Thursday’s feature race sees dual-Cheltenham Festival winner PENHILL attempt to land a big seasonal Stayers’ Hurdle double, and I’m struggling to find a better price in the race than the general 2/1 available.
He won at Cheltenham on his seasonal reappearance – and what a performance it was, cruising around the field on the bridle and finding plenty for pressure to easily hold off a strong field.
I don’t believe in the bounce factor – horses flopping second time out after layoffs – and expect Penhill to improve for the run.
A negative is he was turned over at this meeting last season, but he still came second, beating several future Grade 1 winners such as Monalee and Presenting Percy.
The one I was strongly considering at a big price was La Bague Au Roi, however she really disappointed in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and has to prove she’s really up to this class.
16/1 is a nice price to ask that question but I’d rather be single minded in my view that Penhill is currently the best horse in this race.
There are a few lurking threats such as the legendary Faugheen and the mercurial Yorkhill, who if bouncing back to form would have the class to be big threats too.
1pt win Penhill @2/1, 17:30 Punchestown, Thursday
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