We backed against Willie on Tuesday
We should have known not to go against the Closutton supremo. Willie Mullins and his incredible stable claimed three of the major races on day one of the festival and it’s hard to look past him for the feature of day two.
There was a record crowd of punters at day one of the festival and we expect similar numbers on Wednesday as everyone comes to grips with the conditions.
There are seven races once again on the card with the opener at 3.40 and with three Grade One races once again to tempt us.
Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle 16.55
This is very much a battle of Ireland and Britain with Willie Mullins leading the home defence with Shaneshill while Nicky Henderson should have the best opportunity of a win this afternoon with Binge Drinker.
Henderson claimed the win this time last year with Beat That coming home ahead of Don Poli, so he knows exactly how to get a horse ready for the three mile trip.
No More Heroes from Gordon Elliot also may be worth a look after an impressive third place finish in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, but stamina could be a problem over the distance.
Thistlecrack is a horse that has intrigued us before and depending on price could be a very tasty each-way, but for this race there is just no way to look past Mullins again.
Shaneshill comes in after a decent run at Fairyhouse in a Grade Two and we’d be surprised if the horse isn’t able to handle the step up in class or opposition.
Bibby Financial Services Ireland Punchestown Gold Cup 17.30
Where to start with one of the strongest fields we can remember lining up for the feature of the festival.
The favourite will be Willie Mullins Djakadam who was so impressive at Cheltenham coming home second in the Gold Cup. He’s the nap for many at the festival and his odds will reflect that status.
Value wise we’d like to see another Mullins runner On His Own perform better than he did last month, and the distance and conditions may suit him a bit more.
Don Cossack is a horse on his day is unbeatable, and Paul Carberry knows when to stay and when to push for home which should see his odds shorten as evening approaches
Boston Bob always catches the eye too and as defending champion has to be respected, but we think if any horse is going to challenge the favourite then it will have to be Road To Riches.
He came home just behind Djakadam at Cheltenham and with a better run this time he should have plenty for the trip.
Noel Meade will be aware of the threat from Willie Mullins and may have to bide his time until a last dash for the post in what could be the race of the festival.
However experience tells us that Mullins won’t be beaten. Not this time at least.
Attheraces.com Champion I.N.H. Flat Race 18.05
Gordon Elliot and punters are sure to put huge faith in a horse that won well on his last visit to this track over two months ago.
Disko took home the bumper title in the Punchestown finale in February, and that experience should place him well up the rating for this race.
Willie Mullins runs five horses in this race and the best of the lot is Bellshill who came home second in the bumper this month at Aintree.
Bordini and Pylonthepressure are also in the field but the race and conditions may prove a stretch for them this time out
Modus by Robert Stephens is a horse that might take some beating after impressing in the bumper at Cheltenham, but we feel that the younger legs of Disko should prevail and enhance already what is proving to be an excellent reputation.
If you want to take a look at any of the prices from Ladbrokes on any of the above you can do so here
