Solwhit vs Quevega at Punchestown

The Punchestown Festival goes into its third day with the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle over 3 miles at 18.30 CET the big race of the day. This is notable for the clash between Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) and Quevega (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh); the former won the two equivalent races at Cheltenham and Aintree and is going for the hat-trick (also achieved over fences by Sprinter Sacre on Tuesday), while Quevega has won this race for the past 3 seasons. The pair met at the Festival over 2 miles in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle in 2009, which Solwhit won with Quevega a close third; amazingly Quevega has not lost since, having run only in the mares hurdle at Cheltenham and this event, i.e. just two races a year. Solwhit, who spent much of his career chasing home Hutrricane Fly, met with an injury and was off the track for almost 2 years but has made a triumphant comeback and won his last 3 races. It is hard to choose between the pair, but we were most impressed with t he way Quevega won at Cheltenham and give her a narrow vote. Holywell (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon) and Reve de Sivola (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) are both smart performers but held by Solwhit on their latest running; they can keep the two principals honest, but it will be a big surprise of either of them can win today.

The otjher Grade One on today´s card is the 2 mile nlovoce chase at 19.40, which looks treally tricky. Mullins and Ruby are represented here by Arvika Legionnaire, who looked very smart earlier in the season, but has failed to complete the last twice, Baily Green (Mouse Morris/ david Casey) ran a great race at Chelenham, but was a mysterious flop at Aintree, pulling up in the race won by Special Tiara (Henry de Bromhead/ PT Enright). Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) has also failed to live up to expectations, but trainer and jockey are now in great form. Any of these could win given luck, but we shall stick to the reliable Benefficient (Tony Martin/ Bryan Cooper), who has taken advantage of the mishaps of others several times this season and seems a solid each-way bet.

There are some fiercely competitive handicaps on the card - our very tentative suggestions are Plan A (Gordon Elliott/ Niall Madden at 17.15 and Acapulco (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) at 19.05- but the big betting race is the La Touche Cup, a cross country over 4 miles 1 furlong at 17.50. There are plenty of familiar faces here: Uncle Junior (Willie and Paddy Mullins) won this last year from Lydon House and Saddlers Storm, after favourite Arabella Boy (Enda Bolger/ Derek O´Connor) and Outlaw Pete (John and Josh Halley) both dropped out when well in contention. Cheltenham`s cross-country last month was won by Big Shu (Peter Maher/ Barry Cash) with Outlaw Pete third and Bostons Angel (Jessica/ Robbie Power) fourth, both of whon are now better off at the weights. There are several possibilities here and luck in running will be decisive, but we shall take Outlaw Pete.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marito - Malt Master - Mackeys Forge
2. Race: Barneys Honour - Twinlight - A Fine Young Man
3. Race: Big Shu - Arabella Boy - Uncle Junior
4. Race: Quevega - Solwhit - Reve De Sivola
5. Race: Acapulco - A Decent Excuse - Call Rog
6. Race: Realt Mor - Special Tiara - Benefficient
7. Race: Upsie - Speckled Wood - Twigline
8. Race: Turnandgo - Apache Jack - Captain Cutter