Kevin Blake
1:40 P.P. HOGAN MEMORIAL CROSS COUNTRY CHASE 3M
While Enda Bolger’s grip on the cross-country discipline has been somewhat loosened in recent years, he is still a formidable player and he looks to have the answer to this puzzle in the shape of Quantitativeeasing. The 10-year-old was officially rated as high as 155 over fences a couple of years ago and his second-place finish at Cheltenham last time suggests he is taking well to the cross-country discipline. He should win this well. His most interesting rival is perhaps his stable companion Federici who makes his first foray into this discipline having proven progressive in handicap chases of late.
Selection: QUANTITATIVEEASING
Next Best: Federici
2:10 MICHAEL FITZPATRICK MEMORIAL MAIDEN HURDLE 2M 4F
The majority of the focus in this contest will be on the hurdling debut of the Willie Mullins-trained Open Eagle. The son of Montjeu is officially rated 104 on the flat and won the November Handicap at Doncaster for David O’Meara last year. He rates as an interesting recruit to hurdling and has to be considered the one to beat. Perhaps his main rival is the Sandra Hughes-trained Total Recall, with the six-year-old having run well in both a bumper and maiden hurdle this season.
Selection: OPEN EAGLE
Next Best: Total Recall
2:40 I.N.H. STALLION OWNERS EBF NOVICE HURDLE (LISTED) 2M
A competitive and classy contest that is quite tricky to weigh up. There has been a theme of Gigginstown second strings winning in recent months and it could well continue here with the Sandra Hughes-trained All Hell Let Loose. The six-year-old finished second to Nichols Canyon in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse, but disappointed at Limerick last time. However, it emerged that he was badly struck into on that occasion and the run can perhaps be forgiven. He can be expected to bounce back to form in this and should go close. An interesting alternative to the selection is the Shay Barry-trained Bentelimar following his slightly lucky win in handicap company at Leopardstown last time.
Selection: ALL HELL LET LOOSE
Next Best: Bentelimar
3:10 PERTEMPS HANDICAP HURDLE (QUALIFIER) 3M
This is a really challenging puzzle to decipher and a chance is taken on the Sandra Hughes-trained Wrath Of Titans. The six-year-old seemed to relish the step up in trip when winning a maiden hurdle at Thurles last time and this even longer distance could bring about more improvement from him on what is his handicap hurdle debut. Undoubtedly the most difficult race on the card. One to keep an eye on is the Robert Tyner-trained Sir Abbot following his solid handicap debut at Leopardstown last time.
Selection: WRATH OF TITANS
Next Best: Sir Abbot
3:40 BOYLESPORTS TIED COTTAGE CHASE (GRADE 2) 2M
A classy renewal of this contest that will see an intriguing rematch between the Willie Mullins-trained Twinlight and the Shark Hanlon-trained Hidden Cyclone. The former came out well on top when they met in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting but Hanlon’s charge is now 8lb better off and has strong claims of reversing that form, particularly if given a slightly less forceful ride than was applied at Leopardstown.
Selection: HIDDEN CYCLONE
Next Best: Twinlight
4:10 CLAIM YOUR FREE TRIAL AT RACINGUK.COM GRAND NATIONAL TRIAL HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE C) 3M 4F
This race is always a really strong test of stamina and this year’s renewal has unsurprisingly attracted plenty of very dour stayers. The pick of them is perhaps the Sandra Hughes-trained Raz De Maree, with the 10-year-old likely to need to go up in the weights to get another run in the Aintree Grand National (eighth in last year’s renewal) and with conditions to suit, he could go well in this. The pick of his opposition is the Robert Tyner-trained Embracing Change, with the 10-year-old coming into this on a four-timer having been in excellent form earlier this season.
Selection: RAZ DE MAREE
Next Best: Embracing Change
4:40 GOFFS PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL INVITATIONAL SALE (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M
An intriguing end to the weekend action and the eye is immediately drawn to the Gordon Elliott-trained General Principle. The six-year-old won his only start in a point-to-point at Kirkistown in November, being left clear after his main rival ran out at the third-last fence. He represents powerful connections and market support for him would be significant. The same can be said for the Willie Mullins-trained Prince D’Aubrelle, with the newcomers having realised €33,000 as a three-year-old.
Selection: GENERAL PRINCIPLE
Next Best: Prince D’Aubrelle