The Arkle would look stronger form Bob but for who won it. Cracking contest and I hope both run their races. Similar types as they both have that never say die competitiveness about them. King was clever avoiding Cheltenham this season and it may just pay dividends again.
**** OFF !!! Same have been backing him for a long time and I must say I thought he was gone at the game after Ascot and Ffos Los. Fences have sorted him out
Small fields actually RV. They found out that he really hated being crowded. Kind of had horsey panic attacks and would spit the dummy out. Novice chases therefore were the most sensible route to take. Well done on your footie bet tonight Diego!
15.40- Punchestown- USA- 16/1 e/w Hoping this is the start of things to come for country named horses over the weekend but have a squeak feeling about this one. Has been running very well indeed, in his last few races and put in his best race to date yet with a good second and Ballinrobe lto and am hoping he is in the same form and a 16/1 is worth a small e/w shot
Quevega is apparently in foal to beat hollow as well, so this could be her last race. No bet, but will be cheering her all the way.
On Quevega today, as everyone says always improves from Cheltenham to Punchestown so I fully expect her to win and at 11/10 she is a corking bet.
Gutted jackofalltrades doesn't look like getting in the first. Looked to have a decent chance under a feather weight imo
Actually in that ultra competitive handicap opener - Fire Fighter is attracting significant support. 16-1 an hour ago, down to 10-1 in places. Was promising for Alan King in 2012, but was off the track 800-odd days, returning 21 days ago in an 11f flat race for new handler Adrian Maguire. I've had a small ew at 12-1 ................ just in case!
Afternoon, pinstickers. Lasagne, roasties and carrots. Fair to middling. 6/10. I won’t be getting involved, any further, in the Punchestown Festival or Punchestown Guesstival as I prefer to call as you never know, at this stage of the year, which horses after busy seasons are ‘over the top’ and all you are really doing at the fixture is hoping yours are still OK. I’ve taken the loot won on my only bet of the meet (Beat That) and banked the jolly lot! Depositing in the old vault...bingo! Mr Henderson has said that out of Whisper and Beat That one in 2014/15 will go staying novice chasing and the other staying hurdling. I hope Whisper goes over the big ‘uns, meself, troops. But however the great man opts to play it, and I’m sure he will as always make the correct decision, one will win the 2015 World Hurdle and the other the 2015 RSA. Make a note, regular readers, write it down! Good luck to those guessing at the Guesstival!
Going on At Fishers Cross 4/1in the hurdle race.This will be the toughest race Quevega has had in this and beating Glens Melody by a nose last time doesn't make me wanna rush to back her today. I think AFC will appreciate the track and seen as he has been jumping right today should make the journey less arduous and I expect a big run from him.
the forces have turned against me the last few days so hard to be confident Punchestown 5.30 At Fishers Cross 9/2 6.40 Trifolium 15/2 Lingfield 3.35 Maraayill 6/1 Think the two at Punchestown will enjoy going right handed, resisted the temptation to do the Quevega 5/4 and Fever 7/4 double so thats probably a boost for anyone who done it Maraayill I keep making excuses for, I think there is a nice horse in there somewhere but this is the last chance I give him, if he doesnt put in the finish today then it just isnt there. I like the look of this Marc Monaghan too, hes a new apprentice for Botti and looked good in Dubai, 5 pounds could come in handy.
