Paddy poised for big run in Pierse
There is little doubt that, on all known form, he has plenty to find, but Charles Byrnes’ charge has given the impression there may be much better to come!
You could argue the two miles on the inside track is going to be prove on the sharp side.
But he has a high cruising speed and a swinging gallop, virtually guaranteed, and testing conditions will help bring his stamina into play. The booking of polished 5lbs claimer Jack Doyle is a plus.
Merchent Paddy went up 9lbs for a scrambling head defeat of Gusda at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day. The two miles and six on that occasion may have been a bit further then the selection needs to travel right now and he probably wouldn’t have come off the bridle, but for getting it wrong at the final flight.
There are numerous horses who can be given a life, but to my way of thinking the 20-1 which was on offer yesterday, a quarter the odds five places, was real value.
Glencove Marina and Perce Rock appear the two on which to concentrate in the Grade 2 Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase.
Glencove Marina, a high-class novice hurdler last season, is readily preferred, having made a satisfactory winning debut over fences at Navan.
Currently available as high as 20-1 for the Arkle at Cheltenham, he is fancied to give his prospects a major boost.
Tony McCoy can guide Wins Now, another decent novice hurdler last season, to success in the P.B.S Beginners Chase.
Niall Madden’s gelding was destined for second, behind Pedrobob, on his first excursion over fences, falling at the last at Leopardstown at Christmas. He will surely come on a bundle and will revel in the conditions.
If Punchestown passes an 8.00 inspection this morning, frost is now the worry, then in-form Willie Mullins could enjoy a field day.
His Ebaziyan, a creditable fourth to Al Eile at Leopardstown, is hard to oppose in the Ollie Finn Go Racing In Kildare Hurdle. He has a minimum of 28lbs in hand of all of his rivals who have a handicap mark.
The mud-loving Mullins-trained Sonnium, who ran a cracker when fourth on ground much faster than ideal behind Won In The Dark at Leopardstown, is the choice in the Grade 3 Punchestown Juvenile Hurdle.
Mullins’ Shady Willow, who galloped his rivals into the ground on his return from a long break to land a Leopardstown bumper, gets the nap in the second section of the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle.
Captain Conflict, he caught the eye over hurdles at Navan, it was his first run, is a fourth Mullins possibility in the bumper, although facing some interesting opposition.
