Marito 5/1 Punchestown 7.45 - Ran a fine race at the Cheltenham festival losing out by a neck to the hot fave once more today, On The Fringe. Marito was a very useful chaser, rated in the low 150's at one stage, the now 10 year old has being mixing it among Points and hunter chases most recently and running some cracking races, easily landing two PTP's at Kirkinstown and Loughanmore before bumping Into Aupcharlie who also runs today. Ground is ideal, trip too and I hope he can land this as he will be that bit fresher than most. 5/1 is very fair.
Paint the Clouds will love the ground and is sure to go well, along with usual suspects On The Fringe, Aupcharlie and Salsify.
Marlbrook 6/1 Punchestown 4.20 - fast improving chaser this season for Colm Murphy, this JP McManus owned horse could be still ahead of the assessor as the winning style in his two latest victories have been accomplished with the minimum of fuss, not extended and just kept up to his work, visually looking as if he had loads left In reserve. Deliberately held back for Punchestown, he today races off 143, a 9 lb rise for his latest victory. Admittedly he hasn't beaten superstars, but he has won well enough to suggest this mark is within his range and those he beat have been most progressive also at a lower level. A good positive ride on the front end by Bazza and I'm sure he will be there lepping the last with a chance.