Punchestown Festival, second day with Denman

The Punchestown Festival continues today, when the main feature is the Guinness Gold Cup over 3 miles 1 furlong at 18.30 CET. This would be the top race of the week in any case but has been given added interest by the fact that Denman (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy), runner-up last time in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (and winner there in 2008) is due to run. Clearly if he runs to form, he should win here as on ratings he has about 20 lbs in hand.

The only problems are the good ground (he is better on soft) and his preference for left-handed tracks. He is certain to start a short-priced favourite, and may not be a good bet at the expected odds. There are two more British raiders in the field, Barber Shop (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Planet of Sound (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). Barber Shop, believed to be the first ever irish jumps runner for the Queen, has repeatedly threatened to win a top race, but has just as often failed to do so; the ground is right, but the distance may be too far. Planet of Sound represents a stable in red hot form; on form he has a lot to find, but could be a nice each-way bet at long odds.

Best of the local hopes is undoubtedly Cooldine, whose trainer Willie Mullins won all three Grade One races here yesterday. He was well behind Denman at Cheltenham, but could finish much closer today. War of Attrition (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) is another previous Cheltenham winner in the field, but that was in 2006, and his recent form, which is mainly over hurdles would not be enough for this; he is likely to be retired after the race. Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch) won this race last year, but the field today is much stronger and he is another one whose recent form is not inspiring. Joncol (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley) is in better form, but probably needs softer going. Logically Denman has to win this, but Cooldine looks a major threat, while we regard Planet of Sound as the best outsider.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rahan De Marcigny - Sivota - Coliseum
2. Race: Final Approach - Son Amix - Doctor Deejay
3. Race: Magnanimity - Rhyl Accord - Rigour Back Bob
4. Race: Denman - Cooldine - Joncol
5. Race: Hidden Universe - Shot From The Hip - Tavern Times
6. Race: Jayo - Stewarts House - Four Chimneys
7. Race: Dun Doire - Kilty Storm - Beantown