MICHAEL - Punchestown 4.25 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 15 run - Heavy

 

At the top of the market SILENT FLIGHT was a going away winner last time on second run back off a break of 435 days and an 8 lbs penalty may not be enough to stop a repeat. In the same race BALUM finished 3rd off a mark of 92 off a break of 478 days. It runs off 95 today with a 7lbs Claim. If neither "bounces" which is a reversal in form after a good run after a long break then they could well finish 1-2. I suggest a win bet on SILENT FLIGHT and a reverse forecast on the pair.

 

My concern about Balum "bouncing" allows me to have an each way punt on SHANA CLOON who has gone 3-4-2 staying on over 2 miles for Gavin Cromwell and the step up in trip is therefore logical and may find some more improvement.

 

Getaway Master who likes Galway and has form figures of 4-3-3-2 will be a danger but has been off for 3 months and might just need the blow here, Monoxide is in the Tracker but seems a better Chaser than hurder to me and both are feared.

 

At longer odds I do think LILIAN BLAND can run an enhanced place here with some consistent placed form in the mid to high 80's and if there is one who could cause  a shock at very big odds by far the most likely I think is FALVIO who has shown a few glimmers of ability and well worth the notianal £1 e/w at around 50/1

 

Tips (1w) Silent Flight / (2) Shana Cloon / (3s) Lilian Bland - £1 e.w on Falvio