What a weekend of racing. You’re in the wrong game if this doesn’t excite you, considering all of the big stars that we’ll see this weekend.
Sunday at Punchestown
It’ll be good to see Delta Work 8/11 back out at Punchestown (11:45). I loved the way he did it in the Cross-Country at Cheltenham, and, no doubt, all roads lead back to March for him. He’s a class act.
At a bigger price, I do think if Freewheelin Dylan 18/1 takes to the banks course, he could be a force to be reckoned with in the same race. He’s won an Irish National, so we know he can jump and stay.
The Morgiana has a great feel to it at Punchestown (14:05). The tried and tested versus the young pretender. Sharjah 9/4 has won this race for the past two years and is the highest rated horse.
State Man 4/7, meanwhile, is the up and coming young horse, who was so impressive at Cheltenham and Punchestown at the back end. It’s going to be a really good race and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top.
Seabank Bistro 5/6 is likely to be one of the leading lights in Willie’s Novice Hurdle team this season. He was a good sixth in the bumper on his final start and longer trips will be his forte this season, so I fancy him at Punchestown (14:40).
Saturday at Haydock, Ascot and Punchestown
A Plus Tard 3/5 runs at Haydock (15:00). Despite the fact that Henry has mentioned that the very heavy ground might not be ideal, he is still the best horse in this race by a mile. I love him. I was speaking about him on the Betway National Hunt Preview on Twitter the other night. He is such a good horse, and I think if he stays fit he’s the one they all have to beat in the Gold Cup in March. I loved the way he did it last year and he’s just a very good horse.
At Ascot (14:05), L’Homme Presse 8/15 makes a return as he wants to put himself in the Gold Cup picture for this season. He was faultless last season up until Aintree, but that was probably just the end of a long season. He’s got to be winning this well to make himself a challenger in that division this season.
I think everyone in racing will be looking forward to seeing Constitution Hill 1/5 return at Ascot (14:40). He was so impressive in the Supreme at Cheltenham, tearing a good field to pieces. He’s already a short-priced favourite for the Champion Hurdle and will take some stopping on his way to Cheltenham as he won’t take on many of the top Irish horses until he gets to March.
Despite having top weight, Edwardstone 11/4 really does look the one to beat at Ascot (15:15). I’m a big fan of good horses running in handicaps, they’re top weight because they’re generally the best horses. He won the Arkle very well and you’d have to think some of his rivals here wouldn’t get near him in that.
Kilcruit SP is making his debut over fences at Punchestown (12:30) and I’ve longed for this day. He was always going to be better chaser than hurdler in my book, so I hope he proves me right. I’ll never forget the way he travelled in his bumpers. He’s full of class. He’s going to be the first of Willie’s top novice chasing team to be seen this season, so let’s see if he can set a high bar.
Queens Brook SP was beaten at a short price last time, but her second in the Mares’ at Cheltenham is proper form and is simply the best on offer. If she’s come on for that run, she’s going to be tough to beat at Punchestown (14:13).
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