16:15 Punchestown

The viciously-tricky novices’ handicap chase with many angles to ponder, but both and ADAMANTLY CHOSEN (best price 8/1) and GRANDERO BELLO (best price 8/1) have pretty decent course form to call on and, as a result, they are taken against the field. 

The former has faced some pretty stiff tasks during the majority of the season and although things haven’t worked out for him on his last two starts, it’s worth remembering he was good enough to chase home the likes of Gerri Colombe and Mighty Potter in two high-class Grade 1’s previously. 

Still in with a shout before stamina became an issue in the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham festival, it’s possible he was still feeling the effects of that hard race when never seen with a chance behind Flame Bearer at Fairyhouse last time, but now back on good ground at a track where his stats read 131, Willie Mullins’ gelding has the class to carry top weight with distinction. 

The latter wouldn’t have the classy profile of some of his more illustrious rivals, but he does have a likeable attitude and he’s already proven he can punch over his weight over fences.

Only just touched off by the smart Bronn at Fairyhouse back in January, a victory at Gowran next time was followed by a brave effort against Thedevilscoachman at Grade 3 level on his most recent encounter.
Although he has unseated his rider in the past, he’s predominately a sound jumper and with trip, track and ground all seen as no major hurdles to overcome, the seven-year-old can put himself firmly on the map.

Adamantly Chosen - 1pt e/w @ 8/1
Grandero Bello - 1pt e/w @ 8/1

19:10 Punchestown

The drop in trip didn’t affect MONBEG PARK’s (NAP) (best price 9/4) performance levels one iota at Fairyhouse last time out and with the form of the race in question working out a treat at this meeting already, Sean Doyle’s gelding can hopefully make amends for being kicked out in the stewards’ room. 

Considering his previous form all came over further, it was rather a surprise to see him held up towards the rear at the Co Meath venue but, as it turned out, those tactics proved to be spot on. Sweeping through to lead on the run down to the last, the son of Walk In The Park looked to have the race in safe keeping until drifting over to his left and in doing so, he caused enough interference to Risk Belle, who was ultimately awarded the race after a lengthy enquiry. Work-wise, we’ve seen the likes of Ballybawn Belter, Tax For Max and Captains Nephew all fly the flag for the Co Meath heat during the meeting, so it’s pretty clear he arrives here with the most solid form lines. 

Clearly well-suited by a strongly run two miles on the evidence of that display, the only runner to have won over today’s course is fancied to add to that tally in running to a similar standard.

Monbeg Park - 1pt @ 9/4

20:10 Chepstow

EQUINUS (best price 15/4) has been cutting his teeth against some useful novices throughout his first season over hurdles and with most of his performances being of a fairly reasonable standard, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ gelding can continue the good work in this slightly less taxing environment. 

Promising on his first start over hurdles, the five-year-old was unfortunate to bump into the smart Out Of Office next time over today’s track, but he soon realised his potential when making a winning hurdling debut at Ffos Las next time.

Disappointing in a competitive novices’ handicap at Sandown next time, racing right-handed appeared to totally flummox the son of Shantou, but returning to a left-handed circuit at Newbury last time out, he rebounded back in the right direction. 

Although no match for the winner, Blow Your Wad, he did keep on quite well in the closing stages and with the data from the Berkshire track suggesting he was involved in the best race on the card, he looks to have bright prospects if running to a similar level in this lower grade.

Equinus - 1pt e/w @ 15/4