The P. Twomey and J. M. Mangan combination proved very effective in this race last year, when 33/1 shot Timing’severything got up for a surprise victory. They will be hoping Presenting progeny Blairs Cove (7/1 Each Way) will do the business for them for a second successive festival. Unlike his stablemate, the four year old comes into the race having already made his debut in a flat race at Fairyhouse last month. He was a little one-paced throughout the race, but stayed strongly down the final few furlongs to finish fifth. He’s got strong connections and will come on for that run first time out in a weaker race.
Cilaos Emery (11/4) has been thrust into favouritism for this one by the bookies and Willie Mullins he can live up to his short price tag and score a win on his debut. Out of Califet, who has sired seasonal winners like Adrien Du Pont, Ziga Boy and Blue Dragon, who is a multiple Grade One winner over in France. Surprisingly, Mullins doesn’t have a great record in this race, but with his son Patrick in the saddle, he’ll be in with a good chance.
John Harrington on the other hand, has a very good record in bumpers at Punchestown, so it’s not surprise to see his youngster Someday (13/2) sit second in the betting, although he is facing competition from Gordon Elliott’s Runfordave (6/1). The former’s pedigree suggests he might want softer ground, while the latter was a €100,000 – he’s beautifully bred and has a promising claimer booked, so shouldn’t be ignored.
Looking further down the betting, Dazzling Sarah (16/1) is a filly who has plenty going for her. Noteable progeny from her sire include Outlander, Hidden Cyclone and Champagne Fever just to name a few. Her trainer and jockey (P A Fahy and Katie Walsh) for this have a very good record together, so she looks like a very credible each-way danger.