Horse Racing Preview – Punchestown and Epsom Downs – 26th April 2017
Our horse racing preview comes from Punchestown and Epsom Downs today. Some very disappointing selections yesterday that basically just never turned up. Hopefully we can remedy that this afternoon.
15.15 Epsom – Investec Corporate Banking Great Metropolitan Handicap (10.1f) (0-95)
These sharp tracks such as Chester and Epsom have to be mastered and for me one of the top jockeys that has gained that experience is Franny Norton who rides Mark Johnston’s Galapiat who has been moved from Andre Fabre’s at Chantilly to his new surroundings.
His first run for the new yard came at Leicester when hacking up by five lengths in a 0-90 over an index of 11.7f three weeks ago. It is something to definitely build on from the son of Galileo.
Main dangers look to come from the in form Alan King yard with William Hunter who notched up three wins last season off marks of 74, 77 and 82. Now 5lb higher he has failed to show the promise which included being beaten at Kempton when only finishing eighth in a 0-105, a good drop in class he deserves to be involved.
GALAPIAT : 2pt win @ 7/4 (BOG)
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16.25 Epsom – Investec Foreign Exchange Maiden Stakes (8.4f)
The fact that Frankie Dettori prefers Richard Hannon’s Bahar over Ed Dunlop’s Amarsen could be a tip in itself. The son of First Defence made a very eye catching re-appearance when third on the all-weather at Chelmsford at the beginning of the month going behind by just over four lengths.
The front two Bless Him and Highland Cradle where improver’s so on paper he has to come into the equation on his second start of the new campaign.
Godolphin have surprisingly turned a corner this year with all of their juveniles and transition horses improving significantly. Their entry here, Leader’s Legacy, ran sixth on his debut at Sandown when behind Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner Best of Days, the runner up Wahash also ran well on his first run back at Newmarket finishing fourth when behind the smart Middle Kingdom.
The War Front colt has no pattern engagements on his future calender, which reflects that they have something here, but just want to see how good he is on his transition run.
LEADER’S LEGACY : 2pt Win @ 7/4 (BOG)
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16.55 Punchestown – Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (24f)
William Mullins yard have supposedly turned a corner in recent weeks and are well represented here with Penhill, Al Boum Photo and Tin Soldier. On paper Penhill is the likely one to Concentrate on with Ruby Walsh choosing over the other two.
The Albert Bartlett winner was very impressive when winning the Grade 1 event last month. The ex Luca Cumani flat performer will take his chance here instead of his Champion Novice Hurdle engagement over a shorter trip.
His biggest adversary is Patrick Kelly’s Pertempts winner Presenting Percy who so impressive when coming from last to first to land the Listed event. Davy Russell reclaims for the race which has been franked this week with The Toured Man winning.
Out of the pair Penhill for me is open to much more improvement over Presenting Percy who despite coming into the top level I can’t see him being a match for Mullins entry here.
PENHILL : 2pt Win @ 11/4 (BOG)
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18.00 Punchestown – Racing Post Champing I.N.H. Flat (Grade 1)
The Cheltenham Champion bumper winner will try and double up this afternoon. Gordon Elliott’s Fayonagh won with plenty in hand when flashing home to take the race by one and three quarter lengths with Carter McKay a long way back in the field. I would be shocked if Mullins’ runner could get even close giving 5lb to Fayonagh.
One I backed ante-post for Cheltenham was Jessica Harrington’s Someday who was declared a non-runner and comes here for a yard that are literally flying in all codes. His second on debut over course and distance puts him right among the pigeons here, even his win at Leopardstown was good enough to go close, I really like his chances here despite missing a prep run to get involved.
SOMEDAY : 2pt Win @ 4/1 (BOG)
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