Punchestown 3.18 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 6 furlongs - 13 run - Soft > Heavy

 

At the top of the market both Comeonarchie and Slotty Dotty look a little short at around 4/1, Comeonarchie was tipped when a runner up before Christmas but I'd have ground concerns here and Slotty Dotty is a progressive mare with a logical chance. Cosmo Renfron was my 3rd top rated, comes back to hurdles from Chasing carries top weight and the hurdles mark is a fair bit higher than it would have been in the past, but the overall lack of quality means it has good each way expectations. I will TRACK Cramers Valley who could win a small race on better ground.

 

I have Jonny Mansie, Tilloughna and JETAWAY TO GETAWAY already in the TRACKER and of them I think JETAWAY TO GETAWAY has a leading chance here, been knocking at the door and probably on past form and conditions today, it's best chance to date. The old favourite ROBYNDEGLORY continues to be consistently inconsistent and you have to forgive an awful effort last time but on the 3rd last run would go very close here and the career suggests best runs are after dire efforts. It's that sort of race!

 

(Michael G)

 

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Exeter 3.38 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2 miles 5 and 1/2 furlongs - 17 run - Soft / Heavy

 

This could be a real slog in the mud with them stretched out along the bottom from the half way stage. A few have some promise but have yet to really deliver so we'll keep an eye on the inexperienced Push To Pass and Van Hallers who could frankly be anything but from dangerous yards. The favourite Chauffeur Driven from the Pipe yard was a distant 3rd over Course and Distance last time and although a danger, that might fltter it. OLivia Kate has mixed form and may not be ideally suited to the mud. Sindabella is a standing dish here but the trip and going are far from optimum and Coconut Twist has its first hurdle run in 2 years but on Chase form would clearly have a chance.

 

I really like two above the rest and a third is intriguing. 

 

WILLIAM PHILO was runner up at 125/1 here last time, you may think that was a flash in the pan and it may well be but the form of a few seasons back suggests it is capable of winning this moderate race in ideal conditions. NEWTONIAN is Matt Shepherds second string (to Olivia Kate) but is another running in ideal ground and a Course place in heavy over further last April suggests it can and will be plugging on and on up the hill in to a place.

 

The one who might nick a place too is WOT YOU WEARING if you wish to play the extended places on offer, a winner off a mark of 81, placed off 89, 3 miles stamina and form on heavy and a mark of 95 is a bit high but not very many of these have any quantifiable form at the trip or in mud! (Robin T)

 

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TRACKERS

 

Punchestown 3.18 (tip race) Jetaway To Getaway / Jonny Mansie / Tilloughna

Lingfield 3.30 Fullforward

Exeter 3.38 (tip race) Hi Riko (not ideal conditions)