THE Flat is fully underway in Britain – but there is one more week of star-studded action in Ireland.
Constitution Hill, Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, Kopek Des Bordes, State Man… they’ll all be in action over the next five days.
Here, Templegate goes through every race on day one, running through the big chances and revealing his tip for each contest.
Kopek Des Bordes is just one of the big names back in action at Punchestown[/caption]
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2.30
DROMLEIGH has been showing some promise, with a good fourth at Cork on the back of filling the same spot at Downpatrick two starts back.
He has a useful jockey taking off 7lb and should enjoy this test.
Knockiel Synge won this 12 months ago so we know the challenge is right up his street.
He should be thereabouts again while Fralimonti Bilbery is interesting given his record in the pointing field.
He is related to some high-class jumpers.
3.05
TIMMY TUESDAY ran a really good race when second in hot company at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.
He drops back in distance here but has a win over 2m4f so it shouldn’t be an issue. He’s solid each-way for Gordon Elliott.
Blue Hop got the better of Crazierthandaisy at Wetherby last time and they both have solid claims again.
The former makes the most appeal with Rachael Blackmore taking over in the saddle.
Hartur D’Arc is another to note after a corking second in the Leinster National over fences last month.
3.40
LARK IN THE MORNIN was fancied for the County Hurdle but he was ridden too quietly and couldn’t come through the pack.
We know he likes this trip and has had a little nudge down the weights which should help.
Serienmond went close in a good contest at Fairyhouse last weekend and is back with every chance again.
He had too much ground to make up so did well to finish third.
Wilful got the job done nicely at Ayr and should be competitive despite a 7lb rise.
4.15
KOPEK DES BORDES showed his class when winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last time and will be hard to beat after his nice little break.
That was by far the best performance of any novice hurdler this season and built on his Grade 1 win at the Dublin Racing Festival. There’s more to come.
Salvator Mundi was a solid fifth in the Supreme and took a step forward when winning the Grade 1 at Aintree last time.
He has Grade 2 honours around here so this trip and track will be ideal.
Irancy looks the only other one with a chance after his game Grade 2 win in the Hardy Eustace but he was a distance behind the tip at Cheltenham.
4.50
BALLYBURN still doesn’t look a natural over fences but he has enough class to win this over a three-mile trip that should suit.
Mistakes were costly at Cheltenham last time but he won his novice chase here without breaking sweat and it’s still early days.
Lecky Watson cashed in on Ballyburn’s off day to score at Cheltenham where he proved his staying power for this trip. He looks the danger again.
Impaire Et Passe has top form over 2m4f and it will be interesting to see if he lasts home. He’ll be thereabouts if he does.
5.25
LEADER DES BORDES is closely related to Kopek Des Bordes and can make a winning start in the Gigginstown colours for Willie Mullins.
He looks the one to beat on pedigree and connections.
Nicky Henderson wouldn’t send over Laguna Beach if he was a no-hoper and he’s from a smart French jumping family.
Santo Sospir has proven himself over this course and distance and looks a fair prospect for the podium.
6.00
MARINE NATIONALE was brilliant when winning the Champion Chase by 18 lengths and would have given Jonbon plenty to think about even if he’d not slammed into the ninth fence.
He won over hurdles around here so won’t mind the track and has had a nice break since Prestbury Park.
Fact To File is the obvious threat after his blistering Ryanair Chase win.
It’s interesting to see him drop back in trip because he’s always been touted as a future Gold Cup horse but his class will take him close.
He’s a very skinny price though.
El Fabiolo has forgotten how to jump but his engine is still there and he’d trouble them if able to get round.
It’s literally a leap of faith though.
6.35
BUD FOX was a winner of his sole outing in point-to-points and can run well under Derek O’Connor for Gavin Cromwell.
He’s related to 2m chasers so shouldn’t be short of pace. The yard won this last year so know what’s needed.
Starting Fifteen was a good second in a Limerick Listed contest on debut and is capable of improvement.
Coutach is the mount of Patrick Mullins for Gordon Elliott which is a tip in itself.
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