2m3½f (2m3f150y) John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+)
A brilliant race full of Grade 1 winners, but this is very much a season opener for all and the question for punters is who is ready to win. Fact To File lost first time up last year and will definitely be working back from the spring, and with this by far his biggest test yet he’s best watched. We know this isn’t Galopin Des Champs’s favourite trip now and Fastorslow appears to have his number at this track, so he’s difficult to fancy strongly and is best watched too. The one who has had his soundness issues is GRANGECLARE WEST and I don’t think connections can plan too far ahead with this guy. Let’s not forget how awesome he was at Leopardstown at Christmas and he remains unexposed in top company. There’s no way Paul Townend would get off Galopin Des Champs so jockey bookings mean zero here, and I think he has a massive chance at a track he’s won twice at.
1pt win Grangeclare West @16/1, 14:25 Punchestown, Sunday
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