Punchestown on Sunday
The most exciting horse in National Hunt racing, Envoi Allen 4/9, is running again and I know the racing world will be watching him (12:50). Even though he’s giving weight to a good horse, I don’t think it’ll stop him from winning.
He’s a machine and should be too much for his rivals, despite giving up weight. Seeing these novices come through the ranks is what we all love, so its fingers crossed he can keep his unbeaten run going.
Ross has a runner on Sunday too with Favori Logique 9/2 and we expect him to go well (14:50). He found 2m a touch too sharp for him last time, but he steps back up in trip again and I think the key to him will be the course. He might just appreciate the test of Punchestown, and he could run a big race.
In the last race, I think Fairly Legal 6/1 will go well too. Despite being 11 years of age, he’s still lightly-raced. He’s run well in some competitive races this season, but this looks much more winnable. He’s got Derek O’Connor on his back too, and fingers crossed he can give JP McManus and his family a winner.
Fairyhouse on Saturday
I’m looking forward to seeing Youmdor SP run in the opening contest (12:00). It was hard not to be impressed with him when he bolted up on his debut, but he left the impression that there was a little more in the tank. He’ll improve for that run and he could turn into a live Triumph Hurdle contender if he wins this.
King Alex SP was hiked up 12lb for his latest win, but that didn’t stop him from running a big race on his latest start to finish second over Christmas. He travelled well and has clearly improved with each run. Barry O’Connell’s horses are in good form and this race (15:25) looks like another opportunity for him.
It’s great to see Mick Winters with a good horse and his Caspian Caviar Gold Cup winner Chatham Street Lad SP looks like he’ll go close again. He was good at Cheltenham last time in a strong, competitive handicap. He has the fortune of having Simon Torrens on his back too. Simon is great value for his 5lb claim and I think they’ll go well in this Handicap Chase (14:15).
My 4 To Win picks on Saturday
14:25 Warwick
Make Me A Believer 4/1 was good at Cheltenham last time and I think he’ll appreciate the step up in trip.
15:00 Warwick
Storm Control 11/2 jumps for fun and, while he got idle on the run in at Cheltenham, it looked as though he got lonely and had plenty in the tank when the runner-up got close to him.
15:35 Warwick
Come On Teddy 4/1 is the most likely improver in the field. We’re yet to see the best of him and any horse who wins competitive handicaps at Cheltenham usually has a good level of ability.
15:50 Market Rasen
Knocknamona SP will love the ground and has been in great form this season. It’s a wide-open race but I expect he’ll go well with Alain Crawley on his back.
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