Punchestown Day 4 Tips: @RoadCheltenham Provides Friday Best Bets
The Punchestown Festival of 2024 is reaching its conclusion, but first we have Friday's offering to enjoy.
There is a lack of competitive Grade 1s compared to the previous days, with State Man and Ballyburn expected to bolt up, but there are still plenty of punting puzzles to solve so let's get into it...
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16:15 Punchestown - Perceval Legallois (NAP)
Word is that Perceval Legallois is primed to go well on Friday and he can make amends for his final fence fall at the Dublin Racing Festival.
He was a potential Cheltenham Festival horse but the UK handicapper was harsh with his judgement and connections decided to keep him back for Punchestown instead – an inspired decision, I hope.
The ground should be right up his street and Mark Walsh is full of confidence, claiming two Grade 1 victories already had two winners this week. I’m confident of a big run.
16:50 Punchestown - Allegorie De Vassy (WIN)
It would be fair to state that Allegorie De Vassy isn’t the most consistent type but I’m expecting her to win the Grade 2 Mares Chase on Friday afternoon.
She has the best form in the race and the better ground should help her chances, though you could also say that for main danger and market rival Brides Hill.
One thing I will say is she finished 19 lengths behind Allegorie de Vassy at Thurles last year and the Willie Mullins mare gets a 2lb pull in the weights here. She’s the right favourite for me.
17:25 Punchestown - Famous Clermont (WIN)
Famous Clermont was the antepost favourite for the Aintree Hunters Chase but wasn’t declared for the race. I’m hoping that he can take advantage and emerge victorious at Punchestown instead.
The obvious danger is It’s On The Line – winner at Aintree and a close second in the big race at Cheltenham – but he’s had a couple of tough races over the past six weeks and I am siding with the fresher horse.
Famous Clermont hasn’t been to Punchestown before but the track shouldn’t bother him and he can get his head in front, all being well.
19:05 Punchestown - Anotherway (WIN)
It looked like Anotherway was coming to win when falling at the second last flight in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse and he can gain compensation for that mistake here.
Connections have always spoken highly of his work at home and he should relish the quick ground, having won over 1m4f on good to soft ground in France.
I’m writing this before markets open so there is an element of guesswork regarding his price but I’m expecting him to be short enough. However, he’s the class horse in the race and he’ll take some beating.
19:40 Punchestown - Don’tstopthemusic (TRACKER)
My eyes are drawn to the Mulryan silks and Don’tstopthemusic in the bumper on Friday evening and I’m hoping that he can be in the shake-up for Martin Brassil.
His form behind I Will Be Baie reads reasonably well and this half-brother to classy two-miler Dodging Bullets should have the required pace to go well here.
He wore a hood and a tongue tie at Galway last year but the hood has been removed for this race, suggesting that they’ve found a way to keep a lid on him. He’s talented and he has a chance, provided he doesn’t pull that chance away.