Rest of Punchestown

The other two Grade One races at Punchestown today also have very string fields, but should see the locals beat off the British challenge. In the champion novice hurdle at 17.20, Cheltenham winner Go Native (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) faces a stiff task against Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who holds him on earlier form. Both Mullins and Meade have other runners here, but the main opposition should come from the two British hopes, German-bred El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) and Riverside Theatre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), with the former preferred on Aintree form. Ruby Walsh could well complete a clean sweep of the three top races on today´s card with Willie Mullins´ Cooldine, who was so impressive at Cheltenham and will be a hot favourite to win the champion novice chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 19.40. Gone to Lunch (runner-up in the Scottish Grand National) and Rare Bob (fourth in the Irish version) could follow him home, but probably at a re spectable distance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Freneys Well - Loggan Lass - Wedger Pardy
2. Race: Hurricane Fly - Go Native - El Dancer
3. Race: Robin Du Bois - Native Clan - Jewel Of The West
4. Race: The Kings Sword - Sparkling Tara - Mister Wall Street
5. Race: Master Minded - Big Zeb - Mansony
6. Race: Cooldine - Joncol - Horner Woods
7. Race: Quantitativeeasing - Icade - St Devote