One from me tomorrow runs in the 2.50 Epsom LIFE AND SOUL 10/1, didnt live up to expectations last year and was expected to compete at a much higher grade and win some decent handicaps. Looks well treated on his best form, should go close and goes well fresh, hopefully the break has rejuvinated him and he will get back to winning ways tomorrow
3.55 Epsom Resurge (NAP) - multiple C&D winner who just loves Epsom and always runs way above his other form here. Won off a mark of 97 here in June and has also won at the course on soft/heavy. Was a length second to Spanish Duke in this last year after a similar lay-off and off a 1lb lower mark this year can take this.
nice one well if either of you hit it won't be because you tipped a shortie! some way to go to match sticks 25/1 shot today though.
I like a couple tomorrow. Follow The Plan won the Punchestown version of the Gold Cup and proved that was no fluke recently when beating Burton Port at Aintree but he was lucky last year when ROBERTO GOLDBACK 16-1 threw away a winning position at the last. Conditions tomorrow will suit Roberto, he likes a good slog in the mud and I think this under-rated horse can come good at a very taste price. In the bumper at 7.15 the master, Willie Mullins, finally gets FLASH OF GENIUS to the track and he is one to watch with great interest. His only run was in a point to point when he beat Emma Lavelle's very useful Penny Max. I think it will prove well worth the wait. The Festival bumper winner, Champagne Fever, and runner up, New Years Eve, lock horns again in the Punchestown Champion Flat race at 6.05 but I think they may both have to play second fiddle to VENTURE CAPITAL who really impressed me when beating a decent field at Fairyhouse. He has since been sold to JP McManus but Philip Fenton retains the ride.
It's a very nice filly Wayward and ran a cracker in the Aintree Mares bumper but I dont think that form gives him an obvious chance here.
3.55 Epsom: RIGHT STEP 14/1- I dont like it when me and Stick go head to head on a selection but I do think that Right Step might be the real value tomorrow with close form ties with Resurge and a nice weight. Right Step was 2nd beaten 1.5L by Resurge off a mark of 97 last season over course and distance and has a fantastic record fresh- Form figures read 223. Today he runs off 90 and has a 3lb pull at the weights witth Resurge from their course and distance running last year. He tends to be better in the first half of the season overall, is fit from a couple of spins over hurdles and I think ought to be considered as a nice each-way saver in the race. Last year I backed Spanish Duke at 20/1 in this race, my best ever winning bet (in terms of amounts). Sadly, I dwindled a lot of it away through mug punting and getting carried away when it could have just been put into a savings account.
4.55 IPSOS DU BERLAIS- Has some good performances to his name on similar ground and has ran with credit behind classy animals. 4th at Aintree on sharp ground was highly encouraging and you should see a very bold bid with conditions underfoot to suit today. Sous Les Cieux has not gone one from his classy Royal Bond win, they are unsure over his trip and 3m in testing conditions is just not what he needs for my money. Not the sort who finds a lot off the bridle, so if its a battle he might come unstuck. 6.05 Punchestown: FICKLE FORTUNE 13/2- Travelled ominously and overcame trouble in running on debut. They think a lot of her and she is not entered in here lightly. I'm expecting a really bold show and a good jockey booking with Nina Carberry.
Like RV fancied Champange Fever at the festival and like wise tomorrow; 17.30 Captain Chris- 5/1 Will be a very much hit or miss tomorrow. But I fancy him big time to carry on the good form of the Hobbs stable after their fantastic win with Snap Tie earlier today. Won at this track last year, since then he has had well some jumping problems since, but he looked a lot more assured in that department and looked to be coming back to his arkle winning form when a staying-on fifth in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last month and this longer trip can only help. Going right-handed again should be a big plus. So providing him jumping holds he will be a very big threat and will go very close indeed!
15.40 - Cappagh- 20/1 E/W Bit of a long shot here but there are alot of younger horses in the race so have gone for abit more experience. He goes well fresh and is racing for the first time for his new stable he is a decent hurdler and has won a hurdle race and is 3/3 over the fences. He is very flexible on what ground he runs on and has won on ground ranging from firm to soft ground, so tomorrows going should be no concern, will easily get the distance. Is on a very handy mark so a place should definately be on the cards at the very least
Just be careful about this ground if you get stuck into Champagne Fever or the Ferguson horse lads. It may not make a difference but Cheltenham on the Wednesday looks nothing like Punchestown on the Wednesday and as such there's a slight doubt in my mind. The best bumper in Ireland is Don Cossack. I've watched every Irish and English bumper this year and there's not a ounce of doubt in my mind. 4.55 Ipsos Du Berlais at 6/1 looks like great e/w value on ground he's ran on with credit in the past. 5.30 Captain Chris at 5/1 depending on the ground looks a great each wayer although continued rain would put me off. Quelesprit was going to be the bet but I'm put off by his Cheltenham withdrawal and subsequent home reports. 6.05 Clonbannon Lad 8/1 each way. Soft ground specialist. If Champagne Fever tires he'll be waiting to pounce.
