Reproduced with permission from WhiteFlagIsRaised.com
PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL ORGANISERS are performing heroics to keep the show on the road for the spring festival.
Today’s reduced card starts off with the rescheduled Ryanair Chase which was reopened for entries and sees the addition of Shot From The Hip and the withdrawal of Nearest The Pin.
I’ll stick with my selection Lucky William with most to fear from Kumbeshwar.
The Rabobank Champion Hurdle is due of at 17.30. Only five runners have been declared for this Grade One over two miles worth €96,000 to the winner. Of those five, four are from the Willie Mullins stable with The Real Article the outsider in every way.
In all likelyhood only four will face the starter as Quevega went — and won — in the World Hurdle yesterday. Hurricane Fly was a huge disappointment at Cheltenham although it seems that the Mullins horses may have been a bit out of sorts.
It’s bound to be a tactical race and with the Mullins string in such good form it’s hard to oppose Hurricane Fly who is made the selection.
***
Eight have been declared for the Champion Novice Hurdle due off at 18.05. Felix Yonger looks like starting favourite in what promises to be an a informative race with some smart novices running. Benefficient was a surprise winner of a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in February before finishing well down the field at Cheltenham and is passed over.
Colour Squadron has fallen in two of his last three starts and may have lost his way a bit. Dedigout has won three of his five starts under rules and has to be respected. Texas Jack was disappointing the last day after been well backed and I understand he’ll be ridden closer to the pace in this race.
Jenari, Lyreen Legend and Rebel Fitzgerald are all to be respected but Felix Yonger has 7lbs in hand on official ratings and he’s my selection.
For regular racing updates, follow @whiteflagman on Twitter.
