Katie Walsh: I can't wait to see Honeysuckle again
The Betway ambassador previews the fourth day of the 2022 Punchestown Festival and makes her picks for all eight races.
15:40
Alpha Male has consistent form and, in what really isn’t a strong race, brings the best form and should be the one to beat.
Dad runs a horse called Jezarus and a young lass from the yard takes the ride. I’d say if she ran to her best, she’s got a little squeak and it’d be some result for the yard if the pair were to win!
16:15
French Dynamite is a good horse on his day. He’ll love the ground and has been consistent enough all season. He’s still improving and I think there’s definitely mileage in his mark of 144. If he runs to his best form, he’ll take some stopping.
16:50
Elimay is simply the best mare and, barring accident, she should win. She’s done little wrong this season and was good when winning the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham. I can’t wait to see her again.
17:25
I also can’t wait to see Honeysuckle again. She trounced them all in the Champion Hurdle and is the best horse in this division by a mile. Similar to Elimay, it would take an accident or a huge under-performance for them to get beat.
18:00
State Man was obviously well handicapped when he won the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. He was always travelling well, he came to the stands-side rail and still managed to be miles better than his rivals. He’s clearly a graded horse and he’s got to be the one to be on, especially with Paul [Townend} choosing him.
18:35
Billaway managed to win the Foxhunters at Cheltenham and there’s no denying that it’s the best form in this race. Gordon started the week very well, but Willie could have a field day today.
19:10
El Fabiolo could be another winner for Willie [Mullins]. He looked all over the winner at Aintree, before Jonbon battled back. That could have been down to inexperience, but with another run in top company behind him, he’s going to improve.
19:45
The bumper looks wide open. I thought Golden Wonder’s ran well behind an above average horse of Willie’s last time, so I’d side with him. Derek O’Connor is a great booking, too.
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