Paul Townend: Ground key to Klassical Dream chances in Ladbrokes Stayers Hurdle
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Ladbrokes ambassador Paul Townend has ridden four winners on the first two days of the Punchestown festival, including the Champion Chase on Energumene.
Here, the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner talked us through Thursday’s four rides, including Klassical Dream in the feature race, the Ladbrokes Stayers Hurdle.
Klassical Dream disappointed at Cheltenham and had an interrupted preparation before that. His jumping actually fell apart in the middle of the race so hopefully that was just those hurdles. I am sure he will be fine. He is the winner of this race the last two years as we know.
🏆 @Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle
🏆 Two Mile Novice Chase@Ladbrokes ambassador @PTownend analyses the main contenders for the feature race on day three, plus talks up El Fabiolo after his Cheltenham success. pic.twitter.com/3NYlPyxOiB— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) April 27, 2023
I believe there is plenty of rain to come and if it comes before the race it will help Teahupoo. If it doesn’t, it will help Klassical Dream. I have chosen Klassical Dream over Monkfish who came back at Fairyhouse off a huge break and he ran well behind Asterion Forlonge. That was only 18 days ago and it’ll be interesting to see if he bounces.
Asterion Forlonge will be helped by that win as it had been a while since he had his head in front. He goes here with a chance and it looks a winnable race. Sire Du Berlais is a Cheltenham and Aintree winner but you’d imagine it would be hard to come back from Aintree. He has been to all the battles this year and it is a credit to all involved with him. You can’t rule him out but it’s hard to see him backing up that run. He seems to make life hard for himself every day.
Seabank Bistro disappointed at Cheltenham but ran better at Fairyhouse over three miles in a handicap hurdle. It looked like he was going to be second when a mistake at the last cost him that place. He has been gaining experience and I think he is a horse for the future to jump fences with. Anything he can do over hurdles is a bonus and hopefully he can build on his performance at Fairyhouse. Parmenion was disappointing in the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse. If the rain comes it won’t suit him.
El Fabiolo strikes in the Sporting Life Arkle!
The six-year-old prevails in his anticipated match-up with Jonbon to land Grade 1 honours for jockey Paul Townend and owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
Now 89 #CheltenhamFestival winners and counting for Willie Mullins 👏 pic.twitter.com/JY7RE2L8Gn
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2023
El Fabiolo was very good at Cheltenham. He had Dysart Dynamo well beaten when he came down at the last. Saint Roi ran on to be third that day. On that form he can beat all these again, we just need a share of luck and a clear round. He is my best chance of the day.
Pont Aval tries a tongue strap for the first time which will be a help. I think she just needs a trip on good ground but she has been expensive to follow and will probably continue to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ran into a place.
