A field of 9 are set to line up for the Ryanair Novice Chase, run over 2 miles. No apparent stars, but that means the race is quite competitive, with most having a chance.
Tips for the 6.40 at Punchestown
Benefficient went off an unconsidered 20/1 shot, for the Jewson at Cheltenham. That seemed a bit of an insult, as his form was as good as some, at half the price, and he was racing over his perfect trip and ground. In the race he got a super ride, after making the running, his jockey wisely sat still when the favourite Dynaste and Captain Conan went past him 3 out. When that pair shot their bolt, Benefficient stayed on well, to win going away. It was quite an attritional race, although both Dynaste, and Captain Conan showed no ill effects when winning at Aintree. That’s probably the best bit of form on offer, and while he might be fractionally better at that 2 1/2 mile trip, he went to Cheltenham on the back of a grade one victory over 2 miles. That day he had tomorrow’s rival, Oscar Wells, beaten, when that one made a bad mistake at the last.
Arvika Ligeonniere departed earlier in that Leopardstown race, and he went off 8/13 favourite on that day. It’s easy forgive him for that, as he jumps well on the whole, but next time in the Arkle, he ran a shocker. The ground would have been quicker, but he won on faster again last season, and there must have been more to it than that. If he bounces back he’d clearly have a chance, but he has given himself a few hard races this season, with his gung ho style, and maybe he’s had enough for the year.
Realt Mor has improved enormously for the switch to Gordon Elliot, form Nicky Richards, and stepped up to grade one company last time, making all to win the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse. He did seem to poach a big lead, without having to go fast to get it, and its likely he’s somewhat flattered by the victory. He could come on again, but the drop back to 2 miles is hardly a plus, for a horse that stayed on strongly over 2 1/2 last time.
Alderwood won the Grand Annual at Cheltenham very snugly. He got his optimum conditions that day, namely a fast run 2 miles, with a bit of cut in the ground. The tighter track at Aintree, on good ground, was never going to suit last time, and after getting badly outpaced, he stayed on well from the home turn. He’s a tough sort, and after winning at Cheltenham last year, he went on to win at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, so I’d expect him to run his race. He has little, if anything to find on that Grand Annual form, and with numerous front runners, he is also very likely to get a decent pace to run at here.
Special Tiara actually made the running in that Aintree race, but when Jason Maguire on Overturn, mistook the home turn, for the winning post, his jockey sat quiet, and the energy saved came in handy from 2 out, as he stayed on best, to snatch victory late on. He had Alderwood 4l behind him on that occasion, but I really don’t think the track suited Alderwood, and overall Special Tiara will need to improve again to win this.
Baily Green came 2nd in the Arkle at Cheltenham, but with the winner found to be not quite right after the race, the form may not be that great. He subsequently flopped behind Special Tiara at Aintree, and although his trainer blamed a poor trip across, maybe he’s had enough after a very long season. In any case his best probably won’t be enough here.
Oscars Well hasn’t looked top class yet over fences, and I don’t see much reason for expecting the required improvement tomorrow. Texas Jack has some good form in the book over further, and considering he travels well, the shorter trip might be okay for him. His form with Boston Bob and Lord Windermere, may not be as good as a literal reading though, as both of those horses improved for a step up in trip at Cheltenham. I gave Buckers Bridge a good chance in the Powers Gold Cup last time, but he disappointed me, and with no obvious excuse, maybe he’s just not quite good enough.
Benefficient is rock solid, and the 9/2 he is with
Ryanair Novice Chase – Tips – 6.40 Punchestown
2 pt win Benefficient at 9/2 BOG with Coral
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2 pt win Alderwood at 7/1 BOG with Betfred
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Stakes are on a scale of 0-10. Further details can be found in Free Horse Racing Tips – Staking and Betting Bank size Recommendations
BOG stands for Best Odds Guaranteed, which means if you take a price and SP is better, you get the SP.
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