Punchestown Festival. 2023.

[Zachx02]

Will they not stick to 2 miles with Ballyburn after that performance?? Pretty lively ground and he showed a proper turn of foot imo. He looks to be Willie's best Bumper horse. They have certainly minded him. He can only get better. Very exciting.

Flemensfirth out of an old Vic mare screams further

 

[Lobos]

Flemensfirth out of an old Vic mare screams further

Thanks. I do love Tullyhill as well and think the two will be split so perhaps Ballymore and Albert ?

 

[Zachx02]

Thanks. I do love Tullyhill as well and think the two will be split so perhaps Ballymore and Albert ?

Yeah I think it'll be bally for the ballymore and Tully for AB and fact to file too but with the emergence of these 2 willie may send him straight over fences

 

[Exar Essay]

Thanks. I do love Tullyhill as well and think the two will be split so perhaps Ballymore and Albert ?

Patrick said post race that they both seem Ballymore types.

Two nice types but quite different. Tullyhill seems to have a higher cruising speed but Ballyburn finds more off the bridle.

 

[Lobos]

Patrick said post race that they both seem Ballymore types.

Two nice types but quite different. Tullyhill seems to have a higher cruising speed but Ballyburn finds more off the bridle.

That's my take as well. Over to Saxon now re their race planning.
Willie does normally send his best to the Supreme but whether either of these has the profile for that race I don't know. Something else could step forward but it'll have to be exceptional. I do think the two are top class. Both have impressed me hugely even this far out.

 

[Exar Essay]

Really like the look of Quantum Storm in todays bumper at 3/1. Second to Ballyburn in their maiden. A lot was made of Ballyburn not picking up in that race, but he did the same again yesterday and put far more distance between himself and the field. Lecky Watson is a hard one to place. I'm coming round to the view that he's a 125ish RPR horse and that the Champion Bumper was a bit of a mess (although the cream did come to the top). I don't think he's capable of another mid 130's run. Could be wrong, but I'll take the risk.

Main dangers for me are the two Ballymore horses. Both should prefer the good ground they'll get today. Irish Panther was a 2 length third to Quantum Storm in the same maiden. Did I Ask You That is the one I'm having a small saver on though at 18/1. Came like a good thing at Leopardstown at Christmas only to be coloured by Pour Les Filles. Patrick sent him for home way to soon that day. Fourth last time out, but he clearly wasn't suited to the heavy ground.

Elsewhere on the card, I like the look of Life In The Park (that ride LTO was .... suspicious and I think may have been with this in mind), Sa Majeste (Willie seems keen), and Impervious (Willie seems resigned that his lot will follow her home).

Also had a small bet on Riviere Detel at 8/1 as PP are paying money back if selection finishes 2nd, 3rd or 4th. Was travelling well in the Mares Chase when she was smashed in the air and came down. Will likely prefer going RH.

 

[BigChaang]

Patrick said post race that they both seem Ballymore types.

Two nice types but quite different. Tullyhill seems to have a higher cruising speed but Ballyburn finds more off the bridle.

In My Dreams ..... :eagerness: ., Got the Tullymeister and The Ballymeister in my B/more squad . !! . :highly_amused: .

 

[HesTheOne]

Risk Belle tomorrow in the handicap hurdle at 13/2 looks like decent value carrying 10.4. Extended place market looks the value play.


I thought she ran a blinder in the boodles and was very unlucky in running come the finish.

 

[Bonjers]

Impervious is a bloody nice mare - love to see her take on the boys. She jumps magnificently.

 

[Benjy23]

Aye, Impervious really should be thinking Ryanair / Gold Cup plans next year imo.

Another of my favourite mares the pick of Paul Townend tomorrow, Echoes In Rain :adoration: Time for me to get back involved in Punchestown.

 

[Exar Essay]

You'd love to see her take on the boys. I do just worry that McManus loves winners too much so won't defect. I have taken a little bit of the 50s about the GC though.

 

[Lobos]

McManus does have Dinoblue who could run in the Mares Chase instead of Impervious and she's very good too. That'll free up Impervious to take on the boys in the Ryanair.

 

[robith]

Spat out my tea when I got my tracker email today. Timeform notes for Brandy Love said "Trainer going well"

 

[SeanRock]

Will they not stick to 2 miles with Ballyburn after that performance?? Pretty lively ground and he showed a proper turn of foot imo. He looks to be Willie's best Bumper horse. They have certainly minded him. He can only get better. Very exciting.

Going against the grain but I’ve thought similar & backed accordingly before his last run. An end to end 2m would be perfect based on his last two runs & ignoring his breeding book.

 

[Lobos]

Going against the grain but I’ve thought similar & backed accordingly before his last run. An end to end 2m would be perfect based on his last two runs & ignoring his breeding book.

Not going against any grain. As every man and his dog keeps telling me on here..... Willie will keep his best Novice Hurdler to 2 miles until they are beaten. Nuff said.

 

[HesTheOne]

David Mullins on one of Cheltenham preview circuits called Ballyburn a future gold cup prospect. If that’s how the yard views him you would be leaning trip wise greater than 2m

 

[Exar Essay]

I see Tullyhill as better suited to 2m, but even he should prefer a step up.

Keep in mind we’ve at least 4 well touted French horses kept back for next year, and what ever this years crop brings too.

I’ve a sneaky suspicion todays runner, Sorrentino, might Chuck his name into the hat for Supremecy too.

Ballyburn just screams needing further in everything he does.

At least one of them will likely take the Lawlors route anyway and be campaigned over the mid trip.

 

[Benjy23]

Absolutely love Echoes. Good festival that to be fair. Even some of the many bumpers. Could chop it down a day or two and make it top class but enjoyed it more than expected :encouragement: