PNicholls

Here are my views on our two runners this afternoon:

16.20pm PUNCHESTOWN

EMPIRE LEVANT

Even though he has a bit to find with some of these on form, I see he is trading as the favourite on Betfair and I think he will run really well. He looks fantastic at the moment, the best I have seen him, and he comes here a fresh horse. We deliberately sidestepped Cheltenham but also had to miss Aintree as he trod on a stone and was lame. But he only missed three days work and has been working really well, keeping Kauto Star company for the past three weeks. The course and ground will be ideal for him.


5.30pm PUNCHESTOWN

KAUTO STAR

A lot of people will look at Denman's run at Aintree, and think this will be a race too far for Kauto Star, too. But I don't think that's the case. Obviously you never know for sure, and he has never run in May for me before, but he was mad fresh when schooling last Friday and comes here in great form. I was obviously thrilled with his third in the Gold Cup and a reproduction of that run, or indeed his King George form, would see him go close to winning here. He is actually unbeaten in Ireland and this right-handed galloping track should suit him fine.

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