Paul Townend: Eabha Grace best prospect at Punchestown
Published:
Ladbrokes ambassador Paul Townend gives us the lowdown on this weekend’s four rides – two at Gowran Park on Saturday and a couple at Punchestown on Sunday.
Saturday
He has been disappointing to be honest and his jumping needs to tidy up. He’s had two runs now so hopefully he is getting the hang of jump racing now rather than flat racing. He was a bit keen first time and a little bit keen the last day. He is getting experience, but he will need to take a good step forward.
He is well treated on ratings and looked like he was going to win at Thurles the last day when, unfortunately, he came down at the last. A reproduction of that run should see him bang there. Willie Mullins also runs Capodanno and Janidil too. Janidil is coming off a break but has the rating to run well. My horse is race fit and ready to go and I think he will take a lot of beating.
Sunday
Stones And Roses runs in the Grand National trial. He has a nice racing weight. He ran OK for a while at Leopardstown over Christmas but he needs to put his best foot forward here. He is coming back down in the handicap. I think the smaller field will suit him as will the trip. His work has been good, he has the cheekpieces on for the first time, and this is a nice opportunity for him. Being realistic, it would have to be a career best for him.
Eabha Grace was second to a nice mare of Gordon Elliott’s, Halka Du Tabert, at Naas. She won well then by 30L at Punchestown. The trip suits her, and she is going the right way. She has the cheekpieces on to help her concentrate. Harmonya Maker will be hard to beat though. She was very impressive beating Pink In The Park the last day and will definitely set the standard. Eabha Grace is my better chance of winner on Sunday.
