2m5f which may prove to be more like his trip. Module was only a neck behind the selection in the Champion Chase with the veteran Sizing Europe around 4l further back but don't be surprised by a big effort from the latter, who won the race in 2012.

18.05 Goffs Land Rover Bumper

Just Get Cracking was always travelling nicely on his debut at Limerick but just couldn't quicken past Poker School in the heavy ground. Ustica was a 20/1 chance when making a successful start for Philip Kirby at Newcastle and has been transferred to Jonjo O'Neill. Willie Mullins has won this three times in recent years so Very Much So is an obvious one to keep an eye on as is Caleb Coomber, who is a full brother to a winning bumper. NATIVE DISPLAY has numerous winning relatives, several of them in bumpers, and won't have been sent here by Nicky Henderson unless thought capable of coming away with the spoils so she is handed the vote. Noel Meade's pair Russian Bill and Snow Falcon are respected while Dessie Hughes' Daydream Island has a speedier pedigree than most and could reward each-way support.

18.40 Growise Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Ballycasey beat Don Cossack at Leopardstown then didn't quite get home in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham. He was going strongly when falling at the second last at Fairyhouse last time and will be fancied to make amends. His stablemates Mozoltov and DJAKADAM both also failed to finish on their latest starts and it's the latter, who is only a five-year-old and gets plenty of allowances, who gets the nod as he looked very smart when beating Bright New Dawn at Leopardstown and was going well when falling at Cheltenham. Carlingford Lough had Morning Assembly just behind in the Grade 1 Topaz at Leopardstown in December and can confirm the form without troubling the selection.

19.15 Finlay Motor Group Flat Race

Neatly Put made an encouraging debut at Fairyhouse and Patrick Mullins is a very interesting booking while Bell Of The Ball went very close at Wexford and can only improve. Ange D'Or Javilex disappointed at Limerick but may do better on this quicker ground though the chances are it will be a newcomer who takes home the spoils. HASANOUR is by Giant's Causeway and the first foal of a mare who won a Listed race on the Flat. He should have more genuine pace than most of these and Katie Walsh can steer him home. Nina Carberry's mount Alamein is another to keep an eye on in a race where the market should prove a good guide.

©SL

*Spoils

fair point neill, but I promise you put nico on mullins bumpers runners he,ll get them home..Patrick is a decent jock in his grade..but imo nico is better..but they know more than me..just my opinion

You'd see a lot more of Nico than me Tony so I'll defer to your judgement on that. He is capable from what I have seen for sure and will still have a lot of improvement in him as he was a late starter.

yes..rides all of hedos better horse at home sprinter ,and the grey thing that's injured also..but it must be that Patrick knows the track..and is champ...but the mullins team have a supreme debutant..must be not showing much ..don't know much about the kid up tbf, decent pedigree..

Bumpers in Ireland amateur jockeys only.

Even the Might-he APOB will be there.......(after he takes the 6.55 in Naas this evening).

strange to see p.w mullind riding for henderson with the old man having a runner in the  6-05 race

Tony, come on your better than that?????? How can Nico ride in this race?. Mmmmmmmmm

nico still claims..i thought he would still be eligible?..as he is not a pro jockey?so why am I better easygold..if I got the rules wrong..then I got the rules wrong..it happens..im sorry..

When did Nico De Bonville revert to being an amateur?

I took it that nico still claiming..makes him a conditional?..am I right?

O.K lads here we go ,sorry don't have time to do a synopsis  ...
LINNEL...
VALSEUR LIDO...
COOL MACAVITY...
MODULE...
SNOW FALCON...
DON COSSACK...
Have a great day....

distant..
       it says riders..under i.n.h.s rules..and riders under rule 52, may be claimed in this race, as nico still claims I made the error that he would qualify to ride in this race...

^^^mug punter!

Phar And Away
Real Steel e/w
City Slicker / Dalasiri ew Dutch
Twinlight
Morning Assembly

GL everyone.

Dont take to heart Tony you are so good at everything else....

THE LIQUIDATOR EWAY NAP    DID THROW FEW£ EW QUICPICVIC

BALLYCASEY

TWINLIGHT

Not read the whole thread so apologies if he's been mentioned already but like Sam Cavalarro in the opener, return to fast ground will suit, top jockey booked for the ride and shouldn't be far away if they can get him back to his September/October form (biggest concern is the course).

3 bets for me today:

Western Boy
Ballynagour
Carlingford Lough

Good luck everyone.

thanks purpose....

ive backed morning assembly,..Somersby, the first bumper is the more interesting for me..the kiely runner, and barry connel horses interest me most..may back them e/w small..

Backin' Nina and Patrick all week !

One up !

Jaysus that was beautiful,jumped a lot better as well,looks a good thing for the champion hurdle.

would you go champion pa?..he has that other lovely thing that won the supreme?.the thing that won in france that everyone went crazy about.. I think they will keep him to 2 1/2 -3 but no doubt hes some machine.

Sizing Europe has an impressive record around Punchestown. Ran 15 times and won 7, second 4 times, third 2 times, fourth 1 time and fell on his only other run. Although he has a few lengths to find with Module and Somersby, with his outstanding course form, I think there could be another day in the sun for Sizing

Machine.

Frank60 will have that thread mounted and framed.  The one where KL told us about Faugheen when he has but a foal!

just herd ruby say faugheen may go chasing!

I would Tony,know he rates Vautour as high if not higher than him but on a dangerous line through Sergeant Reckless Faugheen seems a bit ahead,thought that was very special and Ruby's reaction after said it all, he couldn,t contain himself.

true..looked visually impressive as you say..i just think mullins wont want to have 3 for the race..and it all could change..surprised me that ricci just said he would of let annie power run in the champion if ruby had rode?..

