Tofino Bay should be ready to strike

TOFINO BAY, a horse who has clearly had his problems, should be ready to strike in the 22-runner Goffs’ Festival Sale Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon, should the meeting survive an 8.00am inspection.

He got off the mark in point-to-points at the fourth attempt, before making his racecourse debut at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, 2009.

Dessie Hughes’ then six-year-old put up a fine performance to beat the smart Ad Idem by a length and three parts, giving every indication of being a horse with a bright future.

That was the last we saw of him, however, until he reappeared at Leopardstown at Christmas over flights.

The selection never promised to be competitive, but did stay on steadily in the closing stages to finish 17 lengths fourth behind the impressive Cottrelsbooley.

There’s always the danger that the dreaded bounce factor will now kick in, but it’s a risk worth taking in a contest in which a decent case can be made for very few.

Willie Mullins’ French-import So Young is hard to oppose in the punchestown.com Festival Offers Novices’ Hurdle.

He made a spectacular start in Ireland at Leopardstown, never moving out of second gear to score by 16 lengths, and it will be a surprise if this modest affair doesn’t prove well within his capabilities.

Bob Lingo, who left a number of disappointing efforts behind him at Fairyhouse last time, gets the nod in the Follow Us On Facebook Novice Chase.

He seemed to be admirably suited to the two miles, five and a half furlongs then, making all to score by 20 lengths.

The Punchestown Festival Goffs’ Sale Mares’ Bumper may be best left to Francis Flood’s Valleymount.

She was a creditable third to Jim Will Fix It and Mississippi River at Leopardstown and returning to a race confined to her own sex should help.