Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh did us proud on Wednesday with a thrilling Punchestown Gold Cup victory for Boston Bob. They look set to star again on Thursday with the great mare Quevega and the talented grey Champagne Fever in action.
Quevega needs no introduction having won the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle for the last six seasons. That record is surely going to stand for a very long time but she is also the winner of the past four World Series Hurdles at Punchestown. She goes for a fifth consecutive victory tomorrow and it is difficult to justify opposing her.
At Fishers Cross has not won this season, although he has run some good races. Last time out at Aintree he was unable to get past Coral Cup winner Whisper but may have had a valid excuse. Apparently he trod on a shoe at some point in the race and that cannot have helped. He was well beaten in the World Hurdle but the ground was not really soft enough for him and nor will it be tomorrow.
I’ve also got plenty of respect for Fingal Bay who lumped 11st 11lb to victory in the Pertemps Final. That is always the sign of a classy hurdler and he is entitled to take his chance at this level. Hobbs and Johnson have enjoyed a great run in recent weeks and it would be no surprise to see this one give the favourite most to do.
Alan King’s Balder Succes has helped this column out on a couple of occasions this season but I think he may meet his match tomorrow in Champagne Fever. I haven’t been a great supporter of Champagne Fever in the past but I thought he was desperately unlucky to catch Western Warhorse on a good day at the festival. Ruby Walsh must have been sickened to get done on the run-in like that but he can gain handsome compensation on Thursday.
For the treble I am going to side with AP McCoy on Ned Buntline in the handicap at 4.15. This one ran particularly well to finish second at the festival, coming from well off the pace. It’s a big field so he will need a bit of luck in running but must have a favourite’s chance. The bet of the day at Redcar is Zaawia in the maiden at 2.55. The daughter of Elnadim finished sixth in a hot Newbury maiden first time out and should make no mistake here for Ed Dunlop.
Ned Buntline 4.15 Punchestown at 5-1 Coral
Quevega 5.30 Punchestown at 10-11 Bet365
Champagne Fever 6.40 Punchestown at 13-8 BetVictor
Zaawia 2.55 Redcar
