Punchestown: day four

The big Irish N.H. meeting at Punchestown continues today with some more high-class racing, some huge fields and very testing going following further rain. Main event is the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at 18.30 CET. in which Punjabi (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is the obvious form choice, having won this last year, and also a Grade One novice hurdle over this CD 2 years ago, as well as the "real thing" at Cheltenham. However the opposition is very strong, and two much-imprived Irish hurdlers will test him to the limit today, Quevega (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), most impressive at Chletenham last time, and Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) winner of 4 of his last 5 races. Willie Mullins has had a tremendous week and can in any case continue on the winning trailin th Champion Novice Hurdle at 19.05, whre his two runnrs Mikael d´Haguenet (Ruby Walsh) and Cousin Vinny (with son Patrick in the saddle) could well take the first two places. British hopes, the lightly-raced a nd unbeaten Bouggler (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle) and Trenchant (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) can fight it out for third. A good showing by Bouggler would be a clear pointer to the chances of Copper Bleu (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) in the following novice hurdle at 19.40, as he finished only a head behind him at Aintree last time, form which gives him an outstanding chance here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Turn Up - Burton Girl - Sameolddingdong
2. Race: Ballytrim - Hold The Pin - Lochan Lacha
3. Race: Tranquil Sea - Equus Maximus - Jaamid
4. Race: Punjabi - Quevega - Solwhit
5. Race: Mikael D`Haguenet - Cousin Vinny - Roberto Goldback
6. Race: Copper Bleu - Zaarito - New Phase
7. Race: Spare Shilling - Teffia Rose - Diaconescu
8. Race: Definitely Marble - Chip Tea - Last Draw