Paul Townend Punchestown blog: Day four preview
Published:
Ladbrokes is back with yet another Paul Townend Punchestown blog, with the leading jockey previewing his Friday prospects.
Paul Townend Punchestown blog
Mister Policeman – 4.15 Punchestown
It was a toss-up between Mister Policeman and Tactical Move. Mister Policeman’s reputation has always preceded him and he is starting to live up to expectations a little bit more. I was very taken by his win at Thurles just after Cheltenham and hopefully he can build on that again.
Tactical Move’s form with Spillane’s Tower at Fairyhouse looks very good now. He got a soft lead that day and this will be more competitive. I have gone for the horse who is open to more improvement. He has plenty on his plate carrying top weight.
Allegorie De Vassy – 4.50 Punchestown
She was fourth behind Limerick Lace at the Cheltenham Festival. She disappointed the twice she has been there. I hope Punchestown will suit her much better and it looks like a nice opportunity for her. The other Willie Mullins runner is Instit who has been kept busy; she was at Perth last week.
Brides Hill of Gavin Cromwell’s will give us most to think about and gets a couple of pounds off us. I just hope Allegorie De Vassy’s form is stronger and I think she will take a little bit of beating. She is going there in good form so I am hoping she can hit the bullseye.
State Man – 6pm Punchestown
State Man takes on just four runners in the Champion Hurdle. He takes on Irish Point again, who came second to us at Cheltenham. Colonel Mustard also lines up and he was fifth at Cheltenham, beaten by just 11l, while Sir Gerhard ran a cracker at Sandown last weekend.
I think State Man can beat Irish Point again because I thought he picked him off quite easily at Cheltenham. State Man just done what he had to there and won snugly. He is a favourite of mine and I would be delighted if he could finish off his brilliant season undefeated.
Ballyburn – 6.35 Punchestown
He blew everything out of the water at Cheltenham. He was probably even more impressive than I imagined he could be. He went over there as an Irish banker and he won like one.
I think he can back it up. He seems well since. Willie has kept him at the same trip and I would be very disappointed if he got beaten. He is a very very good horse and if things go right, he will take a lot of stopping.
Anotherway – 7.05 Punchestown
He was running a big race at Fairyhouse when he tipped up at the second last in the race won by Captain Cody. That was over two-and-a-half-miles.
He was keen enough that day and I think the drop back to two miles will definitely suit him here. He was a good winner here in January in a maiden hurdle where he bolted up. You can make a case for a few of them here though.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