Yep,Its Willie and Ruby that are calling the shots it seems.

Module for me

Sizing Europe has cheekpieces today.....but more importantly has got the nod fronm the gobshee.....which for anybody that has backed him is very unfortunate news......

Module for me aswell here,

Good shot The Gotchee,a nice priced winner, some good placed picks by others as well.

great shout gotchee..welldone mate,..i couldn't have him..fair play..hope you lumped mate..

was going to back him myself......until I read this thread.....still not to worry.....

^ a master of the climbdown

Paulie I think the expression you are looking fo is, that even a stopped clock is right twice in the one day!

Paulie. What did you think of Faugheen?

yes snap crackle.....that was the one I was looking for.....
pa.....faugheen was simply unreal......a top top performance.....one of the all time great horses potentially.....the ability to win on all grounds and vastly different distances is very unique in a top animal......

pa, I was shocked he said he loves paul..but wants ruby on his ..paul townend must hear that a think this guy does not rate me?..to know a owner would rather miss a race than have the 2nd jock on ..that imo is a class act..amazes me..imo I,d run with the 2nd jock all the time..ruby is pure class..no one rates him more than me..but town end is also a fine horseman..imo geraghty has now the no 1 mantle?..rumour is...sam twiston davies was offered a retainer by a top owner @hendersons as well as the pn job..that would have upset barry?

What a great sight to see sizing Europe win that well done to all involved

Glad to see they retired Sizing after that(as was with Tidal Bay)
Yes Paulie it was almost "Frankelesk" with the NH equivelent.
Tony, RR isn,t short of a bob and in fairness to him seems as if he is almost going along for the craic and getting well rewarded for doing so.BG is the top jock imo though some very good ones in Ireland at the moment,STD coundn,t hold a candle to him.

Great performance from the old warrior but the only puzzling thing is why they ever raced Sizing Europe over anything over 2 miles as it runs on pure guts after that distance in any race with a bit of quality in it and ended up legless at the end of 3 mile slogs on bottomless ground,I think they wasted a lot of time with the horse experimenting needlessly.

agreed pa,..thats why I was amazed that a owner @hendersons would try to upset the apple cart..all over the rp today..

Native Display the first one beaten.

Elliot's in the last

Young Patrick as sick as a medium sized hospital I'd say.

Punchestown, Very tidy ride all the same by young Burke probably better than the improving young Patrick imo.

Yeah Pa,Burke looks very promising,Ted not holding back telling him to go Pro while interviewing him.

morning was beat when making the mistake..well that's me down on the first day..on too tomorrow

Still a bumper to go tony

yer mate..but one I like is too short no value so ..rather wait till tomorrow..

The weld 1 well talked about backing the Elliot horse ew myself

What's this now? No bet for the bumper king in the bumper? Which one you fancy tony?

yes..snap..very funny..i don't bet in every bumper..i think paulie said last week that the front 2 were rated highly..i was given this weld thing a while ago..but my mate who lives maynooth, tells me elliots is really good?

Ok tony, if you are not playing in it that's good enough for me

That was easy

the whispers were right ..elliots is a really nice horse..the winner will never see a set of hurdles imo..weld will keep it to the flat..

Some nice performances there today , thought the crowd would have been bigger tbh ..

It was in fact a record opening day attendance workrider

Well i was able to walk from one end of the bar to the other without bumping into anyone , even on an ordinary day tha'ts hard to do...Plenty of open spaces and easy to get up and down the stands ...

^^^a spoofer!

Ratty you might as well get on here as much as possible while you can , not long now....     

We are bored Rat,samo, samo, taking it that it is Friday its finished?
Know your next "move" that wouldn't happen
Enjoy yourself.

it aint over sport until the fat lady sings.

under estimate the kid at your peril.

I,ll take that as a definite yes that all selections are finished by the end of Friday night.
You won't have a target so do it properly ,if you do fair enough.

relax old pa,friday it is.

Put him under pressure Pa .......Off to bed , night night...

Biggest Tuesday crowd EVER at 19,459 on punchestown website!

wonks was nowhere near punchestown.ffs! he would be lucky to have the price of the bus fare.

Can't escape the feeling that we saw one of the great racehorses finally get his optimum conditions today. We are definitely again in a golden period for hurdlers.

I'm not normally one for retire this, retire that, but even if Fly wins on Friday, I hope he doesn't get in the way next year like he did this.

Ricci as good as said today that Annie Power should have run in the Champion, and would have but reading between the lines Willie and ruby stopped her. Un de Sceaux has an attritional style and will now have to do his stuff in what might be an even hotter race next year, or play second fiddle over 2 miles to Vautour over fences.

The other Irish trainers need to be highlighting this to prospective owners, it's beyond doubt that WPM is the best trainer, but even elite Grade 1 horses in his yard have to to queue up to run in the races their abilities dictate they should be in automatically. The races UDS ran in this year (at an empty Auteil) while lucrative, are not the reason Irish owners get into the game. He isn't as good at 2.5 miles, Will they let him take on Vautour in the Arkle? or will it be another year in a potentially short prime wasted.

Tony, Ricci would have had no problem with having Townend riding her in the Champion, it was his ideal scenario as who'd want to break up the Fly and Ruby. Ruby wanted to ride her in the stayers and Mullins wanted a bullet with a winning chance in that race. The Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup are two races that if you have a horse to run in it, you run it. The stayers is for horses not ready/able to jump fences and not quick enough for the Champion....

i looked closely at Faugheen going around the parade ring head down in his own world, as soon as Ruby put a leg up he seemed to come alive, i laid him at 1.68 before i left the house, i knew then and then i was going to lose my money. it will take a great performence to beat him,  K.L.put him up as one to watch even before he ran under rules ..now thats what i call great info.

ye should of taken heed then