A day after the Great National Trial Haydock Park is once again all about endurance, while the long-distance Grand National Trial takes place in Punchestown.
The 3m3½f marathon is the main event on a card of eight races, which also includes an obstacle for beginners. We’ve got today’s National Trial, plus all the supporting Punchestown races priced into our price betting on horse racing markets.
1.30 – 2m½f Beginners Pursuit
Paul Nolan’s I AM LORENZO was the narrow winner of a beginners’ pursuit at Fairyhouse last month and can follow suit today.
The Milanese gelding looks like a natural show jumper, which is often crucial in these types of entry-level matters and Sean Flanagan is an excellent jockey booker.
2.00 – 2m7f Beginners Pursuit
SPREAD BOSS TED had just started the race proper when he fell at Navan last time, and if nothing else he will suit up fitter for the outing.
Fourth in the 2024 Albert Bartlett Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival should make him an even better chaser and Danny Mullins is back in the picture.
2.30 – 3m3½f Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (listed race)
Gordon Elliotts HAPPY LYRENE (NAP) was somewhat in the form wilderness before bouncing back with a bang at Down Royal last time out.
The eight-year-old ran his race from the back, catching the leaders late in the stretch and still staying on the line.
These extra few furlongs shouldn’t cause any problems and he’s an either-way bet for nothing at odds of 13/2.
3.00 – 2 m (beginner’s hurdle (listed race)
Joseph O’Brien’s ZEUS POWER succeeded in winning the loot from Navan last month with good results and has every chance to participate again in this listed affair.
Now rated 131, the five-year-old gelding can show the betting public that he is a stock class horse.
3.32 – 2m3½f Maiden obstacle
If A FATAL KILLER is ready to go out for the first time, then the six-year-old could dominate this very winnable first hurdle quite easily.
The youngster was a winner on his debut at a PTP and went on to win a bumper for Willie Mullins before performing poorly at the Punchestown Festival. This afternoon he makes his debut for Barry Connell.
4.02 – 2m6½f Punchestown Novice Handicap Hurdle
Henry De Bromheads DID has a solid looking shape in the locker and should be good enough to show up in the finish here.
The six-year-old’s two appearances in Limerick this season are decent benchmarks and it will be nice to see owner Liz Prowting taste Irish success again.
4.32 – 2m INH flat race
Since the last race is a special one, let’s use the new adage ‘Willie’s in the next to last’ instead.
Brian Drew’s HELD Inexplicably ran poorly on its debut, but I’m pretty sure the stable got to the bottom of that and it was a pretty expensive purchase.
5.02 – 2m Up The Yard Challenge Race
Natalia Kubacka must be well respected in the Mullins yard to ride the pretty decent hurdler ALL JUMP in a flat racing challenge.
The odds may be slim, but this horse is the most obvious winner.
#Punchestown #Sunday