Graded races in Ireland today

As usual, the best racing on Sunday takes place in Ireland, with graded N.H. races at both Punchestown and Cork. With Willie Mullins in such incredible form (5 more winners yesterday) it is clear that all his runners will be well backed, but although we expect him to have some winners, thefre are good reasons for opposing some of his runners.

However we certainly expect him to take the day´s top event, the Grade One John Durkan Memorial over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35 CET at Punchestown, where he saddles 2 of the 3 runners (last year´s winner Flemenstar is injured and has been taken out). Ruby Walsh rides Arvika Ligeonnaire, a top novice who has won his last 6 completed races, and he clearly has huge potential, but we prefer the stable´s other runner Sir Des Champs, ridden by his owner´s retained jockey Davy Russell. This trip is possibly a bit short, but he has the proven class and has won 9 of his 12 races and was also runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This is first outing since winning at the Punchestown Festival in April, but that should be no problem; he is best on ratings and although this looks likely to be a tactical race, we still think he might come out on top. The third runner Rubi Light (Robbie Hennessy/ Barry Geraghty) is smart, but was third of 3 here last year and looks booked for the same this time around.

Mullins also sends his second jockey Paul Townend with a strong team to Cork, and can win the Grade Two Hilly Way Chase over 2 miles at 15.20 with the very progressive Twinlight. He faces strong opposition, includung last year´s first two Days Hotel (Henry de Bromhead/ PT Enright) and Realt Dubh (Noel Meade/ Robbie Colgan), bjut this one can go right to the top. Mullins and Townend also have a chance in the Stayers Novice Hurdle at 14.15 with Aleichi Inios, but in theory this one is held by Lots of Memories (PG Fahey/ SE Butler). Mullins has no runner in the Grade Three Mares novice chase at 15.50, where Townend rides C Kidd´s Back in a Tick. This is actually quite a poor field for a graded race and could go to Dressedtothenines (Eddie Harty/ Niall Madden), well beaten on both her chasing starts but the best of these over hurdles.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Clonard Lad - Ange Balafre - Gilgamboa
2. Race: Rough Justice - Apache Jack - Shemshal
3. Race: Arvika Ligeonniere - Sir Des Champs - Rubi Light
4. Race: More Madness - Sullane Chief - Tudor Fashion
5. Race: Dogora - Bright New Dawn - Formidableopponent
6. Race: Daring Article - For A Finish - Canaly
7. Race: Sucker Punch - Flame And Flower - Cillian`s Return