Road to Cheltenham is back with three selections for Day 2 at Punchestown.
15:40 Punchestown
The second day of the 2025 Punchestown Festival is here and I’ve got three fancies on what could be a big day for Willie Mullins. Without further ado, here are my best bets on Day 2 at Punchestown...
Kaid D'Authie was talked up after his maiden hurdle success at Leopardstown over the Christmas period but things haven’t gone to plan since then. However, I am confident that he can get back to winning ways in calmer waters on Wednesday afternoon.
It looks like a competitive renewal of the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle but he could be the class horse in the race and Mark Walsh could be in for a big day. There are plenty in here with chances but if the best version of Kaid D’authie turns up, he’s the one to beat for me.
The trip should be perfect for him and he’ll have no issues with the ground. He’s one to very much keep onside in my opinion and I see him as a bit of a shot to nothing to place in this race – fingers crossed he can get the job done.
16:15 Punchestown
My strongest fancy on Day 2 by some way, Jasmin De Vaux can record his second Grade 1 of the season by following up his Cheltenham Festival success. He is the class horse in the field and I’m expecting him to go very close under Paul Townend.
It looked like he relished the trip in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle and he did that very easily indeed – proving he certainly doesn’t lack for staying power. He also has a wicked turn of foot and that makes him a proper weapon over any distance.
His jumped has improved with every race and I’m hoping to see another slick display on Wednesday afternoon. I can’t see any of his Cheltenham rivals reversing the form so Gordon Elliott’s Honesty Policy is probably the biggest danger.
17:30 Punchestown
Galopin Des Champs is probably the ‘value’ bet at odds against but he is 1-5 round Punchestown over fences and I’m happy enough to take him on with Spillane’s Tower, who heads here a fresh horse after missing Cheltenham and Aintree.
He was in the pre-parade ring at Aintree but connections made a late call to withdraw him due to ground and I hope Punchestown put enough water down to ensure his status as a runner – I think he has a massive chance at a very appealing price.
The selection is 3-4 at Punchestown and he finished ahead of Galopin Des Champs on his sole defeat at the track. Already a two-time Grade 1 winner, Spillane’s Tower can make up for lost time by adding another victory to his record on Wednesday.
