Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Friday, Perceval Legallois in the 4.15 and Predators Gold 6.35 both at the Punchestown Festival. | Free Bets |
Although he has fallen twice from four chase starts, a chance is taken on Perceval Legallois (4:15) in the valuable novice handicap chase at Punchestown on Friday. Gavin Cromwell’s seven-year-old won well on debut and was travelling comfortably when coming down in a Grade 3 before finishing down the field behind Grand National winner I Am Maximus and dual Grade 1 winner Found A Fifty in the Drinmore, then held every chance in a strong handicap last time. A faller at the last at the Dublin Racing Festival, he was upsides Heart Wood there and the winner went on to run well at Aintree, as did the third James du Berlais, whilst Kim Muir and Mildmay winner Inothewayurthinkin was back in ninth. If his jumping holds up, he looks sure to play a leading role with the Cromwell stable in fine form.
Ballyburn is sure to be hard to beat in the Champion Novice Hurdle, but I am surprised that his stable-mate Predators Gold (6:35) is the rank outsider, trading at 33-1 at the time of writing. Unbeaten in two starts at Punchestown, I have long thought that he could improve for better ground and whilst you have to forgive a disappointing run behind Ballyburn at Cheltenham, his earlier form with Dancing City and Stellar Story (DRF) now reads really well. Backing each-way in a six-runner field isn’t ideal, but I will be taking a look at the market without Ballyburn and possibly taking an each-way approach there.
Friday’s selections:
4:15 Punchestown Festival – Perceval Legallois; 10/3 Betfred
6:35 Punchestown Festival – Predators Gold; 16/1 Betfred
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
