‘It could be the race of the year’ – John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase preview

The Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase takes place at Punchestown on Sunday and it’s shaping up to be an absolute cracker. It could be the race of the season outside of the Cheltenham Festival and a field of nine has been declared. Here we take a look at the chances and odds of each runner and select a free tip for you to follow. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing but please remember to gamble responsibly and keep it fun!

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2.25 Punchestown

1. Blue Lord

We haven’t seen this horse since he finished fourth in this last year and he possesses plenty of talent. In any other year he would be nowhere near his huge odds here but looks up against it, despite being a three-time Grade 1 winner.

Blue Lord

Analysis

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2. Fact To File (Tip)

One of the most impressive horses in training last season, he looked like he joined the race halfway through when winning the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. He could go all the way this year and the sky really is the limit.

Fact To File

Analysis

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3. Fastorslow

Martin Brassil’s stable star loves it here at Punchestown and has managed to get the better of Galopin Des Champs in the last two renewals of this race. It’s hard to see him not making the frame and he’ll probably beat his old rival once again.

Fastorslow

Analysis

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4. Galopin Des Champs

The two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is the the highest rated horse in this race and for good reason. Willie Mullins’ gelding tends to need his first run of the season and could be vulnerable today.

Galopin Des Champs

Analysis

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5. Grangeclare West

Connections are probably on a bit of a fact finding mission with him. He was an easy winner of a Grade 1 novice chase at Leopardstown last term and we’re likely to learn plenty here.

Grangeclare West

Analysis

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6. Inothewayurthinkin

Gavin Cromwell’s impressive Kim Muir winner progressed to take a Grade 1 novice chase at Aintree next time but this is an entirely different level.

Inothewayurthinkin

Analysis

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7. Journey With Me

Henry de Bromhead’s runner is useful on his day and he comfortably beat Appreciate It in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse in April. He still has a bit to find to mix it with the big boys and is probably best watched.

Journey With Me

Analysis

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8. Minella Cocooner

He won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown when last seen and this trip will be plenty sharp enough. There are several more likely candidates and this price is probably an accurate reflection of his chances.

Minella Cocooner

Analysis

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9. Spillane’s Tower

Jack Kennedy rides this progressive chaser, who won back-to-back Grade 1 races last season. Further improvement can’t be ruled out but this is a very tough race.

Spillane's Tower

Analysis

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