PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL DAY ONE: Punchestown explodes into life with three Grade 1’s on the opening day. SHAMROCK has bets in all three of them.


Absolute belter of an opening day at the Punchestown Festival featuring three Grade 1 races:

4:20 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

One of the big questions of the week is whether Willie Mullins will get Cheltenham revenge on Gordon Elliott and we get an early battle here which Mullins will be anxious to come out on top with the strongly fancied Getabird. It looks highly likely that his Cheltenham run in the Supreme was all wrong and he can reverse form with Mengli Khan (3rd) and Paloma Blue (4th). Certainly Getabird looked back to his best when winning a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last time out.

5:30 BS Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Absolutely spoilt here with Douvan, Min and Un De Sceaux all in the same race and if Willie doesn’t win this one then hand the title to Gordon!! Min and Un De Sceaux have had relatively hard seasons and that may well play into the hands of Douvan who was still travelling supremely well before falling in the Champion Chase won by Altior. Providing none the worse for that spill, Douvan could be the fresh horse in the race.

6:40 Growise Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

I want to be against Monalee here who just seemed to run out of steam at Cheltenham in the RSA when a creditable second to Presenting Percy. He won his beginners chase here last year in grand style over 2m 4f but I just worry that this three mile trip on still testing ground pushes his stamina to the limit so he’s a BETDAQ LAY for me.

SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Getabird (4.20 Punchestown)
NEXT BEST: Douvan (5.30 Punchestown)
LAY: Monalee (6.40 Punchestown)


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