Punchestown Festival Saturday Runners Guide

Lossiemouth are in action for our star columnist on the final day of the Punchestown Festival. Watch his thoughts.

Punchestown Festival, Saturday May 4


He has the highest weight in the handicap and Brian Hayes is riding. He got on well with him in the Scottish National, but it’s a big ask.

15:05 – Klarc Kent

Paul went for him and he stayed well in the Scottish National last time. He seems to get here with a great chance if the race doesn’t demand too much from him.

15:42 – Ashroe Diamant

Ashroe Diamond was disappointed at Cheltenham where he was held up. She hasn’t followed up her Doncaster run there and she’ll need to make a better fist of getting into the money here.

15:42 – Gala Marceau

She has a good chance with Danny. She may not have shown her best form this year, but now would be a good time to do it. Her best runs have probably come on better ground around this time of year.

15:42 – Lossiemouth

Paul takes the horse and we hope that if she shows her usual form, that will be enough in this race. She is in good shape and the conditions suit her well.

Glengouly rode quite well a long way in the Grand National but simply didn’t see the journey before unseating late. If he performs like this, he has a chance – the ground and the trip won’t be a problem.

4:15 PM – Spanish Harlem

He had a good race when he finished sixth in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. On that form he should be listed here under Danny Mullins.

4:50 PM – Batman Girac

He is a difficult horse to ride tactically, and he is hard on himself. He still has some work to do and is probably someone to keep an eye on for now.

4:50 PM – Flag line

He was a little disappointing in the Triumph Hurdle after finishing fourth behind Kargese at Leopardstown. It has a nice shape and a high Flat rating. Based on that, I think there’s much better ahead. We’ll see if that’s Saturday, this job might suit him better.

4:50 PM – High winds

He’s also someone who disappointed a bit at Cheltenham, but he’s in good form at this track and there’s no denying that.

4:50 PM – Stormheart

Danny rides Storm Heart, who finished fifth in the Triumph Hurdle but was second to Kargese earlier this season. He won here the first time at Punchestown. He probably didn’t show his true form at Cheltenham and here he will have a great chance.

4:50 PM – Kargese

She rode an absolute stormer at Aintree, only tipped by Sir Gino. A repeat of that race would make her tough to beat. However, she is quite hard on herself and has had quite a tough race. I think she’s getting close.

4:50 PM – Mrs. Manzor

Rachael (Blackmore) is riding Miss Manzor and she needs a career to get into the top three here.

17:25 – Olympic man

Paul takes the drive and ran a cracker at Fairyhouse at Easter. Repetition of that form here puts him in the firing line and he is one to follow.

5:25 PM – Risk Belle

She is ridden by Aidan Kelly and has every chance with his claim, if all goes well.

5:25 PM – Chapeau De Soleil

Chapeau De Soleil was probably a bit disappointing, but won a normal beginners’ hurdle at Navan last time and has a chance if he improves again.

5:25 PM – Pink in the park

Kieran Callaghan rides the Pink In The Park 5lb. He previously beat her in Wexford last year. If the soil dries out a bit, that would help.

17:25 – Golden Dancer

He won in France and raced in a Class 1 behind Ballyburn at the Dublin Racing Festival. He could get a good grade here, his form in France is very good, we just haven’t quite got him on the pitch where I think he could go. Which makes me believe he could be one to follow.

5:25 PM – O Castle Des Mottes

Danny rides with him and he has already given birth a few times. He tends to just be a little cautious. He has a chance on this trip, but he needs to improve.

5:25 PM – Get the fire going

He won very easily in Perth last week and has his chance at this low weight.

6:00 PM – Chart topper

This is a very nice young horse and Patrick is taking the ride. We’re looking forward to getting this guy on the track. Hopefully if the soil gets drier it will help him.


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