Punchestown Festival - Days One and Two

                                                               CAPTAIN CHRIS

Today's card at the Irish track is an absolute cracker. I'm delighted to see Sprinter Sacre going over and the Novice Hurdle features another battle between Jezki and Champagne Fever. I'd like to see the former win naturally as I've backed him for the Champion Hurdle next season but it will be a tough ask.

Boston Bob's fall at the last in the RSA when looking the likely winner was the worst moment of the Cheltenham Festival for me and he makes some appeal at 4/1 for the Champion Novice Chase later today. Whether or not he would have held on is a moot point as his burst of speed when Paul Townend went for him as they rounded the final turn illustrated the class this horse does possess. Of all the horses in today's race he's the only one you can realistically think might make his mark in a Gold Cup next year. If he'd been held onto longer in that RSA and hadn't fallen he'd have won the race quite comfortably. The way he travelled and jumped throughout that race marked some improvement on his previous starts and as this is only his fourth run of the campaign he should still have plenty in the tank. His stable companion Back in Focus rates a danger but he's back in trip after winning the four miler at the Festival and his previous form over this trip doesn't excite me at all. Of the others Dedigout is respected as is Harry Topper but I expect Boston Bob to win if he stays on his feet and that surely isn't a 4/1 shot.

I've already posted my thoughts on Captain Chris and how much I like him for the big race on Wednesday's card. I'm not overjoyed the ground will be on the soft side but then again it inconveniences two of his main opponents Sir Des Champ and First Lieutenant more than it does him. Underfoot conditions were desperate when Captain Chris was narrowly beaten by Long Run in the King George and I think this track gives the selection a good shot at reversing places. Simply put Kempton is a speed track and Captain Chris was struggling from some way out that day outpaced as he was and had too use all his energy and stamina to get back in touch. Once he'd joined Long Run at the last he simply didn't have anything left. Next time out but for a bad mistake at the second last he'd have given Cue Card a fright in the Ascot Chase and that form has been franked in no uncertain terms since then by the winner. On right handed tracks Captain Chris is a high class individual and is a tasty each way price for this contest. I took 10s when the market opened and have topped up since. The horse won at this meeting as a novice after winning the Arkle. Another positive.

Champion Novice Chase:

Boston Bob £65w @ 4/1 (fell)

Punchestown Gold Cup:

Captain Chris £40ew @ 9/1 (lost)

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