A day after the Grand National Trial at Haydock Park, it’s all about stamina once again with the long distance Grand National Trial taking place at Punchestown.
The 3m3½f marathon is the feature contest on an eight race card which also includes a Listed novice hurdle. We have today’s National Trial, plus all the supporting Punchestown races priced up in our horse racing betting markets.
1.30 – 2m½f Novice Chase
Paul Nolan’s I AM LORENZO was the narrow winner of a beginner’s chase at Fairyhouse last month and can follow up today.
The Milan-gelding looks a natural jumper, which is often key in these novice affairs and Sean Flanagan is a decent jockey booking.
2.00 – 2m7f Beginners Chase
SPREAD BOSS TED was just getting into the race proper when he took a tumble at Navan last time, and will strip fitter for the outing if nothing else.
Fourth in the 2024 Albert Bartlett Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, he should make into an even better chaser and Danny Mullins is in the plate once again.
2.30 – 3m3½f Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Listed Race)
Gordon Elliott’s LUCKY LYREEN (NAP) was somewhat out in the form wilderness before bouncing right back with a bang at Down Royal last time.
The eight-year-old ground his race out from the back, picking up the leaders late in the piece, and was still staying on at the line.
This extra few furlongs should pose no problems and he’s an each-way bet to nothing at odds of 13/2.
3.00 – 2m (Novice Hurdle (Listed Race)
Joseph O’Brien’s ZEUS POWER ran on to good effect to land the spoils at Navan last month and holds every chance of going in again in this Listed affair.
Now rated 131, the five-year-old gelding can show the betting public out there that he is a Listed class horse.
3.32 – 2m3½f Maiden Hurdle
If KSAR FATAL is ready to go first time out, then the six-year-old could quite easily dominate this very winnable maiden hurdle.
A winner on debut at a PTP, the youngster next won a bumper for Willie Mullins before running poorly at the Punchestown Festival. This afternoon he makes his debut for Barry Connell.
4.02 – 2m6½f Punchestown Novice Handicap Hurdle
Henry De Bromheads’s KIR has some solid looking form in the locker and should be good enough to figure in the finish here.
The six-year-old’s two performances at Limerick this season are decent looking yardsticks, and it will be nice to see owner Liz Prowting tasting another Irish success.
4.32 – 2m INH Flat Race
As the last race is a special one, let’s go with the new adage “Willie’s in the next to last” instead.
Brian Drew’s HELDAM ran inexplicably poor on debut, but I’m pretty sure the stable will have got to the bottom of that and he was a fairly expensive purchase.
5.02 – 2m Up The Yard Challenge Race
Natalia Kubacka must be well respected in the Mullins yard to ride the pretty decent hurdler JUMP ALLEN in a flat race challenge.
The odds may well be short, but this horse is your more obvious winner.
Mull It Over 