Steve Ryder's Sunday selections featuring the Punchestown Grand National trial.
2:12 Newcastle
Tarbat Ness (1pt)
Best price 15/8 at the time of publishing.
The Craftymaster looks well treated under a 5lb penalty but preference instead goes to TARBAT NESS (best priced at 15/8) who has been running consistently well on the flat. The Jon Berry trained seven-year-old is 0-7 over hurdles but won on his return to the AW a month ago by ¾ length over this course and distance.
The handicapper has raised Tarbat Ness 5lbs for that success which is fair as himself and the runner-up pulled 6 ½ lengths clear of the third. Gina Mangan is once again on board and he should prove hard to beat.
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2:30 Punchestown
Lucky Lyreen (0.5pt ew)
Best price 5/1 at the time of publishing.
Gordon Elliott has six runners in the Grand National trial and I prefer the chances of LUCKY LYREEN (best priced at 6/1) who appears to be the choice of Jack Kennedy. The eight-year-old was a 129 rated hurdler who was well beaten on his first three starts over fences behind Final Demand, Jimmy Du Seuil and Kaid D’Authie before relishing the step up in trip to win on his handicap debut over fences off a mark of 119.
Fitted with first-time cheekpieces that day, Lucky Lyreen won by a neck and he is worthy of an 8lb rise for that performance with the pair pulling 26 lengths clear of the third. With five places on offer, he looks a good each way bet.
