Punchestown and Lingfield

Punchestown now stages the only jumps racing of the day and we expect the purple patch currently being enjoyed by Gigginstown House and their retained jockey Bryan Cooper to continue. They could well land a treble with Willie Mullins´ As de Ferbet in the beginners chase at 13.45 CET, Tony Martin´s Bog Warrior in the main event, a conditions race over hurdles at 14.45 and French import Petite Parisienne in the 3yo hurdle half an hour later. Bog Warrior appeals as the best bet of the day; although a 10yo he is relatively lighlty raced and has won 9 of his 16 starts including this race in 2012.. Stable companion Blackmail (Barry Geraghty) could be a problem but he has been of the track for 16 months and has to concede a lot of weight, so the consistent mare Jennies Jewel (JP Fahey/ IJ McCarthy) could be the main danger.

The all-weather card at Lingfield is very low grade and the "best" race is the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.40. We expect the 3yo´s to come out on top here. Shyron (George Margarspon/ Martin Lane) has the best form, but he has plenty of weight and has never run here, so we prefer the lightly-raced Evening Attire (W Stone/ George Baker) and Zman Awal (James Fanshawe/ Hayley Turner). The former ran well over this CD last time out, while the latter won his maiden here back in May; Zman Awal seems to be very reasonably handicapped and is our selection.
All Northern Hemisphere thoroughbreds celebrate their birthday tomorrow - we wish them a very Happy Birthday and to you, dear readers, a very Happy New Year!

Betting forecast Punchestown:
1. Race: The Bosses Cousin - As De Ferbet - The Job Is Right
2. Race: Federici - Heavenly Brook - The Parishioner
3. Race: Bog Warrior - Blackmail - Daneking
4. Race: Zafayan - Petite Parisienne - Hannah`s Magic
5. Race: Gallant Oscar - Followmeuptocarlow - Killeena House
6. Race: Indian Rupee - Theoystercatcher - Gothen Niece
7. Race: Bonny Kate - Dark Sunshine - Dandad`s Lucy