Bostons Angel looks the bet of the day on Punchestown day three
Published:The anticipated showdown between Solwhit and Quevega will make the headlines for day three of the Punchestown Festival, but there are two other races that punters should also want to watch.
The Ryanair Novice Chase is a true Grade One with a handful of potential winners, while Bostons Angel could prove the bet of the day in the Cross Country.
16:50 Punchestown – Bostons Angel @ 9/2
These Cross Country races always seem to bring together the same opposition and many of the Cheltenham competition renew rivalries again.
Big Shu won that day, but is hard to fancy after a big hike in the weights, while Arabella Boy has the course form in the bag, but is another that is worse off than at Cheltenham.
Uncle Junior pulled up that day, but is a big price if rediscovering his best, but Bostons Angel is weighted to win this after taking fourth at Cheltenham, has been in the first three on five occasions from six starts on heavy ground and placed form at the course.
17:30 Punchestown – Quevega @ 2/1
This is certainly Quevega’s biggest test as she goes for a fourth straight win in the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle, not only because of the calibre of the opposition, but also her own form.
Quevega was not her impressive best at Cheltenham, but she can be expected to improve for this run and a 7lb weight allowance for being a mare could be significant here.
Solwhit is a worthy favourite, but he is unproven in terms of staying 3m on heavy ground and the jockey booking of Davy Russell could be interesting as Paul Carberry has ridden him to consecutive Grade One victories.
Reve De Sivola looks the each-way call given that he will relish the heavy conditions more than most and he could get a nice lead up front.
18:40 Punchestown – Baily Green @ 8/1
Certainly one of the hardest races on the card to predict, one of the only things that can be assured is that Realt Mor will ensure a scorching gallop as he attempts to make all.
He has continued to improve and won a Grade One last time. Ladbrokes are best price on his chances at 11/2.
Arvika Ligeonniere appears the best horse in the race if running to his best and will prefer this right-handed track. However, he ran poorly in the Arkle and would need to bounce back.
Baily Green lost a shoe at Aintree and must be a contender after running Simonsig close in the aforementioned Cheltenham race, while favourite Benefficient may be better over 2m4f.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
