15:40 Punchestown

Andy Holding's NAP Selection (15:40 Punchestown)

DINOBLUE (NAP) (best price 2-1) ran a good deal better than she did at Cheltenham last time out at Fairyhouse and today’s race, not the strongest by any means in terms of quality, looks well within her threshold based on her pure ability. 

Extremely impressive both on the eye and on the clock when making a winning racecourse debut at Clonmel in January, connections clearly felt they’d seen enough in order to send her to Cheltenham without any further experience, but as it turned out, her lack of knowledge proved costly and she ended up running well below expectations. The main aspect of that poor performance that day derives from how she was ridden, ultimately far too keen towards the head of affairs, so it came as little surprise to see her given more of a chance to see out her race better at the Co Meath venue nine days ago. Settling much better towards the rear of the field, the daughter of Doctor Dino came through quite strongly in the final half a mile and although she didn’t manage to offer any real threat to the main players, a staying-on fourth would have no doubt delighted all concerned. Moreover, that display easily represents the best Grade 1 form line coming into today’s contest and hailing from a stable that has landed this prize five times in the last eight years, Willie Mullins’ mare is fancied to maintain the tradition. 

20:00 Tuesday

George Gamble's Selection for Manchester City vs Real Madrid

When these two teams met in the 2019/20 Round of 16, City won both legs 2-1 and a similar result wouldn’t be a surprise here. The ‘Citizens’ have emerged victorious in four of their last five home games against Spanish opposition and despite a few injury concerns, they’ve only conceded twice across their last four Champions League home ties.

Real Madrid have a couple of late fitness tests for David Alaba and Casemiro, but if either one of those doesn’t make the cut here, it’ll be a big loss for the visitors. Los Blancos are exceptional in an attacking sense so it’s no surprise that they have scored the most goals in La Liga. Their star-studded front line will be under pressure to perform and in a similar vein to City, they’re incredible going forward but are prone to the occasional defensive mishap.

I think there will be goals for both sides but I’m leaning towards Pep Guardiola’s men to earn themselves a victory here and take a lead over to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg.

I’ll have a single point on City to win and both teams to score at a healthy price.