*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing/Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason, you will lose your stake under traditional antepost rules
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Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey are both keen on Sir Gerhard to confirm his Cheltenham Champion Bumper form and complete a double over Kilcruit at the Punchestown Festival.
The highly-rated pair were first and second at Prestbury Park and now look set to go head-to-head once more in the Champion Irish National Hunt Flat Race for The Conyngham Cup at the Co. Kildare course [Wednesday, April 28 – 18.30].
Rachael Blackmore was on board Sir Gerhard for the third of her six wins at this year’s meeting, and Ruby is backing the partnership to score once again here.
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Speaking on the latest episode of Paddy Power’s From The Horse’s Mouth podcast, our resident jockey-turned-pundit said: “There was no pace in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham so Rachael Blackmore got to dictate things in front while Bryan Cooper sat second on Ramillies and Paul Townend sat third on Kilcruit.
“Sir Gerhard definitely got a run down the hill but to me he just looked a faster horse than Kilcruit, got away from him and was able to hang on.
“Paul Townend might want to ride the race again and try things differently, but I wouldn’t be convinced you would get a different result.
“I think Sir Gerhard is a faster horse and, coming to a faster track, I think he will confirm the form. I would be with Sir Gerhard.
“Belle Metal is only a four-year-old so she will run off 10st13lbs, but it’s a big ask to go up against older geldings. There’s a mares’ bumper which could be on the same card so I wouldn’t be surprised if she turns up there instead.”
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Frank Hickey agrees, although the expert trader was keen to stress the market leaders might not have everything their own way.
“Sir Gerhard and Kilcruit are close in the market, and that is because we’re waiting to see what people latch on to,” explained Frank.
“That could be the fact that Kilcruit came from quite far back and was running down Sir Gerhard so maybe if he doesn’t give his rival such a head start, he can overturn the form.
“However, I’m with Ruby and I think Sir Gerhard will confirm the form. There was only a ½l in it, and they’re closely matched. It’s not like Sir Gerhard will beat him by 10l, but Sir Gerhard deserves to be favourite and if anything Punchestown might suit him even better than Cheltenham.
“It’s not 100 per cent between the two of them, as Ginto has a massive reputation. He went off 4/9 on debut at Fairyhouse, but looked a little bit green. He has bolted up a Navan since and I wouldn’t write him off.
“Dysart Dynamo absolutely bolted up at Clonmel and Belle Metal won the Listed race at Limerick. Whether she will run, I’m not sure, but she has plenty of ability.”
*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing/Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason, you will lose your stake under traditional antepost rules
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