Punchestown: day two

The Irish N.H. festival at Punchestown continues today with another two Grade One races, the most important of which is the Guinness Gold Cup chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 19.05 CET, Ireland´s answer to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Three of th field from that race (though none of the principals) run here, and German-bred Air Force One (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), below form at Cheltenham, could come out best of them this time. However War of Attrition (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell), a previous Gold Cup winner, and Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch), winner of the Welsh Grand National, could prove much stronger, while Imperial Commander (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), the Ryanair Chase winner, can beat the lot of them if he stays the extra half mile here.

The Champion IHH Flat Race at 17.55 looks more straightforward, as Dunguib (Philip Fenton/ BT O´Connell) seems certain to start a hot favourite after his impressive win at Cheltenham. However he faces some strong opposition, notably the unbeaten Universal Truth (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) and Luska Lad (JJ Hanlon/ Nina Carberry), winner of 4 of his last 5 starts. Ruby Walsh, riding mainly for Willie Mullins, has several fancied rides and is likely to maintain his position as leading jockey at the meeting following his 2 wins yesterday.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jewel Of The West - Keki Buku - Back Of The Pack
2. Race: Coffee Tea Or Me - Manor Park - Moville
3. Race: Palace Merano - Caim Hill - Merrydown
4. Race: Dunguib - Universal Truth - Quadrillon
5. Race: Imperial Commander - Notre Pere - War Of Attrition
6. Race: De Boitron - Arc En Ciel - Sky`S The Limit
7. Race: Jayo - Rock Street - Melon Delta