Punchestown 3.05 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 3 and 1/2 furlongs - 25 run - Yielding (watered) - 

 

A lot to consider as you would imagine.

 

The UK team send over a few interesting contenders with Kilta for Sam England back over hurdles, Noble Park an unexposed one from the Nicky Henderson yard, Rocheval from Lucinda Russell who looked unlucky when falling last time out in a race won by STAY IF U WANT TO who is trained by Jonjo O'Neil. All 4 would have chances but my colleague from the North (Northern tipster) who saw the STAY IF U WANT TO,  win when Rocheval fell is very keen on the Jonjo horse, so he warrants a tip.

 

At big prices The likes of Away To Milan at 50's and Sammy Smart @ 33/1 should give their running and aspire to be in the first 10 home, Bridies Beau and Londonofficecalling have been rested and probably prepared by Gavin Cromwell for this but both; it has to be said;  carry significant penalties, Cove Court another solid performer also looks a little high in the weights now and at the top end of an open market at around 8/1 the field Blue hop, Alhumit and Timmy Tuesday will all be formidable opponents but none of those three, really jump off the page at me.

 

I'm most keen in terms of win and place chances and market value in BRIGHT LEGEND, a very nice spare ride too for Harry Cobden, a solid course regular who should surely be bang in contention, LUMINOUS LIGHT still only a 6 year old so still significant scope and who had a very interesting run round at a similar trip on the Wednesday at this meeting last year, SLANAGAIBHGOLEIR for Gordon Elliott completes my top 3, first time cheekpieces, back in trip and another horse who I think has not yet reached its ceiling.  With the Jonjo horse 4 rated overall, if you wanted a 4th Irish poke then I think that JOLIE JEWEL at 20/1 plus is another who shows admirable consistency and could run an enhanced place (Sean / Northern)

 

---

 

Brighton 5.15 - Handicap - Class 5 - Class 6 - 1 mile - 14 run - Good to Firm

 

At the top of the market are Edvard Greig, Havana Mojito and Comedian Leader and all on form look very strong but this is a Class 6 race and these types are consistently inconsistent. Heers Sadie is another who has some solid form and one who came close to an e/w punt as 3rd highest rated.

 

At big Odds is Cherry Hill @ 16/1  who is an AW specialist, if you go right back to its 2nd career run on turf at Newbury, it's not a hopeless cause on turf.  

 

My clear top two in terms of each way value though are VOLTAIC a Course and Distance winner last June off a mark of 50 , race fit and running off 51 with a 7lbs Clamier up and, HELLAVAPACE another Course and Distance winner, off 53 in September last, a filly who will strip fitter for a recent return and also nicely handicapped off a mark of 51 with a 5lbs Claim (RJ)

 

------