Updated at 12.00
DAY ONE OF the 2015 Punchestown Festival gets under way tomorrow and while the short-price Willie Mullins runners will capture a lot of attention — and money — our focus will instead be on the three Grade Ones to see if there’s any value further down the race card.
Here are our selections.
Rich Coast 25/1 – Champion Novice Hurdle, 16.20
Barring an Annie Power-esque calamity, nothing is stopping Douvan from repeating his Cheltenham success against inferior opposition in the first Grade One of the festival on Tuesday afternoon.
However, given that his each way odds are approximately 6/1, the Noel Meade trained Rich Coast — who has finished in the top three in five of his last six races over fences — has to be worth a look to be next past the post.
Flemenstar 16/1 – Boylesports Champion Steeplechase, 17.30
To say that Flemenstar’s return to competitive action at Navan was a disappointment would be an understatement. The 10-year old trailed home in sixth some twenty lengths behind Felix Younger but it must be noted the now Tony Martin-trained horse was there or there abouts until two fences from home when his lack of recent action began to tell.
Once thought of as a possible Gold Cup horse, Flemenstar has been plagued with leg injuries since 2013 but does come into this race fresher than most. The withdrawal of Vautour certainly makes the task a little easier but, as with all these tips, each way betting is your friend here.
Irish Cavalier 33/1, Growise Champion Novice Chase, 18.40
A winner of a handicap chase at Cheltenham just last month, the Rebecca Curtis trained six-year old will be ridden by Noel Fehily for the first time after falling last time out at Aintree when fancied under Paul Townend.
With Don Poli the odds on favourite, you’re again looking for betting without or place money in this race.
Originally published at 18.42, 27 April
