N.H.racing at Punchestown (Ireland) and Haydock

The Punchestown meeting continues today with two beginners chases as the most interesting events. In particular the race over 2 miles at 16.20 CET has attracted some smart hurdlers who are expected to make their mark over fences. Two of the 8 runners are German-bred, with clear preference for Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Paul Carberry) over Prince of Fire (Charlie Swan/ David Casey). Bob Lingo (Tony Mullins/ Mark Walsh), who fell last time, and Healys Bar (Oliver McKiernan/ Paddy Flood) must also be considered, as well as Otay Kawn (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), although the stable is yet to hit top form. The same applies to their runner Definite Edge in the race over 2 1/2 miles at 16.50; there is a huge field - as in most of the races here- and a surprise result cannot be excluded.

The best race at Haydock is the 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.265. The very lightly raced Mostly Bob (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Riptide (Donald McCain/ Adrian Lane) are two contenders who in the long run will be competing in better races, but today we fancy top-weight Barwell Bridge (Warren Greatrex/ Noel Fehily), who has had the benefit of a recent race and is very smart for this grade. However Riptide fares, we expect his trainer to take the novice hurdle at 18.10 with Drill Sergeant (AP McCoy), who has to concede weight all round but looks better class than his 14 opponents here.