* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
12:50 – Envoi Allen
A proper day’s racing in Punchestown for the lads. The card is front loaded. Always a treat to see Envoi Allen, a horse sent from the gods. This race presents genuine earthly concerns mind you.
Conceding 11 pounds to Asterion Forlonge is no joke. It’s great to see neither set of connections shirking the challenge. It won’t be easy, but I struggle to envisage anything other than the Envoi delivering. It’s just the way he rolls.
The Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle looks highly competitive. I narrowed it down to five. Not great at the best of times. Particularly poor given there are only 8 runners. I shall watch the race with interest. On to some horses that will carry my cash.
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14:50 Ensel Du Perche
Ensel Du Perche is interesting in the Beginners Chase at 14:50. This seven-year-old has clearly taken a bit of time. This will be just his fifth career start, and first over fences.
His seasonal bow in a Naas maiden hurdle was full of promise. He was a bit clumsy over a few of the obstacles, notably the last, but still finished a very close third. That wasn’t a particularly strong race but then neither is this.
Hell On Earth probably sets the standard but is of limited ability. It can be hard to tell on the telly but Ensel Du Perche looks a horse of some physical substance. The fact that connections go chasing so early in his career is another positive sign that he can improve over fences.
This step up in trip promises to suit too. Given he doesn’t need to improve all that much, I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t win this.
15:20 Kristian Goingwel
Kristian Goingwel should go close in the Handicap Chase at 15:20. This horse may not be entirely straightforward. He wears cheekpieces, and his jockey didn’t look entirely happy at times on his last run in Limerick.
He sauntered into contention all the same, and looked all over the winner between the last two fences. He was ultimately outbattled. That take might be a bit harsh, though.
His conqueror that day was strong in the market, and it may well prove that Kristian just ran into a well handicapped horse. He is a sound jumper, and remains relatively unexposed over fences.
He has to race off a two pound higher mark here. Most of the opposition have plenty to prove, though. It’s easy to envisage Kristian putting himself in a winning position here. Hopefully he can take advantage this time.
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15:50 Atlantic Shore
The Amateur National closes the card at 15:50. Atlantic Shore looks the bet. This horse has gone up six pounds for his last couple of defeats. Not ideal I hear you cry. Well, to quote Jules Winnfield, “allow me to retort”.
I think he has just been unfortunate, and remains well handicapped. On penultimate start he went down narrowly to a heavily backed favourite who ran in the colours of JP McManus. It was miles back to the third.
Last time out he finished second to a horse who was potentially thrown in over fences. The favourite finished third, and it was miles back to the fourth. The only snag is the conditions of this race.
This horse can race on and off the bridle and make the odd jumping error. I’m not familiar with his jockey. There are too many positives to ignore, though.
Aside from a dismal effort in Gowran, this horse has proven a model of consistency. He’s probably well handicapped, arrives here in good form, is the class angle, and remains relatively unexposed. In Mr E P O’Brien we trust.
Brendan’s tips at Punchestown on Sunday
12:50 Envoi Allen
14:50 Ensel Du Perche
15:20 Kristian Goingwel
15:50 Atlantic Shore
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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- Timeform’s terrific trio of punts at Punchestown on Sunday
- Frank Hickey and Paddy Power’s Punchestown punts
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