3:40 – Handicap Hurdle
Millen To One 40/1 (EW) – Francis J Flood, Cian Cullinan (4)
He made the switch to fences last season, but prior to going chasing he had put in some good performances behind respected opponents such as Max Flamingo, Lynwood Gold and Capilano Bridge.
This season he has been quite inconsistent and has had to be pushed along often during his races.
Switching back over hurdles, he should be more competitive in this company.
He did return to hurdles on his last appearance but was always towards the rear and never looked to threaten, and has subsequently been dropped 2lbs.
This is a 95-123 rated contest, and he could well be better than his current rating of 121 when at his best.
Jockey Cian Cullinan claims 4lbs here, which could help him run into the places if able to show improvement on his chase form.
4:15 – Auction Hurdle
Sam’s Choice 7/1 (EW) – Gordon Elliott, Davy Russell
He has been beaten twice by Glengouly and once by Freedom To Dream and Choice Of Words, which wouldn’t exactly fill you with confidence.
But, he receives 5lbs from Glengouly here, and if able to refrain from making small errors over the obstacles, his form suggests he will be there or thereabouts.
Trainer Gordon Elliott enjoyed a successful first day at the festival, with a few of his horses springing surprises against some fancied favourites.
With his stable in flying form it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them continue performing well and Sam’s Choice certainly has each-way claims.
Glengouly looks to be the one to beat, and Freedom To Dream should also be respected, but if either underperform or Sam’s Choice can show more improvement, then he may be the one to take advantage.
5:20 – Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
Minella Crooner 4/1 – Gordon Elliott, Jack Kennedy
Minella Crooner missed Cheltenham due to a minor issue, which shouldn’t affect him here but does mean he is fresher than all of his rivals having not had a run since early February.
He was beaten by Minella Cocooner on that occasion at Leopardstown, over a slightly shorter trip, but the winner got the run of the race making all.
At Cheltenham it didn’t go to plan for him, as stablemate The Nice Guy took advantage and won in impressive fashion.
Both will be dangerous here, and The Nice Guy’s limitations are currently unknown as he’s unbeaten.
The Cheltenham Festival winner is the favourite here and brings the strongest formline into the race.
However, he is yet to face Minella Crooner and the Elliott horse could reverse form with Minella Cocooner over this further trip.
He has comfortably won over course and distance this season, and if able to do so again it would be his first Grade One success.
5:55 – Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1)
Allaho 15/8 – Willie Mullins, Paul Townend
It’s difficult to see past the favourite, Allaho, in this year’s Punchestown Gold Cup.
He’s looked unbeatable over 2m4f in recent seasons, but steps back up to three miles here.
In the past he hasn’t been overly convincing when going further, and that may be a slight concern, but he’s a better horse now and is a worthy favourite.
Clan Des Obeaux performed well at Aintree but that was a much tougher race than the Betway Bowl he won last year.
This also looks to be more competitive than last year’s renewal.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Al Boum Photo run well enough to get into the places, but he looks past his best and shouldn’t trouble Allaho if he copes with added four furlongs.
6:30 – Champion I.N.H Flat Race (Grade 1)
Redemption Day 10/1 (EW) (10/3 w/o Facile Vega) – Willie Mullins, Miss J Townend
Redemption Day really impressed on debut, beating Music Drive who went on to win a Naas bumper ahead of Sandor Clegane.
Sandor Clegane was beaten twelve-lengths by Facile Vega in a Grade Two at Leopardstown in February and there were plenty of bumper winners in behind that day, which boosts the form of Facile Vega.
The Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner has looked unbeatable, and the son of Quevega impressed at The Festival last month in dire conditions.
It would be a surprise to see any rival getting near him, but there is value from an each-way angle or in the “w/o favourite” market.
Redemption Day also featured in the bumper at Cheltenham, but never got into the race and tailed off.
It’s easy to forgive that run as the ground was heavy, and despite winning his maiden on soft he could be a horse that will thrive given better conditions.
After being taken by the five-year-old on debut, he is the selection once again in hope he can redeem himself and go on to be a special talent.
7:05 – Handicap Chase (Grade A)
Foxy Jacks 14/1 (EW) – M F Morris, P J O’Hanlon (7)
This eight-year-old gelding was the selection ahead of the Topham at Aintree, but he unfortunately fell at the ninth fence before we were able to see how he would have fared in that Grade Three contest.
Given that the fall didn’t leave too much of a mark on him, he could be one to watch once again.
He won this last year off a 10lbs lower mark, but he has the benefit of 7lbs being taken off his racing weight.
This trip should suit him perfectly as he has good form over similar distances.
He’s available at a decent each-way price, and it would be disappointing if he was not able to feature towards the latter stages of the race.
7:45 – Mares Flat Race (Grade 3)
True Light 20/1 (EW) – Willie Mullins, Mr B O’Neill
The market indicates this five-year-old mare is the yard’s fifth string, but she is massively unexposed and her limitations are completely unknown.
She won on debut at Tramore, beating Gaoth Chuil who hasn’t raced since.
In a race with plenty of inexperienced horses, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a bigger priced runner enter the frame, and this mare could be worth a punt from an each-way angle.
By Katie Midwinter (27/04/22)
THE CONDITIONAL 