Meeting Review: Punchestown - April 26th, 2008

Positives: From a personal point-of-view, this was an excellent end to the season with a number of horses written up here over the year winning their respective races and I’m going to concentrate on the positive as many of them should be winning again in the future. Oscar Rebel produced a big performance in the Grade 3 mares hurdle giving almost a stone and a 4ls beating to the favourite Serpentaria, and she was hardly aided by the way the race was run. The four horse to chase her home were all on the pace throughout whereas she came from behind, making up her ground smoothly, and can be rated a bit better than the bare result. Liam Burke’s post-race comments made for very interesting reading (‘She’s very ordinary at home and just does it all on the track’) and I’d always like this sort of horse and provided her jumping passes muster, it will take a good one to beat her in mares’ chases next term. Won In The Dark was highlighted as an unlucky loser here when going down to Personal Column at Leopardstown in Fairyhouse but he confirmed himself as the best juvenile in Ireland when blitzing his field in the Champion 4yo Hurdle. He comprehensively reversed Cheltenham form with Franchoek and while that one was below par, I wouldn’t underestimate Won In The Dark in the best company next term. He’s got a high cruising speed and can give the more experienced hurdlers something to think about when granted his favoured sound surface. A flat victory or three should also be a formality off his mark of 64. One of the most consistent handicappers around, Brave Right looked to have the Ballymore-sponsored handicap hurdle in safe keeping turning in, but in scenes reminiscent of his unlucky defeat in the Pierse, he blundered at the last and only just held on from Ring The Boss. He was much the best horse in the field and the handicapper won’t be able to give him a complete hiding. He can continue to pay his way, especially over fences, as his ability to travel and turn-of-foot will always be a potent weapon. Agus A Vic is another with a turn-of-speed but he didn’t travel with his usual fluency when having to battle hard to land the Champion Hunters Chase. But battle he did to come out on top and while no doubt benefiting from the fall of Southwestern, the 7yo continues to look the pick of the Irish hunters. It’s never easy with Agus A Vic as he’s an idle so-and-so who does little in front but with age very much on his side, he will continue to take plenty of beating in this sort of event. His connections and lazy attitude never do his price any harm either.
Pointers: Emma Jane endured a frustrating winter after her promising seasonal debut at Clonmel but the transfer to Willie Mullins’s yard worked the oracle and she landed the valuable Pat Taaffe Chase in gritty fashion. She’s an excellent jumper in the main and travels well through her races and there are good races to be won with her, particularly over staying trips. Her record over 23f and further now reads:11621.

Weekend NAP - April 26th

Punchestown 4.20 - Won In The Dark

Last Week: Enter The Indian, Won @ 5/2

Season to date: +3.5

Weekend NAP - April 20th

Leopardstown 5.35 - Enter The Indian

Season to date: +1

Weekend NAP - April 13th

Curragh 5.45 - Shirley Casper

Last Week: Galant Ferns, Won @ 5/1

Season to date: +2

Weekend NAP - April 6th

Limerick 5.05 - Galant Ferns