Sunday 24th November

MICHAEL - Punchestown 11.35 - Banks - Chase - 3 miles - 14 run - Soft

 

The Banks here are a centuries old feature, great fun and they can be an interesting betting option. This is NOT a Handicap so we are chasing the top 3 places.

 

Frankly it's a match race between Coko Beach and Stumptown on all known form but 3 miles twisting and turning up and over the Banks is a tough assignment , especially being buffeted by strong winds and something has to finish 3rd and if either of the main contenders falters there are further options available.

 

The obvious 3rd place finisher with Banks form is FAMEAFTERGLORY and at 16/1 he's decent value. Better horses are in here on Banks debut or with little Banks experience but i always want some evidence they are suited by the format.

 

At bigger Odds are a couple for the £1 e/w followers and if you want a sporting e/w punt before midday to enjoy than I'd suggest a look at ENJOY D'ALLEN @ 40/1  and BODHISATTVA @ 80/1 at big odds (MG)

 

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DESERTMORE HOUSE off a stone lighter over these Hurdles than over fences and with decent Hurdle runs the last twice over the smaller obstacles at Naas and Kilbeggan is the one to beat here and I think 4/1 is cracking win value and worth the punt.

 

Great Universe is raised 13lbs for a Sligo win and that is a heavy penalty, Whatavailable won at Fairyhouse last time and gets a 6lbs penalty and I think is probably half a stone better at Fairyhouse than anywhere else, so I don't find it hard to discount either of those pair. The rest are much of a muchness with two very strong exceptions.

 

DONKEY YEARS is a Course winner over Hurdles and fences and clearly thrives here, the trip is fine, the rain a bonus and at around 14-16/1 I think a cracking each way bet to 4 places.

 

REAL STEEL was given a great ride over Fences when tipped last time in first time blinkers leading from the front, he runs off a suitable low and competitive Hurdles mark and once again they have the blinkers on, different jockey but if they adopt the same sort of tactics and again get the fractions right, he could take a lot of catching at a very nice price (Sean)