2022 Punchestown Festival Day 2 – Andrew Halligan runs you through his best bets and tips on Wednesday with the Gold Cup on the card.
Wednesday at the Punchestown Festival sees a truly brilliant card for The Great Comeback.
So, let’s get to it…
16:45 – Louis Fitzgearld Hotel Hurdle – 2022 Punchestown Festival Day 2
This boils down to whether FILS D’OUDAIRIES can back up his run that saw him pull 8L clear of 3rd, and just behind Langer Dan, at the Aintree Grand National Festival.
A former chaser for Joseph O’Brien that went off the boil for a while and bounced right back to his best last time out. With his recent form, this looks a good opportunity for the UK to get one on the board.
17:20 – Champion Novice Hurdle – 2022 Punchestown Festival Day 2
Next to the stage are the novice staying hurdlers and what a race we could be in for.
We have the Albert Bartlett 1,2,3; The Nice Guy, Minella Cocooner and Bardenstown Lad going head-to-head once more. Throw Minella Crooner and Journey With Me into the mix, and boom, you have yourself a top-class Grade 1.
The one who I am siding with is MINELLA COCOONER. 2nd to The Nice Guy at Cheltenham, but before that he was an impressive winner of the Dublin Racing Festival Grade 1 novice hurdle over 3m where Danny Mullins gave him a world class ride.
Danny is back on board today and, back on a flatter track, I can see Minella Cocooner reversing the form with Albert Bartlett winner, The Nice Guy.
17:55 – Punchestown Gold Cup – 2022 Punchestown Festival Day 2
The showcase race on Day 2 of the Punchestown Festival sees the best staying chasers in training going head-to-head.
Former Gold Cup winners Minella Indo and Al Boum Photo are just two of the top class horses lining up and their prices, around 13/2 and 20/1 respectively, just go to show you how much strength and depth there is in the 2022 renewal of the Punchestown Gold Cup.
All week I was in the Minella Indo camp, but after more below par runs from the De Bromhead horses, I find it hard to back him with any confidence.
So, I am going to take the chance on the two-time Ryainair winner and the freak that is ALLAHO to take the step back up in trip in his giant stride and win the Gold Cup. UK raider and defending champion Clan Des Obeaux will follow him home.
19:05 – Handicap Chase – 2022 Punchestown Festival Day 2
A race that I have become to enjoy over the years and one where Willie Mullins has a great record in. The one I like here is the classy CIEL DE NEIGE.
Three-from-four this season over fences from 2m4f to 2m and was at one stage touted as an Arkle horse. Steps back up in trip today which I believe is a huge plus, especially on today’s ground.
Jumps well, travels, and stays this trip well. Overall, I see it hard to look past him today.
Outsider of The Day – 2022 Punchestown Festival Day 2
You know the saying horses for courses? Well this is a saying that applies to this selection.
GUIRI, last year’s winner, of the same race comes into the 15:40 looking like a horse that has been laid out for a repeat bid.
Only 6lb higher for last year’s win and back on good/soft ground today – he can play a huge part in his bid to win back-to-back renewals of this race.
Bet on Horse Racing at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
