Fenton has faith in Dunguib

PHILIP FENTON believes there are reasons to expect a much better run from Dunguib at the Punchestown Festival next month.

The eight-year-old was eighth to Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham – but had not enjoyed a trouble-free preparation.

Sixth to Hurricane Fly at Punchestown in April last year, Dunguib was having his first run since when winning at Gowran in February, after which he went to Cheltenham.

He is now set for a first try at three miles.

Fenton said: “Dunguib is bouncing after Cheltenham. His bloods weren’t 100% perfect after Cheltenham and while he seemed fine beforehand, he is surely better than that performance.

“I know they might sound like excuses, but he just wasn’t right. We might step him up to three miles (Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle) at the Punchestown festival next as there really is no point taking on Hurricane Fly as he looks a real superstar.”