Ladbrokes' First Lady breaks down the ones to watch on Day One of the Punchestown Festival.
In the Champion Novice Hurdle (16.20)
Faugheen (main pic) has a similar regard for hurdles as I do curbs and ramps - which means an oops here and there, before swiftly driving on. Not ideal for people on board but Ruby Walsh doesn't appear unnerved by the odd bump, unlike my feeble passengers.
The unbeaten Cheltenham winner looks like a maaaa-chine and he has the... well, how do I put this? - the gall (or you can replace the 'g' with a 'b' at the start of that word and add an 's' at the end) to go as fast as he likes despite his intermittent flair over hurdles.
Usually I'd worry about backing an influent jumper at a short price, but such is his ability, I feel getting preoccupied with this horses' at-times-slightly-precarious jumping, is unnecessary. Now, he is back in trip quite significantly, potentially a concern, but I think we can be unanimous in our faith of Willie Mullins training decisions.
They say coming second is the worst place to finish and one horse who'd have a lot to say on that subject, should he possess the same magical skill as Mr Ed, would be
Hidden Cyclone, who runs in the Champion Chase (17.30). He's been runner-up on his last three attempts in fact, all-top level contests.
Despite performing well in defeat, its impossible not to question whether he is a genuine Grade One horse. A winner of half his 20 starts, and placed in seven, his talent is undeniable. Under the wing, or in this case fin, of trainer John "the Shark" Hanlon, who's friendly and outgoing demeanour is in sharp contrast to his nickname, he's stepping back in trip. Perhaps the change of distance will mean he can finally sink his teeth into a top-level prize, but there's an English raider who might stand in his way.
Somersby has finished second twice this season to the reigning Champion two-mile chaser Sire De Grugy. Readers of this blog will have smiled smugly as they're reminded of his name having backed him for the Cheltenham equivalent under the wise guidance of myself. He won at Sandown last weekend and I reckon a few in today's line up have come here to avoid taking him on. Somersby could be the next best and that might be enough to clinch today's prize. I have a feeling this race will be won by team UK.
In the Grade One Novice Chase (18.40) I'm siding with course specialist
Morning Assembly over Djackadam. Ideally both would like a drop of rain but my pick's record at the track is hard to knock.
