There is a decent looking Grade 3 Novice Chase on Sunday’s card at Punchestown with the heavily fancied A Plus Tard currently trading at odds of 6/5.
The Cheveley Park purchase won with a stylish performance in a Beginners Chase at Naas last month, beating off Duc Des Genievres by three lengths. Henry De Bromhead’s runner receives a favourable weight-for-age allowance and is entitled to go in again if continuing that upward progression.
But this looks a tougher proposition for A Plus Tard and his short odds have pushed the price of another promising progessive chaser in GUN DIGGER to reasonable value at 13/2.
Gordon Elliot enters five in this and Gun Digger looks to be the pick of the bunch with Jack Kennedy aboard.
He got off the mark over fences at the third time of asking with an impressive victory during the Christmas meet at Leopardstown. Granted his 18 length victory may have slightly flattered him with his two nearest rivals (one of which was Bacardys) falling at the last when Gun Digger looked to be on top.
A Plus Tard was ahead of the selection by two lengths on their seasonal debuts. Gun Digger reopposes on two pounds better terms and looked to be getting the hang of things late in the piece at Gowran Park staying on better than the current favourite at the finish.
Gun Digger is a solid jumper and worth chancing to reverse the form with more experience now on his side.
Winter Escape is feared most of the rest, but has to give weight all around and may be vulnerable to another improver.
1pt each-way Gun Digger @13/2, 13:15 Punchestown, Sunday (1,2,3 places, 1/5 odds with various bookmakers)