Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Wednesday; Sizing John in the Punchestown 17:30. Compare odds and bet.
The winner of the Irish Gold and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his past two starts, it will be slightly disappointing if Sizing John (5:30) can’t land the Punchestown equivalent this afternoon.
The seven-year-old travelled and jumped beautifully throughout at Cheltenham and he ought to be right at home on this decent ground, although the course was to be watered overnight.
Jessica Harrington’s horses remain in tip-top shape and this could round off what has been a magnificent spring for the trainer. He was available at 11-10 overnight.
Stable-mate Someday is an interesting contender in the Grade 1 bumper later on the card, although I had hoped he would be a shade bigger in comparison to the price of Cheltenham winner Fayonagh.
Earlier on the card, the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle is a very deep looking contest, with a trio of Cheltenham Festival winners locking horns. The emphasis being on speed will suit Penhill, although Albert Bartlett runner-up Monalee and impressive Pertemps winner Presenting Percy look the pick of the long-term prospects in the race for me.
The top of the market looks about right here, but the one that does look slightly overpriced is Noel Meade’s Moulin A Vent, who admittedly has a fair bit to find, but promises to be well suited by the step up to 3m on decent ground. The grey has travelled well through several of his races this season and split two of these last time, Tin Soldier and Champagne Classic, having moved best, yet finds himself the rank outsider.
Meade is another trainer in fine form and, given that he is fresher than most, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he outrun his odds of 33-1 (Bet365 offering ¼ odds to 3 places) – the problem is, he might do that and still finish fourth in what looks a really strong event.
Domestically, the John Gosden bandwagon ought to continue in Epsom’s Derby Trial, where Cracksman should be difficult to beat. The Frankel colt created a good impression when winning a backend maiden at Newmarket and he rates an exciting prospect.
Wednesday’s selection:
5:30 Punchestown Festival: Sizing John; 11/10 Ladbrokes
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