It is Grand National Trials Day at Punchestown where we could get some clues for Aintree in the Grade B contest over 3m4f. There is also a Listed contest for novice hurdlers on the undercard.
The action takes place between 1.40-4.40 and you can watch it all via live streaming when logged into MansionBet – alongside all the action from the UK and Ireland. Our tipster has previewed Sunday’s Punchestown card.
1.40 – Hollywoodbets Bet 10 Get 30 P.P Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase (3m1f)
JP McManus has four horses running in his silks in this cross country chase. His best chance of a success is likely to come from SHADY OPERATOR, who is a C&D winner here, as he won this race 12 months ago.
This nine-year-old often produces his best at this course. He has featured here five times and he has three victories and two second-place finishes from those starts. Success here will see him travel to Cheltenham for the Glenfarclas Chase full of confidence.
Selection: Shady Operator @ 2/1
2.10 – Hollywoodbets Cheltenham Festival Preview March 3rd Rated Novice Chase (2m)
Hat-trick seeking CIEL DE NEIGE is in great form this season. His latest success came in a novice chase at Navan (2m4f). Willie Mullins’ runner has to carry a penalty in this contest, but he can defy that as he remains open to improvement over fences.
Selection: Ciel De Neige @ 5/4
2.40 – Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (3m4f – Grade B)
It has been a slow start for CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM since he moved to Enda Bolger’s yard from Nicky Henderson back in October. He finally produced his best on his latest appearance at Navan over 3m.
Conditions will suit the chaser here and he should appreciate this stiffer test. He does not have an entry in the Grand National, however, the marathon races may be the future for this horse.
Selection: Champagne Platinum @ 6/1
3.10 – I.N.H Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle (2m – Listed)
LARGY DEBUT comes into this Listed contest looking to bounce back from a poor effort at Leopardstown during the festive period. He was pulled-up in a Grade One race after breaking a blood vessel.
Henry De Bromhead’s runner blew Kilcruit away on his hurdles debut at Cork earlier in the campaign. If he reproduces anything like that again here, his rivals will be challenging for second place.
Selection: Largy Debut @ 13/8
3.40 Hollywoodbets Now Streaming UK & Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle
Points winner DUBLIN CALLING has yet to hit the frame in two starts over hurdles. He featured over 3m at Punchestown on his latest attempt to break his maiden. This distance looks to be much more suitable for Henry De Bromhead’s novice. Although this is a large field, it looks a good opportunity for him to finally show what he is about.
Selection: Dublin Calling @ 13/2
4.10 Punchestown – David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Handicap Hurdle (2m7½f)
A second success over hurdles arrived for ITSNOTINIT at Limerick back in December. He had no problems with the new distance on heavy ground in that race. Paul Nolan’s gelding has an 8lb rise in the ratings to defy here, but it may not be enough to stop him from successfully following up.
Selection: Itsnotinit @ 5/1
4.40 Punchestown – Hollywoodbets Money Back 2nd To SP Favourite (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (2m)
The Coolmore silks worn by BLACKWATER are usually associated with Flat horses, however, the leading owners are represented by a horse who is set for his debut in this bumper contest. This well-bred gelding is the stand-out runner in the field and he has the benefit of leading amateur JJ Codd being on board.
Selection: Blackwater @ 11/4
*All odds correct at time of writing.
