*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
It’s round two of Galopin Des Champs v Bravemansgame as the dynamite duo face off in the Punchestown Gold Cup.
The leading stayers chasers on either side of the Irish Sea were neck and neck at the final fence in last month’s Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival before Galopin Des Champs proved too strong in the run to the line to continue his unbeaten form in open company over the larger obstacles.
There are three other horses in Wednesday’s 17:55, the feature race on day two of the Punchestown Festival, with Ryanair Chase winner Envoi Allen the principal threat to the leading pair. Fury Road and Fastorslow complete the line up as Hewick is a non-runner due to the going.
Punchestown Gold Cup odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, Paddy Power app or via our snazzy betting widgets, otherwise Timeform’s horse-by-horse guide to the runners and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.
Punchestown Gold Cup tips
Timeform: GALOPIN DES CHAMPS confirmed himself at the top of the chasing tree when putting up one of the best performances in the Gold Cup in recent years when beating Bravemansgame by 7 lengths and he can end the season with another Grade 1 success. Bravemansgame can follow him home again, with Ryanair winner Envoi Allen best of the others.
Punchestown Gold Cup runners
Bravemansgame
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Top-class chaser. Good 7 lengths second of 13 to Galopin Des Champs in Cheltenham Gold Cup at Cheltenham (26.3f, good to soft, 6/1) 40 days ago, going with enthusiasm. No obvious reason why he should reverse placings with the winner but is a clear second choice.
****
Envoi Allen
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Rachael Blackmore Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Top-class chaser. 13/2, career best when winning 9-runner Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy) at Cheltenham (20.6f, good to soft) 41 days ago by 2¾ lengths from Shishkin, travelling strongly. Stays this far but bit more needed.
***
Fastorslow
Trainer: Martin Brassil Jockey: J. J. Slevin Age: 7 Weight: 11st 10lbs
High-class chaser. Very good second of 23 in Ultima handicap chase at Cheltenham Festival (25f, good to soft, 7/1) 43 days ago. Uphill task at this level.
*
Fury Road
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: M. P. Walsh Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
High-class chaser. Seven wins from 24 NH runs. Latest win in chase at Down Royal in November. Fell at the second in Grand National at Aintree (34.3f, good, 33/1) 11 days ago. Up against it here.
*
Galopin Des Champs
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: P. Townend Age: 7 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Top-class chaser. Course winner. 7/5, career best when winning 13-runner Cheltenham Gold Cup at Cheltenham (26.3f, good to soft) 40 days ago by 7 lengths from Bravemansgame. Sure to take all the beating once more.
*****
Hewick
Trainer: John Joseph Hanlon Jockey: Non Runner Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Non Runner
Today’s Punchestown Tips
- Horse Racing tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s slick picks for Punchestown on Wednesday
- Horse Racing tips: Frank Hickey’s top plays for Wednesday at Punchestown
- Horse Racing tips: Ruby Walsh’s Day 2 Punchestown Picks for Wednesday
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